CMT is to introduce an onboard oil analyser designed to quickly provide data on lubricant condition, allowing ship crews to obtain test results without waiting for shore-based laboratory analysis.
The WBS Analyser uses infrared spectroscopy to analyse system oil from a single sample, measuring water (W), base number (BN) and soot (S) content.
The results can also be used to identify causes of lubricant degradation, including oil oxidation, depletion of performance additives and contamination by glycol or fuel.
The analyser is designed for routine use in engine rooms, with an optical system containing no moving parts to reduce mechanical wear in the vibration, temperature variation and confined conditions found onboard.
“Laboratory analysis remains the benchmark for comprehensive oil investigations and long-term trend analysis,” said David Fuhlbrügge, Managing Director of CMT.
“The objective isn’t to replace laboratory testing, but to give engineers reliable information while the vessel is still operating, allowing developing problems to be identified without waiting for laboratory reports.”
CMT said the system is intended to support earlier identification of changes in lubricant condition and maintenance decisions while vessels remain in service.
