The two major factors influencing diesel engine design and development continue to be the soaring fuel costs and deterioration in the quality of marine fuels. While most diesel designers are working to modify existing models to achieve lower specific fuel consumption, a milestone was achieved by Caterpillar with the recent introduction of an entirely new series of high-speed, heavy-duty diesels in the 800 to 1,600-bhp range.
The past year saw several new licensing agreements between European companies and U.S. engine manufacturers. Transamerica Delaval has been licensed by the Dutch company Stork-Werkspoor Diesel of Amsterdam to manufacture and market in the U.S. the TM 620 series, which will be known as the Enterprise/SWD TM 620 diesel line. Waukesha Engine Division of Dresser Industries will manufacture a line of medium-speed diesels in the 1,230 to 4,320 bhp power range under license from Sulzer Brothers of Switzerland. And Allis-Chalmers of Milwaukee has been licensed by B&W Diesel of Copenhagen to manufacture and market the Danish company's low-speed engines in the U.S.
We asked the diesel manufacturers to tell us about their latest designs and developments; the following review is based on their replies.
ALCO POWER
The past year has been one of increased activity in the marine market for Alco Power Inc. With engine orders up from last year, Alco is looking optimistically toward the coming year. Early 1982 will find Alco engines being installed in vessels at three major inland yards — Dravo, Jeffboat, and St. Louis Ship. Recent installations include main propulsion engines for the towboats Jeffboat, Volunteer, Karen Ann, and Toutant, plus a tug for Gladders Towing. Current contracts include orders for a quantity of Alco engines for main propulsion of tugs and towboats.
Alco's capability in the marine market extends to specialized applications as well. One such application is the dredge Eagle 1, built by Avondale for Eagle Dredging, which entered service earlier this year. A split-hull hopper dredge, the Eagle 1 has two Alco 16-cylinder 251s for main propulsion and two Alco 6-cylinder 251s to drive the dredging pumps. Forced to meet stringent requirements, these engines are able to operate at a side pitch of 23 degrees, which becomes necessary when the vessel's split hull is opened to dump the dredging spoils.
In its ongoing effort to respond to the demands of the market, Alco will continue its research and development program for engines operating on blended fuel. In addition, Alco offers a marine training school at its St. Louis location to familiarize operators with engine characteristics and maintenance procedures. The "hands-on" experience offered by this program has been well received by those who have attended.
Historically, Alco has provided diesel engines for a variety of applications. All markets will benefit from the introduction of the Alco 270, a new engine now in production at the company's Auburn, N.Y., plant. Available in 6-, 8-, 12-, 16-, and 18-cylinder configurations, the larger-bore 270 offers more power (1,400 to 5,800 bhp) in a smaller package to complement the existing 251 model. Many of the 251's favorable characteristics have been incorporated into the 270.
Developed as an outgrowth of the Ruston RKC series diesel, the 270 is an engine of proven design and capability. Of interest to vessel owners is the 270's ability to burn heavy fuels up to 1500 seconds Redwood No. 1, and low fuel consumption under all operating conditions. The first 270s are expected in service in the spring of 1982, to be installed in a 9,000-bhp towboat.