Application of the theory of semi-markov processes to determine a limiting distribution of the process of changes of ability and inability states of fuel supply systems in heavy fuel diesel engines

The paper presents applicability of the theory of semi-Markov processes to determine a limiting distribution of the process of changes of technical states of fuel systems for marine engines running on heavy fuel oils. The proposed study of this process includes the components of such fuel systems like: 1 - injectors, 2 - high pressure hoses, 3 - injection pumps, 4 - low pressure hoses, 5 – fine filters, 6 - coarse filters, 7 – fuel-feed pump, 8 – fuel heater and 9 – viscosistat with a viscometer. A semi-Markov state transition model consisting of ten states has been developed for such systems. Application of technical diagnostics has been pointed to be necessary to investigate the state transition process for the systems. The conclusions presented furthermore in the paper provide advantages which (according to the author) are of the most importance in the design and operation phases of fuel systems in marine diesel engines that run on heavy fuel oils.