SERVICE BULLETIN
SB-297/298/307/357/358/397-CMHO-050-01
ADVISORY
Subject: WATER WASHING
A. TURBOCHARGERS AFFECTED
All NA297, 298, 307, 357, 397 turbochargers with single/multiple entry axial/radial
turbine inlet casings, that have provision for turbine water washing.
This bulletin supersedes: SB-297-A-020-03, SB-357-A-037-04, SB-397-A-039-02
B. REASONS FOR BULLETIN
Performance in heavy fuel applications (HFO) deteriorates if excessive fouling is
permitted to build up on exhaust side components, particularly the nozzle ring.
Experimentation has resulted in an enhanced injector design and a superior washing
procedure.
C. CHANGES / MODIFICATIONS
No turbocharger parts need to be modified. Changes relate only to externally
connected water washing hardware, water supply and cleaning method, and while
successful cleaning is clearly beneficial, it does not substitute scheduled
maintenance. Scheduled maintenance should always be conducted at the
recommended intervals unless instructed otherwise. Turbine inlet casing
arrangements are shown in the following illustrations:
© Napier Turbochargers Ltd 2009 CONFIDENTIAL
This bulletin is the exclusive property of Napier Turbochargers Ltd (Napier) and is disclosed in confidence to Napier customers solely for their use in connection with the operation and
maintenance of their Napier turbochargers. Its contents shall not be used for other purposes or copied or disclosed without written authorisation of Napier. The information set out in this
bulletin is offered by Napier as part of its ongoing product support services for you as one of its customers. However, the final decision for operating your plant in a safe and responsible
manner rests entirely with you. This involves many factors outside our knowledge and control, and therefore Napier is unable to accept (and hereby disclaims) any liability (whether
based on breach of contract, warranty or statutory duty, negligence or otherwise) for damage or loss of any kind which may be incurred as a result of applying this information.
SB-297-298-307-357-358-397-CMHO-050-01 Page1 of 5
All correspondence to:
Napier Turbochargers Napier Turbochargers Ltd
P.O. Box 1 Registered Office:
Waterside South Ruston House
Lincoln LN5 7FD England Waterside South
Tel: +44 (0) 1522 516666 Lincoln LN5 7FD England
Fax: +44 (0) 1522 516669 Registered in England No. 06512358
Figure 1 Single Entry Radial/Axial Turbine Inlet Casing Assembly
Figure 2 Triple Entry Axial Turbine Inlet Casing Assembly
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D. DESCRIPTION
Scope
This bulletin is strongly advised for HFO installations and outlines hardware and
procedures that can result in significant improvements to the cleanliness of turbine
side components.
NOTE Experience is being gained constantly about methods of turbocharger
cleaning in HFO applications. This bulletin is based on experience to date
and conclusively supported findings. Recommended hardware and
procedures may be subject to refinement, as further experience is gained.
Water Wash Hardware Requirements
The following items will be required:
An adjustable flow meter capable of displacing the maximum required flow.
A three-way valve connected to water and air in order to ensure that when water is
not being injected, an air purge is present to keep the injector orifices clean (N.B.
The air purge pressure needs to be greater than that of the engine exhaust at all
operating points).
Water Wash Procedure
11
Water Flow vs Load - Each Injector 10.8
11
10.6
NA297, 298, 307
10.4
10.5 NA357, 358, 397 10.2
10
10 9.8
9.6
9.4
9.5 9.2
Litres/min
9 9
8.8 8.87
9 8.73
8.6 8.6
8.4 8.47
8.33
8.5 8.2 8.2
8 8.07
7.93
8 7.8
7.67
7.53
7.4
7.5 7.27
7.13
7
7
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
% Engine Load
Figure 3 Washing Parameters
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Take a record of performance parameters (at typical running conditions e.g. 85%
load) prior to reducing load for washing.
Reduce engine output to 0% - 15%, allow the engine to stabilise for 10 minutes and
confirm the turbine inlet temperature is below 450C (At these lower loads, minor
fluctuations in water pressure should not affect water distribution).
Open the turbine water drain (if fitted) and ensure it is not blocked (It is not
uncommon for no water to emerge during washing even though the drain is free
from obstructions). The drain prevents the build up of water in the turbine outlet
casing during the washing procedure. It is not necessary to observe the cleanliness
of any water emerging from the drain, since it is possible that a quantity of water
has run back from the exhaust stack.
Connect the water supply. Open the water supply valve and adjust to obtain the
correct flow (Fig 3) for the engine load, turbocharger type and number of washing
injectors (Should these values be unachievable then there may be a restriction in
the injectors). Inject for a period of 10-15 minutes. This may result in exhaust gas
temperatures increasing to such an extent, that a period of less than 10-15 minutes
is more suitable to prevent alarm states. In the case of reduced injection time, it
may be necessary to inject for a number of shorter periods in order to accumulate
sufficient cleaning effect.
Turn the water supply off and allow temperatures to stabilise for another 10-15
minutes. Check that no water emerges from the drain before closing the water drain
valve.
Resume normal operation and after allowing all engine parameters to stabilise for
at least one hour at typical load values repeat the performance readings taken
initially, for evaluation of cleaning efficiency.
The cleaning intervals are determined by evaluation of performance data and
experience from maintenance, but starting points of 72-144hrs and 48-72hrs are
suggested for marine and power plants respectively. These values will clearly be
dependant upon the fuel grade and therefore may require further reductions or
increases as experience is acquired.
Additional Information
o Washing effectiveness is improved at zero load.
o Washing conducted subsequent to engine start-up (cooler components)
reduces the strain on related components
o Washing prior to engine shutdown is NOT recommended.
o Missing a SINGLE scheduled washing interval can have detrimental effects.
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E. IMPLEMENTATION
The instruction has been introduced for all new turbocharger orders where water
washing has been specified, and may be incorporated into the majority of in-service
units if desired.
F. PARTS LIST
Parts information may be obtained by contacting your nearest Napier Service Network
Centre.
Author
S Wilson
Principal Post Design Support Engineer
Authorised
Technical I Pinkney Head of G Rodgers General A. R. Thacker
Manager Customer Manager
Services
Date of Issue: 9th February 2009
Distribution: Napier Turbochargers, Engine Manufacturers, Authorised Service
Centres, End Users.
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