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A ST36-A

Turbocharger · Turbochargers

Technical data from manufacturer or class sources · not yet verified by a person​‍​‍⁠⁠​⁠‌​​‍​​‍⁠‌⁠‍​

Kawasaki KBB-A ST36-A — KBB-A, 6000 kW max.

Specifications

Technical data.reference — unverified

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Frame SizeST36-A
Power max (kW)6000
Inspection

Inspector Detail ✓ verified

Common issues

  • Bearing wear (journal and thrust bearings) leading to increased rotor play and vibration.
  • Fouling of compressor impeller and diffuser, reducing air flow and efficiency, often due to dirty intake air or oil carry-over.
  • Fouling of turbine blades and nozzle ring, reducing turbine efficiency and increasing exhaust back pressure, typically from poor fuel combustion or HFO operation.
  • Oil leakage from bearing housing seals, indicating seal wear or improper oil drainage.
  • Rotor imbalance due to uneven fouling, blade damage, or bearing wear, causing excessive vibration.
  • Cracks or erosion in turbine casing, nozzle ring, or exhaust gas inlet/outlet ducts due to thermal stress or high-velocity particle impact.
  • Damage to compressor or turbine blades from foreign object ingestion (FOD) or erosion.
  • Turbocharger surging, often linked to engine operating conditions, air filter blockage, or severe fouling.

Inspection checklist

  • Check axial and radial rotor clearances (rotor play) against manufacturer's limits using a dial gauge.
  • Visually inspect compressor impeller and turbine blades for damage, erosion, and fouling. Note any signs of rubbing.
  • Inspect bearing housing for oil leaks, particularly around the shaft seals and oil drain connections.
  • Check the condition of the air filter elements (if integrated or part of the intake system) and ensure no bypass.
  • Verify the security of all mounting bolts, exhaust gas connections, and lubricating oil lines.
  • Monitor turbocharger speed, exhaust gas temperatures (inlet/outlet), and boost pressure for deviations from normal operating parameters.
  • Listen for unusual noises (whining, grinding) and check vibration levels using onboard monitoring systems or portable vibrometers.
  • Inspect the turbine casing and exhaust gas ducts for cracks, hot spots, or insulation damage.
  • Check the condition of the nozzle ring and diffuser for fouling, damage, or deformation (if accessible without full disassembly).
  • Examine the lubricating oil system for correct pressure, temperature, and cleanliness (via oil analysis).

Service intervals

Routine Checks (daily/weekly)Visual inspection, parameter monitoring, listen for unusual noises.
Minor Overhaul (cleaning, bearing inspection/replacement)8,000 - 12,000 running hours or every 1.5-2 years, whichever comes first. Includes cleaning of compressor/turbine, inspection of bearings and seals, replacement if necessary.
Major Overhaul (full strip-down, rotor balancing, comprehensive component inspection)16,000 - 24,000 running hours or every 3-4 years, whichever comes first. Includes full disassembly, cleaning, NDT of critical components, rotor balancing, replacement of all bearings, seals, and gaskets.
Bearing ReplacementTypically part of minor or major overhaul, or as indicated by condition monitoring (e.g., 8,000-12,000 hours for plain bearings).

Typical wear limits

Axial Rotor Clearance (End Play)New: 0.15 - 0.25 mm. Wear Limit: +0.10 to +0.20 mm over new, or maximum 0.45 mm (KBB specific limits should be consulted).
Radial Rotor Clearance (Bearing Play)New: 0.08 - 0.15 mm. Wear Limit: +0.05 to +0.10 mm over new, or maximum 0.25 mm (KBB specific limits should be consulted).
Compressor/Turbine Blade Tip ClearanceManufacturer specific, typically 0.5 - 1.5 mm new. Wear limit usually a small increase (e.g., +0.1 to +0.2 mm) before efficiency drops significantly or rubbing occurs.
Bearing ConditionAny visible scoring, pitting, discoloration, or excessive play beyond specified limits is cause for replacement. Oil analysis indicating high wear metals is also a key indicator.
Casing CracksAny visible cracks in the turbine or compressor casings are unacceptable and require repair or replacement.

Ranges are typical for this design class. Always confirm against the manufacturer documentation for your serial number.

Critical spares

  • Complete bearing cartridge/assembly (includes journal and thrust bearings, seals, O-rings).
  • Gasket and O-ring set for complete overhaul.
  • Oil seals (compressor and turbine side).
  • Nozzle ring (or segments, if applicable) and diffuser.
  • Air filter elements (if specific to the turbocharger intake).
  • Special tools required for disassembly and assembly (e.g., rotor lifting tools, bearing pullers).
  • Lubricating oil pump (if external and specific to the turbocharger).

Safety

  • High temperatures: Exhaust gas and casing surfaces can reach several hundred degrees Celsius, posing severe burn risks. Ensure proper insulation and warning signs.
  • High rotational speeds: The rotor operates at extremely high RPMs (e.g., 15,000-25,000 RPM for this size), making rotor disintegration a catastrophic failure risk. Adhere strictly to maintenance procedures and wear limits.
  • Pressurized air/gas: Compressed air from the compressor outlet and exhaust gas present pressure hazards. Ensure systems are depressurized before opening.
  • Hot lubricating oil: Oil can be hot and under pressure. Exercise caution during oil system maintenance.
  • Noise levels: Turbochargers generate significant noise. Hearing protection is mandatory in the vicinity.

Class survey

A class surveyor will typically check the general condition and cleanliness of the turbocharger, security of mounting, absence of oil or exhaust gas leaks, and integrity of insulation. They will review maintenance records, including the date and scope of the last major overhaul, bearing replacements, and any reported defects or repairs. During engine trials, they may observe turbocharger performance parameters (speed, boost pressure, temperatures) and listen for abnormal noises. While a full internal inspection is not always mandatory at every survey, it may be requested if there are concerns about performance, excessive vibration, or if it aligns with the specific scope of a machinery survey (e.g., at special survey intervals). Documentation of overspeed trip tests (if applicable to the engine system) may also be reviewed.

Estimated lifetime: 80,000 - 120,000 hours for core components (rotor shaft, casings) with regular maintenance and adherence to overhaul schedules. Bearings and seals are consumables replaced during overhauls.

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