Protective Shields on Main Engines – Purpose and Differences in Installation
Protective Shields are additional safety devices fitted around the cylinder ends of some MAN B&W ME engines, particularly at Cylinder No. 1 and No. 6. Although they are not standard factory equipment, many shipowners require their installation to protect crew members from high-temperature combustion gases that may escape under abnormal cylinder pressure, especially during main engine starting. The article explains the reason for their installation and why the arrangement may differ between engines of the same type.
Protective shields
Question: Two engines are MAN B&W 6S35ME-B9.5 T2 but difference requirements, one engine has Protective shields on Cylinder No.1 and Cylinder No.6, while the other engine does not. Why is there a difference?
Answer: The Maker does not install those Protective shields from the factory, but many Japanese, Korean, and EU shipowners require them to be installed later. Especially for Cylinder No.1 and Cylinder No.6 because these are the two ends of the engine where crew members often passing by.
The purpose of the Protective shields is to shield combustion gas from blowing out in case of overpressure in that cylinder. On MC engines, each cylinder has a safety valve, but ME engines do not. On ME engines, overpressure can occur due to excess fuel, which often happens when starting the main engine. At that moment, the cylinder head bolts will stretch, and the combustion gas from overpressure will escape at the joint between the cylinder head and the liner.
A practical experience shared by our Chief Engineers, contributing valuable knowledge from their years of experience at sea.
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