Cussrow Patel
Seaarland
GMT 09:29
23rd Jan 2008
One our vessel fully loaded fitted with STX-MAN B&W 6S50 MC-C engine experienced seizure of all its fuel pumps plunger and barrel at the same time and engine stalled from normal sea service rpm abruptly. There were no operational irregularities such as malfunction of purification plant, temperature / viscosity at injection, fuel pressure etc. The fuel was bunkered at Genoa in Jan 2008 and was in use since last 10 days and the above incident occured. Fuel analysis performed by a reputed laboratory stated that fuel meets requirements ISO 8217-2005 criteria. The fuel is RMG380(Sulphur 3.28% and Density @ 986.0).
Engine makers says that they have heard about similar incidents but are unable to furnish more details and pin point bthe causal factor. All they say is some chemical in fule is responsible for this.
Fuel pumps were overhauled and plungers made free after a lot of effort. Parts have not suffered any mechanical damage. After cleaning all are as normal.
Can you throw some light on probable cause for sudden seizure of all fuel pumps together in a span of 5 minutes on an engine running at full service rpm and fuel is in use since last 10 days.
