We describe advances in comprehensive forward deployed fluid analysis based on fluid condition assessment with FluidScan® and contaminant and wear debris analysis with the LaserNet Fines® optical particle analyzer. The combined technologies provide comprehensive analysis of fluid condition and machinery health, and are implementable either as a forward-deployed portable instrument or a continuous, autonomous online monitor. The combined technologies provide comprehensive immediate on-the spot actionable information at the operational level about the current condition of platforms and machinery, readiness for deployment or usage, and advanced warning about impending failures or need for specific maintenance. A forward deployed portable instrument is of value for use in monitoring fleets of vehicles or platforms with a single instrument through bottle sampling, while an online monitor is of value in providing continual assessment of the condition of critical, high-value equipment where serious faults can develop between bottle sample intervals, and support reduced manpower or workload environments.
Previously we have described the combination of LaserNet Fines® and FluidScan® into a single portable unit capable of analyzing lubricating and hydraulic oils1. Our current efforts involve extending the capability of the portable instrument to fuel analysis. We have developed fuel analysis algorithms for identifying if unknown fluid is a fuel, distinguishing among multiple types of aviation and diesel fuels and gasoline, and calculating multiple physical properties depending on fuel type. In the current effort, we are incorporating this capability into the portable analyzer utilizing an extended range mid-IR spectrometer that can analyze lube oil, hydraulic oil and fuel in a single instrument. Advances in the online monitor include extending the capabilities of the online LaserNet Fines® particle monitor to include gearbox oils, as well as, hydraulic and engine lube oil and to combine it with an online FluidScan® monitor. We will describe results with both the portable and online units for analysis of engines and transmission.
1 Comprehensive, Field-Deployable Portable Fluid Analyzer , J. E. Tucker*, J. Reintjes*, T. Sebokâ and P. F. Henning , Presented at 61st Meeting of the Society Machinery Failure Prevention Technology April 2007
