How to avoid the wet heap phenomenon in diesel generators? How to prevent malfunctions from occurring?

If the buildings or operations power supplied by generators don’t need too much generators,you maybe need a external load set,this will make your generators to operate in the best way under a greater load. Or ,do not let the generator operate at 60% of its rated output or lower.

During the time of power outage or instability in city,when you already start the diesel generator ,and hope to resolve smoothly the power outages problem.But a few hours later, the exhaust pile began to emit black smoke.You will also notice that there is a accumulation of black soft mud around the exhaust pipe. At this time, how to solve the problem of black smoke coming out of the generator?

In fact，this maybe is your diesel generator exist wet heap problem.

Wet heap means that your diesel generator don’t burn all the fuel pumped into the cylinders,and the engine operates at suboptimal temperatures.

When engine operate for a long time light-load(the resistance that the engine must resist and has not reached the specified operating temperature,the solution will occur .The diesel engine is under load will not get hot enough,because the burning fuel is a little.Therefore,engine isn’t burning hot enough.

Therefore, the engine will not burn all the fuel, water and carbon particles (soot) pumped into it.These unburned substances are either discharged, causing the exhaust to be black smoke, or accumulate in the turbine and exhaust system.

The destructive effect of wet heap

If ignored, as time goes on,wet heap will seriously damage your diesel generator. Unburned fuel will start to accumulate inside the engine,clog the fuel injectors and reduce engine performance.Accumulation also produce back pressure and reduce the efficiency of engine turbine system.The more bad thing that,as time goes on,it will corrode the engine surface,and cut down the service life of product.

Wet heap will also effect engine oil.Because the engine is not operating at a high temperature, the piston will not expand as it should to contact the cylinder wall.Therefore,the gas and unburned fuel will into the cylinder under the oil pan,and undiluted engine oil . This will inevitably reduce the engine oil's ability to protect the engine and lead to increased wear.

Other negative effects including pollution and emission increases、power decreases and maintenance increases.

How to determine your diesel generator whether has occur this problem?

It is easy to determine. The signs include:

There is black exudate in the exhaust pipe

There is black exudate around the turbocharger

Continuous, black exhaust

Long-term light-load operation

How to prevent wet heap damage to diesel generators?

To prevent wet heap, please take the following steps:

Operate your diesel generator regularly in accordance with the manufacturer's guide.In other words,don't let your generator idle for weeks or months.

When you operate your diesel generator set,please handle in accordance with the manufacturer's guide. 

All the time operate alternator in power load,and keep the equipment at the appropriate working temperature.Typically, this requires the engine to operate at around 75% of its load capacity.

If the buildings or operations power supplied by generators don’t need too much generators,you maybe need a external load set,this will make your generators to operate in the best way under a greater load. Or ,do not let the generator operate at 60% of its rated output or lower.

Fill up the fuel tank.,too little fuel can also cause damage to the wet heap.

If you use the diesel generator as your main power (even for short periods), you can set the generator to operate at a higher load.You can set the generator to operate automatically at a higher load or manually adjust the load.

When operating a generator under extremely cold conditions, ensure that the internal temperature reach the manufacturing requirements.

Taking these measures may prevent wet heap in diesel engines.However,if occur wet heap and you don’t operate generator in light-load,this maybe exist some problems to resolved.

For more information on how to maintain your diesel generator set or find a customized diesel generator solution for your business, please contact Dingbo Power. Dingbo Power can customize the diesel generator set that best suits your business.