This paper discribes a new method of cooling exhaust valves for marine diesel engines. The principle of heat pipe is employed to give highly efficient cooling and to improve the durability of valves under corrosive operating conditions. Test valves for two types of marine diesel engines, V52/55A and L60MC, are developed and tested to investigate mainly their performance of heat transfer.
Test results show a sufficient heat transfer capability of the cooled valves without any special design of valve cages, and accordingly a low temperature level at the valve disks. By optimizing the amount and distribution of heat input to the cooling chamber in the valve cone, the valve can be given adequate temperature at any portion, and can be prevented from corrosion.
