Safeguard your AD plant from the 5 hidden causes of CHP shutdown

Discover how a live monitoring system can protect your engine from the five most common hidden causes of engine shutdown…

 

Knowledge is power

Today’s latest CHP engines are finely tuned, sophisticated pieces of kit that operate with precise tolerances. Correctly maintained, they will perform reliably for years to come; but leave them unchecked and you run the risk of underperformance, hard shutdowns and even catastrophic failure.

 

Operators that can monitor their engine’s performance in real time, and review and compare data across a range of parameters, will be in the best position to prevent issues from happening, ensuring their CHP operates as intended and continues to generate income for years to come.

igs monitoring system

 

To identify and correct issues before they start affecting your engine’s performance, we recommend installing live engine monitoring. The IGS-LOG software, which comes as standard with the Motortech open access control panel, enables owners to understand what constitutes normal operation and spot any downward trends or anomalies. Giving operators full control over their engine and ensuring the highest levels of performance, it monitors up to 25 parameters, including the following five common hidden causes of engine shutdown.

 

motortech open access monitoring system

  1. Gas pressure

Potential causes of drops in gas pressure include flaring or a blockage in the gas line or filter. By monitoring the gas pressure and noting any drops, operators can better identify the cause of any unexpected shutdown and take preventative action to protect their CHP.

 

  1. Gas quality

Changes in AD feedstock will affect an engine’s performance, particularly if harmful contaminants such as H2S are allowed to build up. By monitoring the gas composition, operators can spot any corresponding trends in engine performance and alter their feedstock as necessary before their CHP becomes adversely affected.

 

  1. Emissions

The ComAp IGS-LOG provides 24/7 emission analysis, enabling an operator to fine-tune their engine. Operating without this vital piece of information is like a chef not tasting their food. It allows the operator to see if their engine is running rich or lean and take the necessary steps to address any issues before they present a serious risk.

 

  1. Water pressure

Another common cause of a hard engine shutdown is a change in water pressure. Constant analysis of water pressure helps an operator to avoid the peaks and troughs that can result in performance issues and promotes smooth and reliable operation.

 

  1. Kilovolts

An operator will often become used to hearing a tiny jump when their engine starts and dismiss it as a quirk of their engine, without realising that this noise is actually the sound of the engine misfiring. Every time this misfire occurs, it sends a shudder throughout the whole cylinder, placing additional stress on every part of the CHP. Live monitoring will highlight a rise in kilovolts or erratic KV readings, warning the operator of a potential issue with their ignition system or spark plugs.

 

To find out how live engine monitoring can improve the performance and longevity of your CHP engine, call 01709 718002.