Checks To Be Made While Running An Diesel Generator

Buying a diesel generator itself is an arduous task, given the level of

homework one needs to do to make a sound decision. Technological specifications, background checks for authenticity (in case of Used Diesel Generators), comparison of prices, etc. are overwhelming in nature, especially if it is for the first time.

Once bought, the buyer needs to maintain a certain regime in terms of running a diesel generator smoothly and therefore adding to its longevity, for then only will it become a ‘value for money’ asset. In terms of maintenance and running, F G Wilson Generators and Perkins Generators are among the best in the lot, since both the brands offer very high levels of satisfaction to its owners in all aspects.

Once the generator has actually started to run, there are several checks which must be performed before it is left on its own to continue running. These checks pertain to verifying various parameters related to lube oil levels, temperatures and so forth. Given below is a brief checklist related to for running Electrical Generators, especially Diesel Generators, without any major breakdown.

Lube oil checks

• Sump lube oil level
•   Governor lube oil level
• Rocker arm lube oil level
• Alternator forward and aft bearing lube oil level
• Lube oil in turbine & blower side of turbo charger

Temperature checks

•  Exhaust gas temperature
• Turbocharger (inlet-outlet) temperature
• Booster air inlet temperature

Cooler temperatures

•  Cooling sea water (inlet - out let) temperature in cooler
•   Jacket cooling water (inlet - outlet) temperature
• Air cooler (inlet -outlet) temperature

Safety devices

  

Once the above mentioned parameters have been checked and found within normal range, it is safe to continue running the generator. Yet a fault can develop even at a later stage, so for this very purpose various trips and alarms are situated on the generators. An alarm gives the signal of an impending danger and requires quick action while a trip actually trips the generator immediately because of the nature of the fault.

The various trips and alarms are mentioned as follows

• Alternator bearing low oil level alarm & trip
• Alternator bearing high temperature lubes oil alarm &trip
• Low sump oil level alarm and trip
• Lube low oil pressure alarm and trip
• Reverse current trip
• Over speed trip
• Over load trip
• High and low frequency trip
• Jacket cooling water low pressure alarm

In case of New Diesel Generators from the companies mentioned above, all these checks come down to a minimum, given the superior engineering of the models. Nonetheless, these are some of the general maintenance tips that are applicable to all.