New sensor unit protects a ship's lifeblood
EU-funded scientists have developed a computerised warning sensor that monitors a ship's all-important lubricated systems. A black box attached to the ship's engine together with the unit's oil-monitoring software work together to warn a crew if the lifeblood of their vessel is under threat. The sensor can even provide solutions to get the ship back on track.
The unit is the successful culmination of the POSSEIDON ('Progressive oil sensor system for extended identification on-line') project, which was funded EUR 1.2 million under the 'Sustainable development, global change and ecosystems' Thematic area of the EU's Sixth Framework Programme (FP6).
While many of today's ship engine rooms are equipped with sensor systems to track temperature, pressure, and other engine management processes, lube oil (LO) monitoring sensors have remained somewhat absent from the mix. Recent attempts to address the situation have largely failed because the essential techniques do not exist, and the means to develop these techniques rest with stakeholders outside of the shipping industry.
The eight-member POSSEIDON consortium headed by Martechnic in Germany has resolved this long-standing problem by pooling together specialised knowledge in technology, lubrication, methodology, optics, fluidics and end-user needs and applications. As such, the POSSEIDON sensor-based processing unit represents a new era in shipping technology.
The sensor allows lubricated systems, such as a vessel's main propulsion and power generating engines, to be monitored continuously. The technology specifically checks main LO properties including viscosity, water-in-oil, base number and impurities, and predicts oil degradation and contamination. LO is so important to propulsion and power generating engines that failure has the potential to put a ship, crew, cargo, and the surrounding environment in real danger.
In addition to avoiding the heavy economic repercussions of vessel failure, the sensor represents an important means to safeguard against oil spills at sea.
The software operates like a traffic light system that alerts crews to take remedial action and maintenance measures before any damage, failure or risk can occur. Importantly, it is also strong enough to withstand a vessel's turbulent operating environment, and does not require specific service or special attention.