Marine engine and shipyard oil monitoring
We monitor fuel dilution, water and particles in main engines, auxiliary generators and deck hydraulics. You also receive the warnings at sea.
- 1Temperature · Turbocharger bearing
- 2Vibration · Engine block
- 3Oil sensor · After oil filter
- 4Particle sensor · Before oil filter
Monitored equipment
Main engine (two/four-stroke diesel), auxiliary generator, turbocharger, shaft gearbox, steering gear and deck hydraulics, cargo and ballast pumps.
| Topic | In this industry |
|---|---|
| Main oil risk | Fuel dilution, water, wear |
| Monitoring goal | Oil condition at sea |
| Benefit | Lower risk of stops at sea. |
The right product and monitoring level are defined at the quote stage.
What we measure
In the oil, viscosity, water and moisture, oil ageing, particle contamination (ISO 4406 code) and the wear-metal trend are measured. On the machine, vibration level and temperature are monitored. When a reading moves away from the machine's normal range, the screen changes from green to amber or red. Warning signs and what they mean
What we do not measure: metal identification (which metal a particle is), acid and base number (TAN/TBN) and vibration spectrum analysis (FFT). These tests need a laboratory and a specialist. DataMonitor does not replace them. It works alongside them. The system watches for warning signs and gives early warning. It does not diagnose faults.
Marine & shipyards FAQ
How can I tell if fuel has got into a ship's engine oil?
Fuel thins the oil and lowers its viscosity. This is one of the first warnings for the engine and bearings. The sensor tracks the viscosity of the main engine and auxiliary generator oil continuously. It raises an alarm when the viscosity starts to fall from normal. You can then check for leaks and confirm the oil type.
What are cat fines, and can oil monitoring detect them?
Cat fines are hard, abrasive particles that come in with the fuel. They can cause wear in the main engine and auxiliary generator. A particle counter can show contamination rising through a higher ISO 4406 code. It does not identify the particles. That needs lab analysis.
Can oil be measured at sea without sending samples ashore?
Yes. Fixed sensors measure the oil continuously on board. They show the results on the monitoring screen in the engine room, and no internet is needed. If a connection is available, Level 3 online access lets the shore team follow it too. Lab analysis can still be done in port, and the sensors cover the days in between.
A quote for your machine
The machine, the oil in use and the problem are discussed by phone. The right product and monitoring level are defined. The price is sent as a written quote.
- Product recommendation for your machine
- Written quote
- Installation and alarm set-up included