Charge air condensation in Diesel Engine

Air contains water in an extremely fine distribution - as water vapor. During compression and cooling of air some of this water will separate from the air. This applies to the compression and cooling of the charge air by the turbocharger and charge air cooler and it applies to the behavior of compressed air in air cylinders. 

The volume increases

▪ with increasing air temperature,

▪ with increasing air humidity,

▪ as the charge air pressure increases and

▪ as the charge air temperature falls.

After the charge air cooler, i.e. in the charge air pipe, 1.000 kg of water per hour may be produced under certain circumstances. This is due to the great volumes of air and the relatively high charge air pressures. At tropical temperatures the effect is even greater.

Therefore, it is important, that condensate drain always operates properly to minimize the condensed water quantity in the engine.

The amount of water produced in compressed air cylinders is much less. For air cylinders with 4 m³ volume this amount hardly ever exceeds 5 kg per charge.

Source: MAN

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