SKF
Cylinder Lubrication System for Diesel Engines
SKF’s cylinder lubrication system for large diesel engines is a precision, programmable system that injects a metered quantity of cylinder oil directly into the cylinder liner at the optimal timing to lubricate the piston rings and liner. This is critical for slow-speed, two-stroke marine diesel engines and large stationary power engines. Traditional mechanical lubricators are often imprecise and unresponsive to varying engine loads. SKF’s system, often based on a single-line or progressive architecture with electronic controls, delivers exact oil volume per stroke, synchronised with engine timing signals. The system can adjust the oil feed rate based on engine load, fuel sulphur content, and other parameters, drastically reducing cylinder oil consumption (by up to 50%) while maintaining excellent liner wear rates. This saves operators significant lubricant costs and reduces harmful emissions, aligning with IMO regulations and environmental objectives.
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Load and Sulphur Adaptive Feed Rate
Optimises oil volume to operating conditions, achieving up to 50% savings.
Precise Electronic Timing
Injection synchronised with piston stroke for maximum effectiveness.
Reduced Liner and Ring Wear
Consistent, optimal oil film protects cylinder components.
Lower Particulate and Ash Emissions
Less oil burning in the combustion chamber.
Integrated Monitoring and Diagnostics
Feedback to engine control room on lubrication status.
Retrofit Capable
Designed to replace mechanical lubricators on existing engines.
IMO 2020 and Cylinder Oil Optimisation
The global sulphur cap requires engines running on low-sulphur fuels to use lower-BN cylinder oils. SKF’s adaptive system can precisely match feed rate to fuel sulphur content, preventing the over-lubrication and excessive deposit formation that occurs with fixed-rate mechanical lubricators when fuels are switched, maintaining engine cleanliness and reliability.
Installation and Integration with Engine Management
The SKF cylinder lubrication system receives crankshaft angle signals and engine load data from the ship’s automation system. Using these inputs, its electronic controller calculates the required oil volume per stroke and actuates the precision injectors. Retrofits can be installed during a standard dry-dock period, with full system commissioning and training provided by SKF.