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ME230
Main Engine Turbocharger Damage
Technical committee

Ship type Tanker

Date of build October 1991 Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding Co.,LTD
(Chiba Works)
Navigation route Tramper (Japan ~ PG)
Trouble machinery
Category Main engine
Name Main engine turbocharger
Type Model NA 57
Date of trouble June 24, 1993 (during voyage)

1. Outline of breakdown

Large sounds occurred in the vicinity of the main engine No. 2 turbocharger and exhaust gas was leak-
ing from the turbocharger exhaust gas inlet and outlet flange. Furthermore, the filter mat attached to
the suction air silencer had swelled up (this indicated back flow of the scavenging air.) At this time,
main engine speed dropped 15 rpm to become 40 rpm, and scavenging pressure dropped to 0.2 ㎏/㎠.
An internal inspection indicated that the blower impeller had contacted the casing, resulting in abra-
sion of about 2mm. On the turbine side, 5 blades were fractured at a location 5mm from the base. The
nozzle ring was also deformed at 5 locations.

2. Causes

As normal main engine speed was within the resonating range of turbocharger rotation, the problem
resulted due to repeated stress which exceeded material fatigue strength of the turbocharger.

3. Repair

As emergency repair, the turbocharger was cut off and voyage was resumed.
Furthermore, as permanent repair, blades with vibration damping wires were employed. This would
raise the level of safety against vibration by set the resonating rotational frequency apart from normal
revolving speed range.
The washing of solid products was changed from once every 3 days (presently) to once every 2 days.

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