Research on influence of some ship diesel engine malfunctions on its exhaust gas toxicity

This paper is a continuation of the previous articles of the authors, published in Polish Maritime Research [1, 2], devoted to pollution of the atmosphere due ship diesel engines in operation. In the paper presented are results of the investigations carried out in the Gdynia Maritime Academy laboratory with the use of a ship one-cylinder diesel engine combusting heavy fuel oil. Two its possible malfunctions: changes of fuel injection pressure and changes of injection advance angle were simulated. Both malfunctions, which might occur as a result of incorrect engine regulation or wearing or contamination of engine elements, were simulated separately. The presented investigations were focused on finding out relationships between the assumed malfunctions and exhaust gas content, especially content of nitric oxides (NOx), very toxic compoŹunds. The paper is ended by several conclusions arising from analysis of the results which have - apart from their cognitive merits - also an utilitarian character as they may be put into practice by ship operators, provided that some limitations resulting from the specific conditions of the reported laboratory investigations are appropriately taken into account.