ANALISIS PERFORMA MESIN PENDINGIN MAKANAN UNTUK MEMPERTAHANKAN SUHU RUANGAN TETAP TERJAGA DI MV.VINCA

Abstract

The food refrigeration system is one of the vital components supporting the operational continuity of a ship, especially in maintaining the quality of food supplies during long voyages. This research aims to analyze the performance of the food refrigeration system onboard MV. VINCA and to identify the factors causing the system's performance disturbances. The main problems addressed include the entry of lubricating oil into the refrigeration system and refrigerant (freon) leakage in the pipeline before the expansion valve. This research uses a descriptive qualitative method, with data collected through direct observation during sea practice, interviews with ship engineers, documentation studies, and analysis using the fishbone (Ishikawa) diagram method. The findings indicate that the main disturbances were caused by piston ring wear, malfunctioning oil separator, poor welding quality, and lack of routine maintenance. These issues led to unstable cooling temperatures in the meat storage room, dropping from the ideal standard of - 18°C to -20°C to as high as -12°C, threatening the freshness of stored food. The study concludes that regular maintenance, inspection of critical components, and improved technical competence of engine crew are crucial to maintaining optimal refrigeration system performance. It is recommended that each disturbance event be thoroughly investigated and documented as part of the system’s maintenance evaluation process.