VOLVO-PENTA of Sweden says its heavy-duty D12 12litre marine diesel is completely electronic controlled.

The D12's new electronics not only provide more efficient combustion with improved performance, lower fuel consumption and reduced emissions, but also increased reliability with improved safety and a longer operation life for the engine, claims VolvoPenta.

It is an in-line, six-cylinder, diesel with unit injectors, Electronic Diesel Control (EDC) system and has a sturdy basic design, including a seven-bearing crankshaft.

"The electronics system used in the engine is one of the very important reasons for the D12's high operating safety and reliability, " says Anders Hard, D12 project leader at Volvo-Penta.

"Its EDC system continuously monitors and controls the engine, enabling it to always operate under optimal conditions. The system also includes a number of safeguard functions which dramatically lower the risk of engine damage." Volvo-Penta says the D12's efficient combustion is due to its unit injectors which operate under extremely high pressure ö up to 1800 bar ö five-hole injection nozzles and the EDC system's precision control.

Extensive test operations demonstrate that the D12 has a very long anticipated service life, with simple uncomplicated service, claims Volvo-Penta.

Emission levels are extremely low due to efficient combustion and the EDC system's precision engine control.

Another function is that the fresh water-cooled chargedair-cooler has been connected with the engine's cooling system to avoid unnecessary cooling of the charge air, enabling reduced exhaust emissions when idling.

The D12 fulfils all existing emission stipulations governing commercial operation and, also, EU and USA standards.

Its EDC system is said to provide precision engine control and increased safety due to a number of information providers and an advanced central unit which continuously monitors all functions.

All connections are plug-in type and effectively protected to stand up to a marine environment, says Volvo-Penta.

The D12 has fresh-water cooling in a closed system for both engine and charged-air cooler. The cooling-water filter has a corrosion additive which facilitates for long intervals between replacements.

Volvo-Penta says the cooling-system volume is also sizable, enabling the connection of a keel cooling system.

The pistons are oil-cooled, with the entire cooling system monitored by the EDC system.

If the engine temperature rises excessively, the EDC unit limits output to prevent damage to the system.

The D12 comes in three versions: D12-550, D12-450 and D12-400. All are 24-valve inline, six cylinders; cylinders with a displacement of 12.1 litres and engine dry weight ö excluding reversing gear ö of 1400 kg.

Crankshaft output for the D12-550 is 550 hp/405 kW with a max torque, crankshaft 2256 Nm Rating 2.

Crankshaft output for the D12-450 is 450 hp/331kW, with a max torque, crankshaft 2056 Nm Rating 1.

Crankshaft output for the D12-400 is 400 hp/294 kW, with a max torque, crankshaft 1858 Nm Rating 1.

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