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Marine
The diesel engines, gear systems and hydraulics required to power today's marine industry are expected to operate for long periods of time at full load capacity under extreme, often uncontrollable, conditions. These units are constantly exposed to the damaging effects of either fresh water or saltwater, which are also used by some to cool the very systems that keep them up and running. Where contamination and wear are eminent, maximizing asset reliability becomes the priority. Monitoring the condition of both the unit and the fluid through oil analysis identifies wear-causing contaminants and their effect on performance…it costs so little to protect so much.
Routine oil analysis is critical to managing asset reliability in any marine application. High performance expectations and harsh environmental operating conditions present constant obstacles. Continual exposure to water creates unique problems. Fresh water-cooled engines are susceptible to condensation and rust. Diesel engines typically operate at very high temperatures, promoting oxidation and acid formation. Gear systems and hydraulics are vulnerable to contamination and wear. Oil changes can be difficult and are not always convenient. Routine testing and analysis can extend oil drain intervals and identify small problems before they become costly failures.
Marine Test Packages
Download the Marine Product Guide here
Diesel Engines
Basic
Basic testing monitors both the unit and the fluid for wear and contamination.
Tests include:
Advanced
To safely extend oil drain intervals, Total Base Number and Oxidation / Nitration will determine if the oil is suitable for continued use.
Tests include:
Coolant Analysis
Coolant Analysis takes the guess work out of properly maintaining a cooling system and can identify maintenance problems before catastrophic engine failure occurs. Regular coolant testing and routine maintenance can help you achieve maximum system efficiency and save you time and money in less downtime, fewer repairs and determining proper drain intervals.
A cooling system is subject to pitting, corrosion, cavitation, erosion and electrolysis. Although coolants are formulated to help prevent these problems from occurring, coolant analysis will identify them if present and determine if the coolant you're using is providing adequate protection. It will also identify:
- Rust, which can accelerate wear, reduce heat transfer efficiency and eventually clog the system
- Scale and deposit formations that can act as insulators, which form barriers for proper heat transfer
- Oxidation which can lead to rust
Organic acid coolant testing also monitors carboxylic acid to determine if enough is present for the proper chemical reactions to occur. If a carboxylic acid test fails, non-compatible coolant or fluid could be present.
Level I
The following tests monitor coolant maintenance levels to ensure proper engine metal protection, glycol levels for freeze and boil point control, nitrite for prime metal pitting protection and acidity for adequate corrosion protection.
Tests include:
- Visual (color, oil, fuel, magnetic precipitate, non-magnetic precipitate, & odor)
- pH
- Glycol
- Freeze Point
- Boil Point
- Nitrites
- TDS (Total Dissolved Solids)
- Specific Conductance
- Foam
- Carboxylic Acid (ELC Only)
Level II
Level II testing monitors the corrosive attributes of the coolant itself - acidic or alkaline - in addition to metal movement - the corrosiveness of each metal affected. This level includes all Level I tests plus:
Tests include:
- SCA # (Supplemental Coolant Additives)
- Total Hardness
- Corrosion Metals & Inhibitors by ICP - (Iron, Copper, Aluminum, Lead, Tin, Zinc, Silver, Titanium, Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphate, Borate, Molybdate, Silicate)
Level IV
Level IV testing identifies possible sources of problems detected in testing levels I and II, such as combustion gas leaks, air contamination, electrical ground problems, localized over-heating, chemical breakdown or other contamination sources inside or outside the system. Level IV testing also identifies the type and degree of degradation acid formation resulting from any cooling system problems. It includes all tests in Levels I and II plus:
Tests include:
- Inhibitor, Contaminants and Degradation Acids by IC - (Nitrites, Nitrates, Chlorides & Sulfates, Glycolate, Formate, Acetate, Oxalate)
Guide to Coolant and Cooling Systems Maintenance
Gear Systems
Although contamination by dirt and water should be closely monitored, the biggest concern for these systems is the type of wear occurring. Direct Read Ferrography detects the amount of ferrous wear occurring by providing a ratio of large to small ferrous particles, which is extremely helpful in trend analysis.
Basic
Basic testing monitors both the unit and the fluid for wear and contamination.
Tests include:
Advanced
To safely extend oil drain intervals, Total Base Number and Oxidation / Nitration will determine if the oil is suitable for continued use.
Tests include:
Hydraulic Systems
Hydraulic systems require the fluid's viscosity to be low enough to minimize friction loss, yet high enough to prevent fluid leakage and provide satisfactory protection against wear. It should have good oxidation stability to prevent sludge from forming, sufficient water separability and air release properties and resistance to foaming.
Basic
Basic testing monitors both the unit and the fluid for wear and contamination.
Tests include:
Advanced
To safely extend oil drain intervals, Total Base Number and Oxidation / Nitration will determine if the oil is suitable for continued use.
Tests include:
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News
POLARIS Laboratories® Announces 2013 Public Training Classes
POLARIS Laboratories®, an innovative leader in the fluid analysis industry, has announced its public training class schedule for 2013. Whether attendees are just beginning to establish fluid analysis best practices or they've been in the industry for years, these classes will expand their knowledge of oils and coolants and help them understand the importance of doing fluid analysis and doing it well.
POLARIS Laboratories® Opens New Fluid Testing Lab in Moscow, Russia
The company has now expanded into Russia with the opening of POLARIS Laboratories® Russia, the official representative of POLARIS Laboratories®, located in Moscow.
Training
Orlando
Oil Analysis
July 24-25, 2013Oklahoma City
Oil Analysis
August 28-29, 2013Philadelphia
Cooling Systems Maintenance
September 24, 2013
Tradeshows & Conferences
Oil Sands Trade Show
Fort McMurray, AB
September 10-11, 2013
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