Applications for Electronic Connecting Rod Bearing Trip

This paper addresses upgrading a connecting rod bearing trip function from pneumatic to electronic. Existing pneumatic systems use a eutectic element and a shutdown valve connected to a common header. When a connecting rod bearing trip occurs, the crankcase doors must be removed to find the tripped valve. The electronic connecting rod bearing trip system allows the user to remotely monitor the status of each connecting rod bearing trip. This paper will address performance requirements, alternative designs and prototype testing performed to ensure the satisfactory performance of the new equipment.