Page 28: of Maritime Reporter Magazine (August 1999)

Marine Engineering • Engine Performance

Automated Combustion Analysis: Taking The Measure of Peak Performance

Monitoring diesel engine perfor- mance by traditional, manual methods can be time-consuming and imprecise.

The limitations of those methods make it difficult to identify and pinpoint per- formance problems reliably. In addi- tion, preventive maintenance routines adopted to compensate for lack of ade- quate data inevitably incur unnecessary costs—while the engine can still suffer from problems and imbalances that occur and remain undetected between scheduled overhauls.

Ship owners and operators in fast- growing numbers are turning to auto- mated combustion analysis to eliminate the costs of reliance on manual moni- toring. In the span of a few minutes, an automated system can provide a com- plete, accurate picture of what is actu- ally happening during the combustion process in each cylinder. Advanced systems operate on personal or note- book computers, capturing combustion process and fuel injection data in real time using sophisticated electronic sen- sors. Easily accessible in familiar for- mats, the data they provide can be used to optimize both the mechanical opera- tion and ignition timing of each cylin- der. The savings from the resulting improvement in fuel consumption and combustion performance are obvious benefits of a well-tuned engine.

Automated monitoring also allows accurate, detailed diagnosis of indicat- ed power across all cylinders for effi- cient correction of thermal stress and load imbalances. Proper balancing reduces the stress and wear on engine parts for longer service life and lower operating and maintenance costs.

To illustrate the unique contribution that automated monitoring makes to achieving maximum efficiency and savings, we will look at two recent shipboard applications utilizing the

DPA Diesel Performance Analyzer from Ashland Specialty Chemical

Company's Drew Marine Division. We will also examine more closely the impact of automated analysis on the

Using Drew Marine's DPA Repeater unit, the operator can read out key cylinder measurements as they are taken and make timing adjustments on the spot. In addition, the unit allows operation of the entire system by a single operator.

Havens for sick ships

Vancouver Shipyards (left) and Victoria Shipyards (right) will pick up and deliver ships in distress to the closest drydock. Experienced repair teams take over and the ship is on its way without delay.

Whether it is serious trouble or a matter of maintenance or minor repair, our shipyards and mobile crews are ready on the ways, alongside or at sea.

Call us anytime, day or night. kV VANCOUVER SHIPYARDS kV VICTORIA SHIPYARDS 50 Pemberton Avenue

North Vancouver, BC

Canada V7P 2R2

Phone: (604) 988-6361

Fax: (604) 990-3290

Email: [email protected] www.vanship.com 825 Admirals Road

Victoria, BC

Canada V9A 2P1

Phone: (250) 380-1602

Fax: (250) 995-6599

Email: [email protected] www.vicship.com

V : A Washington Company • J 28

Circle 294 on Reader Service Card

R&B FALCON DRILLING COMPANY is currently expanding its fleet ofdeepwater drillships and semi-sub- mersibles. Several of these vessels are initially outfitted to drill in 7,500 feet of water and designed for 10,000 feet which represents state of the art dynamically positioned (DP) design. Focusing on safety, reliability, and efficiency, these vessels incorporate significant technological advances in their design, water depth, and drilling capacities.

We currently seek individuals for the following positions:

CAPTAIN/MASTER

Masters Unlimited license issued by a major maritime nation is required. Drilling industry experience on a semi-submersible or a drill ship is preferred. Candidates with a minimum of five years experience as a Master of large, ocean-going vessels are encouraged to apply.

CHIEF OFFICER

Chief Officer Unlimited license issued by a major maritime nation is required. Candidates with a minimum of three years experience as a Chief Officer on large, ocean-going vessels are encouraged to apply. Great tonnage tanker experience is preferred. 2ND MATE/DP OPERATOR 2nd Mate Unlimited license issued by a major maritime nation is required. Candidates with experience working on dynamically-positioned vessels are desired. Persons trained on Simrad orNautronix DP systems are preferred.

R&B FALCON DRILLING COMPANY is world renowned for providing quality and safe operations. We focus on attracting and retaining the best personnel available. Our commitmentto this is reflected in our excellent compensation and benefits package, including highly competitive pay scales, medical, vision, life, sick leave, and 401k plan. Company provided transportation from employees' home area to worksite available.

Experienced applicants who meet minimum requirements out- lined above should call our toll free job line below and request an application or fax/ forward resume to: R&B Falcon Drilling Co.,

Attn: Manager H.R., Job Code MR899,901 Threadneedle, Ste. 200,

Houston, TX77079-2902, Fax281/589-5181, Toil-Free Job Une 888/ 800-2046, E-mail: [email protected] An Equal Oppor- tunity Employer. Visit Our Website at: www.rbfalcon.com

Circle 302 on Reader Service Card

Maritime Reporter/Engineering News

Dynamically Positioned

FOR SUCCESS

EMPLOYMENT

OPPORTUNITIES

WiM