Example of automatic control devices installed on marine diesel engine

The basic principle of the Viscotherm viscosity monitoring device or viscosity controller is shown
in the figure below. A continuous sample of the fuel is pumped at a constant rate through a fine
capillary tube. As the flow through the tube is laminar, pressure drop across the tube is
proportional to viscosity.
In this viscosity controller unit an electric motor drives the gear pump through a reduction gear
at a speed of 40 rpm. The pump is positioned in the chamber through which fuel is passing
from the heater to the fuel pumps or combustion equipment. Tapping points are provided to
enable the pressure difference to be measured by means of a differential pressure gauge. The
gauge is calibrated directly in terms of viscosity. Parts in contact with the fuel are of stainless
steel for corrosive resistance.
A differential pressure transmitter shown below provides an analogue of viscosity to a
pneumatic controller, which regulates the supply of fuel heating steam through a control valve.