The Swedish P&I Club issues Monthly Safety Scenario for September 2015
The Swedish P&I Club has published its Monthly Safety Scenario for September 2015 regarding contaminated lube oil which caused by engine damage.The Swedish Club publishes on a monthly basis a new “Monthly Safety Scenario” (MSS) to assist owners in their efforts of complying with the maritime regulations.
The vessel was sailing in good weather. Suddenly the high lube oil temperature alarm activated and the main engine stopped automatically. Investigations revealed an abnormal level in the sump tank and the cooling water expansion tank had lost water.
Cooling water had got into the lubricating oil sump and contaminated the lube oil system. It was further found that the number 2 cylinder head was leaking coolant from a loosened guide bolt on the inlet valve crossbar. Attempts to tighten the bolt failed. The cylinder head was replaced with a spare.
Approximately 900kg of fresh oil was filled without draining off any contaminated oil. The main engine was restarted and the voyage resumed. Two days later when the vessel was approaching the pilot station an alarm sounded indicating a high lube oil temperature from cylinder number 3.
The engine was stopped and investigations were carried out. The investigation by the crew didn’t reveal any abnormalities and the engine was restarted. Shortly after the pilot embarked, the crankcase oil mist alarm was triggered followed by a banging noise from the engine and the engine automatically shut down.
A tug provided assistance and the vessel anchored. A couple of hours later it was decided that the vessel should be berthed with tug assistance.
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Consequences The number 3 cylinder unit had suffered piston seizure. Further damage was noted to the number 3 big-end bearing and crankpin journal, caused by the contaminated lube oil. An analysis of the lubricating oil taken three months earlier for the main engine, showed that the oil was within specification. Another oil sample was taken one month before the incident and the analysis at this time showed a water content of 0.17%. For some unknown reason this sample had not been sent for analysis prior to the incident. |
Also read Loss Prevention Bulletin on marine diesel engine lubrication issued by The West of England P&I Club
Source:The Swedish P&I Club
