Card 13. Turbines under way and shutting down

When starting under way the following procedure should be observed: close recirculation line when the load is sufficient to provide the necessary condensate for the air ejector condensers.

Open the proper combination of nozzles to obtain designed steam chest pressure and maximum economy. Close all drains. Control the lubricating oil system checking all bearing temperatures and pressures at least once every watch and record data. Check the location of the turbine rotors by means of the clearance indicators to determine wear in the thrust bearings. This should be done at least once a week while at sea.

When finished with the engine shut off the main steam stop valve and shut down the air ejectors, allowing the vacuum to break through the air ejector vents. Shut off the gland-sealing steam. Shut down the main circulating pump.

Open all turbine and maneuvering drain valves. Keep the condenser pumps working until the turbine is thoroughly drained. Then shut down the pumps. To keep the turbine interiors dry, it is important that the air pumps or ejectors be run for about 1/2 hour every second day to draw fresh air through the turbine.

Connect the turning gear and roll the unit for about 2 hours. After the turning gear has been disconnected, shut down the lubricating pumps.

Every day start the oil pump and force a fresh supply of clean oil through all bearings, and to the gear spray nozzles if gears are fitted. While the oil is being circulated, turn the turbine rotors through 1 1/2 revolutions of the propeller in order to oil all the gear teeth and to let the rotors come to rest in a new position.

to observe - соблюдать

to provide - обеспечивать

designed - расчетный

steam chest - парораспределительная коробка

to record - записывать

data - данные

clearance indicator - индикатор зазора

to determine - определять

wear - износ

to draw through - пропустить

to roll the unit - крутить установку

to disconnect - разобщать

to force - нагнетать

gear spray nozzle - маслоподающее сопло

gear teeth - зубья шестерни

Card 14. Preparations for starting the engine

All marine engines are started with compressed air and it is highly important that the supply of starting air and the means for renewing it be ample.

The starting air is stored in tanks, cylinders which may have a combined capacity of as much as 2,100 cubic feet. A good rule is to supply 35 c.f. of starting air storage for each engine for each c.f. of volume swept through by one piston in one power cylinder. The air is usually carried at 300 to 400 pounds pressure (about 30 kg/cm²)

Preparations for getting under way are started in the engine room an hour or more before leaving.

The first step is to turn each engine through a complete revolution with the turning gear to see that everything is free and clear for running, after which the turning gear is disconnected. The lubricating oil circulating pump and other pumps are then started and an inspection made to see that the oil circulates freely and reaches all of the bearings.

If the compression in the power cylinder is right and all other conditions normal, any Diesel engine should start readily; but the quick starting is assured if a means is provided for heating up the cylinders and heads before starting.

In order to ensure prompt beginning of combustion when the engine is started and thus reduce the amount of starting air used, it is essential that fuel oil pump discharge into the spray valve should begin as soon as the fuel pump plungers begin to move.

The final steps in preparations should include opening of the main stop valves in starting air lines, inspection of gauges to see that air pressures are up to normal and fuel oil service tanks full.

When the air controls are moved to the starting position the admission of enough air to give rapid acceleration of the piston is an aid to prompt ignition of fuel, but too rapid turning of the propeller will cause a dangerous surge on the moorings. This surge can be prevented if the engine is turned rapidly at first to get a quick start of combustion, then the fuel controls throttled down quickly to give the slowest speed, at which the engine will run and fire regularly.

After operating in one direction until everything is found to be in good order, the engine should be reversed, to try out the reversing gear. Starting up in the reverse direction should be done very gently.

ample - достаточный

to sweep - продувать

to prompt - ускорить

dangerous surge - опасный толчок

on the mooring - на месте швартовки

to throttle down - дросселировать

to fire regularly - регулярное горение (в цилиндрах)