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ME147
Main Starting Ball Valve Actuator Operation Failure
Technical committee

Main engine B&W 5S80MCE

1. Outline of breakdown

At the unloading port, when shifting to reach shore early in the morning, the main engine was tried out
before weighing anchor. However, starting air was not supplied and starting failed. After checking
each part, it was discovered that the manual drive shaft on top of the main starting valve would not
move when forcibly moved. Thus, overhaul of the concerned valve drive actuator (air operated) was
carried out. Meanwhile, the vessel could not meet the berthing schedule making use of the high tide,
and was delayed by half a day.

2. Causes

An inspection of the main starting valve drive actuator revealed that one of the two set screws con-
necting the piston and support rod had come off and the disengaged piston got entangled within the
case. It got stuck and the related valve rod could no longer rotate. Furthermore, since the other set
screw was loose, it was tightened.
It was judged that the set screws loosened due to vibration or repeated shock from starting.
Hence, the main cause was judged to be the maker’s faulty design and manufacturing in failing to lock
down the concerned screws.

3. Countermeasures

Screw cement was applied to lock down the screws as countermeasures to loosening and drop off.
Furthermore, although not directly related to operation failure this time, during checking of operation
failure, it should also be noted that the diagram and operation manual for the concerned part had not
been supplied from the maker causing significant hindrance.
Moreover, although main engines of the same type manufactured by a different maker were immedi-
ately checked, fortunately the main starting valve actuator model was different and the same problem
did not arise.

1
(Note)
4.5 PISTON
7.8 SUPPORT ROD
15 SOCKET SET SCREW