Oil analysis programs for Marine Applications

Machine condition monitoring based on oil analysis has become an important, if not mandatory, maintenance practice by the marine industry. An effective oil analysis program will keep important assets such as engines, gearboxes, hydraulic systems, turbines, compressors, generators and any other oil-wetted machinery in operation by reducing unexpected failures and costly unscheduled down time.

Analysis of bunker fuels is also a critical application when turbines and some types of diesel engines are used as the main propulsion system. Contamination levels of liquid fuel entering the combustor of a gas turbine or diesel engine must be extremely low to avoid high temperature corrosion and fuel system fouling. Accordingly, each of the major gas turbine and diesel engine manufacturers has strict contamination limits that must be met in order to comply with the warranty requirements. The responsibility to assure compliance typically lies with the owner. Thus fuel analysis is mandatory when fuel is delivered, and if treatment systems are available, before and after such treatment.

Spectro Scientific has supplied analytical instruments to the marine industry throughout the world to enhance existing oil analysis programs. The nature of the industry makes it impractical to send samples to on-shore laboratories, therefore an onboard oil and/or fuel analysis capability may be a prerequisite. We welcome the opportunity to continue to be of service to existing customers and to assist new customers with their oil analysis instrumentation requirements.

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