MechChem Africa May-June 2020

⎪ Maintenance and asset management ⎪

Metric Automotive Engineering is currently remanufacturing a crankshaft belonging to an 18-cylinder Cummins QSK 78 diesel engine.The large engine is working under arduous operating conditions, powering a rigid frame dump truck in an open cast mining operation. Crankshaft for Cummins QSK 78 diesel engine gets a turn

A ndrewYorke,operationsdirectorat MetricAutomotiveEngineeringex- plains that the engine components, because they had reached their scheduled overhaul hours, had come into the facility for assessment and remanufacturing to meet OEM standards. The 2.7 m long, 4000 hp diesel engine – with components including the crankshaft, camshaft, conrod, block and heads – arrived at Metric Automotive Engineering’s well- equipped facility and was accommodated on the company’s crankshaft polishing ma- chine, where it was cleaned using specialised high-pressure steam and ultrasonic cleaning processes. “Cleaning is vital to facilitate visual inspec- tion and, following this, components are sent to the dedicated component sections at our facility where a skilled automotive machinist conducts a full assessment on the integrity of the component usingOEMspecifications and guidelines,” Yorke says.

In this particular instance, the crankshaft integrity was favourable and the component onlyrequiredsurfacepolishingofthejournals. Yorke says this a great exampleof an effective lubrication filtration system and scheduled preventative maintenance helping to reduce long termoperating costs by preventingwear and damage to the crankshaft. It results in a less costly remanufacturing process to return the crankshaft to OEM specification. “Metric Automotive Engineering has a comprehensively equipped remanufacturing facility which can handle large diesel and gas engine components with ease. Competent technical personnel receive ongoing training and development to ensure they are kept abreast of the latest technology. ISO driven quality standards and a high level of account- abilityensurethatcustomersreceiveremanu- factured components that meet and often exceed OEM specifications,” Yorke explains. Speaking about the effects of the global shutdown due to theCOVID-19pandemic on

A crankshaft belonging to an 18- cylinder Cummins QSK 78 diesel engine being remanufactured at Metric Automotive Engineering. the company, Yorke adds that the company is committed to supporting customers who are providing essential services during the cur- rent lockdown restrictions, while stillmeeting the required safety regulations. “We have been granted Essential Services statusandarefullyoperationalwithareduced staff complement. Companies that have been declared an essential service need to know that their own support services are fully operational and ready to ensure they stay on track. This includes all those in transport logistics fromvehiclesmoving essential items such as foodstuffs and medical equipment through to the mining and power generation companies,” Yorke concludes. q

Metric Automotive Engineering is committed to supporting customers who are providing essential services during the current lockdown restrictions.

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