IHI BBC VTR 200 Turbocharger

IHI BBC VTR 200 Heavy Duty Marine & Industrial Exhaust Gas Turbocharger

The IHI BBC VTR 200 is an axial-flow, heavy-duty exhaust gas turbocharger engineered under license by Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries (IHI) in partnership with Brown Boveri & Cie (BBC, now ABB Turbo Systems). Designed specifically for medium- and high-speed marine propulsion diesels, marine auxiliary generating sets, and continuous industrial power plants, the VTR 200 provides forced-induction air delivery under continuous thermal and mechanical stress.

The turbocharger features single-stage axial turbine blading paired with a single-stage radial compressor wheel mounted on an external-journal rotor shaft assembly. Engineered for simplicity, serviceability, and mechanical durability, the VTR 200 utilizes external rolling contact anti-friction bearings (ball/roller) lubricated by integrated, shaft-driven gear oil pumps and dedicated centrifugal oil slingers, eliminating direct reliance on the main engine’s lube oil circuit. This standalone lubrication design prevents contamination from heavy fuel oil (HFO) combustion soot, significantly reducing bearing breakdown risks on ocean-going vessels.

Model Details

• Manufacturer: Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. (IHI) / BBC Brown Boveri
• Base Series: VTR Series (VTR..0 / VTR..1 Architecture)
• Designations / MPN:
  • VTR 200
  • VTR 200-N
  • VTR 200-L
  • VTR 200-H
  • VTR 200-U

Technical Details:

Features

1. Self-Contained Lubrication Design: Operates with internal, independent oil sumps at both the compressor and turbine ends powered by integrated gear pumps, eliminating dependencies on the ship’s dirty lube oil headers and preventing cross-contamination.
2. Resilient Spring-Mounted Rolling Bearings: External-mount ball and roller bearings sit outside the hot gas path, housed within specialized spring-pack dampers that isolate mechanical vibration and shaft whip at peak rotational speeds up to 37,000 RPM.
3. High Thermodynamic Efficiency: Single-stage axial turbine blades and aerodynamically profiled aluminum impeller wheels deliver high pressure ratios up to 3.0:1, optimizing scavenging efficiency and lowering specific fuel oil consumption (SFOC).
4. Modular Multi-Flange Casings: Rotatable gas inlet, gas outlet, and compressor discharge casings permit mounting adaptability across diverse marine engine room piping geometries and manifold orientations.
5. Rapid On-Engine Overhaul Capability: External bearing housings, nozzle rings, and cover rings can be accessed, calibrated, and serviced without dismounting the entire gas casing from the exhaust manifold runner.

Compatible Equipment Models

• Daihatsu: 6DSB-28, 6DL-20, 6DL-22, 6DS-22, 8DSB-28
• Yanmar: 6RAL-HT, 6ML-HT, 6ZL-UT, 6MAL-DT, 6HAL-TN
• MaK (Caterpillar Marine): 6M332AK, 6M282, 8M282AK
• SEMT Pielstick: PA4-185, PA1 Series, 6PA4L
• Wärtsilä / Wichmann: 4R22, 6R22 Auxiliaries, Wärtsilä 20 series configurations
• MAN B&W (Auxiliaries): 5L16/24, 6L16/24, 23/30 series applications
• Deutz / MWM: TBD 440, TD 510 series engines
• Stationary Power Systems: Heavy-fuel baseload generators and municipal diesel pumping plants running continuous duty cycles.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum operating speed of the IHI BBC VTR 200 turbocharger?

The maximum permissible continuous rotational speed for the VTR 200 series ranges from 28,000 RPM up to 37,000 RPM, depending on the specific model trim, nozzle ring configuration, and compressor impeller profile. Standard cruising speeds generally sit between 24,000 and 33,500 RPM.

How does the VTR 200 lubrication system operate?

Unlike turbochargers that pull oil directly from the engine’s main circulating sump, the VTR 200 utilizes a self-contained, independent internal oil reservoir at each end. Built-in, shaft-driven gear oil pumps and centrifugal slingers circulate lubricating oil over the resilient ball and roller bearings, preventing contaminated engine oil from damaging critical bearings.

What are the common causes of high exhaust gas temperatures on engines equipped with a VTR 200?

Elevated exhaust gas temperatures entering or leaving the turbocharger typically stem from a fouled compressor air filter, heavy carbon or soot buildup on the turbine nozzle ring blades, a fouled air cooler, or worn labyrinth gas seals. Routine wet-cleaning or dry-cleaning of the turbine side and regular washing of the compressor side are required to restore airflow dynamics.

Can reconditioned IHI BBC VTR 200 turbochargers receive marine classification approval?

Yes. Overhauled units can be surveyed under class guidelines (such as DNV, LR, ABS, BV, or ClassNK). Class certification includes dynamic balancing reports, NDT crack detection certificates (MPI/DPI), hydrostatic pressure test certifications for the water-cooled casings, and precision dimension reports.

What is the recommended bearing replacement interval for a VTR 200?

Under standard commercial operating conditions with approved synthetic or high-grade mineral turbine oils, rolling contact bearings should typically be inspected and renewed every 8,000 to 12,000 running hours, or in strict accordance with the planned maintenance system (PMS) schedule and vibration monitoring parameters.