Prior Power Solutions’ marine engineers find wet exhaust solution.

Initially contacted by our customer with a seized engine in one of their vessels, engineers were able to provide a long-term wet exhaust solution for sea water getting into the vessel’s engine.

Whilst the engine was repaired with a new long block and refurbished parts from the existing engine, investigations continued into how sea water had entered the engine.

The wet exhaust system was found to require additional protection from back filling.

Following considerable research, numerous data points were used to provide a long-term a solution and save the customer lost operational time and expenses with continued repairs.

Service Co-ordinator Gary Randlesome explains the work, to provide a wet exhaust solution, undertaken by Prior Power Solutions:

“An anti-siphon loop with anti-siphon valve was fitted in the engine cooling system before the wet exhaust elbow to prevent water siphoning from the sea inlet, through the coolant system and into the exhaust while the engine was not running

“A water lock muffler/silencer was installed between the engine exhaust and the overboard discharge to prevent water back filling the engine through the exhaust system, this system also reduces the noise from the engine exhaust.

And finally, an exhaust gooseneck was fitted after the water lock muffler and piped to the overboard discharge, to prevent stern waves or wash from the vessel when the engines stop, back filling the exhaust system.”

The average water line level was determined to provide datum to base critical measurements for the goose neck height, anti-siphon height and position of the water lock muffler.

“As a multi-skilled, experienced company, our broad range of labour resources meant we were able to produce and fit the system.” Gary continues.

“These resources include pipefitting, tig welding, machining, fabrication.”

A range of quality materials were used in the construction of the exhaust system including high temperature exhaust hose, 316 stainless steel pipe and fittings to fabricate the gooseneck and anti-siphon parts of the system.

Following successful sea trials, a system back pressure test was carried out to ensure the values are within the manufacturer’s set parameters for this engine.

For more information on our marine services, click here.