Use of seawater as a lubrication medium for marine engineering equipment with a reciprocal movement system
Eko Sasmito Hadi (1),(2)*, M R C Putra Hadi (1), Ojo Kurdi (2), Rifky Ismail (2), and Mohammad Tauviqirrahman (2)

(1) Department Naval Architecture, Faculty of Technology, Diponegoro University
* ekosasmito[at]ft.undip.ac.id
(2) Department Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Technology, Diponegoro University

Abstract

The environmental issue has become one of the crucial points that must be seriously considered in marine engineering operations. There is a significant risk of leakage in the oil-lubricated propeller shaft bearings system or other equipment. This challenge continuous efforts are required to find more environmentally friendly alternatives by replacing oil as the primary lubricating medium. The solution proposed in this paper is an invention that utilizes water as the lubricating medium for marine engineering equipment with a reciprocal movement system at relatively low speeds. Using water as a lubricant can reduce the negative environmental impact, which often leads to damage to marine ecosystems and threats to marine life. This study investigates UHMWPE material^s friction and wear characteristics when combined with AISI 316L, conducting wear tests in seawater lubrication conditions using a plate-on-disc tribometer. The findings indicated that the utilization of seawater lubrication led to a reduction in both friction and wear rates for the UHMWPE / AISI 316 pair.

Keywords: Water-lubricated bearings, UHMWPE, reciprocal movement system

Topic: Mechanical Engineering