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Fouling of Main Engine Lube Oil Cooler
Fouling of Main Engine Lube Oil Cooler
Fouling of Main Engine Lube Oil Cooler
Fouling of main engine lube oil cooler may result in high lube oil temperature and low lube oil
pressure. Lube oil coolers can be plate type or shell and tube type. However the reasons for poor
cooler performance are:
Fouling of oil side, or
Fouling of cooling water side
As far as plate type coolers are concerned, cleaning is much easier. Shell side of lube oil coolers are
normally designed with baffles and fins for enhanced heat exchange. Chemical cleaning is carried
out regularly for the shell side. This removes sludge adhered inside and increases heat transfer
efficiency.
Keep the vents for cooler open, ensure vent is not choked and both lube oil and cooling
water sides are free from air lock
Carry out chemical cleaning of cooling water side
Back flush the cooler
Check the cooling water pressure and quantity flowing through the cooler
Check adjustment of temperature controller / position of three way valve
Clean inlet filter for cooling water
Ensure baffle plates are in position
If necessary, take out tube nest out of the cooler for cleaning sludge (for shell and tube
coolers)
Clean cooler plates manually (for plate type coolers)