Condition monitoring including fuel testing and acoustic analysis

The Bearing Checker

This is an inexpensive bearing checker which engineers can carry around with them providing an easy to operate, quick method of recording and analysing the condition of the bearings on different pieces of equipment. By recording the readings and following the trend, it is easy to see when a piece of equipment is starting to suffer stress. The bearing checker is operated by simply attaching the unit to the equipment to be checked via the magnetic sensor head. So, as you walk around your engine room, factory or warehouse, you can record the acoustic signals sent from your critical equipment. For vessel operators whose vessels are slow steaming, this is an ideal way to check the condition of the bearings on your booster turbochargers. These turbochargers were not designed to operate for extended periods and may suffer bearing failure as a result. Forewarning of such a failure can save a major repair.

The Memo Pro

The Memo Pro is a hand-held device which monitors the high frequency acoustic emissions which are naturally generated in rotating machinery. It is able to monitor a nearly unlimited number of machines. The unit has a Super-Slow function which enables slowly rotating applications to be analysed, such as slewing bearings, tank stirrers etc. Combined with the optional MHC Airborne sensor and using the standard headphones, the unit provides a detection capability for air and vacuum leaks. All readings can be downloaded to the Memo View Pro software package, supplied as standard, for quick and simple trend analysis.

The DIGI+ Oil Test Kit

The DIGI+ test kit range is the essential device in order to test for water in oil as well as Total Base Number (up to BN150), Total Acid Number, insolubles, salt content and viscosity comparison. The test kits are economically priced and the DIGI+ test cell provides operators with a colour intuitive display for better visibility. The rechargeable battery allows for five hours continuous use or 50 tests, there is a built-in memory for recording up to 50 test results, and has innovative BN alarm condition indicators. The ability to test on-site at the point of use enables engineers and facilities managers to conduct oil analysis quickly (the cycle time is three minutes) and easily. There is also a USB port for battery charging and downloading data. Detecting out-of-spec lubricants as well as water contamination, before these problems become critical, will protect your assets, improve productivity, increase uptime and help to prevent failures.

Ferrous Wear Meter

The Ferrous Wear Meter (FWM) measures mechanical wear in machinery, such as engines, gearboxes, compressors, pumps etc. It is rugged and suitable for demanding applications such as on-board marine applications. The FWM can also measure the oil content in grease.

With the advent of low sulphur fuels, the focus has shifted from concern about acids attacking the lube oil, to deposit control, wear and higher temperatures. Modern engines have resulted in higher pressures and temperatures, putting the liner interfaces under more stress. The FWM is suitable for analysing cylinder scrape-down oil, enabling you to quickly spot any deterioration in your engine, thereby allowing you to take corrective action before serious damage occurs.

We have a range of on-line and hand-held contamination monitors and particle counters including counters suitable for ATEX Zone 1 applications.

The iCount Laser CM30

The iCount Laser CM30 (LCM30) is the latest generation of portable, user-friendly field diagnostic devices that provides service personnel with the capability to assess the cleanliness of the hydraulic fluid on-line within just 90 seconds. The LCM30 can be used on a wide range of applications, whilst the machinery remains in operation. It uses laser technology to automatically size and count individual particles suspended in the fluid. The LCM30 has built-in memory for up to 1,000 tests. There is an integral printer, as well as a RS232, for computer downloading. Reporting is to ISO, NAS, AS standards.

The iCount Oil Sampler for oils and fuels

The iCount Oil Sampler (IOS) is a portable device for measuring the quality of hydraulic oils and hydrocarbon fuels in the field or on-board. It uses proven laser technology which delivers precise, repeatable, reproduceable results in real time detection of particulates down to 4 microns and dissolved water. The built-in memory has capacity up to 250,000 sets of test results. The data is displayed instantly, stored or downloaded to a PC. The casing is storm proof and the unit weighs under 5.5 kg, aiming it an ideal “first use” diagnostic tool.

The Metallic Wear Debris Sensor

The Metallic Wear Debris Sensor is an on-line device which measures not just the number of particles which pass through your systems, but also the size and metallic composition, thereby providing detailed information regarding the condition of your equipment. This sensor is also available for use in ATEX zone 1 applications.

The IcountPD

The iCountPD is a compact on-line particle detector with built in laser technology to detect contamination in any mineral based oil, with applications from cranes to hatch covers to engines.

The Fluid Condition Sensor

The Fluid Condition Sensor (FCS) is an in-line, multi-parameter sensor monitoring hydraulic oil and lube oil quality, including conductivity, permittivity, moisture, temperature and pressure. By tracking both the electrical conductivity and relative permittivity, the FCS can detect fuel dilution, a common problem in four stroke engines, as well as soot ingress and oil contamination. When combined with the FCS Alert alarm, operators have a continuous monitoring tool to help guard against engine failure. The FCS is suitable for use on large diesel engines, industrial gearboxes, gas turbines, turbochargers and hydraulic systems.

LinerSCAN

LinerSCAN monitors the condition of the cylinder liner scrape-down oil, providing a real-time alarm system for cylinder liner wear, whether this is caused by cat fines, slow steaming, poor fuel quality, incorrect oil feed rates or incorrect oil formulation. It can be used to optimise the lubricant feed rate and thereby save a significant sum of money.

Fuel compatibility test kit

The need to meet the demand for low sulphur fuels has led to an increase in blending. This, in turn, has led to a significant increase in the problem of fuel compatibility. Where fuels, which are not compatible, are mixed, which may lead to separation, stratification, sludging and an accumulation of cat fines. When disturbed due to rough seas, this sludge enters the fuel system blocking the filters and, in the worst case, excessive cat fines enter the engine causing major damage. 40% of the participants in a recent webinar said that they had experienced incompatibility issues. The compatibility tester will quickly identify potential fuel stability problems. It will also rapidly determine if a fuel is compatible with existing fuel stocks. Checking the compatibility of fuels is now an important aspect in giving you peace of mind when accepting fuel deliveries.

This kit is supplied in a durable aluminium case for easy transport.

Sulphur content analyser

The XRF is a lightweight, portable and self-contained spectrometer, which can analyse the levels of sulphur in your fuel within three minutes, to lab testing standards. With this equipment your crew can verify the fuel which is being bunkered, as it is being bunkered without having to wait for laboratory results. Equally it can be used to test the fuel being delivered to the engine after switching fuels when entering a SECA or port incase there has been contamination of compliant fuel with the residues of the previous fuel in the fuel system. The XRF can also be used by port authorities and regulatory surveyors to pin-point non-compliance without the need to wait for laboratory results. The XRF Analyser combines simplicity with accuracy and near instant results. By allowing test results to be downloaded, or storing them for up to two years, the XRF Analyser also plays an important role in helping vessel operators to manage compliance audits more efficiently.

Cat Fines test kit

The intensified refining processes needed to remove the sulphur from residual fuel has led to an increase in the amount of catalysers being used, which in turn has increased the quantity of Cat Fines found in the fuel. Cat Fines can also accumulate in sludge, reaching much higher levels than was present on average in the bunkered fuel. When the sludge is disturbed due to rough weather, the result can be disastrous damage to the engine within a very short space of time. 12% of the participants in a recent webinar said that they had experienced damage on their engines caused by Cat Fines. The Parker Cat Fines test kit is an-easy-to-use, on-board kit which will allow the crew to monitor the level of Cat Fines on bunkering and during rough weather.

This kit is supplied in a durable aluminium case for easy transport.

Density test kit

The Density Meter is suitable for both distillate and residual fuel oils. Fuel is delivered from the bunker barge by volume and confirmed by meter or tape soundings. It is paid for by mass, with a conversion relying on an accurate density reading. Measuring the density of fuel using hydrometers, the Density Meter can be used to confirm the quantity and grade of fuel delivered. Density is calculated electronically, giving fast, accurate results which enable the combustion performance (Calculated Carbon Aromaticity Index or CCAI) and correct viscosity in centipoise (cP) to centistokes (cSt) calculations to be calculated, giving results which have been proven to be as accurate as laboratory methods.

This device is supplied in a durable aluminium case for easy transport.

Heated Viscosity test kit

Viscosity is often regarded as the most important characteristic of hydraulic, gear, and lubricating oils. The correct viscosity level provides flow resistance, optimum film strength in system clearances, and minimum friction losses and leakage. Viscosity can increase or decrease as a result of problems such as contamination, fuel dilution, and shear thinning. So periodic measurement of viscosity is an essential element in protecting critical components. Testing viscosity can also be used for verifying that the correct grade of fuel is being used, calculating combustion performance, and for adjusting of fuel handling and injection systems. The Parker Heated Viscometer is a highly rugged and easy-to-use diagnostic device, that provides accurate oil viscosity results in minutes for fast onsite maintenance decisions, and is suitable for testing viscosity of both residual fuel and lube oil for a wide variety of applications, including diesel engines, gas and aviation turbines, gearboxes, hydraulics, and marine fuels.

This device is supplied in a durable aluminium case for easy transport.

Bunker sampling rings

LR and DNV-GL type approved bunker sampling rings are available from two to twelve inches in diameter. They are an integral part of the bunkering process in order to ensure that new oils or fuels, which are being bunkered, comply with the industry standards for the ordered fuel or oil. The rings ensure that a representative sample of the total fluid delivered is collected during the entire bunkering process. Part of the sample is then sent for laboratory testing, whilst the rest is kept for potential use as evidence. The rings are manufactured from stainless steel, and all products comply with ISO 3170, BS 3195, ASTM D 4057, ISO TR 13729 Singapore Bunkering Procedure.