The engine is equipped with an integrated axial damper. The duty of the axial
damper is the reduction of axial vibrations.
The damper consists of an upper , and a lower cylindrical part , which are both
screw fastened to the last bearing girder, and of a damping flange which is a
part of the crankshaft. The oil quantity required for the damping is adjusted by
means of a throttling valve.
The engine is equipped with an axial damper monitoring system arranged above
the end casing at the free end.
The oil pressure in the aft side and fore side chamber
of the axial damper is monitored, and in case of oil pressure drop an alarm is
triggered (setting values see Alarms and Safeguards .
The reason for this alarm must be investigated and remedied:
Orifices in the pressure gauge pipes clogged
Shut-off valves closed in the pressure gauge pipes
Low oil pressure and / or high oil temperature in the bearing oil system
Throttle valve mal-adjusted
Excessive wear of the sealing rings, e.g. caused by dirt particles (clearance
too big).