How to Prevent Crankcase Explosion on a Ship?

Crankcase explosion is one of the most dangerous reasons that can lead to massive accidents and fires on a ship. It is therefore imperative to prevent all the reasons that can lead to crankcase explosion on a ship. In this article we will learn about the various methods to prevent crankcase explosion on a ship.

The first and foremost thing to avoid any type of explosion on a ship, it is necessary to take the preventive steps right from the basic roots. In a main engine crankcase also there are safety features provided to detect the causes of explosion.

crankcase

 

There are two main features provided on the crankcase to prevent crankcase explosion. They are as follows:

1. Oil Mist Detector

 

The Oil mist detector takes continuous samples from the main engine crankcase and check whether the sample concentrations of mist are well below the level at which a crankcase explosion can take place. The oil mist is drawn into the instrument with the help of small fan which takes suction from each crankcase through sampling tubes provided on each crankcase.

The oil mist detector consists of a small rotator with which it takes sample from one cylinder at a time and the rotator then turns to the next after approximately 4 seconds. The sample from the rotator goes to the measured cell and the reference cell takes sample from rest of the crankcase to evaluate the difference in oil mist.

An overall mist density of the crankcase is also measured by comparing the samples with the fresh air once every rotation of the sampling valve is done. A beam of light from a common lamp is reflected through mirrors and output is measured from a photo cell.

Under normal conditions the output from the reference and measured contact is same and hence no deflection is measured. However, a deflection in the output gives an alarm indication and the valve rotator stops at position to know which chamber has high mist concentration.

Some engines are even fitted with slowdown alarms so that when the oil mist alarm rings, the engine automatically slows down to prevent crankcase explosion.

2. Crankcase relief doors

The Crankcase relief doors are also fitted to prevent any damage to the crankcase and ingress of fresh air inside the crankcase.

The crankcase doors are spring loaded valves which lift up in case there is any rise of pressure inside the crankcase. Once the pressure is released they re-seat to prevent any ingress of fresh air. This helps especially in case of any ingress of air that can lead to a secondary explosion followed by a lot of surge and damage to the crankcase.

The opening pressure and sizes of the valves are specified by different classification societies, depending on the volume of the crankcase. The number of doors to be present also depends on the bore of the cylinder.

Reference: Instrumentation and control engineering by G.J Roy, Operation and maintenance of machinery in motor ship by N.E Chell

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The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. While we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.


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3 Comments

  1. This website is very informative.. I would like to know about the electrical sections in marine vessels.. particularly the problems involved due to electrical systems..

  2. @ Mano R.: You can reach our articles on electrical section by searching “electrical” in our custom search box provided on the right top side – We will try our best to constantly update all the section of Marine Insight and if you have any important topic to be read, please feel free to inform us. See you around.

  3. refer to oil mist detector.
    i have read some articles which is about reference cell. I’m still confius, the reference cell is fully of fresh air?or
    based on statement above,
    The sample from the rotator goes to the measured cell and the reference cell takes sample from rest of the crankcase to evaluate the difference in oil mist…means the reference tube take suction from others crankcase?

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