MEP Series: Volume 2 Part 17: Marine Low Speed Diesel Engines

This publication discusses the design and operation of crosshead-type marine diesel engines. It covers basic design of the two-stroke cycle crosshead engine, engine construction, monitoring and control, engine selection and installation, engine operation, maintenance and electronically controlled engines. The book is written in a clear and concise manner with supporting line drawings. It will be a useful study guide for those studying for certificates of competency as well as a source of reference for practising marine engineers.

This book considers the general principles of marine low speed diesel engines and provides examples of engine parts from the three different engine designs to aid understanding of construction, operation, selection and maintenance. Line drawings are used to illustrate fundamental differences in the components between different designs.

The book contains a detailed chapter on engine construction. It describes the design and purpose of key engine components, together with their maintenance requirements and common malfunctions.

There is a separate chapter on safety, additional engine systems, monitoring and control. This highlights the potential hazards (and the necessary safeguards) of fire, explosion, hotspots, oil mists and excessive noise.

General guidance is provided on engine selection, installation, operation, maintenance and emission control.

Published: February 2020