Flexible Rotating Auger Cleaning for Two-Stroke Crosshead Engines
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Solution Overview
Problem
The accumulation of solid and sluggish liquid sludge in two-stroke crosshead engines leads to operational issues, requiring manual cleaning that is labor-intensive, hazardous, and disrupts engine operation, while existing cleaning technologies are not designed for continuous prevention.
Innovation Solution
An automatic cleaning system with a rotating flexible spiral auger mounted within the engine's hollows, utilizing slow rotation to scrape sludge and oil away from inner walls, preventing deposition and maintaining cleanliness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual cleaning is performed, then sludge accumulation is removed, but working hours and operational disruption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system is self-operating with an automatic auger that rotates to transport sludge from the scavenge air space through the cylinder liner to the crankcase, eliminating the need for manual intervention and engine shutdown for cleaning operations
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary cleaning action by continuously transporting sludge before it accumulates to problematic levels, preventing the need for later intensive manual cleaning operations
2Reliability
If manual cleaning is performed, then sludge is removed, but labor intensity and hazard exposure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic cleaning system performs all cleaning operations without human intervention, eliminating worker exposure to hazardous sludge, toxic chemicals, and high temperatures inside the engine compartments
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical cleaning tools (shovels, scrapers) with an automated rotating auger mechanism that safely transports sludge without requiring workers to enter hazardous spaces
3Productivity
If fast rotation of auger is used, then sludge transport speed increases, but oil flow through auger hollow is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses controlled rotation at moderate speed that dynamically balances sludge scraping effectiveness with maintaining sufficient oil flow through the auger hollow, rather than using maximum speed continuously
Solution Approach 2:
The auger design creates different flow conditions in different zones: the rotating outer surface scrapes sludge while the hollow center maintains oil flow pathways, allowing simultaneous solid and fluid transport
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Ensures trouble-free engine operation, reduces manual cleaning time and chemical use, and conserves lubrication oil, while maintaining inner channel cleanliness.
Implementation Method 1
the auger is positioned in an engine hollow being the scavenge air space or piston underside space... the auger is positioned in the integrated pipes that drains from the engine 1
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The present invention relates to an engine (1) with an automatic cleaning system with rotating flexible spiral auger (2) fixed mounted within a hollow (3, 4) of the engine (1) such that fluids within the hollow are transported along the outer diameter of the auger (2). The auger (2) is centreless and that sludge and oil further flows in an auger center (7).