Engines - Installation and Start-up Flashcards
What five factors should be considered when mounting industrial engines?
- Size
- Weight
- Characteristics
- Driven loads
- Operating cycle of the machine
Each factor influences how the engine should be installed to ensure optimal performance.
What three problems can arise from inadequate engine foundation and mounting?
- Machine misalignment
- Machine and building vibration
- Machine torsional stress
These issues can lead to operational inefficiencies and damage to machinery.
True or False: There is a single universal mounting system for all industrial engines.
False
Each engine must be mounted according to its specific application and requirements.
What is the role of vibration isolators in engine installations?
To isolate the engine from vibrations produced by other machinery
This helps to reduce noise and improve operational stability.
What are the two fundamental concerns in the foundation of any industrial engine?
- Prevent distortion of the engine block or base
- Ensure alignment of the crankshaft with the driven machine
What can happen to the crankshaft if the hold-down bolts are tightened to a deformed foundation?
The crankshaft can be forced into a bent position
Why must the driven machine be aligned to the engine crankshaft?
The load must be aligned to the engine crankshaft to ensure proper operation
What is the consequence of a base that is not strong enough or that moves?
It causes misalignment between the machines
What effect does misalignment due to a poor foundation have on the engine structure?
It results in stresses on the engine structure, potentially leading to component damage
What should the mass of the foundation be in relation to the complete engine?
At least 2½ times the mass of the complete engine
Fill in the blank: A foundation must rest on an adequate _______.
Base
True or False: A strong foundation can help prevent catastrophic failure of coupled machines.
True
What can result from stresses on the engine structure due to misalignment?
Component damage of the coupled machines
What is the importance of the foundation in relation to installation problems?
A well-constructed foundation reduces the likelihood of installation problems
What separates the engine foundation from the building in a properly engineered installation?
Isolators, usually wood or rubber separators about ¾ inches thick
These isolators are placed between the building foundation and the engine mounting block (inertia block).
Why is it better to isolate each engine foundation from others in a building?
It reduces the possibility of vibration transfer from one engine to another
This isolation helps in minimizing potential problems related to vibrations.
What is a major concern regarding the engine foundation throughout its life?
The integrity of the engine foundation
Protecting the foundation is crucial as regrouting or refurbishing it is time-consuming and costly.
What can cause premature deterioration of the engine foundation?
Impregnation with oil or water
This is a major cause of foundation failure.
What is the best preventive measure for protecting the engine foundation?
Use a high quality concrete sealer on the entire engine foundation
This helps in preventing deterioration due to oil or water.
What must be ensured regarding the expansion of the engine foundation?
It must be allowed to expand freely and evenly along with the machine
This ensures that the foundation does not become stressed or damaged.
Fill in the blank: The engine must be mounted so that the oil reservoir does not contact the _______.
foundation
This is important to prevent potential issues related to oil contamination.
What should you inspect on the entire engine during installation?
Damage, loose connections, broken or sharply bent lines, loose nuts or bolts
Ensuring all engine components are intact is crucial for safe operation.
What types of openings on the engine should be checked for foreign objects?
Intake, exhaust, water, fuel lines
Openings without coverings can allow debris to enter the engine, potentially causing damage.
What does it mean if the engine has abnormal resistance to rotation?
It may indicate rust or corrosion causing seizure
Seizure may require engine disassembly to resolve.
True or False: The engine should be checked for free cranking.
True
Free cranking is essential to ensure the engine operates smoothly.
Fill in the blank: All openings on the engine that do not have a covering should be checked for the presence of _______.
foreign objects
This is vital to prevent damage to the engine.
What is the purpose of the concrete mass in the foundation of an engine?
Acts as an inertia block to absorb vibration and minimize flexing
It also changes the natural frequency of the installed unit.
What should be included in the foundation to facilitate service?
Openings for proper service piping and engine components
These openings are essential for maintenance and operation.
What is a key requirement for a good foundation in engine installation?
Sufficient clearance for proper alignment of machine components and thermal expansion
This ensures that the engine operates effectively under varying temperatures.
What type of rigidity should a base have in engine installations?
Adequate torsional rigidity
This prevents misalignment of the engine due to twisting from load.
List the basic types of engine mounting.
- Skid-mount
- Block-mount (inertia mounted)
What is the most common engine mounting method?
Skid-mount
This method is particularly effective for smaller engines.
How can skids in permanent installations be made more rigid?
By pouring concrete or grout into the cavity of the skid
However, this framework may still distort during loading and off-loading.
What must be ensured during the installation of skid-mounted engines?
The unit must be properly levelled and aligned
This is crucial to prevent operational issues.
What is a block-mounted engine?
An engine mounted on a large concrete foundation with the driven unit on the same foundation.
What are two advantages of block-mounted engines?
- Staying in alignment
- Dampening vibrations from the machinery.
What two factors influence the size, mass, and shape of the concrete foundation for block-mounted engines?
- Soil conditions
- Mass of the engine.
How does the size of the foundation affect its ability to absorb vibrations?
The larger foundation, the better it absorbs vibratory impulses.
What happens when the vibratory impulses from the engine match the natural frequency of the foundation?
The vibration becomes excessive and can cause serious damage to the machinery.
Why is the foundation of the engine usually isolated from the building foundation?
To prevent vibrations from other machines from being transferred to the engines.
What is recommended for the construction of foundation blocks to ensure strength?
Foundation blocks should be cast in a continuous pour with steel reinforcement inside.
What is the purpose of combining block mount and skid mount installations?
To provide the rigidity of the block mount and the flexibility of the skid.
Why is skid mount preferred for packaging by manufacturers?
It is easier for the manufacturer to package.
In what types of packages is skid mounting commonly used?
- Engine packages
- Compressor packages
- Generator sets
- Pumping packages.
True or false:
A block mount engine installation is the same as an inertia mount.
True
On a block mount installation, what must the engine be fastened to?
The foundation with anchor bolts
Ensures stability and prevents movement.
What should be selected to avoid problems later during installation?
The installation method with anchor bolts
Proper selection is crucial for long-term performance.
Which type of bolts should be avoided due to low holding power?
J bolts
They also have direct contact with concrete, leading to deterioration.
What type of foundation bolts allows some flexibility for installation?
Piped anchor bolts;
A.K.A Vertical style foundation bolts with a pipe around them
They are filled with grout for added rigidity.
What is a benefit of boxed foundation bolts?
The bolt can be changed through access to the bottom of the bolt
Facilitates maintenance and replacement.
True or False: J bolts are recommended for their high holding power.
False
J bolts have low holding power and can deteriorate prematurely.
Identify the following fasteners and rate them from best to worst for as a hold-down bolt:
Left = J-bolt ⟶ worst
Middle = piped anchor bolt ⟶ good
Right = boxed anchor bolt ⟶ best
What are sole plates?
Load-bearing steel plates grouted into the foundation around the mounting areas of the engine
Sole plates can also be welded onto the skin of the engine.
What is the purpose of sole plates?
To provide a flat surface for shims and support the engine during adjustments
They are critical for engine alignment and stability.
What is a shim?
A device used to make fine adjustments between the sole plate and the engine base
Shims help correct crankshaft deflections and adjust engine height.
List three purposes of using shims.
- Straighten the engine base to correct crankshaft deflections
- Remove soft legs on the engine mounting positions
- Lift or lower the whole engine for shaft alignment
What materials are commonly used to make shims?
- Stainless steel
- Brass