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ME165

Damage of Auxiliary Air Compressor

Technical committee

Auxiliary air compressor

SUCTION GAS TCZ 345 WLSH

1. Process of breakdown Detection

During voyage, abnormal alarm of the auxiliary air compressor occurred at night. An almost total
breakdown was confirmed at the site.

2. Outline of breakdown and Temporary measure

The low pressure cover was severely damaged and had dropped off, while the intermediate and high
pressure covers moved upwards. Concerning the low/intermediate/high pressure cylinders, the pistons
were severely broken, the piston pins were distorted, and the lower parts of liners were broken. Also, the
connecting rods were bent and the piston pin bearing housing was broken. The crank case was broken
into a number of fragments and the crank shaft and bearing were also damaged. The used hours after
assembly maintenance of the piston of this unit were about 800 hours, and adhesion of carbon to each
cylinder was scarcely observed.
As temporary measures, operation of relevant valves of this unit and the NFB were stopped and the
stand-by units were used. As no failure existed with the main air compressor and the stand-by auxiliary air
compressor, there was no trouble substantially affecting the voyage.

3. Probable Cause
Although detailed causes are unknown due to severe damage, the process which led to severe failure is
surmised as follows: As the piston pin bearing (needle bearing) of the low pressure cylinder broke and
dropped off, the piston pin and the connecting-rod-small-end hit each other, destroying the piston pin
housing or the connecting-rod-small-end. This allowed the low pressure piston and the connecting-rod to
move freely, leading to damage of the intermediate/high pressure cylinders, pistons, crankcase, and
crankshaft.

1
The Marine Engineer Jun.1991
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Fig. Cross section view of Auxiliary air compressor

2
The Marine Engineer Jun.1991