The Alpha Lubricator is an advanced electronic cylinder lubrication system used in modern two-stroke marine diesel engines. It was developed to reduce cylinder oil consumption, improve lubrication efficiency, and lower operating costs.
Unlike conventional mechanical lubricators, the Alpha Lubricator provides controlled and calibrated cylinder lubrication, ensuring that the correct amount of cylinder oil is injected at the correct time.
The system supplies cylinder oil through lubrication quills installed in the cylinder liner, while the quantity of oil injected is controlled electronically according to engine load and speed.
With increasing fuel and lubricating oil costs, ship operators require systems that can optimize engine performance while reducing operating expenses.
The pump station supplies cylinder oil to the lubricator units.
The pumps maintain oil pressure required for accurate lubrication.
The lubricator unit is the heart of the system.
It may consist of one or two lubricators depending on cylinder bore size.
The accumulators help maintain stable oil pressure during injection.
The ALCU controls and monitors the entire lubrication process.
Functions include:
The load transmitter is connected to the fuel rack.
Its function is to:
This information is sent to the control system for lubrication calculations.
The shaft encoder is fitted at the forward end of the crankshaft.
This ensures oil is injected precisely when required.
The backup system consists of:
The tacho pickups measure engine RPM and provide signals if the main control system fails.
The HMI enables engineers to monitor and control the lubrication system.
The Alpha Lubricator operates through electronically controlled oil injection.
The lubrication pump supplies cylinder oil at approximately:
40–45 bar pressure
(depending on cylinder bore size)
The MCU receives signals from:
Using these inputs, it calculates the optimum lubrication timing.
The MCU energizes the relevant solenoid valve.
The valve opens and allows oil to pass through lubrication quills to the cylinder liner wall.
A feedback sensor confirms successful oil injection.
This signal is transmitted back to the control system.
The MCU continuously adjusts lubrication according to:
This ensures efficient cylinder lubrication at all times.
The system automatically switches to the:
The BCU takes over lubrication control and prevents interruption of cylinder lubrication.
In BCU mode:
Cylinder oil injection is approximately 50% higher than the normal requirement
This provides additional protection until the MCU is restored.
Cylinder oil consumption can be reduced to approximately:
0.7 g/kWh
resulting in significant cost savings.
Oil is distributed uniformly over the cylinder liner surface.
This improves lubrication quality and reduces wear.
Better oil control leads to:
The system provides effective lubrication before engine operation begins.
Each cylinder can have a separate feed rate setting.
Benefits include:
Conventional Lubricator | Alpha Lubricator |
Mechanical operation | Electronic control |
Fixed lubrication | Load-dependent lubrication |
Higher oil consumption | Lower oil consumption |
Less accurate timing | Precise injection timing |
Uniform feed rate | Individual cylinder adjustment |
The Alpha Lubricator is a modern electronically controlled cylinder lubrication system that significantly improves lubrication efficiency in marine diesel engines. By accurately controlling injection timing and oil quantity according to engine load and speed, it reduces cylinder oil consumption, minimizes deposits, improves liner protection, and lowers operating costs. Its advanced features such as MCU control, BCU backup, shaft encoder timing, and individual cylinder feed adjustment make it an essential component of modern two-stroke marine engines.
To provide controlled and optimized cylinder lubrication while reducing cylinder oil consumption.
Typically around 40–45 bar, depending on engine design.
It detects crankshaft position and helps determine lubrication timing.
The Backup Control Unit takes over lubrication control when the MCU fails.
Because it provides better lubrication control, lower oil consumption, and improved engine efficiency.
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