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Engine Indicator Diagrams

Engine Indicator Diagrams

Indicator diagrams indicates, simultaneously , the pressures and the relative position of the piston for a particular engine cylinder. They are taken for every voyage, both in loaded and ballast condition. It is a practice to take indicator cards after every major overhauls.

Purpose

  • To calculate indicated power of the engine
  • To determine peak pressures and compression pressures
  • To evaluate the process of combustion inside the engine
  • To evaluate scavenging and exhausting conditions

Procedure

  • Check whether the spring fitted on the indicated instrument will meet the peak pressure (maximum combustion pressure) to be expected
  • Stretch diagram paper firmly over the drum.
  • Before taking diagram, open indicator cock, allow two or three firing strokes, to blow out soot and combustion residues in the cock.
  • After drawing atmospheric pressure line, hook the cord to indicator drive, open indicator cock, take power card and shut off the cock.
  • Make sure that the instrument is not exposed to high temperature for long time. This may affect its accuracy.
  • Remove the hook, turn the drum by hand to a place clear from the power diagram, take compression pressure line with the fuel cut off.
  • After taking indicator cards from all the cylinders, open the instrument and clean all the parts, and lubricate the same.

Types of Indicator Diagrams

See: Types of Indicator Diagrams

Calculate Indicated Power

See: How to Calculate Indicated Power

Evaluation of Indicator Diagrams

Power Diagram

  • To calculate indicated power, also gives peak pressure.

Out of Phase Diagram

  • Required for accurate determination of the compression pressure.
  • To evaluate peak pressure (more accurately), compression pressure and ignition delay period.
  • It shows combustion process (early or late combustion).
  • To evaluate injection, fuel quality, ignition delay, combustion, loss of compression, expansion, fuel pump timing and after burning.

Troubleshooting with Indicator Diagrams

See: How to Troubleshoot with Indicator Cards

Precautions While Taking Indicator Cards

  • Always lubricate indicator instrument parts to prevent seizure at high temperatures.
  • Tightness of the indicator piston inside the cylinder to be checked. It should be a free sliding fit.
  • The cock to be free from accumulated carbon particles.
  • Do not apply much pressure on the stylus while taking the diagram.
  • Allow sufficient cooling time for the instrument after taking diagrams from each units.

 

Reference

“Reference of Marine Engineering Knowledge for MOT 2nd Class Part B (Oral)” by Min Zar Tar

    HP P