RH RH-17

Common issues

• Bearing wear (journal and thrust bearings) due to high RPM, lubrication issues, or contamination.
• Compressor fouling (impeller and diffuser) leading to reduced efficiency, surging, and increased exhaust temperatures.
• Turbine fouling/erosion (nozzle ring and turbine wheel) from exhaust gas impurities, affecting performance and potentially causing imbalance.
• Oil leakage from bearing housing seals, resulting in oil carry-over to compressor/turbine sides or oil consumption.
• Rotor imbalance causing excessive vibration, leading to accelerated bearing wear and potential shaft damage.
• Cracks in exhaust gas casing or turbine housing due to thermal cycling and stress.
• Surging of the turbocharger, often caused by fouling, engine operational issues, or air filter blockage.

Inspection checklist

• Monitor operational parameters: Boost pressure, exhaust gas temperatures (pre/post turbine), bearing temperatures (if monitored), and engine RPM.
• Check for abnormal noise or vibration during operation; use a stethoscope or vibration meter if available.
• Inspect externally for oil leaks from bearing housing, exhaust gas leaks from casing joints, and any visible cracks on the casings.
• Verify the condition of insulation blankets on the exhaust casing for integrity and absence of asbestos (if applicable to older units).
• Inspect compressor wheel and diffuser for dirt accumulation, damage, or rub marks (during shutdown/opening).
• Inspect turbine wheel and nozzle ring for fouling, erosion, cracks, or damage (during shutdown/opening).
• Measure axial and radial clearances of the rotor (cold condition) to assess bearing wear.
• Check the condition of the air filter elements and ensure the intake ducting is free from obstructions.
• Verify the proper functioning of the lubricating oil supply system to the turbocharger (pressure, flow, oil quality).

Service intervals

Typical wear limits

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

Critical spares

• Complete bearing set (journal and thrust bearings, bushes)
• Sealing rings (oil and gas side, labyrinth seals)
• Gasket and O-ring set for overhaul
• Impeller nut (left-hand thread, specific torque required)
• Air filter elements (if integrated into TC intake)
• Lubricating oil filter elements (if TC has a dedicated oil system)

Safety

• High surface temperatures of exhaust casing and associated piping (severe burn hazard).
• High-speed rotating assembly (risk of catastrophic failure and projectile release if unbalanced or bearings fail).
• Pressurized air and exhaust gas systems (risk of sudden release during maintenance or failure).
• Hot lubricating oil under pressure (burn and slip hazard).
• High noise levels during operation (hearing protection required in vicinity).

Class survey

Class surveyors typically verify maintenance records (especially bearing replacements and major overhauls), conduct operational checks (boost pressure, temperatures, vibration), and perform external inspections for leaks, cracks, and insulation integrity. For Special Surveys or if performance issues are evident, an internal inspection of the rotor, bearings, and casings may be requested. Proper securing of the turbocharger and its foundation bolts will also be checked.

Estimated lifetime: 12,000 - 18,000 hours before major overhaul; 80,000 - 100,000 hours total design life with proper maintenance and component replacement.