NATURAL GAS ENGINES

A TREND TOWARD SAVING ON NATURAL GAS ENGINES

You can help reduce revenue losses caused by unscheduled downtime of natural gas engines simply by adhering to a plan. Part of the plan should include regular preventive maintenance (PM) based on service hours or time. These types of PM routines have been validated through laboratory testing and field experience.

TRENDING

Other PM is based on trending, which requires good record keeping. This data helps predict problems, thus minimizing unplanned downtime. One important trend to monitor on gas engines is valve recession. This measurement helps predict when a cylinder head needs to be replaced. Valve recession should be measured when performing regular valve adjustment. Cylinder heads generally 
wear out at different rates. In some cases, servicing cylinder heads at different times may be the most economical decision. To determine a baseline, the exhaust valve stem projection should be measured during the early period of engine operation. This baseline reading can then be used as a reference for subsequent measurements. This provides an accurate indication of the rate of valve wear. It can predict when a cylinder head requires replacement or when a top end overhaul may be required.

KNOW YOUR LIMITS

A top end overhaul should be scheduled as the valve stem projection approaches the maximum limit. A valve stem projection that exceeds the maximum limit can lead to an unscheduled failure and create unnecessary downtime and increased operating costs. Contact Ransome to schedule your next valve adjustment and valve recession measurement so we can monitor the valve recession trend.