The Doxford engine progress and development¹

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Storey, A.

Note: [1] Paper read before the North East Coast Institution of Engineers and Shipbuilders, Newcastle upon Tyne on 23rd March 1956.

Abstract: The principal developments in connection with the Doxford marine Diesel engine in the past few years have been the development of supercharging and the extensive use of boiler fuel. An outline is given of the development work undertaken in the supercharging of the Doxford engine and a brief survey of the experiences at sea. The characteristics of the supercharged two cycle opposed piston engine are described together with a resume of technical and commercial advantages of supercharging. Similarly, a description is given of the employment of boiler fuels and of the advantages to be gained. A description is given of difficulties encountered and methods developed for overcoming these. The diaphragm engine and oil cooling of the lower pistons have been developed for the Doxford engine particularly to enable boiler fuel to be used and to eliminate the troubles. A new fuel injection system has been developed, known as the Timing Valve Injection System, and a description is given of the characteristics of this system together with a survey of the advantages. In conjunction with this new fuel system a new air starting system has been developed, which together enable reversing and manoeuvring to be accomplished with a single lever. Prospects of improving the termal efficiency and rating of marine two cycle engines are reviewed together with proposed methods of achieving mechanical simplification.

DOI: 10.3233/ISP-1956-32103

Journal: International Shipbuilding Progress, vol. 3, no. 21, pp. 265-284, 1956