ONSITE CRANKSHAFT MAINTENANCE

Crankshaft is an important part of the engine. In case of High Capacity Marine, Industrial and Power Plant engines, the cost of crankshaft is very high. In fact worldwide there are limited manufacturers of heavy-duty crankshafts, which are used in high-capacity Engines, Compressors, Pumps and Rotary equipment. It is important that crankshafts are properly maintained in order to increase the operation hours and save the cost.
RA Power Solutions with more than 44 years of experience in crankshaft repairs have saved more then ten thousand (10,000) crankshafts from rejection. This was possible only because of bringing the awareness to ship owners staff, power plants, and users in general during the conferences held all over the world and the various blogs written, publications, etc.

The Crankshaft maintenance is easy and the life can be increased many folds by taking following steps.

i) Visual Inspection Of Crankshaft :- We Suggest that crankshaft should be subject to Visual Inspection periodically. The Crankpin Cap and Main Journal Cap can be opened for Visual Inspection, the focus should be on radius fillet of both sides, lubrication oil hole, and Crankpin /Main Journal dia should be free of any Scratch marks or Rough Surface.

ii) Periodic Polishing of Crank Pin and Main Journal of Crankshaft:- Regular Polishing of Crankpin and Main Journal can extend the life of crankshaft and bearings. With the latest technology of onsite crankshaft polishing machines, It is simple to polish the crankpins in a few hours.

iii) Crankshaft Grinding:- We strongly recommend that incase of development of taper, ovality, and rough surface the grinding should be done in accordance with the manufacturer's standards.With the crankshaft grinding we can easily restore the original dimensions. The grinding of the crankshaft is done onsite and there is no need for removal of the crankshaft from the entablature.

iv) Change of Oil and Oil Filters of Engines:- In order to increase the life of crankshaft and bearings, It is recommended to follow the manufacturer guidelines for change of Oil and Oil Filters.

HOW RA POWER SOLUTIONS CAN HELP YOU IN MAINTENANCE AND INCREASE IN LIFE OF CRANKSHAFTS.

RA Power Solutions with experience of 44 years have lightweight, portable on site crankshaft polishing and grinding equipment which can be taken to any site all over the world.With the introduction of onsite crankshaft polishing and crankshaft grinding equipment, It is possible to polish and grind the crankshaft in a few hours as a preventive measure.
RA Power Solutions Pvt Ltd with 44 years of experience is the most renowned company in world extending onsite crankshaft services up to 700 Mm Diameter. We are also the manufacturer onsite crankshaft grinding machine, which is modified according to the site requirement. 

MAN B&W 18V23L-V0 Main Engine on board the vessel at Zanzibar, Tanzania, had a major accident, damaging the crankshaft, cylinder liners, piston, and other parts. RA Power Solutions was approached by the leading shipping company based in Zanzibar, Tanzania to inspect the damaged crankshaft and repair if possible.The crankshaft and Main Journal details are as follows:

S. No.	Crankpin and Main Journal Details
1.	Engine Make	MAN B & W
2.	Engine Model	18V23L-V0-220
3.	Crankpin Diameter Standard	185.00 MM
4.	Crankpin Bearing Width	78+78 MM
5.	Main Journal Diameter	220.00 MM
6.	Main Journal Bearing Width	112.00 MM
7.	Place of Execution of Grinding of Crankpin	Zanzibar Anchorage
8.	Name of Shipping Company	Reputed Company from Zanzibar, Tanzania

​Inspection Conducted by RA Power Solutions of Crankshaft of MAN B&W 18V23L-V0

i) On the Visual Inspection of the crankpin and main journal of the crankshaft, the damage of bearing was clearly seen; in fact, the bearing material was also found in the oil sump.

It was decided to remove the crankshaft from the engine block in order to thoroughly inspect crankpin and main journal diameter of the crankshaft. The main journal housing also required thorough inspection for any cracks, deviation in the main journal housing bore, and the alignment of the housing.

ii) The crankshaft was placed on the “V” block, the design of which was made by our technicians.

iii) The inspection in detail was conducted, including dimensional inspection report, MPI test for crack detection, Hardness test etc.

iv) While all the major parameters were observed within the limit. The crankpin Number #05, having a standard diameter of 185.00 and Main Journal Number #10, having a standard diameter of 220.00 MM, had excessive ovality, The deep line marks were also observed.

 

Action Taken by RA Power Solutions to Repair the Crankshaft of MAN B&W 18V23L-V0

i) The crankpin grinding was executed, the standard diameter of 185.00 was reduced by 1.5 MM, and the final diameter of 183.50 MM was maintained.

ii) The main journal diameter of 220.00 MM was reduced by 1.00 MM after grinding, and the final diameter was maintained as 219.00 MM.

iii) All the tolerance, surface finish, etc, were maintained strictly as per the manufacturer’s specifications stipulated in the manual.

We have been regularly executing on site crankshaft repairs and In Situ crankshaft grinding in Dubai, Fujairah, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Iraq, Togo, Malta, Freetown, Egypt, Malaysia, Iran, Indonesia, Vietnam, Jordan, etc.

We have a team of trained technicians available 24/7 hrs and can be deputed in short notice. Some of our technicians also have a valid US VISA and can fly to South America, Caribbean countries, etc.