Heavy 2 stroke engines - Specific features and fields of application

An internal combustion engine is a machine that converts fuel and combustion air into mechanical energy. These two fluids must be conditioned before they can enter the cylinders. Moreover, to operate, this machine must be able to be started, lubricated, cooled, depolluted and maintained, which requires the addition of various systems that take the form of specific circuits and their equipment.

This article reviews the auxiliary liquid and gaseous fluid circuits, which are essential to the operation of the heavy 2-stroke engine, also known as the "slow engine", in marine applications, and which are located in the engine room close to the engine. They are remarkably more numerous and complex than the circuits in a car! Unlike the latter, there are several oil circuits, several water circuits and several air or gas circuits, each with its own function.

Principle fluid diagrams are given, as well as a description of the main equipment usually found on these circuits. Some of this equipment is already well known to semi-fast engine operators, as the same fuels are used in the same environment (HFO, marine). The final chapter deals with exhaust gas pollution control systems and energy recovery, which can be achieved mainly by using the heat from these gases.

The article [BM 2 653] gives details of the market and market volumes for these motors, as well as a detailed description of their mechanical make-up.

At the end of the article, readers will find a glossary of important terms, acronyms and expressions.