Service Bulletin RTA-69

22.03.2005
Technical Information to all Owners / Operators
of Sulzer RTA96C/C-B and RT-flex96C-B Engines

Relief Valve 274HD on

Exhaust Valve Air Spring System
Relief Valve 274HD replaces previous Relief Valve 270HD

Contents: Page

1. Introduction 1

2. New Relief Valves 274HD 2

3. Retrofit Package for

Relief Valves 274HD 4

4. Service Bulletins Published for 5

Large Bore RTA-Type Engines

Wärtsilä Switzerland Ltd PO Box 414 Tel. +41 52 262 23 30

Wärtsilä Schweiz AG CH-8401 Winterthur Fax +41 52 212 71 03
Wärtsilä Suisse SA Switzerland E-mail: [email protected]
1. INTRODUCTION
This Service Bulletin informs you about the latest retrofit solution in order to modify the
exhaust valve air spring system.
The “-C Series” comprises the following engine types:
RTA96C and RTA96C-B
The “RT-flex” Series” comprises the following engine types:
RT-flex96C-B
In a recent incident, a defective pressure reducing valve 19HA for the air spring supply
caused an overpressure in the air spring due to a malfunctioning pressure relief valve
270HD.
The overpressure in the air spring resulted in an overload of the actuator pump, causing
mechanical damage to actuator cams and rollers.

Opening pressure: 9 bar

Fig. 1 Previous Relief Valve 270HD
The pressure relief valves applied today bear the risk that, by inappropriate assembly,
the opening pressure setting can be altered, i.e. be increased and can therefore not
protect the air spring from an overpressure.
Investigations have also revealed that in some cases the relief valve 270HD was not
protected during the main engine painting and the proper function was also impaired due
to ingress of paint.
Meanwhile a new type of relief valve has been introduced, where the opening pressure
can not be altered anymore and engine builders have been specifically instructed to
protect safety equipment during the painting of main engines.

Note: The retrofit of the relief valve 274HD is mandatory in order to protect
engine components from mechanical overload.
Furthermore, the pressure relief valve shown in Figure 1 is no longer available from the
manufacturer.
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2. NEW RELIEF VALVES 274HD
A new relief valve 274HD must be fitted on both end flanges (forward and aft) of the
main collecting pipe for leakage oil from the air spring system.
The new type of relief valve is equipped with an adapter piece with thread size of
M22x1.5 and sealing ring. The opening pressure is 9.2 bar.
The retrofit can be made during a port stay.

Copper Sealing Ring Adaptor

Adapter M18x1.5 to M22x1.5

Fig. 2 New Relief Valve 274HD

2.1. Instructions for Retrofit (see also drawings overleaf)

Prior to starting the work, make sure that the system is pressure less and the oil is
drained from the main collecting pipe for leakage oil from the air spring system.
Remove the old relief valve on the aft flange and fit the new relief valve with adapter and
sealing ring. Remove the forward end flange of the main collecting pipe for leakage oil
from the air spring system.
A new threaded hole M22x1.5 must be made on the end flange (forward). Fit the new
relief valve with the adapter and the sealing ring to the end flange. Assemble the end
flange back to the main collecting pipe for leakage oil from the air spring system.
NOTE: Make sure no drilling chips or any other particles / dirt enters the exhaust
valve air spring system during the modification work.

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 See detail A

Fig. 3 Top View 8RTA96C-B

Detail A

M22x1.5

Relief Valve 274HD

Fig. 5 End flange with Drain Pipe

Note: On some engines the end flange on the forward

side has no drain pipe. On this flange just drill a
M22x1.5 threaded hole.

Fig. 4 View from Aft

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2.2. High Pressure Alarm for the Air Spring Pressure
Where possible an air spring pressure high alarm shall be added to the vessel’s alarm
system in order to alert the ship’s crew in case of over pressure.
The alarm threshold is to be set at 9 bar G rising and can be derived from the already
available measuring point PT4321A (RTA type engines) or PT4341A (RT-flex engines).
The currently installed pressure transmitter has an operating range of 0-10 bar G and
needs to be exchanged by one with an operating range of 0-40 bar G of the same type,
for a safe detection of over pressure up to 30 bar (Starting air pressure range).
The new pressure transmitter with an operating range 0-40 bar G has the following code
number:
For RTA engines D 92583
For RT-flex engines DF 92583

3. RETROFIT PACKAGE FOR RELIEF VALVE 274HD

The retrofit package can be ordered either through our Network Companies or directly
from Wärtsilä Switzerland Ltd, Fax no. +41 52 262 07 22.
To order the retrofit package please use the following order number:
TO 270HD
The retrofit package consists of the following parts:
- 2 Relief valves 274HD with adapter and sealing ring
- 2 Sealing rings 021.151.002.511
- 1 Pressure transmitter 0-40 bar G

We suggest that one of our service engineers from Wärtsilä Switzerland Ltd or any of our
Network Companies assist you when the modification is carried out.

This Service Bulletin must be kept in a separate file in the control room.

NOTE:
It is entirely within the responsibility of the shipowner or ship operator to instruct
their personnel in charge to follow and implement the recommendations contained
herein.
Wärtsilä Switzerland Ltd has issued this Service Bulletin to the best of their
knowledge and ability. However, Wärtsilä Switzerland Ltd, can not assume any
liability for any and all information contained in this or any other Service Bulletin.
Changes of any nature to the form and / or to the contents of this or any other
Service Bulletin as published by Wärtsilä Switzerland Ltd, are not permitted.

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4. SERVICE BULLETINS PUBLISHED FOR LARGE
BORE RTA-TYPE ENGINES

We have so far published the following Service Bulletins which are valid for Large Bore RTA-Type Engines
(RTA48T to RTA96C):

RTA-1 dated 01.03.1988 Recommendation Concerning Piston Running Behaviour

RTA-2 dated 05.10.1988 Water Drain from Charge Air Receiver and Charge Air Temperature
RTA-3.4 dated 30.03.1998 Fuel Injection Nozzles
RTA-4 dated 20.11.1989 Oil Damping for Short Tie Rods
RTA-8 dated 15.06.1992 RTA-Cylinder Liners and Reinforced Water Guide Jackets
RTA-9 dated 20.07.1992 Cylinder Cover with Erosion / Corrosion Resistant Cladding
RTA-10 dated 28.10.1992 RTA “-8 Series” Engines / Piston Skirt in Two Parts
RTA-11.2 dated 11.05.2001 Fuel Injection Pump Regulating Linkage
RTA-14.1 dated 23.08.2002 System Oil Care and Maintenance
RTA-15 dated 10.02.1994 Elastic Studs on RTA-Type Engines
RTA-16.1 dated 20.02.1998 Retrofit for Piston Rod Stuffing Boxes for RTA “-8 Series” Engines
RTA-17.1 dated 28.02.1995 Circulation Valve to Fuel Injection Valve
RTA-18.2 dated 14.06.2002 Running-in of Cylinder Liners and Piston Rings
RTA-19 dated 28.10.1994 Oil Supply Monitoring for Geislinger Torsional Vibration Damper
RTA-20 dated 30.11.1994 Rotational Safety Studs for Roller Guide of Fuel Pump and Exhaust
Valve Actuator
RTA-21 dated 10.04.1995 Improvement of Starting Behaviour (for engines with DENIS-1 and
DENIS-5 Control Systems only!)
RTA-22.1 dated 28.11.1996 Waisted Bolts for Piston Crown Spraying Plate of RTA84C, 84M, 84T
and 84CU (upgraded) Engines
RTA-24.2 dated 18.05.1999 VTR ..4 Turbochargers After Sales Service Information Issued by ABB
RTA-26 dated 03.01.1996 Loss of Material on Piston Crowns due to High Temperature Corrosion
and Erosion (watercooled pistons)
RTA-27 dated 26.04.1996 Plastic Water Separator
RTA-28 dated 31.05.1996 Improvement of the Engine Control System
RTA-29 dated 21.10.1996 Improved Oil Supply to the Integrated Axial Detuner Equipped with
Internal Oil Supply Line
RTA-30 dated 27.11.1996 Improvement of Starting Behaviour on RTA Engines Equipped with
Type PGA200 and PGA EG200 Woodward Governors
RTA-31 dated 23.01.1997 Alphabetical Index of Topics of Service Bulletins
RTA-33.1 dated 05.12.2003 Crank Pin Bearing Shells
RTA-34 dated 28.11.1997 Fuel Injection System Modification and Maintenance
RTA-35.1 dated 07.06.2001 Retrofit for Piston Rod Stuffing Boxes for RTA “-2 and -2U Series”
Engines
RTA-36.1 dated 08.06.2001 Reconditioning of Piston Rods of RTA “-2 Series” Engines
RTA-37.1 dated 11.06.2001 Reconditioning of Piston Rods of RTA “-8 Series” Engines
RTA-38 dated 26.02.1998 Piston Crown Loss of Material on Combustion Side
RTA-39 dated 31.03.1998 Overhaul and Reconditioning of Pistons
RTA-42.1 dated 14.03.2002 Templates for Exhaust Valve Seat and Spindle
RTA-43.2 dated 03.12.2002 Piston Rings
RTA-44 dated 26.02.1999 Tightening Instructions for the Plunger Guide Nipple
RTA-45 dated 03.06.1999 Tightening Instructions for Screws and Waisted Studs

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RTA-46 dated 17.06.1999 Cracks in Columns
RTA-47 dated 28.06.1999 Draining of Fuel Oil Pipes; Modification to Shut-off Valves of Fuel
Pipes and Drain Plug of Fuel Pump Block
RTA-48 dated 20.09.1999 Instruction for Replacement of NOX Relevant Components on IMO
Compliant Sulzer RTA Engines
RTA-49 dated 08.10.1999 Gearing for Auxiliary Drives Z 42800
RTA-50 dated 10.01.2000 Leakage Oil Collector in Air Spring System
RTA-51 dated 21.08.2000 Deflagration in Engine Scavenge System and Exhaust Manifold
RTA-52 dated 22.09.2000 Water Separator on RTA-Type Engines
RTA-53 dated 12.06.2001 Variable Injection Timing and Fuel Quality Setting
RTA-54 dated 18.07.2001 Electronic Variable Injection Timing Troubles and Remedies
RTA-55 dated 31.10.2001 Exhaust Valve Seat and Exhaust Valve Spindle
RTA-56 dated 26.02.2002 Indicator Valves
RTA-57 dated 20.06.2002 Improved Starting Behaviour with Quick Venting Valves
RTA-58 dated 15.10.2002 Cleaning of Scavenge Air Cooler During Operation and at Standstill
RTA-59 dated 10.02.2003 Procedures and Relevant Information for Sulzer RTA Engines to
Comply with the Annex VI NOX Limit on Testbed and on Board
RTA-60.1 dated 09.04.2003 Cylinder Lubrication Diagrams for Vogel “PC” and “TA” Lubricating
Pumps
RTA-61 dated 25.03.2003 Damping Elements to Piston Cooling Oil Flow Monitoring
RTA-62 dated 21.05.2003 Prevention of Water Carry-Over and Liner Polishing
RTA-63 dated 12.08.2003 Cylinder Oil Feed Rates
RTA-64 dated 19.08.2003 Modification of Fuel Pump Block and Pressure Bush
RTA-65 dated 25.09.2003 Daros Chromium-Ceramic Piston Rings
RTA-66 dated 06.02.2004 Lubricating oils
RTA-67.2 dated 03.03.2005 Lifting Device for Cylinder Liner
RTA-68 dated 06.12.2004 Piston Rod Gland Box Venting of the Oil Drain Collector
RTA-69 dated 22.03.2005 Air Spring Over Pressure – Relief Valve 274HD

Should you not be in possession of the above mentioned documentation suitable for your plant, kindly
contact your local Wärtsilä representative for your copy.

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