108.920 HP Diesel Engine: Wärtsilä-Sulzer RTA96-C Turbocharged Two-Stroke

For more information:  Wärtsilä-Sulzer RTA96-C

The Marine Buff posted

The Sulzer RTA96-C engine is one of the largest and most powerful marine diesel engines ever built. It measures approximately 44 feet in height and 87 feet in length, and weighs around 2,300 tons, making it a colossal piece of engineering. This engine features up to 14 cylinders in-line, with each cylinder having a bore of 38 inches and a stroke of 98 inches. The RTA96-C produces an astounding power output of up to 107,390 horsepower at 102 RPM, delivering enormous torque of over 5.6 million pound-feet.

Designed to propel large container ships, the engine consumes about 250 tons of heavy fuel oil per day at full power. Despite this high fuel usage, the engine is highly efficient, utilizing advanced electronic control systems to optimize fuel injection and combustion. It operates on a two-stroke cycle and is equipped with turbochargers to enhance performance.

The RTA96-C meets stringent international emissions standards, incorporating technologies to minimize NOx and SOx emissions, reflecting its commitment to environmental sustainability. This engine represents a significant achievement in marine engineering, providing the necessary power and efficiency to ensure the smooth operation of some of the world’s largest vessels.

Alexandros Pirounakis: It is not an RTA type.

The proper designation is: 14 RT-flex96C built under Wartsilas License by DOOSAN ENGINE in Changwon South Korea.

Darsi Ruysenaar: This is Sulzer all right. I saw one fired up in their test building in Winterthur, Switzerland. Guaranteed for a lifetime of 100 years. When ships are sent to wreckers yards, shipping people rush to see if it has Sulzer engines, if so, they buy and refit in new ships. Sulzer sold the whole business on to a Czeck outfit, they now make prosthetics for human joint replacements!

Bruce Reid: So is this in the factory with a load test attached?

Boyd Larson: Bruce Reid, more than likely it is at a new building shipyard performing tests prior to installing on a new construction ship. I saw this type construction when I worked in Japanese shipyards. Sulzer, MAN B&W and UEC engines.

Jason Jordan shared  Mining & Construction Equipment'sphoto.
Jason: "How about this turbocharger??"
Mining: "Turbo off a 109,000hp engine"

Steve McCollum commented on above posting
The only 100K HP engine I know about is this Warzila-Sulzer. I like the ladder rungs inside the crank case!

Steve McCollum commented on above posting
And here's the full Monte view.

Bev Shaw posted
This is the crankshaft for a Wärtsilä-Sulzer RTA96-C engine, the largest reciprocating engine in the world, used in large container ships. It's a 1810-liter engine that generates 108,920 horsepower at 102 RPM, and it idles at 22 RPM... almost 3 seconds per rotation. This crankshaft weighs 300 tons (660,000 pounds) and each piston weighs 12,000 pounds and has a stroke length is 8.2 feet.
As of 2006 there were more than 300 of these engines in active service.
Old Cars World posted
**The crankshaft for a Wärtsilä-Sulzer RTA96-C engine, the largest reciprocating engine in the world, used in large container ships. It's a 1810-liter engine that generates 108,920 horsepower at 102 RPM, and it idles at 22 RPM, taking almost 3 seconds per rotation. This crankshaft weighs 300 tons.**😳

The Sea Lad posted
The open crankcase and crankshaft of a Wärtsilä-Sulzer 12 cylinder marine diesel engine.
Gerald Pinkett: Jim Kajpust how much does it weigh?
Ariën Versluijs: Gerald Pinkett the 14 cylinder version is over 2300 tons (metrical), I doubt the 12 cylinder is below 2000 tons.
Robert Allin: Sulzer RTA 96, 2 strokes, bore 96 cm.
110 000 horse power in L 18 cylinders , the most powerfull diesel Engine in the world. Mostly on container vessels .
Toro Andersen: Robert Allin Well, 14 Cylinders at least, and they only built 8 of them, the only customer was Maersk as far as i know. They were 107390 to 114800 bhp.

Comments on The Sea Lad post

 

The Marine buff posted
300 Tons CrankShaft:This is the crankshaft for a Wärtsilä-Sulzer RTA96-C engine, the largest reciprocating engine in the world, used in large container ships. It's a 1810-litre engine that generates 108,920 horsepower at 102 RPM, and it idles at 22 RPM... almost 3 seconds per rotation. This crankshaft weighs 300 tons.

Roberto Iorini: How do they manage to cast/ forge and machine this enormous vital component ? They should post pictures of the machine tools which are used to make them .

Mike Hart: Roberto Iorini they are usually fabricated from shrink-fit separate components for webs, crankpins and main bearing journals.

Lawrence Lois Bartel: The crank components are shrink fit. What really amazes me is a prop strike can cause some parts to shift. I believe they can tolerate as much as 10 degrees shift by adjusting the valve timing on the affected cylinders and keep right on sailing. In regularly scheduled shipyard visits the shift can be corrected without even removing the crankshaft.

Don Glasgow: The crankshaft is made by 4 companies in 3 countries Finland, Spain and 2 in South Korea

Dennis Joiner: I used to work in a shop where we recondition the piston and other components The pistons for that engine are 40 inches in diameter and weighed over a ton.

 

The Marine Buff posted

The crankshaft of the Sulzer RTA 96, the world's largest diesel engine, is a marvel of engineering. This colossal component, stretching over 14 meters [46'] in length, is forged from high-strength steel to withstand immense pressures and forces. Weighing approximately 300 tons, it comprises seven to fourteen crank throws, depending on the engine's configuration, each meticulously machined to precise tolerances.

Designed to convert the linear motion of the pistons into rotational energy, the crankshaft operates with unparalleled efficiency. It rotates at a leisurely 102 RPM, translating the colossal power generated by the engine’s 14 cylinders into a smooth, continuous propulsion force. Each throw of the crankshaft is paired with a massive connecting rod and an equally impressive piston, highlighting the sheer scale of this mechanical behemoth.

The crankshaft's robust construction and impeccable balance are crucial for the reliable operation of the Sulzer RTA 96, ensuring it can deliver its staggering output of up to 107,390 horsepower. This engineering masterpiece exemplifies the pinnacle of marine diesel engine technology, driving some of the largest container ships across the oceans with unparalleled power and efficiency.

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