Sketch indicator diagrams for a slow running large two-stroke diesel engine.
How are diagrams taken
and what information can he gained from them? How is power balancing carried out?
An indicator diagram can be obtained from a diesel engine during its operation, by use of an
engine indicator. The diagram represents a pressure-volume diagram taken from conditions within the
engine cylinder. Similar diagrams are taken for each cylinder of the engine.
The indicator cock for the chosen cylinder is first blown through to clear it of carbon and the indicator is
then connected to it. The cord on the indicator drum is attached to some form of engine stroke
synchronising mechanism from the crosshead or a cam. The cock is now opened and the indicator pen is
held against the card wrapped round the drum tracing a diagram for one cycle of the engine. Pressure is
recorded to a vertical scale according to the stiffness of the indicator compression spring. Corresponding
cylinder swept volume is recorded on a horizontal scale due to rotation of the drum by its cord. By
turning the indicator cock to a vent position, a horizontal line representing atmospheric pressure is
added to the diagram. This can act as a pressure datum line.
Four types of indicator diagram can be obtained from a slow running engine.
Power card is taken with the indicator drum in phase with piston movement (Fig.9). The area within this
diagram represents the work done during the cycle to scale. This mav be used to calculate the Power
produced or the mean indicated Dressure (MIP) for the cylinder. Irregularities in the shape of the
diagram will show operational faults. Maximum or peak pressure may be measured to scale between
the atmospheric line and the highest point on the diagram.
Compression diagram (Fig. 1 0 ) . This is taken in a similar manner to the power card but with the fuel
shut off from the cylinder. The height of this diagram shows maximum compression pressure. If
compression and expansion lines coincide, it shows that the indicator is correctly synchronised with the
engine. Reduction in height of this diagram shows low compression which may be due to a worn
cylinder liner, faulty piston rings, insufficient scavenge air or leaky exhaust valve, any of which will cause
poor combustion.
Draw card or out of phase diagram (Fig. 11). It is taken in a similar manner to the power card, with fuel
pump engaged but with the indicator drum 90" out of phase with piston stroke. This illustrates more
clearly the pressure changes during fuel combustion. Fuel timing or injector faults may be detected from
its shape.
Light spring diagram (Fig. 1 2 ). .Again similar to the power card and in phase with the engine, but this
diagram is taken with a light compression spring fitted to the indicator showing pressure changes during
exhaust and scavenge to an enlarged scale. It can be used to detect faults in these operations.
Provided the cycle operations are correct, power balancing of an engine can be carried out by
comparing power diagrams, or MIP, from each cylinder.
Fuel pump controls can be adjusted to increase or decrease the quantity of fuel injected into each
cylinder and this in turn will raise or lower the power produced within that cvlinder. Such adjustments
may be carried out to obtain equal Power from each cylinder, in which case the area of each Power card
will be equal. Steady running conditions must be maintained while power balancing is carried out.
Exhaust temperatures should be noted during power balancing since a limiting exhaust temperature
may make complete balancing difficult.