Typical architecture of measuring chain

This diagnostic equipment is based on the thermodynamic analysis of diesel engine cycles while charged, which is achieved by applying resistances to the electric generator.

Regular use of the equipment focuses on the following main objectives:

• Evaluating and supervising the evolution of possible degradation of the diesel engine combustion which affects thermodynamic efficiency, in addition to oil inspection and analysis. Over time, this provides sufficient information to assess the suitability of the engine maintenance cycles.
• In-situ diagnosis of certain diesel components, such as injection nozzles, thereby avoiding the need to disassemble them and inspect them on a test bench. This saves time, materials and potential errors during the disassembly and reassembly process.
• Using the tool to ascertain the cause of malfunctions as part of the corrective maintenance process.

The tool offers a real time data collection system using sensors, signal adapters and computerised analytical software.

Test on diesel engine

Diesel engine monitoring

Diesel engine being monitored

Results of a test

The results are analysed using the calculation of in-chamber pressure curves which are based on the actual operation of the diesel engine. With this information, it is possible to detect combustion abnormalities due to injection problems, loss of compression, imbalanced synchronisation of injection nozzles, among other things.

Pressure curves vs. angle of crankshaft and pressure vs. volume of six 3000 HP diesel engine cylinders