“Clontarf” update.
Chris Cowper wrote :
“Further to my post yesterday morning regarding Monday nights catastrophic (adjective: causing sudden and very great harm or destruction) failure of the Port Main Engine in French owned Transdev’s Chinese built Gen II Emerald, “Clontarf”, those who have more technical ability than me, are of the opinion, her No 5 piston grabbed and seized in the liner, at the top of her stroke, causing the No 5 Con-rod to part company with her piston and continue rotating at around 2,000 RPM (Revs Per minute) in company with the vessels crankshaft”. -
Not enough data. More questions than answers – again. Can we find some of the 'operational' and systems details, from a 'fail-safe' perspective?
Is this a single 'drive' system connecting two engines to a single propeller shaft; or are there separate drives to individual propellers? It matters – from a 'fail safe' perspective. This event speaks well of the remaining engine's ability to continue. If this is a single shaft set up, the potential 'shock load' thrown onto the operating engine is significant and possibly destructive. The last thing needed in rough conditions is a loss of 'drive' leading to a loss of steering (provided that is working).
Is there a 'rapid' shut down system for the engine? A fuel cut off – or a 'kill switch'? Or, in the event of a catastrophic failure is the 'kill' system automatic?
If this is a separate drive to individual propellers; then there are other potential problems which could, in testing weather conditions, lead to an increased risk factor.
Either way; running engines at 100% rated power – even if that 100% is governed back to 80 or 90% is still a false economy. Many pilots have had their day spoiled by a $10 piston ring burning through or breaking up, from there failure is only a matter of time – usually a short time. It this was an aircraft engine 'exploding' on the wing the very least consequence would be a major inquiry, at top level with serious government involvement. Where is the media? Engines being driven at the very limits, potential for fire at sea; ferry capsized due lack of directional control – 2 or 300 souls to be rescued. Time for some serious attention to applied -
Sod's law requires that it always go wrong at the worst possible time, with the worst possible outcome.
Toot – toot....
Chris Cowper wrote :
“Further to my post yesterday morning regarding Monday nights catastrophic (adjective: causing sudden and very great harm or destruction) failure of the Port Main Engine in French owned Transdev’s Chinese built Gen II Emerald, “Clontarf”, those who have more technical ability than me, are of the opinion, her No 5 piston grabbed and seized in the liner, at the top of her stroke, causing the No 5 Con-rod to part company with her piston and continue rotating at around 2,000 RPM (Revs Per minute) in company with the vessels crankshaft”. -
Not enough data. More questions than answers – again. Can we find some of the 'operational' and systems details, from a 'fail-safe' perspective?
Is this a single 'drive' system connecting two engines to a single propeller shaft; or are there separate drives to individual propellers? It matters – from a 'fail safe' perspective. This event speaks well of the remaining engine's ability to continue. If this is a single shaft set up, the potential 'shock load' thrown onto the operating engine is significant and possibly destructive. The last thing needed in rough conditions is a loss of 'drive' leading to a loss of steering (provided that is working).
Is there a 'rapid' shut down system for the engine? A fuel cut off – or a 'kill switch'? Or, in the event of a catastrophic failure is the 'kill' system automatic?
If this is a separate drive to individual propellers; then there are other potential problems which could, in testing weather conditions, lead to an increased risk factor.
Either way; running engines at 100% rated power – even if that 100% is governed back to 80 or 90% is still a false economy. Many pilots have had their day spoiled by a $10 piston ring burning through or breaking up, from there failure is only a matter of time – usually a short time. It this was an aircraft engine 'exploding' on the wing the very least consequence would be a major inquiry, at top level with serious government involvement. Where is the media? Engines being driven at the very limits, potential for fire at sea; ferry capsized due lack of directional control – 2 or 300 souls to be rescued. Time for some serious attention to applied -
Sod's law requires that it always go wrong at the worst possible time, with the worst possible outcome.
Toot – toot....