Soot from economiser caused fire
Experience Feedback A large container ship was on a fixed trans-continental service, regularly crossing the ocean on a tight schedule. Every month, at the turnaround port, it was a routine for the engine crew to isolate, cool down and open the economiser (also known as waste heat or exhaust gas boiler) to clean out the accumulated soot and unburnt carbon particles. (Being very corrosive, these deposits can cause rapid wastage of the water tubes in the economiser and their eventual rupture. - Ed)When sailing from this port, the first few starts of the very large marine diesel engine would eject clouds of soot from the main engine exhaust uptake. These particles would rain down on the bridge wings and external decks, often ruining the clothing of the unwary. Subsequently, after the outward pilot had disembarked and the engine was rung up on the sea passage (Full Away), the volume, temperature and velocity of exhaust gases would increase. By day, the soot particles would now appear like a continuous plume of smoke, (burning embers not visible) and, by night, it would appear as if there was a prolonged fireworks display atop the funnel. On many occasions, with a cross wind blowing, ...
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