Section 8 Lubricating oil systems

8.1.1 The arrangements for storage, distribution and utilisation of lubricating oils are to comply with the requirements of this Section.

8.2.1 Where lubricating oil for the main engine(s) is circulated under pressure, a standby lubricating oil pump is to be provided where the following conditions apply:

1. The lubricating oil pump is independently driven and the total output of the main engine(s) exceeds 370 kW.

2. One main engine with its own pump is fitted and the output of the engine exceeds 370 kW.

3. More than one main engine each with its own lubricating oil pump is fitted and the output of each engine exceeds 370 kW.

8.2.2 The standby pump is to be of sufficient capacity to maintain the supply of oil for normal conditions with any one pump out of action. The pump is to be fitted and connected ready for immediate use. In all cases satisfactory lubrication of the engines is to be ensured while starting and manoeuvring.

8.2.3 Similar provisions to those of Vol 2, Pt 7, Ch 3, 8.2 Pumps 8.2.1 and Vol 2, Pt 7, Ch 3, 8.2 Pumps 8.2.2 are to be made where separate lubricating oil systems are employed for piston cooling, reduction gears, oil operated couplings, controllable pitch propellers, water jet systems and propulsion thrusters, unless approved alternative arrangements are provided.

8.2.4 Independently driven pumps of rotary type are to be fitted with a non-return valve on the discharge side of the pump.

8.3.1 The power supply to all independently driven lubricating oil transfer and pressure pumps is to be capable of being stopped from a position outside the space, which will always be accessible in the event of fire occurring in the space in which the pumps or pump compartment are situated.

8.4.1 All lubricating oil pumps which are capable of developing a pressure exceeding the design pressure of the system are to be provided with relief valves or equivalent. Each relief valve is to be in closed circuit, i.e. arranged to discharge back to the suction side of the pump, thereby limiting the pump discharge pressure to the design pressure of the system.

8.4.2 Where centrifugal type lubricating oil pumps are fitted, pressure relief valves will not be required provided that pipes, valves and fittings are suitable for the greater of the design pressure or pump non-delivery pressure.

8.5.1 All main and auxiliary engines and turbines intended for Mobility systems or Ship Type systems are to be provided with means of indicating the lubricating oil pressure supply to them. Where such engines and turbines are of more than 37 kW, audible and visual alarms are to be fitted to give warning of an appreciable reduction in pressure of the lubricating oil supply. Further, these alarms are to be actuated from the outlet side of any restrictions, such as filters, coolers, etc.

8.6.1 A suitable emergency supply of lubricating oil is to be arranged to come automatically into use in the event of a failure of the supply from the pump.

8.6.2 The emergency supply may be obtained from gravity tank containing sufficient oil to maintain adequate lubrication for not less than six minutes, and, in the case of propulsion turbo-generators, until the unloaded turbine comes to rest from its maximum rated running speed.

8.6.3 Alternatively, the supply may be provided by the standby pump or by an emergency pump. These pumps are to be so arranged that their availability is not affected by a failure in the power supply.

8.6.4 For automatic shutdown arrangements of main turbines in the event of failure of the lubrication system, see Vol 2, Pt 2, Ch 2, 5.1 General and Vol 2, Pt 2, Ch 3, 4.3 Stress raisers.

8.7.1 The arrangements for lubricating bearings and for draining crankcase and other oil sumps of main and auxiliary engines, gearcases, electric generators, motors, and other running machinery are to be so designed that lubrication will remain efficient with the ship inclined under the conditions as shown in Vol 2, Pt 1, Ch 3, 4.6 Inclination of ship.

8.7.2 For details of the requirements relating to the lubrication of bearings of electric generators and motors, see Vol 2, Pt 9, Ch 1, 2.3 Ambient reference and operating conditions and Vol 2, Pt 7, Ch 3, 9 Control, supervision and monitoring of equipment.

8.7.3 Where a filling pipe and cap are provided for engines and other machinery, provision is to be made for the topping up oil to pass through a gauze strainer. The caps are to be capable of being secured in the closed position.

8.7.4 The capacity of lubricating oil service tanks is to be sufficient to avoid the need to replenish a tank for a period of time agreed by the Owner, assuming the normal oil consumption rate quoted by the equipment manufacturer.

8.8.1 Where the lubricating oil for main propelling engines is circulated under pressure, provision is to be made for the efficient filtration of the oil. The filters are to be capable of being cleaned without stopping the engine or reducing the supply of filtered oil to the engine. Proposals for an automatic by-pass for emergency purposes in high speed engines are to be submitted for special consideration.

8.8.2 In the case of propulsion turbines and their gears, arrangements are to be made for the lubricating oil to pass through magnetic strainers and fine filters. Generally, the openings in the filter elements are to be not coarser than required by the manufacturer of the turbines, especially for the supply to turbine thrust bearings.

8.8.3 Centrifuges used for lubricating oil treatment are to be type tested for use on board ships in accordance with a national or international standard that is acceptable to LR.

8.9.1 Filling stations are to be isolated from other spaces and are to be efficiently drained and ventilated.

8.10.1 Extreme care is to be taken to ensure that lubricating oil pipes and fittings, before installation, are free from scale, sand, metal particles and other foreign matter.

8.11.1 Pipes conveying lubricating oil under pressure are to be of seamless steel or other approved material having flanged or welded joints, and are to be placed in sight above the platform in well lit and readily accessible parts of the machinery spaces. The number of flanged joints is to be kept to a minimum.

8.11.2 For requirements relating to flexible hoses, see Vol 2, Pt 7, Ch 1, 13 Flexible hoses.

8.12.1 Where an engine lubricating oil drain tank extends to the bottom shell plating in ships that are required to be provided with a double bottom, a shut-off valve is to be fitted in the drainpipe between the engine casing and the double bottom tank. This valve is to be capable of being closed from an accessible position above the level of the lower platform.

8.13.1 The materials used in the storage and distribution of lubricating oil are to be selected such that they do not introduce contamination or modify the properties of the oil. The use of cadmium or zinc in lubricating oil systems where they may come into contact with the oil is not permitted.

8.13.2 Arrangements are to be made for each forced lubrication system, renovation system, ready to use tank(s) and their associated run-down lines to drain tanks to be flushed after system installation and prior to running of machinery. The flushing arrangements and procedures are to be in accordance with the equipment manufacturer's procedures and recommendations.

8.13.3 For prevention of ingress of water into lubricating oil tanks via air pipes, see Vol 2, Pt 7, Ch 2, 10.4 Termination of air pipes 10.4.4.

8.13.4 The design and construction of engine and gear box piping arrangements are to prevent contamination of engine lubricating oil systems by leakage of cooling water or from bilge water where the engines or gear boxes are partly installed below the lower platform. Where flexibility is required to accommodate movement between the engine and sump tank, any flexible joint assembly is to be of an approved type suitable for its intended application.

8.13.5 Where there is a permanently attached oil filling pipe and cap provided for an engine or other item of machinery, provision is to be made for the topping up oil to safely pass through a suitable strainer to prevent unwanted matter getting into the lubricating oil system. The caps are to be capable of being secured in the closed position.

8.13.6 Sampling points are to be provided that enable samples of lubricating oil to be taken in a safe manner. The sampling arrangements are to have the capability to provide samples when machinery is running and are to be provided with valves and cocks of the self-closing type and located in positions as far removed as possible from any heated surface or electrical equipment.

8.14.1 All valves whose position can affect the supply of oil to lubrication consumers are to be capable of being secured in their operating position.

8.14.2 All means of entry into lubricating oil tanks and gearcases are to be provided with a means of being locked in the closed position.

8.14.3 Drain plugs and cocks in lubricating systems are to be capable of being secured in the closed position.

8.15.1 The requirements for remote operation on valves on deep tank suction pipes may be waived where the valves are closed during normal operation.

8.15.2 Remotely operated valves on lubricating oil deep tank suctions should not be of the quick-closing type where inadvertent use would endanger the safe operation of the main propulsion and essential auxiliary machinery.

8.15.3 Every lubricating oil suction pipe from a storage, settling and service tank situated above the double bottom, and every oil levelling pipe within the engine room, is to be fitted with a valve or cock secured to the tank.

8.15.4 Valves and cocks are to be capable of being closed locally and from positions outside the space in which the tank is located. The remote controls are to be accessible in the event of fire occurring in the deep tank’s space. Instructions for closing the valves or cocks are to be indicated at the valves and cocks and at the remote control positions.

8.15.5 In the case of tanks of less than 500 litres capacity, consideration will be given to the omission of remote controls.

8.15.6 Every lubricating oil suction pipe which is led into the engine space from a tank situated above the double bottom outside this space is to be fitted in the machinery space with a valve controlled as in Vol 2, Pt 7, Ch 3, 8.15 Deep tank valves and their control arrangements 8.15.4, except where the valve on the tank is already capable of being closed from an accessible position above the bulkhead deck.

8.15.7 Where the filling pipes to deep lubricating oil tanks are not connected to the tanks near the top, they are to be provided with non-return valves at the tanks or with valves or cocks, fitted and controlled as in Vol 2, Pt 7, Ch 3, 8.15 Deep tank valves and their control arrangements 8.15.4.

8.16.1 On completion, the tanks are to be tested by a head of water equal to the maximum to which the tanks may be subjected.

8.17.1 For air, sounding pipes and gauge glasses, see Vol 2, Pt 7, Ch 2, 10 Air, overflow and sounding pipes.

For hydraulic power actuating systems, see Vol 2, Pt 7, Ch 5, 11 Hydraulic power actuating systems.