Westerbeke BTDA 15.0 Operator's Manual & Installation Manual page 22

Ventilation
The ventilation requirements of the generator sets include the following: combustion air is re-
quired for the engine cylinder; cooling air is required for the generator end and also for
removing the head produced by the generator's engine during operation; and ventilating air
is required to clear the bilges below the generator, as well as the compartment in which
the generator is located, of potentially toxic and flammable diesel vapors.
Keep in mind that hot air rises, so heated air should be removed from the upper area of the
generator compartment and cool fresh air should be directed to the lower areas of the
compartment. Ventilation should be accomplished with the aid of blowers especially when the
vessel is not underway. Refer to the "SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS" section of this manual for
the airflow requirements of the ge,!1erator set.
Fuel System
The generator
aJ.lW.
have
~s
own fuel supply line; in other words,
~ aJ.lW.
have
~s
own fuel
tank pickup tube and primary filter/water separator. Do not tee off another engine's fuel
supply. The fuel system should be installed in such a manner as to allow the engine-
mounted fuel pump to pump and maintain a positive inlet pressure to the injection pump
under all operating conditions,1 1/2 - 2 p.s.i.. The minimum size of the fuel supply line
and fuel return line is 1/4 inch, inside diameter, and there should be a primary fuel filter/
water separator installed between the fuel tank and the fuel pump. Only one fuel filter is in-
stalled on the engine, between the fuel pump and the injection pump; this filter has a
replaceable filter element.
The fuel tank's fuel pickup tube should be clear and unobstructed. No screens or gauze
strainers should be incorporated in the fuel pickup tube.
Make sure that the fuel supply and return lines are secruely anchored to prevent chafing
and that all fittings are sufficiently tightened to prevent leaking. Also, make sure your fuel
system has a positive shut-off valve; know ns locaton and how ~ operates.
NOTE: Do not use spring-loaded check valves in the fuel supply line
in lieu of mechanical shut-off valves. This type valve can create fuel
starvation problems for the engine's fuel system.
Fuel tanks that are located below the engine's fuel system level
must
have their fuel return
connection at the tank extending down into the tank in the same manner as the pickup tube;
otherwise, air will replace fuel Siphoning out of the engine's fuel system through the return.
Make sure the fuel tank filler is properly sealed to prevent water entry should it become
awash. The fuel tank's vent should be routed so as to prevent water enter as well.
Be sure there is a fire extinguisher installed near the unit and that it is properly maintained.
Be familiar with its use. An extinguisher
w~h
the NFPA rating of ABC is appropriate for all
applications in this environment.
Westerbeke Generators
20 15.0KW BTDA