Germany’s CM Technologies (CMT) has introduced a compact Pressure Drop Test Instrument (PDTI) aimed at helping ship operators detect cylinder pressure leaks early. This proactive approach allows for the identification of engine wear before it escalates into higher fuel consumption, costly repairs, and vessel downtime. The PDTI assesses pressure loss in diesel engine cylinders during compression, enabling engineers to pinpoint issues like worn piston rings, cylinder liner wear, and valve leaks.
The instrument works by injecting pressurized air into the combustion chamber through the engine indicator valve and measuring pressure decay over time. By comparing pressure loss across cylinders, engineers can detect abnormal leaks indicative of potential mechanical problems. “Any loss of cylinder pressure translates to lost energy, requiring additional fuel to maintain power output,” noted David Fuhlbrügge, CMT’s Managing Director.
CMT emphasizes that while acceptable pressure loss varies by engine type, monitoring pressure decay can effectively highlight issues related to piston rings, cylinder liners, or leaking valves. The PDTI is produced using advanced additive manufacturing techniques, ensuring complex internal flow paths while maintaining durability. Fuhlbrügge added, “Early detection of pressure leakage can save fuel and avert costly repairs.”
