Higher pressure from Napier

Napier Turbochargers is performing validation tests on two high-performance turbochargers capable of a boost pressure ratio of five and a half to one (5.5:1). The product, labelled the 8-series, has been developed for “a customer whose business is mainly marine,” according to Napier. “There is a movement towards even higher pressure ratios than the market has seen to date,” explains Adrian Toyne, head of customer support at Alstom Power?s Napier manufacturing unit. “Different timing configurations are being used by the diesel builders to gain cleaner burning and/or lower fuel consumption. Generally these timings require higher boost pressures than standard.” Hence the development of the 8-series for the undisclosed customer. The product features a titanium compressor wheel to allow it to achieve the high pressure ratio. Previous Napier products, such as the 7-series, have been capable of a pressure ratio of up to five to one (5:1). The 7-series range, which includes the 297 and 357, is in itself being expanded to increase its capacity. The 8-series will be manufactured at Alstom Power?s Lincoln, UK factory. Working at the factory has been remodelled into product cells, which, says Toyne, is intended to keep the emphasis on quality. Each cell takes full responsibility for manufacturing specific components. These are the critical ones, such as rotors and casings. Non-critical items are bought in.