Question - State How The Severity Of A Crankcase Explosion Is Limited ?
Answer -
The rapid pressure rise within the crankcase can cause the engine structure to be blown apart, causing physical damage, and the resultant flame travelling across the engine room space causing personnel injury.
This pressure rise is limited by the statutory use of relief doors fitted to the crankcase. These doors will open when the pressure rises above 0.02 – 0.1 bar, and prevent the over-pressure of the engine structure. The doors also perform the added function of preventing fresh air ingress into the crankcase where hot burning gases are present, by the quick closing action of the relief door.