"> Sulzer 9RTA84T-D
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Sulzer

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.

40680.0 kW
Power

Engine Specifications

9
Cylinders
840 mm
Bore
3150 mm
Stroke
40,680 kW
MCR Power
76.0 rpm
MCR RPM
2-stroke
Stroke Type
Family: Sulzer RTA · Tier: IMO Tier I · Fuel: HFO, MDO

Inspector Detail ✓ verified

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

Stroke To Bore Ratio
3.75

Inspector checklist

Crosshead and piston rod guidance
  • 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
Verlängerter Hub – Spezialprüfungen
  • 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
Camshaft and gear drive
  • 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 and fuel system
  • 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
Foundation alignment and structural integrity
  • 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

Kolbenstangen-Ausrichtungsfehler
Symptoms: ['Uneven wear on the stuffing box', 'Erhöhte Lecköl-Rate', 'Einseitige Abnutzungsspuren an der Kreuzkopf-Gleitbahn']
Causes: Thermische Verformung des verlängerten Zylinderlaufes, Foundation deformation with loading changes, Manufacturing tolerances at extreme stroke length
Preventive: Regular measurement of piston rod deflection, foundation inspection and stuffing box inspection
Zylinderliner-Thermische Rissbildung
Symptoms: ['Kühlwasser im Verbrennungsraum', 'Pressure loss during compression', 'Visible hair cracks on endoscopic inspection']
Causes: Thermal stresses due to extended liner length, Ungleichmäßige Kühlung im oberen Linerbereich, Zu schnelle Lastaufnahme (Thermoschock)
Preventive: Maintain load ramp rates according to manufacturer specifications, monitor cooling water quality and perform regular endoscopic inspection
Nockenwellen-Zahnradermüdung
Symptoms: ['Zunehmende Vibration im Steuerungsbereich', 'Deviation of injection and exhaust timing', 'Metallabrieb im Getriebeöl']
Causes: Higher dynamic load due to extended stroke, Resonance frequencies at certain speeds, Material fatigue after high operating hours
Preventive: Vibration monitoring, regular magnetic crack inspection of gears and oil analysis
Kreuzkopf-Gleitbahn-Fresser
Symptoms: ['Plötzlicher Temperaturanstieg am betroffenen Kreuzkopf', 'Klopfende Geräusche im Kurbelgehäuse', 'Alarmmeldung der Temperaturüberwachung']
Causes: Oil film breakdown at high surface pressure, Verschmutztes Schmieröl, Increased side forces due to extreme stroke
Preventive: Ensure oil cleaning, regularly check slide surface condition and ensure temperature monitoring of all crosshead bearings

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

Turbocharger (inspect compressor and turbine for contamination and play) Charge air cooler (pressure differential and tightness) Kraftstoffeinspritzdüsen (Sprühbild, Öffnungsdruck) Main bearings and connecting rod bearings (play, bearing shell condition) Kolbenstangen-Stopfbuchse (Dichtungsringe, Federdruck) Kreuzkopf-Gleitbahn (Oberflächenzustand, Schmierung) Spülschlitze im Zylinderliner (Verkokung, Verformung)

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.

Components & Design

Component data being added…

Technical Data

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Manuals

  • operating
    Sulzer RTA Operating Manual
    Wärtsilä Switzerland (historical Sulzer)
  • maintenance
    Sulzer RTA Maintenance Manual
    Wärtsilä Switzerland (historical Sulzer)
  • spare_parts
    Sulzer RTA Spare Parts Catalogue
    Wärtsilä Switzerland (historical Sulzer)
Equipment Model #38697 · ✓ still in production