Experience with Diesel Gen Set Failures

[joan271273]

What is the experinece out there in regards to the diesel generators failures due:

a) Fire in the exhauts during load bank test operations
b) Backfiring.

I have had cases were we have suffered contingencies of that sort and when contacting the manufacturers of diesel gen sets they are telling me that they do not have history of these type of issues ???? Come On !!.

I have had three problems in two years and these guys instead of helping us clarify why ? did the contingency happen they seem to try to cover up.

Any experience out there on failures or maybe how to analyze these.

 

[jwerthman]

I have never seen either of these problems. It sounds like you're getting a lot of unburned fuel flowing to the exhaust system, where it is sometimes continuing to burn or when mixed with the right amount of air, exploding in the exhaust. I can't offer much for a solution, unless the fuel injectors are just set for too rich a fuel mixture.

 

[joan271273]

It is not only due to unburn fuel, but also due to bad connections at the exhaust that allow for fuel to migrate into the sound insulation jackets, etc. The problems previous to my latest experience have been related to backfires, incorrect installation of stack insulation,etc. I was looking to see if someone knew of sources in the web that discuss troubles with diesel gen sets.

 

[jbartos]

Suggestions:
1. Diesel generator loading and testing have been discussed in this Forum.
2. Visit

http://www.penlight.org/Marketing/gen_faq.html

for air-fuel mixing valve adjustments

http://www.northwest.cummins.com/na/pages/en/distributors/seattle/customerservice/faq.cfm

etc. for more info