A Dubai-based shipping company approached RA Power Solutions to address issues with the crankshaft of a MAN B&W 5L16/24 engine on board a vessel anchored at Kandla Port, India.

Upon inspection, technicians identified excessive ovality in all five crankpins, ranging from 0.10 mm to 0.40 mm, surpassing the manufacturer’s tolerance of 0.03 mm for the standard 130.00 mm diameter. The team performed in situ grinding on each crankpin to restore them to the appropriate undersize dimensions.

RA Power Solutions also supplied the necessary undersized bearings. The team recommissioned the engine and operated it satisfactorily after completing the repairs.

For a visual summary of the onsite crankshaft repair and restoration process, the image collage above provides useful insights.

For a brief overview, explore our latest blog here: Repair of Crankshaft of MAN B&W Engine 5L16/24.

FAQ

1. What was the reported ovality on the crankpins, and how does it compare to manufacturer tolerances?

The ovality on the crankpins ranged from 0.10 mm to 0.40 mm, which is well above the manufacturer’s tolerance of 0.03 mm for the 130 mm diameter crankpin.

2. Did the team remove the crankshaft from the vessel for repair, or did they perform the repair in situ?

RA Power Solutions performed the grinding in situ—on-site at Kandla Port aboard the anchored vessel—without removing the crankshaft.

3. What size reduction (undersize) did the team apply during grinding, and did they provide replacement bearings?

The technicians ground the crankpins to the appropriate undersize based on ovality and then supplied matching undersize bearings. This process restored proper coaxial alignment and engine performance. This restored proper coaxial alignment and engine performance.

4. Who performed the repair and what qualifications do they have?

RA Power Solutions, with over 45 years of experience and a record of repairing more than 10,000 crankshafts, carried out the work. They deployed two skilled technicians to the vessel. They deployed two skilled technicians to the vessel.

5. After repairs and recommissioning, did the engine run satisfactorily?

The team recommissioned the engine and confirmed its satisfactory operation under normal conditions after grinding and installing the undersize bearings.

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