Balancing An Engine Using Peak Pressures http://www.marinediesels.co.uk/members/Theory/peak_pressures.

htm

marinediesels.co.uk - Members Section

Engine Assessment
Balancing An Engine Using Peak Pressures

Indicator power cards cannot be taken using mechanical equipment on a medium speed engine because the engine is
running at too fast and vibrations set up in the drive will give an erratic irregular diagram. If a computer system is not
fitted, then a degree of engine balancing can be achieved by looking at the compression pressures and the maximum
cylinder pressure.

It should be understood that power developed in the cylinder is directly related to the Mean Indicated Pressure (MIP), and
not the peak pressure, which is related not only to the quantity of fuel burnt but the injection timing. However if the
timing of the fuel injection is correct, and combustion conditions correct within the cylinder, then balancing of the engine
can be successfully carried out.

It may be possible to take a set of draw cards to ensure that injection timing and cylinder combustion is correct. However
if this is not possible, then an assumption has to be made that conditions are correct and that injection equipment is in
good condition. Obviously visible signs of poor or incorrect combustion such as smoke at the funnel or excessively
variable exhaust temperatures should be investigated before a set of readings are taken. The turbocharger should be clean
and operating efficiently, with the inlet air temperature and pressure at the normal parameters.

To measure pressure in the cylinder, a peak pressure indicator is used. This can be a gauge type indicator as shown below
or a more sophisticated digital gauge which will measure max peak pressure, minimum peak pressure and average peak
pressure over a number of cycles It will also measure the rate of pressure rise, which if too high can damage bearings. It is
also possible to use a traditional mechanical indicator to trace a vertical line up the paper, the height of which is
proportional to the max cylinder pressure.

1 of 3 06-02-2017 23:06
Balancing An Engine Using Peak Pressures http://www.marinediesels.co.uk/members/Theory/peak_pressures.htm

The indicator is installed on the indicator valve using the

wing nut & plug (1). When the indicator valve is opened,
the check valve (4) will rise and fall with the engine
cylinder pressure, trapping the maximum pressure in the
pressure chamber (2), and this average maximum pressure
can be read directly on the dual scale pressure gauge (3).
The gauge may be conveniently positioned for ease of
reading by loosening the gauge bolt wing nut (5). The
pressure in the pressure chamber (2) and on the pressure
gauge (3) is removed by loosening the wing nut (5).

Shown opposite: A Kistler Digital Peak Pressure Meter

Measuring pmax maximum peak pressure

functions:
pmin minimum peak pressure
pav average peak pressure
Sdev standard deviation of the peak pressure
dp/ca maximum gradient of the pressure trace
r/min speed
instantaneous peak pressure of
ppeak
continuous measuring function

Before taking the maximum cylinder pressures, the compression pressures should be recorded. This is done by measuring
the cylinder pressure with the fuel taken off the unit. To do this, the engine should be run at reduced load to avoid
stressing the crankshaft. Poor compression will indicate worn rings or liner or a valve not seating correctly. It is not
possible to balance an engine successfully if it has these faults.

Once the compression pressure on all the cylinders has been obtained, the engine load should be increased to at least 85%,
although full load is preferable. ( A generator, for safety reasons should not be loaded above 85% in case it trips off). The
engine load should be steady whilst the engine peak pressures are recorded, so in the case of a main propulsion engine,
liase with the OOW to ensure there will be no change of course for the next 30 minutes or so.

Take the peak pressures. At the same time record the cylinders fuel pump rack setting and the exhaust temperature. Also
recorded are the inlet manifold or scavenge air pressure and temperature.

When attempting to balance the engine attention must be paid to the difference between maximum pressure and
compression pressure for each cylinder, together with the exhaust temperature and fuel pump setting. It is not advisable

2 of 3 06-02-2017 23:06
Balancing An Engine Using Peak Pressures http://www.marinediesels.co.uk/members/Theory/peak_pressures.htm

just to increase the fuel to cylinders with lower maximum pressures. Some cylinders may need an increase in fuel, others
a decrease.

For example: If a particular cylinder has a low peak pressure, but good compression pressure, and a low exhaust
temperature, with the fuel rack a couple of points below the average, it is perfectly acceptable to increase the fuel rack on
that cylinder.

However if a cylinder has average peak and compression pressures and high exhaust temperatures with an average rack
setting, then either it should be decreased a small amount or left alone to see the changes when other units have been
adjusted. In all cases any adjustment should be small and it must be recorded in case there is a need to return the engine to
its original settings. After each adjustment, wait and see the effects, taking further peak pressures if necessary, before
continuing.

It is not acceptable to balance the engine alone on exhaust temperatures, fuel rack settings or peak pressures.

DHTML Menu / JavaScript Menu Powered By OpenCube

3 of 3 06-02-2017 23:06