TECHNICAL

BULLETIN

Seals & Bearings DSTA00006253

Technical Services Issue 1, 29.06.2020
Services – Seals & Bearings

Oil maintenance when using EAL

For your information

Distribution to operators and owners of installations

concerned Concerned product(s)/component(s):
This technical bulletin explains the
Product types: background and gives recommendation for
Wärtsilä STERNGUARD MKI oil maintenance on EAL (environmentally
acceptable lubricants), used in applications
Wärtsilä STERNGUARD MKII with Wärtsilä oil lubricated lip seals and
Wärtsilä STERNGUARD MKIIM white metal bearings.
Wärtsilä STERNGUARD 3SC Problem:
Wärtsilä STERNGUARD 4SC Operating an EAL in the oil-to-sea-interface
sterntube makes a process for permanent
Wärtsilä AIRGUARD® 3AS monitoring of the lube oil condition
Wärtsilä AIRGUARD®3AS-B mandatory, to avoid damages on sterntube
seals and white metal bearings.
Wärtsilä AIRGUARD®4AS
Wärtsilä STERNGUARD OLS2-P Solution(s):
a) Presence of an AFT seal monitoring
Wärtsilä STERNGUARD OLS3-P tank in the engine room and related
Wärtsilä AIRGUARD®OLS3A-P piping system to AFT seal chamber.

Wärtsilä AIRGUARD®OLS3A-P2 Knowledge of correct monitoring and

Wärtsilä STERNGUARD OLS4-P draining procedures.

Wärtsilä AIRGUARD®OLS4A-P b) Upgrade or retrofit to Airguard seal

system, and operation with mineral oil.
Wärtsilä SANDGUARD OLS3AW-P
(absence of oil-to-sea-interface).
Wärtsilä SANDGUARD OLS4AW-P

Validity / Issue:
Until further notice.
Before taking any action, always check the
available online systems for the latest
revision of this document. Any locally
stored or printed version is considered to be
an uncontrolled document.

Wärtsilä Japan Ltd. Tel: +81 76 451 3340 www.wartsila.com

7 Chome 14-37 Mukaishinjomachi
Toyama 9300916 Japan
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DSTA00006253, Issue 1, Page 2 / 11

1 Introduction

The lube oil in an oil lubricated sterntube system has two main functions, which is:

- Lubrication of plain bearings and lip seals by providing a hydrodynamic lube oil film
- Cooling of bearings and seals by transferring the friction heat

According to VGP 2013 EALs (environmentally acceptable lubricants) are required in all oil-to-sea-
interfaces, when trading to US waters. EALs have a very different chemical composition compared to
mineral oils. The majority of today used EAL using Ester oils as the base oil of the lubricant. Depending
on their level of saturation, these lubricants have the following properties:

1. In contact with water, a chemical reaction known as Hydrolysis happens. Water and Ester fall
apart into alcohol and carboxylic acid. The carboxylic acid can cause severe chemical
damage on all kinds of materials.
Hydrolysis

2. EALs also have a tendency to show lower viscosity in the low temperature range
3. They are solvent, means they can etch paints and deposits in the stern tube system as
possibility. (stern tube, seal chambers, pipes, tanks, valves, etc.)
4. Some EALs have a tendency of being hygroscopic.
5. EALs can absorb a certain amount of water. Once emulsified when mixed with water, some of
them form a stable emulsion, where other types separate the water, when the shaft stands still.
6. Compared to mineral oils, most EALs have a lower kinematic viscosity under high loads. Also
EALs have a lower kinematic viscosity at low temperatures compared to mineral oils. This is,
why there are recommendations to choose a higher grade viscosity EAL (150 cSt EAL instead
of 100 cSt mineral oil)

The purpose of this document is, to make owners and operators aware of the effects that might be seen
on equipment and to introduce possible countermeasures.
The document is officially valid for Wärtsilä equipment, but the effects and countermeasures could be
transferred to other maker’s equipment as well.
Most important is to keep close contact to the oil maker’s technical department, because the differences
between the various EAL are significant. The oil maker only can give a clear recommendation, how to
handle and maintain his EAL type.

Important note: With a properly maintained Airguard seal system, equipped with original parts, most of
the below effects don’t occur.

- An Airguard seal takes away the oil-to-sea-interface. There is no need to operate with EAL.

- If an operator wants to use EAL in an Airguard system, the risk of having damages on the seals as
described under 2. is significantly reduced, as there is no contact between seawater and EAL.

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 TECHNICAL BULLETIN

DSTA00006253, Issue 1, Page 3 / 11

2 Effects / possible route cause:

2.1 Possible effects on AFT sterntube seals
- Seawater ingress into AFT seal chamber between seal ring #2 and #3 caused by
excessive wear on seal rings #1 and #2

- Oil leakage out of sterntube caused by damages on contacting seal surface of seal ring #3

Route cause / failure mode AFT seals

Emulsification and hydrolysis of EAL in the AFT seal chamber will have an impact on the chemical
and mechanical properties of the EAL. The lubricant, once emulsified and under hydrolysis, can
have a significantly lower chemical and mechanical performance. How much a certain EAL loses
in performance depends on the level of emulsification and hydrolysis. There are significant
differences between the different brands and their chemical formulas. Furthermore, the circulation
of an emulsified EAL in the lube oil piping system can be severely limited in some cases.

- A loss in lubrication performance can lead to increased wear on the seal rings, especially
the AFT seal rings #1 and #2 can suffer from this.

- Hydrolysis happens, when water gets in contact with EAL. This happens in the microscopic
sealing gap between seal and liner, where a high level of thermal and mechanical stress is
applied to the lubricant. This condition can be catalysts for hydrolysis – so the sealing gap
is the most critical location, where hydrolysis can cause negative effects.

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 TECHNICAL BULLETIN

DSTA00006253, Issue 1, Page 4 / 11

2.2 Possible effects on FWD sterntube seals

- Lube oil leakage into engine room caused by excessive wear on seal rings

- Unusual wear of FWD seal liner caused by insufficient lubrication and abrasive particles

Route cause / failure mode FWD seals

The effects in the sealing gap are similar, than described under 2.2 except there is lube oil to be
sealed against air. Excessive wear on seal rings and liner (normally cast iron based) can be
caused by:

- insufficient lubrication in the sealing gap caused by deteriorated EAL

- limited circulation of emulsified EAL leading to insufficient cooling and increased heat

- abrasive particles as rust, debris and paint deposits washed from surfaces inside the
sterntube system or from FWD seal liner. If these particles enter the sealing gap between
seal rings and liner, they can cause excessive wear

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 TECHNICAL BULLETIN

DSTA00006253, Issue 1, Page 5 / 11

2.3 Effects on sterntube and piping system

- Corrosion effects inside stern tube system

-
Limited or even blocked circulation of EAL in the lube oil piping system

-
Washed particles from sterntube system

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 TECHNICAL BULLETIN

DSTA00006253, Issue 1, Page 6 / 11

Route cause / failure mode sterntube and stern tube piping system
Stern tube system is composed by different components and lubricants, then stern tube seal is
only one component of the whole system. Therefore, it need to be understood that troubles and
issues mentioned in material are not caused by the defect of stern tube seal as single component.

- Carboxylic acid can cause corrosion on parts made from mild steel or cast iron.

- The solvent behaviour of EAL in combination with the above mentioned acid can wash
paint, grease and other materials away from the surfaces they stick to.

- Free circulation of emulsified EAL through the piping system can be affected, especially if
the lube oil system is relying on natural circulation by gravity. The cooling effect and heat
transfer can be severely limited.

Countermeasures
a.) In case decision is made to operate EAL, three preconditions are utmost important:

1. Frequent monitoring of EAL condition

2. Constant circulation in sterntube lube oil system

Monitoring of EAL:

For frequent monitoring of EAL condition the presence of an AFT seal monitoring tank and
related piping to the AFT seal is essential.

The AFT seal monitoring tank as shown in below picture enables the crew to monitor the lube
oil condition in this circuit.

It also allows, to drain free water or emulsified EAL and to top up accordingly.
As it is equipped with high level alarm, it indicates to the crew when seawater or lube oil from
sterntube is passing the seal rings and is entering the monitoring chamber between water seal
rings and oil seal rings.

For details to AFT seal monitoring tank see also related bulletin DBAD445602

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 TECHNICAL BULLETIN

DSTA00006253, Issue 1, Page 7 / 11

AFT seal monitoring piping system

Note: If there is no AFT seal monitoring tank installed, Wärtsilä can provide upgrade solutions
and related field service to install. In that case, please get in touch with your local Seals &
Bearings sales representative.

Recommended oil monitoring procedure:

- Make sure that the line between AFT seal chamber and AFT seal monitoring tank is free.
Check the condition by opening drain valve on AFT seal monitoring line. Exact position
should be confirmed through actual piping diagram of each vessel.

- Check L.O. condition every 3000 hours, and renew the L.O., if necessary.
Water content of the EAL in the monitoring circle (AFT seal chamber – AFT seal
monitoring tank) should be maintained below 10%. For measuring this, take oil sample
from AFT seal monitoring tank.
Check the condition by opening drain valve on AFT seal monitoring line. Exact position
should be confirmed through actual piping diagram of each vessel.
Oil sample should be taken 1~2 hours after stopping the shaft turning. Because of
different behaviour of separation of oil and water, it is recommended to consult oil makers
for their instruction, since each EAL has different property of relevant separation.

- Check water content of EAL in stern tube. Water content in stern tube should not increase
3% (alarming point 1%).
Check the condition by opening drain valve on stern tube oil circulation line. Exact
position should be confirmed through actual piping diagram of each vessel.
Oil sample should be taken 1~2 hours after stopping the shaft turning. Because of
different behaviour of separation of oil and water, it is recommended to consult oil makers
for their instruction, since each EAL has different property of relevant separation.

- Remove even small amount of water from EAL. Recommend to consult with oil maker,
follow their recommendation. Seems to have a certain effect to equip desorbers and/or
purifiers for water removal depending on the type of EAL

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 TECHNICAL BULLETIN

DSTA00006253, Issue 1, Page 8 / 11

- Oil condition should be monitored at certain interval by analysing and be maintained at

required level. Measure, if viscosity, TAN, specific gravity and etc.) is according to oil
manufacturer's guidance.

- In case FWD seal L.O. line is branched from stern tube L.O. line, flow amount L.O. for
FWD seal is to be observed to check for clogging and leakage through #4 Seal Ring, etc.
by sight glass.

- It is not allowed to operate different lube oils in AFT seal monitoring circle and stern tube.
By nature any standard lip seal in operation has a certain amount of lube oil exchanged
via the sealing gaps. If different lube oils are used, they will mix over the time, which can
cause unpredictable chemical effects.

Note: This effect of oil exchange via the sealing gaps doesn’t occur in Airguard seals.

Circulation of lube oil:

Per design, a constant circulation of lube oil in the stern tube lube oil system is enabled either by
natural circulation using gravity or by forced circulation.

Stand-by seal OLS4-P type stern tube seal lube oil piping diagram – Natural circulation system

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 TECHNICAL BULLETIN

DSTA00006253, Issue 1, Page 9 / 11

Stand-by seal OLS4-P type stern tube seal lube oil piping diagram – Forced circulation system

Depending on the vessel’s specific piping system, it could be the case that the natural lube oil
circulation by gravity is not sufficient. Especially when a higher viscosity grade EAL (150 cSt) is used
or if the EAL is partially emulsified. In such a case, the EAL in the AFT seal chamber might not be
exchanged properly.

Check the lube oil flow by equipping sight glass as one option.

Note: In case of an insufficient lube oil flow, Wärtsilä can provide pumps as upgrade solutions and
related field service to switch the system from natural circulation to forced circulation.

Lube oil circulation pumps

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 TECHNICAL BULLETIN

DSTA00006253, Issue 1, Page 10 / 11

Some cases have been noticed, where the as-built lube oil piping system was either not executed
according to our design recommendation or the system was operated wrongly. Valves closed instead
of open, pumps switched off, venting pipes flanged.

Picture of LS13 NC Picture of pumps blocked picture of venting pipe flanged

Note: In case the lube oil piping system as-built on the vessel is in doubt, Wärtsilä Technical Service
can assist with inspection and recommendations for correction. In that case, please get in touch with
your local Seals & Bearings sales representative.

b.) If an upgrade or retrofit to an Airguard seal system is considered, the vessel would be able
to avoid operating EAL.

The Airguard separates the seawater from the sterntube lube oil by providing an actively
managed void space (air barrier) between the seal rings. This takes away the oil-to-sea
interface “sterntube seal” and VGP 2013 is no longer applicable. Vessels equipped with a
certified and properly serviced Airguard seal system can continue operating mineral oil.

Airguard void space Airguard system

All the above mentioned effects caused by EAL can be avoided by operating mineral oil.

If for certain reasons the Airguard system needs to be operated with EAL, all effects related to
hydrolysis will be limited to a minimum, as there is no water in contact with EAL.

Note: In case the an Airguard upgrade or retrofit could be a considerable option, please get in touch
with your local Seals & Bearings sales representative.

© 2020 Wärtsilä Japan Ltd. – All rights reserved – Please read the complete disclaimer at the end of this document.
 TECHNICAL BULLETIN

DSTA00006253, Issue 1, Page 11 / 11

3 Recommendation

a.) Consider an upgrade or retrofit to Airguard system

b.) If operating with EAL, please check the vessel’s seal system and confirm:
- Presence of AFT seal monitoring tank
- Piping system according to maker’s recommendation
- Circulation of lube oil is sufficient
- Crew is instructed how to operate monitoring system and how to maintain EAL
- A process for oil maintenance is in place

4 Contacts
For services, spare parts and/or tools, please contact your nearest Wärtsilä
representative or log in to Wärtsilä Online: www.wartsila.com/wartsila-online
If you do not have the contact details at hand, please follow the link:
www.wartsila.com/contact

5 Technical support
If technical support is needed, please create a TechRequest for further assistance.
When creating the TechRequest, please:
 Specify the service bulletin number DSTA00006253 in the subject field.
 Write the comments or questions in the description field.
 Attach photos if possible.
Customers using Wärtsilä Online can create the TechRequest directly in the system.
Customers not connected to Wärtsilä Online, please contact your nearest Wärtsilä
representative

© 2020 Wärtsilä Japan Ltd. – All rights reserved

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representation, warranty (express or implied) in this publication and assumes no responsibility for the correctness, errors or omissions for
information contained herein. Information in this publication is subject to change without notice. Wärtsilä does not assume any liability for the
consequences of the owner’s/operator’s actions, inactions, and/or decisions made or based upon the information provided herein.
Unless otherwise expressly set forth, no recommendation contained in this document or any of its appendices is to be construed as provided
due to a defect of the product, but merely as an improvement of the product and/or the maintenance procedures relating thereto. Any actions
by the owner/operator as a result of the recommendations are not covered under any warranty provided by Wärtsilä and such actions will
thus be at the owners/operators own cost and expense.
NO LIABILITY WHETHER DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL, IS ASSUMED WITH RESPECT TO THE
INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN. THIS PUBLICATION IS CONFIDENTIAL AND INTENDED FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES
ONLY.

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