MV “CRYSTAL STAR” Diesel Turbocharger Surge Cause Analysis and Troubleshooting

Abstract

Currently shipping costs are increasing sharply due to the rising oil prices. In order to reduce shipping costs, most low-speed two-stroke diesel engines run at low speeds to reduce fuel oil consumption, and this measure might result turbocharger surge. For modern marine diesel engines, the exhaust gas turbochargers are becoming more and more important; their working conditions have a direct impact on the performance of diesel engines, consequently affecting the operation of the ship. Surge will fail a turbocharger to achieve the supercharging ratio, damage the turbocharger components and even lead to a damage accident of the whole turbocharger. Therefore, a good understanding of the reasons for marine diesel engine turbocharger surge will help to prevent and eliminate turbocharger surge in operation. This paper is to make an analysis on the special surge mechanism occurred to the turbocharger on MV "Crystal Star", and propose some appropriate supervisory and preventive measures against the problem.