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CCM-003Dec 2024Early detection

Early detection prevents a major breakdown

Rising iron in drain oil on Unit 1 pointed to scuffing rings, caught at sea and fixed at the next port.

VesselMerchant vessel
EngineTwo-stroke main engine
PublishedDec 2024
>500 ppmiron in scavenge drain oil
+0.2 g/kWhtemporary feed-rate increase
0unplanned downtime

What CCM showed

Routine analysis flagged an unusual rise in iron content on Unit 1. Scavenge inspection images and related parameters confirmed the trend, and the vessel was advised to test drain oil daily and inspect at the next port.

Vessel’s action

Iron stayed above 500 ppm. The cylinder-oil feed rate was raised by about 0.2 g/kWh and the voyage continued under daily monitoring. In port, the Unit 1 rings showed scuffing with coating close to its wear limit; the liner was satisfactory. The unit was overhauled immediately.

Root cause & correction

High catalytic fines in the fuel: abrasive aluminium and silicon oxides. Purifier temperature and throughput were adjusted and drain oil was tested daily until the fuel was consumed.

Unit 1: active scuffing detected
Unit 1: active scuffing detected

Has your fleet seen something similar?

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