Starting Procedure of HFO Engine Wartsila 18V50

The Starting Procedure of HFO Engine Wartsila 18V50 involves a sequence of steps to initiate combustion and start the engine.

Steps at a glance

The steps conducts from 2 places at the same time to start the engine

• Prestart checklist from Wios or Control Room
• Prestart checklist from Engine Hall
• Starting sequence
• Post-start checking from WIOS
• Post-start checking from Engine Hall
• Monitoring on running Engine from WIOS
• Monitoring on running Engine from Engine Hall

By following these steps, responsible engineer can ensure a safe and efficient start-up process for this powerful engine. So, let’s dive into the details of the staring procedure of the Wartsila 18V50 HFO engine.

Precondition for Engine Start

Before initiating the engine start, several critical parameters must be checked to ensure a smooth operation:

Engine Alarms

1. Verify that there are no abnormal alarms in the engine’s alarm monitor on WOIS.

Lube Oil Temperature

2. Confirm that the lube oil temperature is above 55°C. The pre-lube oil pump should be in auto mode.

Engine Cooling Water

3. Ensure the engine’s cooling water outlet temperature falls within the range of 65-75°C. The high-temperature cooling water pre-heating pump should be in auto mode.

4. Check the engine fuel (Heavy Fuel Oil – HFO) inlet temperature, which should be between 105 and 110°C. Additionally, verify that the viscosity of the fuel is in the range of 16 to 22 cst. The fuel booster pump should be in auto mode.

5. The Oil Mist Detector (OMD) should be in a healthy state with no alarms.

Pre-Start Checklist :What to do Before Starting

Prestart checklist from Wios or Control Room

• Ensure all parameter are in normal

Prestart checklist from Engine Hall

• Isolation
• Prelube
• Booster

Automatic Starting Sequence : Wartsila 18V50

After completing the precondition checks, the engine can be started:

Initial Command

1. Initiate the start command from WOIS by setting the automatic synchronizing switch to “0” mode if all preconditions are met. Ensure that the respective engine’s “CONTROL” page on WOIS displays a green light.

Pre-Lube Oil Pump

2. Upon giving the start command, the pre-lube oil pump will start automatically for pre-lubrication. It is essential to monitor the lube oil pressure during this phase. If the pressure does not increase by at least 0.3 bar within the stipulated time, an automatic shutdown will be triggered, and the engine will not start.

Slow Turning

3. If the pre-lubrication is successful, automatic slow turning will commence, with the engine making 2.5 revolutions. During this time, the system checks various parameters, including the turning gear motor current and the time taken for 2.5 revolutions. If any of these parameters exceed their limits, an alarm will be triggered, and the engine will not start.

Engine Startup

4. Once the automatic slow turning is completed successfully, the engine will start automatically. During the increase in engine RPM, it is imperative to verify that engine lube oil pressure, high-temperature cooling water pressure, and low-temperature cooling water pressure are all gradually increasing with RPM.

Synchronization

5. After reaching 500 RPM, confirm that all three pressures are stable (Lube oil pressure at 4.1 bar, HT water pressure at 5 bar, LT water pressure at 3.4 bar). Additionally, ensure that the alternator voltage remains stable at 11 KV volts. Following these checks, issue a synchronizing command from CFA 901 panel and give a synchronizing pulse from the respective engine’s CFC panel.

Load Increase

Once synchronization is established, the load can be increased:

Gradual Load Increase

1. Set a load of 6000 KW in the CONTROL page to facilitate a gradual load increase up to 6000 KW. As the engine load increases, monitor the exhaust gas temperature of all cylinders. The temperatures should rise at a rate that keeps deviations within a 30°C range, both positive and negative. If deviations exceed this threshold, take necessary steps to address the issue.

Maximum Load

2. After reaching a 6000 KW load and ensuring that all engine parameters are within acceptable ranges on WOIS with no abnormal sounds or leakage in the field, gradually increase the load step by step. A preferable load increasing sequence would be 6000 KW, 10000 KW, 14000 KW, and finally 18415 KW, which represents the maximum load.

Opacity Control

3. Keep a vigilant eye on the opacity level, particularly during engine startup. OMD may initially indicate higher opacity levels, but this should decrease over time. If opacity does not decrease, stop the engine. When opacity levels reduce, increase the engine load slowly and continuously monitor engine crankcase pressure, ensuring it does not exceed 1.0 mbar.

Low-Temperature Lubricating Oil

4. In the case of starting the engines with low-temperature lubricating oil, initiate the engine and load it to 10 MW. Wait until the lubrication oil temperature settles within the specified range (60-63°C) and the lubrication oil 3-way valve finds a balance point. The engine is then ready to be loaded up normally.

Emergency Situations

In the event of an emergency during the engine starting or normal running phase, press the emergency button on the respective engine’s CFC panel for the following situations:

1. If the engine RPM exceeds 530 RPM in synchronizing mode.
2. If, during starting, the lube oil pressure does not reach at least 3.7 bar after reaching 500 RPM.
3. If any main bearing temperature reaches 100°C.
4. If any cylinder exhaust gas temperature reaches 600°C.
5. If the engine inlet lube oil temperature rises uncontrollably to 75°C.
6. If any fire is visible or any metallic sound is noticed from the field.

By adhering to this comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure for Engine Operation with the Wartsila Operator Interface System, operators can ensure the safe, efficient, and precise operation of engines in various industrial settings.

Starting Sequence

The starting sequence of a Wartsila 18V50 HFO engine involves several important steps to ensure a smooth and successful start-up. Each step plays a crucial role in preparing the engine for operation and verifying its performance. Let’s take a closer look at the starting sequence:

Step 1: Turning on the electrical system

1. Check the battery voltage to ensure it is within the recommended range. Low voltage can lead to insufficient power supply and hinder the start-up process.
2. Ensure all electrical connections are secure, preventing any potential loose connections that may disrupt the flow of electrical power.

Step 2: Priming the fuel system

1. Open the fuel supply valve to allow the flow of fuel to the engine. This step is vital to ensure an adequate fuel supply during start-up.
2. Check for any fuel leaks to prevent potential hazards and address them promptly if detected.

Step 3: Preparing the engine for start-up

1. Check the engine oil pressure to ensure it is within the recommended range. Sufficient oil pressure is crucial for proper lubrication and protection of the engine components.
2. Set the control lever to the ‘start’ position, activating the engine’s start-up sequence.

Step 4: Starting the engine

1. Crank the engine using the start button, initiating the rotation of the engine components.
2. Monitor the engine RPM (revolutions per minute) and oil pressure to ensure they reach the appropriate levels for stable operation.

Step 5: Verifying engine operation

1. Check for any abnormal sounds or vibrations, which could indicate potential issues with the engine.
2. Monitor the engine temperature and pressure, ensuring they remain within the specified range for optimal performance.

Following this starting sequence ensures a systematic and safe start-up of the Wartsila 18V50 HFO engine. By carefully following each step, operators can minimize the risk of malfunctions and ensure the engine operates efficiently.