Innovation and application continues for the MET turbocharger range, despite recent changes
2017 saw the 30,000th delivery of an MET turbocharger and the range is still growing in both scope and application, despite some big recent changes in the company’s ownership.
MET turbochargers were previously made by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Marine Machinery & Engine, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI). However, on 1 April this year, the engine business split off with MHI and Kobe Diesel to pursue integration of their marine diesel engine businesses in the form of Japan Engine Corporation (J-ENG).
As a result, MET turbochargers are now made by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Marine Machinery & Equipment and led by president Toshiaki Hori, who has pledged to expand the company’s share of this market “through the launch of attractive new products”.
This pledge is being realised, most recently with the launch of a new model in the MET-MB series. MHI-MME previously offered nine types of turbochargers in the MET-MB series – from the MET33MB, for smaller engines, to the MET90MB for large engines. The series was developed as axial-type turbochargers for use with main engines of various outputs.
Now, however, MHI-MME has developed the MET37MB turbocharge as a new addition to the MET-MB lineup. This turbocharger is intended for engines with outputs of between 2,500kW and 4,300kW, falling between the MET33MB and and the MET42MB in terms of the airflow covered. The MET37MB, it is claimed, will enable even more detailed response to engine needs.
The first MET37MB turbocharger will be installed on a China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation Diesel Engine Co- made 6UEC33LSE-C2 engine developed by Japan Engine Corporation. The turbocharger is already being manufactured by MHI-MME and is scheduled for delivery this month. MET37MB is also expected to be installed on MAN and WinGD engines.
In addition to this, MHI-MME also received an order from Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) for its MET30SRC radial-type turbochargers to be mounted on its HiMSEN 6H32/40 medium-speed, four-stroke engines. It has already completed delivery of the first of these turbochargers, which are the very first MHI-MME radial turbochargers to be mounted on a HiMSEN engine.
These engines and turbochargers will be installed as gensets on four 3,300 teu container ships (with an option for four more vessels) being ordered by a French owner. Four engines will be installed per vessel.
MHI-MME’s MET-SRC turbochargers are designed primarily for four-stroke engines and cover a wide range of engine outputs, from 400kWto 4,400kW.
Currently, the MET-SRC series is primarily made for Japanese four-stroke engine manufacturers, but in future, MHI-MME wants to expand overseas sale of the series.
The MET Turbocharger
The MET turbocharger was initially developed in 1965 and has continuously been evolved to respond to the needs of engine technology providers. Currently, the MET turbocharger line-up consists of MET-MA/-MB (axial type) for two-stroke marine propulsion engines and MET-SRC series (radial type) for four-stroke main and generator engines. These two line-ups have been delivered up to around 2,000 units per year recently.
Axial MET turbochargers are licensed to three major engine manufacturers in Korea, while the MET turbocharger is mounted on two-stroke engines not only by Mitsubishi designs but also by MAN Diesel &Turbo SE and Winterthur Gas & Diesel. MHI-MME claims market share among two-stroke marine propulsion engines is around 40%.
Delivery of radial type turbochargers has been increased over recent years, and it has become a major part of the turbocharger business same as the axial type.
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