Dalwin Marine’s group managing director Satyabrata Pattnaik spoke to Singapore Solutions about what shipowners need to consider when it comes to turbocharger maintenance
Mr Pattnaik noted how important a well-maintained turbocharger matched precisely with its engine is in minimising emissions. “If a turbocharger is not matched properly with the engine, you get a greater amount of NOx and SOx,” he said.
This is an area Dalwin can help with, offering options such as retrofits to bring older assemblies up to date with new or updated versions of turbochargers that reduce fuel oil consumption and emisisons, while improving engine output and making maintenance easier.
Based in Singapore, Dalwin has a global presence, with offices in Bangladesh, India, the UAE, the UK and Panama. Malaysia is the next target for expansion, said Mr Pattnaik, adding that Dalwin is also considering setting up an office in China.
Mr Pattnaik recommends dynamic balancing of turbochargers to prevent excessive vibration of the machinery, which produces high levels of noise and also can substantially reduce the service life of bearings and the turbocharger itself, and increase the risk of costly breakdowns. All of Dalwin’s workshops are equipped with computer-aided Schenk balancing machinery that can remedy this, said Mr Pattnaik.
“Every two or three years a new technology or development is coming,” said Mr Pattnaik, looking to the future. “Two-stage turbocharging is going to be the next big thing.”
This development is based around two turbochargers of different sizes connected in series and enables turbocharger charge-air pressure to be increased substantially while reducing emissions.
“The most important thing is for the market to accept [this development],” he added, noting that the shipping industry continues to go through difficult times and that cost savings remain a priority for owners – something that Dalwin sees itself as able to assist with through the greater efficiencies gained with well-maintained and balanced turbochargers.
© 2023 Riviera Maritime Media Ltd.