EMHA investigated the repeated failure of propulsion engine components on an inland vessel. By analysing extensive vibration data, the cause was identified and addressed. This resulted in a significant reduction in vibration levels and restored the reliability of the installation.
Situation
The client was experiencing recurring damage to propulsion engine components. These failures led to unplanned downtime and increased maintenance costs. The objective was to identify the underlying cause of the failures and implement an effective solution that would prevent further damage and restore operational reliability.
Solution
EMHA analysed an extensive dataset of vibration measurements and established that the problem was caused by resonance in the exhaust system. The natural frequency of this system was found to coincide with the engine’s combustion frequency, resulting in extremely high vibration levels of up to 304 mm/s RMS, compared to a typical permissible level of 50 mm/s RMS.
Based on these insights, our engineers proposed targeted modifications, including improving the support of the exhaust system and replacing the existing exhaust bend with a lighter alternative. These measures effectively broke the resonance.
Result
After implementing the measures, vibration levels were drastically reduced to a level within the standard limits for such installations. This eliminated the direct cause of the damage and restored the reliability of the propulsion installation.
The client therefore benefits from more stable operation, less maintenance and a significantly lower risk of recurring failures. This project highlights the added value of EMHA in analysing and resolving complex vibration problems in maritime applications.
