9RTA84T-D
The Sulzer 9RTA84T-D is a low‑speed, two‑stroke marine diesel engine delivering 40 680 kW at 76 rpm, designed for direct‑drive propulsion on large commercial vessels.
Engine Specifications
Inspector Detail
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Designation decoded
Sulzer 9RTA84T-D – 9-Zylinder, Reihenbauweise, Zweitakt-Kreuzkopfmotor, 840 mm Bohrung, 3150 mm Hub, T=Tankerausführung, D=Entwicklungsversion (Development) mit verlängertem Hub
Background
The 9RTA84T-D represents the development variant of the RTA84T with significantly extended stroke (3150 mm instead of 2400 mm). The stroke-to-bore ratio of 3.75 is extremely high and demonstrates the development towards ultra-long-stroke engines. The extended stroke increases torque and improves thermal efficiency, but places increased demands on piston rod guidance, crosshead and liner alignment. VIT, pulse lubrication and CLU are integrated. The 9-cylinder configuration with this extreme stroke results in an exceptional overall engine height.
Calculated metrics
Inspector checklist
- Inspect crosshead guide surface for wear patterns and groove formation
- Check piston rod guide sleeves for clearance and condition
- Schmierölzufuhr zur Kreuzkopf-Gleitfläche verifizieren
- Dichtungspackung der Kolbenstange (Stopfbuchse) auf Leckage prüfen
- Measure piston rod for deflection and straightness
- Kolbenbolzen-Lagerung auf thermische Verfärbung prüfen
- Pleuelstangen-Schraubenvorspannung mit Ultraschall verifizieren
- Check scavenge ports for symmetrical opening with extended stroke
- Inspect tooth flanks for pitting formation and wear
- Nockenwellen-Lagerspiel dokumentieren
- Verify timing with extended stroke particularly carefully
- Assess drive chain/gear noise level during test run
- VIT-Verstellbereich auf korrekte Funktion über den gesamten Lastbereich prüfen
- Check fuel pump delivery rate at elevated combustion chamber pressure
- Check injection nozzles for spray pattern and opening pressure
- Monitor return line for elevated temperature or leakage
- Evaluate crankshaft deflection with extended stroke as particularly critical
- Motorgrundrahmen auf Rissbildung an Verstärkungsrippen prüfen
- Seitenständer-Verschraubung auf Vorspannung kontrollieren
- Perform vibration measurements on double bottom at various engine speeds
Logbook reference values
| Parameter | Expected | Deviation means |
|---|---|---|
| Exhaust gas temperature per cylinder | 310–370 °C at rated load | Bei D-Variante mit längerem Expansionshub sind tendenziell niedrigere Abgastemperaturen zu erwarten; Abweichungen >25 °C zwischen Zylindern prüfen |
| Zünddruck (Pmax) | 135–160 bar abhängig von Abstimmung | Higher Pmax due to extended stroke and improved combustion; cylinder pressure scatter >5 bar requires adjustment |
| Kühlwasser-Austrittstemperatur Liner | 78–85 °C | Bei verlängertem Liner ist auf gleichmäßige Kühlwasserverteilung zu achten; lokale Überhitzung kann zu thermischem Riss führen |
| Kolbenstangen-Stopfbuchse Leckölmenge | <10 l/24h pro Zylinder | Increased leakage indicates worn piston rings or piston rod surface damage |
| Kreuzkopf-Lagertemperatur | <65 °C | Temperature rise indicates insufficient lubrication or incipient bearing seizure; particularly critical in D variant due to higher loading |
| Spülluftdruck | 2.8–3.5 bar depending on load | Deviation may indicate turbocharger fouling or leaking charge air cooler |
| Zylinderschmieröl-Verbrauch | 0,8–1,2 g/kWh | Durch verlängerten Liner ist gleichmäßige Verteilung des Schmierfilms schwieriger; Überwachung der Schmierpunkte essentiell |
| Kurbelwellendurchbiegung | Gemäß Herstellervorgabe, typisch ±0,05 mm | With 9 cylinders and extreme stroke, even minor deflection must be taken seriously; investigate foundation deformation immediately |
Common Failure Modes
Expert tips
- 💡 The extreme stroke of 3150 mm with 840 mm bore gives an S/B ratio of 3.75 – this requires particular attention to piston rod guidance and stuffing box sealing, as the side forces at the crosshead are considerable.
- 💡 With the D development variant, manufacturer modifications and service bulletin updates may be present that differ from standard configuration – always cross-check the current modification status against the shipyard list.
- 💡 Die verlängerte Expansionsphase verbessert den Wirkungsgrad, erhöht aber die thermische Belastung im oberen Linerbereich – endoskopische Inspektionen in kürzeren Intervallen als beim Standardmodell durchführen.
Related components
Classification & regulatory
The D development variant may have different classification requirements. Check whether special class society requirements apply for experimental or first-series variants. Continuous Machinery Survey (CMS) with shortened intervals may be mandatory. Demonstrate emissions compliance according to IMO Tier II/III. Document all inspection results according to ISM Code.
Reference content for inspector orientation. Always verify against manufacturer's manual, latest service letters and class society requirements.
Other Cylinder Configurations 50
Components & Design
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Technical Data
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Maritime Network →Manuals
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operating
Sulzer RTA Operating ManualWärtsilä Switzerland (historical Sulzer)
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maintenance
Sulzer RTA Maintenance ManualWärtsilä Switzerland (historical Sulzer)
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spare_parts
Sulzer RTA Spare Parts CatalogueWärtsilä Switzerland (historical Sulzer)