The lubrication system of an engine provides a supply of lubricating oil to the various moving parts in the engine.
Its main function is to enable the formation of a film of oil between the moving parts, which reduces friction and wear. The lubricating oil is also used as a cleaner and in some engines as a coolant.
Lubricating oil system
Lubricating oil for an engine is stored in the bottom of the crankcase, known as the sump, or in a drain tank located beneath the engine .
The oil is drawn from this tank through a strainer, one of a pair of pumps, into one of a pair of fine filters. It is then passed through a cooler before entering the engine and being distributed to the various branch pipes.
The branch pipe for a particular cylinder may feed the main bearing, for instance. Some of this oil will pass along a drilled passage in the crankshaft to the bottom end bearing and then up a drilled passage in the connecting rod to the gudgeon pin or crosshead bearing.
An alarm at the end of the distribution pipe ensures that adequate pressure is maintained by the pump. Pumps and fine filters are arranged in duplicate with one as standby.
The fine filters, will be arranged so that one can be cleaned while the other is operating. After use in the engine the lubricating oil drains back to the sump or drain tank for re-use. A level gauge gives a local read-out of the drain tank contents. A centrifuge is arranged for cleaning the lubricating oil in the system and clean oil can be provided from a storage tank.
The oil cooler is circulated by sea water, which is at a lower pressure than the oil. As a result any leak in the cooler will mean a loss of oil and not contamination of the oil by sea water.
Where the engine has oil-cooled pistons they will be supplied from the lubricating oil system, possibly at a higher pressure produced by booster pumps, e.g. Sulzer RTA engine. An appropriate type of lubricating oil must be used for oil-lubricated pistons in order to avoid carbon deposits on the hotter parts of the system.
Cylinder lubrication
Large slow-speed diesel engines are provided with a separate lubrication system for the cylinder liners. Oil is injected between the liner and the piston by mechanical lubricators which supply their individual cylinder.
A special type of oil is used which is r. recovered. As well as lubricating, it assists in forming a gas seal and contains additives which clean the cylinder liner.
