WÄRTSILÄ WARTSILA32, Product Manual, Page: 121 / 254

8. Compressed Air System
Compressed air is used to start engines and to provide actuating energy for safety and control
devices. The use of starting air for other purposes is limited by the classification regulations.
To ensure the functionality of the components in the compressed air system, the compressed
air has to be free from solid particles and oil.
8.1 Instrument air quality
The quality of instrument air, from the ships instrument air system, for safety and control
devices must fulfill the following requirements.
Instrument air specification:
1 MPa (10 bar) Design pressure
0.7 MPa (7 bar) Nominal pressure
+3°C Dew point temperature
1 mg/m 3 Max. oil content
3 µm Max. particle size
2.5 Nm 3 /h Consumption per valve
8.2 Internal compressed air system
All engines, independent of cylinder number, are started by means of compressed air with a
nominal pressure of 3 MPa (30 bar). The start is performed by direct injection of air into the
cylinders through the starting air valves in the cylinder heads. The 12V-engines are provided
with starting air valves for the cylinder on both cylinder banks, 16V- and 18V-engines on A
bank only. The main starting valve, is operated by an pneumatically operated solenoid valve
for local (button in the control cabinet), remote or automatic start.
All engines have built-on non-return valves and flame arrestors. The engine can not be started
when the turning gear is engaged.
Wärtsilä 32 Product Guide - a21 - 7 September 2016 8-1
8. Compressed Air System Wärtsilä 32 Product Guide