Basics of turbocharger maintenance

Ships are major assets for the players in marine industry. Safe operation is required for a long period of time. A preventive maintenance is the key for avoiding unexpected troubles and downtime. Regular maintenance of the turbocharger makes the engine perform truly and contribute to optimal and safe operation.

Role of Turbocharger

The turbocharger is an important device that pumps the air required for combustion in order for the engine to produce the specified power output. The normal operation of the turbocharger allows its full potential engine performance, allowing safe operation of the vessel. It also promotes efficient combustion of fuel, improves fuel efficiency and contributes to economical operation.

The importance of maintenance

Since there were no problems until now, it cannot be said that we can operate in the same way in the future as well.
The turbocharger must be properly maintained on a regular basis. Maintaining good condition contributes to engine performance and enables reliable and safe operation.
For example, a turbocharger during operation is exposed to high-temperature and high-pressure exhaust gas, and wear and wear progresses due to combustion residues and vibrations that contain hard components in the fuel. It is important to check the condition and replace any damaged parts with genuine, reliable parts or repairs to maintain good condition. For a rotor that rotates at high speed, balance confirmation adjustment by a balance machine is effective. Also, if you do it regularly, it will be easier to check the changes.

What happens without maintenance?

Worn nozzle rings and turbine blades can cause the turbocharger to not rotate properly, reducing its ability to compress air and adversely affecting engine combustion. Failure to remove dirt regularly will result in nozzle clogging, rotor imbalance, poor performance and vibration. As a result, without maintenance, not only the turbocharger itself, but the condition of various related equipment is adversely affected.
Perform regular maintenance and preventive maintenance at the opportunity to stop the engine and turbocharger.

What is turbocharger maintenance?

Turbocharger maintenance involves disassembling, cleaning and balancing.
Since the turbocharger is a device that operates at high temperature and high speed, it is highly recommend to ask TSU, a specialized company, for maintenance.

Special words

Surging	Phenomenon in which compressed air flows backward even if the compressor wheel is rotating normally, causing noise and vibration.
SIKO	Accelleron’s safety design concept for rotor components
Crack	Cracks may occur due to vibration or thermal stress.
Erosion	The gas side components can be eroded mainly by hard particles contained in the fuel. Even on the air side, it may erode due to dust in the air.
Corrosion	Corrosion of components may occur mainly due to the chemical reaction between sulfur and water contained in fuel.
Sludge	If it gets into the lubricating oil, it may damage the bearing or shaft.
Balancing Machine	A measuring machine used for balancing rotating parts
Exhaust Gas	Gas discharged from the engine cylinder
Compressor Ratio	Compression ratio to atmospheric pressure