ARAB ACADEMY FOR SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND MARITIME TRANSPORT (AASTMT)

Prepared by: Ch.Eng. Nour Ahmed Marey

Lecturer at Institute of Upgrading Studies – Engineering Studies
6. Indicator diagrams &
Cards
 6.1 Indicator Diagrams

Comprehensive Evaluation of Marine Diesel Engine Performance.

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 6.1 Indicator Diagrams

Draw Indicator Diagrams

o The engine indicator or indicator is employed for taking indicator diagrams, whereby the
combustion chamber pressures can be measured while the engine is running at Full Load.
o The draw diagram or draw card is used for measuring the Compression Pressure “ 𝑷𝒄𝒐𝒎 " and
maximum pressure “𝑷𝒎𝒂𝒙 ", and for evaluating the ignition characteristics of the fuel oil.
o The indicator diagram “P.V diagram or power card or work diagram”, illustrates the pressure variations in
the engine cylinder as a function of the main piston position. The diagram area can be integrated by means of
a planimeter, and the mean indicated pressure calculated. The power developed in the particular
cylinder can then be found by multiplication by the engine speed and the cylinder constant.

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 6.1 Mechanical Indicator

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 6.1 Mechanical Indicator

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 ‫‪6.1 Indicator Diagrams‬‬

‫‪ o‬يتكون الجهاز من إسطوانة ‪ Drum‬بداخلها مكبس ‪ Piston‬يتحرك ضد ياي ويتم تكبير حركة‬
‫المكبس عن طريق روافع خاصة ويتم توصيل األسطوانة بجزرة المبين علي أسطوانة أخري‬
‫‪ Drum‬قابلة للدوران بواسطة حبل يتصل بأحد األجزاء التي تتحرك حركة ترددية وهذة‬
‫الحركة تماثل حركة المكبس ‪.Piston‬‬
‫‪ o‬بمعني إن حركة المكبس ‪ Piston‬داخل األسطوانة سوف تنقل ضغط غازات األحتراق التي‬
‫يتم تكبيرها ثم تنتقل هذة الحركة إلي قلم المبين الذي بدورة يتحرك علي البطاقة الورقية‬
‫ويسجل بمقياس رسم معين وعن طريق دوران ال ‪ Drum‬يمكن الحصول علي منحني الحركة‬
‫الرأسية للمكبس ‪ Piston‬بتمثيل التغير في الضغط ‪ Pressure‬و الحركة األفقية للحبل تمثل‬
‫التغير في الحجم ‪.Volume‬‬
‫‪ o‬يتم تركيب ‪ Indicator‬علي فتحة جزرة المبين ‪ Indicator Cock‬المثبتة علي ‪Cylinder‬‬
‫‪ Head‬ثم يتم توصيلة بواسطة حبل إلي وصلة ترددية في نهايتها تابع يتبع الحركة الدورانية‬
‫لعامود الكامات الخاص بالمبين‪.‬‬

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 6.1 Indicator Diagrams

The indicator is a sensitive piece of equipment which can malfunction

and so it must be treated with care. It can only be used effectively on an
engine operating below 200 rpm due to the difficulty involved in
getting only a single line on the card. In addition the inertia in the drum
can lead to delays distorting the shape.
For higher speed diesels either peak pressure indicators are used, or
sophisticated electronic monitoring equipment is required with
oscilloscope type displays. The time base for these is off transducers
mounted on the flywheel.

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 ‫‪6.1 Indicator Diagrams‬‬

‫‪Mechanical Indicators Defect‬‬

‫بما أن مكونات جهاز المبين عبارة عن أجزاء ميكانيكية فإن إحتكاك األجزاء المتحركة لة قد يؤثر علي النتائج المحصول عليها منه‪ .‬وأيضا القصور‬
‫الذاتي لألجزاء المتحركة تجعلة من الصعب إستخدامة فى محركات الديزل ذات السرعات العالية و المتوسطة‪.‬‬

‫‪ o‬عدم األستجابة السريعة‬

‫‪ o‬إنخفاض الدقة له‬
‫‪ o‬إحتمالية الزرجنة‬
‫‪ o‬يحتاج لمعايرة و صيانة بإستمرار‬

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 6.1 Indicator Diagrams

Maintenance of the Indicator

o Friction in the indicator piston movement, as well as slackness in the stylus (writing) mechanism, will
distort both the shape and the area of the diagram. Test and maintain the indicator should be taken in
consideration.
o It is important that the indicator is kept well lubricated with a light high quality oil . Prior to mounting the
indicator the indicator cock is blown through to ensure it is clear. Compression cards are then first taken to
check for errors caused by wear or friction in the instrument.

Cord Suitable Length, Piston Without Carbon Residue, Good Spring, Accurate Stylus Mechanism

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 ‫‪6.1 Indicator Diagrams‬‬

‫‪Checking of the Indicator‬‬ ‫‪Compression curves‬‬

‫• هنا الحبل متصل برافعة ال ‪Cam Shaft‬‬

‫• الوقود مقطوع على الوحدة‬
‫• يتم معرفة ضغط األنضغاط ونحصل على ال 𝒄𝑷 للتعرف على‪:‬‬
‫• إحكام غرفة األحتراق – تفويت الصمامات – تفويت رأس األسطوانة – تهريب حلقات‬
‫المكبس‬
‫• وجود مساحة موجبة بين خط التمدد و خط األنضغاط يدل على‪:‬‬
‫‪Retard Indicator Cam, loose of drive cam‬‬

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 ‫‪6.1 Indicator Diagrams‬‬

‫‪Checking of the Indicator‬‬ ‫‪Compression curves‬‬

‫• هنا الحبل متصل برافعة ال ‪Cam Shaft‬‬

‫• الوقود مقطوع على الوحدة‬
‫• يتم معرفة ضغط األنضغاط ونحصل على ال 𝑐𝑃 للتعرف على‪:‬‬
‫• احكام غرفة االحتراق – تفويت الصمامات – تفويت رأس األسطوانة – تهريب‬
‫حلقات المكبس‬
‫• وجود مساحة سالبة من إنخفاض خط التمدد عن خط األنضغاط يدل على‪:‬‬
‫‪Advance Indicator Cam, Indicator Cock Blockage, Weak‬‬
‫‪Spring‬‬

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 ‫‪6.1 Indicator Diagrams‬‬

‫‪Checking of the Indicator‬‬ ‫‪Compression curves‬‬

‫• هنا الحبل متصل برافعة ال ‪Cam Shaft‬‬

‫• الوقود مقطوع على الوحدة‬
‫• يتم معرفة ضغط األنضغاط ونحصل على ال 𝒄𝑷 للتعرف على‪:‬‬
‫• إحكام غرفة االحتراق – تفويت الصمامات – تفويت رأس األسطوانة – تهريب‬
‫حلقات المكبس‬
‫• ربط غير محكم لمجموعة نقل الحركة ”‪“loose drive card‬‬

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 ‫‪6.1 Indicator Diagrams‬‬

‫‪Checking of the Indicator‬‬ ‫‪Compression curves‬‬

‫• هنا الحبل متصل برافعة ال ‪Cam Shaft‬‬

‫• الوقود مقطوع على الوحدة‬
‫• يتم معرفة ضغط األنضغاط ونحصل على ال 𝒄𝑷 للتعرف على‪:‬‬
‫• إحكام غرفة االحتراق – تفويت الصمامات – تفويت رأس األسطوانة – تهريب حلقات المكبس‬
‫• وجود خط غير منتظم يدل علي ”‪“Irregular Line Indicates Wear in Linkages‬‬

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 6.1 Indicator Diagrams

Polar Planimeter
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 6.1 Indicator Diagrams

Polar Planimeter
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 6.1 Electronic Indicator

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 6.1 Electronic Indicator

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 6.1 Electronic Indicator

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 ‫‪6.1 Indicator Diagrams‬‬

‫‪Power Indicator and Compression Diagrams‬‬

‫‪ o‬نحصل بواستطة على الشغل المبذول ‪ “Power” Work Done‬وأيضا علي الضغط المتوسط 𝑚𝑃‬
‫‪ o‬يتم تركيب جهاز المبين علي ‪ Indicator Cocks‬وربط الحبل أو تعشيق الحبل الخاص بة مع ذراع متصل به بعمود الكامات ويكون الوقود مفتوح‬
‫علي الوحدة يتم فتح ‪ Indicator Cocks‬ألخذ الكارت البياني لمعرفة المساحة ‪ A = 𝑚𝑚2‬بواسطة سمسون أو بي ‪ Planimeter‬ومنها يتم حساب‬
‫𝒂‬
‫= 𝒎𝑷‬ ‫‪ Indicated Mean Pressure‬الضغط المتوسط البيانى 𝑺 ×‬
‫𝒍‬

‫‪o As “S” Spring Scale Kg/𝑐𝑚2‬‬

‫‪o Power = 𝑃𝑚 .L.A.N‬‬
‫𝑁‪𝑃.𝐿.𝐴.‬‬
‫= ‪o For Four Stroke Power‬‬ ‫‪2‬‬

‫𝑐𝐸 ‪o P = 𝑃𝑚 . n .‬‬
‫𝐴‪𝐿.‬‬
‫‪o Constant Of Engine As 𝐸𝑐 = 60×75‬‬

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 6.1 Indicator Diagrams

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 6.1 Indicator Diagrams

Precautions of Taking The Indicator Cards

• The propeller is fully immersed.

• The ship is fully laden at an even keel.
• The ship is running neither with nor against a head wind or heavy sea.
• The hull is not fouled by an under growth.
• Before connecting the instrument to the Indicator cock, open indicator cock, allow two or three firing strokes,
to blow out soot and combustion residues in the cock.
• Make sure that the instrument is not exposed to high temperature for long time, this may affect its accuracy.
o If the ship is lightly laden with the propeller partly immersed or if the ship is running with a favour of wind or
sea the engine does not develop its full power than normal at same speed. Ship may be under exploited or
overloaded all these condition the diagram will be deceiving.

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 6.1 Indicator Diagrams

Indicator diagram or Power Card

1. Attach the cord to the indicator drive.
2. Open the indicator valve.
3. Press the stylus against the paper.
4. Release the stylus, when the drum has turned two or three times.
5. Close the indicator valve.
o 𝑷𝒎𝒂𝒙
o 𝑷𝒔𝒄𝒂𝒗
o Exhaust valve opening
o Indicated power
o Indicated mean pressure

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 ‫‪6.1 Indicator Diagrams‬‬

‫عدم إتزان التحميل علي المحرك قد يؤدي إلي‬

‫‪ o‬إرتفاع درجة الحرارة وإنهيار بعض الكراسى الرئيسية ”‪“Main Bearing‬‬
‫‪ o‬إرتفاع درجة الحرارة وقفش المكبس ”‪“Piston Seizure‬‬
‫‪ o‬ظهور ذبذبات قد يؤدي إلي كسر مسامير تثبيت الفرش ”‪ “Holding Down Bolts‬وإنهيار عمود المرفق ”‪“Crank Shaft‬‬
‫‪ o‬تسريب غازات األحتراق عبر حلقات المكبس ”‪ “Piston Ring‬وهذا يؤدي إلي حرائق حيز عمود المرفق ”‪“Crank Case Explosion‬‬
‫‪.......... o‬‬
‫‪.......... o‬‬
‫‪.......... o‬‬

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 6.1 Indicator Diagrams

Draw diagram or Draw Card

1. Release the cord from the indicator drive.
2. Open the indicator valve.
3. Watch the movement of the stylus.
4. At the moment it moves upwards, simultaneously; Press it
against the paper and Pull the cord just quickly enough for
the stylus to trace the compression and ignition sequence.
5. This operation requires some practice to ensure that both
compression and maximum pressures are clearly
recorded.
6. Close the indicator valve.

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 6.1 Indicator Diagrams

Draw diagram or Draw Card

o 𝑷𝒎𝒂𝒙
o 𝑷𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒑
o Start injection
o Start ignition
o exhaust pressure at opening exhaust valve
o Condition of combustion
• Delay injection
• Early injection
• Injector dripping

Draw diagram or Draw Card

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 6.1 Indicator Diagrams

Compression card
1. The fuel on the unit is closed
2. Attach the cord to the indicator drive.
3. Open the indicator valve.
4. Press the stylus against the paper.
5. Release the stylus, when the drum has turned two or
three times.
6. Close the indicator valve.

Compression card

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 6.1 Indicator Diagrams

Compression card
1. The height of this curve shows maximum compression
pressure “ 𝑃𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑝 ”
2. If the compression and expansion line coincide, it indicates
that indicator is correctly synchronized with the engine
3. Reduction in height of this diagram shows low compression
which may be due to worn cylinder liner, faulty piston
rings, insufficient scavenge air or leaky exhaust valve

Compression card

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 6.1 Indicator Diagrams

Light/weak spring card

1. Light spring diagram is taken similar to the power

card and in phase with the engine and with a light
compression spring fitted to the indicator
2. This diagram shows pressure changes during exhaust
and scavenge to an enlarged scale
3. It can be used to detect faults in these operations

Light/weak spring card

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 6.1 Indicator Diagrams

Out of Phase Diagram

1. Draw card is taken in a similar manner to power

card with fuel pump engaged but with the indicator
drum 900 out of phase with the piston stroke
2. This diagram illustrates more clearly the pressure
changes during fuel combustion. Fuel timings or
injector faults may be detected from its shape

Out of Phase Diagram

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 6.1 Indicator Diagrams

Out of Phase Diagram

o 𝑷𝒎𝒂𝒙
o 𝑷𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒑
o Start injection
o Start ignition
o exhaust pressure at opening exhaust valve
o Condition of combustion
• Delay injection
• Early injection
• Injector dripping

Out of Phase Diagram

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Indicator diagrams Indicator Diagrams & Cards

Power Card Draw Card Compression card Light/weak spring card Out of Phase Diagram

worn
cylinder Sealing of comb
liner chamber
Compression Pressure

faulty piston
rings
𝑃𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑝 𝑃𝑠𝑐𝑎𝑣 Insufficient scavenge
insufficient air
scavenge air
leaky
Defect in T/C or air
exhaust Delay injection
cooler
valve
Condition of
combustion
Early injection
Maximum pressure

𝑃𝑚𝑎𝑥
Faulty in injection
system Indicated Mean indicated
power pressure
Fuel oil
properties
 6.1 Indicator Diagrams

Recognize - and troubleshooting which appear in indicator cards

o Early Ignition - Indications Abnormal

• Diesel knocking
• Increase in 𝑷𝒎𝒂𝒙
• Increase in delay period Correct
• Decrease in exhaust temp
• Decrease in exhaust pressure
• Increase in power
• Decrease in S.F.C
• 𝑁𝑂𝑥 emissions, increasing

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 6.1 Indicator Diagrams

Recognize - and troubleshooting which appear in indicator cards

o Early Ignition - Causes Abnormal

 Faulty or Incorrectly adjusted timing of fuel pump timing
• Check and adjust
 Damaged or incorrectly setup of the fuel injector Correct
• Check and adjust
 Fuel with easy flammable components
• Fuel quality to be checked by independent laboratory (may be
harmful components are mixed to the fuel for illegal waste
disposal or chemicals).

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 6.1 Indicator Diagrams

Recognize - and troubleshooting which appear in indicator cards

o Delay Ignition - Indications Correct Abnormal
• Black smoke, Environmental contamination
• Decrease in 𝑷𝒎𝒂𝒙
• Decrease in delay period
• Increase in exhaust temp
• Increase in exhaust press
• Decrease in power
• Increase in S.F.C
• Combustion during expansion
• Reduced lifetime of the exhaust valves
• Reduced lifetime of the piston crowns

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 6.1 Indicator Diagrams

Recognize - and troubleshooting which appear in indicator cards

o Delay Ignition - Causes Correct Abnormal
 Fuel supply, too slow due to defect of injector
• Check the injector
 Fuel quality, poor
• check your fuel properties
 Cylinder liner, too cold
• Check and adjust the water jacket temperature
 Fuel pump, wrong timing adjustment
• Check and adjust in accordance to the engine manufacturers
 Combustion pressure, too low
• Check the dimensions and clearances of the piston ring and liner

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 6.1 Indicator Diagrams

Recognize - and troubleshooting which appear in indicator cards

o Leaking Injector - Indications Correct Abnormal
• Black smoke, Environmental contamination
• Knocking sounds, sometimes
• Decrease in 𝑷𝒎𝒂𝒙
• After burning
• Pressure after TDC, wobbling during expansion
• Decrease in power
• Increase in S.F.C
• Pressure vibrations in fuel pipes abnormal high
• Reduced lifetime of the piston crowns

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 6.1 Indicator Diagrams

Recognize - and troubleshooting which appear in indicator cards

o Leaking Injector - Causes Correct Abnormal

 Leaking fuel injector

• Check the injector as per instruction manual
 Clogged injection nozzle spray holes
• Check the nozzle or replace it

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 6.1 Indicator Diagrams

Recognize - and troubleshooting which appear in indicator cards

o Partly Clogged Fuel Valve - Indications Correct Abnormal
• Black smoke, Environmental contamination
• Decrease in 𝑷𝒎𝒂𝒙
• Decrease in exhaust temp
• Decrease in exhaust pressure
• Decrease in power, due to too low fuel supply
• Cracked injector, caused by too high pressure in the nozzle tip.

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 6.1 Indicator Diagrams

Recognize - and troubleshooting which appear in indicator cards

o Partly Clogged Fuel Valve - Causes Correct Abnormal

 Contamination of the fuel oil and/or incorrect purification

• Check and adjust the HFO purifier
• Check and exchange the filters and/or the filter candles
• Carry out a fuel oil analysis at an independent laboratory
 Carbon formation at the injector NOZZLE
• Check and clean.
• Check cooling efficiency
 Carbon deposits on the fuel valve due to overheating
• Check cooling efficiency of the injector

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 6.1 Indicator Diagrams

Recognize - and troubleshooting which appear in indicator cards

o After Burning - Indications Correct Abnormal
• Black smoke, Environmental contamination
• Decrease in 𝑷𝒎𝒂𝒙
• Increase in exhaust temp
• T/C surging, sometimes
• Increase cylinder liner temperature
• Increased wear of the cylinder liner, the piston crown and
piston rings
• Damages at the exhaust valves and valve seat

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 6.1 Indicator Diagrams

Recognize - and troubleshooting which appear in indicator cards

o After Burning - Causes Correct Abnormal
 Poor fuel oil quality
• Carry out a fuel oil analysis at an independent laboratory.
 Fuel oil temperature is too low
• Check the final preheater and viscosity controller by
means of the fuel analysis and measure the temperature.

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 6.1 Indicator Diagrams

Recognize - and troubleshooting which appear in indicator cards

o Low Compression - Indications Correct Abnormal
• Decrease in 𝑷𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒑
• Decrease in 𝑷𝒎𝒂𝒙
• Decrease in power

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 6.1 Indicator Diagrams

Recognize - and troubleshooting which appear in indicator cards

o Low Compression - Causes Correct Abnormal
 Incorrect combustion
• Carry out a Fuel-Combustion-Analysis.
 Charge air pressure too low
• Check the charge air cooler pressure drop
• Check the air filter, replace it if need
• Partly Clogged in scavenge ports
• Atmospheric pressure too low, check the ventilation of engine room
• Check the turbocharger speed, if too high, clean the nozzle ring.

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 6.1 Indicator Diagrams

Recognize - and troubleshooting which appear in indicator cards

Correct Abnormal
o Low Compression - Causes
 Air leakage between the liner and the piston rings
• Dismantle the cylinder head and piston. Check the dimension
of the piston rings and cylinder liner.
 Leaking exhaust valve
• Dismantle the cylinder head. Check the condition of the exhaust
valve and measure it to avoid the wear limits have been exceeded
 Burnt piston crown
• Dismantle the cylinder head. Check the condition of the piston
and measure it to avoid the wear limits have been exceeded

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 6.1 Indicator Diagrams

Recognize - and troubleshooting which appear in indicator cards

o Exhaust Valve Opening - Indications
 Early Opening
• Increase in exhaust temp
• Increase in exhaust pressure
• Fouling of exhaust system
• Decrease in power
 Delay Opening
• Decrease in T/C efficiency

• Decrease in ζ𝒔𝒄𝒂𝒗 Atmospheric line

• Fouling of exhaust system

• Decrease in power
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 6.1 Indicator Diagrams

Recognize - and troubleshooting which appear in indicator cards

o Choked Exhaust Valve - Indications
• Increase in exhaust temp
• T/C surging

• Decrease in ζ𝒔𝒄𝒂𝒗
• Decrease in power

o Choked Exhaust Valve – Causes

 Lubricating oil of cylinder liner too high
• Check oil lubricators and readjust
Atmospheric line
 Carbon deposit on exhaust valve
 Incorrect combustion

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 ‫‪6.1 Indicator Diagrams‬‬

‫‪Note‬‬

‫توضح المعلومات التي تم الحصول عليها من الكروت البيانية مدي أهميتها من حيث إكتشاف الكثير من حاالت‬
‫تدهور محركات الديزل البحرية ومعرفة كفاءة المحرك عند الحمل الكامل وتحديد األخطاء الناتجة من إستخدام‬
‫وقود سيئ أو أخطاء تشغيلية ومدي خطورتها علي أجزاء المحرك وتلوث البيئة البحرية‪ ،‬ومن معرفة هذة األخطاء‬
‫يتم العمل علي إصالحها أو تفاديها للحفاظ علي كفاءة طاقة السفينة مع تقليل تكاليف التشغيل والصيانة‪.‬‬

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