MobilGard™ CCM data reveals range of engine challenges facing operators

Analysis of ExxonMobil data drives insight into feed rates, component wear and engine failure*

MobilGard™ CCM data reveals range of engine challenges facing operators

• ExxonMobil’s MobilGard™ Cylinder Condition Monitoring (CCM) programme is designed to help optimise engine protection and reduce operating costs
• Data from the programme shows 50 per cent of vessels are not operating at optimal feed rates
• 43 per cent have a potentially catastrophic issue with cat fines; cold corrosion is present in 15 per cent of vessel samples

NORWAY – In-depth data analysis of more than 400,000 oil samples from ExxonMobil’s MobilGard Cylinder Condition Monitoring (CCM) programme has identified the wide range of potentially damaging engine issues facing vessel operators.

With operators challenged by continued economic pressures and changing regulations, the need to protect engines and drive operational efficiencies is more important than ever. MobilGard CCM is designed to help optimise engine protection and minimise operating costs. Analysis from the advanced cylinder condition monitoring shows that operators have many opportunities to optimise their engine efficiency and also potentially mitigate catastrophic engine failures.

In fact, as many as 50 per cent of marine vessels have an opportunity to optimise feed rates. In the most common scenario of over-lubrication, the result is wasted oil consumption and unnecessary expense. But the effects can be far more serious, generating excessive piston and liner wear that can ultimately lead to even more significant costs to operators.

The analysis also demonstrated a growing issue with cat fines and continued cold corrosion challenges for many operators. Key findings included:

• 43 per cent of vessels have an issue with cat fines, which can lead to catastrophic engine failure in severe cases.
• 15 per cent are suffering from cold corrosion, which can reduce engine life dramatically if operators fail to address the problem quickly.
• 9 per cent of vessels see high levels of iron in the scrape down oil. This is indicative of engine wear and can lead to reduced piston, liner and overall engine life.
• 25 per cent are experiencing water washing problems. The presence of water in the engine removes the cylinder oil from the liners and can cause high wear.

“It is no secret that the marine industry is facing challenging times,” said Iain White, Global Marketing Manager at ExxonMobil marine. “Operators are constantly under pressure to save money, so efficiency continues to be front of mind. The data captured by our MobilGard CCM programme has indicated that many are missing the opportunity to drive that efficiency, and some are even facing a real risk of catastrophic engine failure.”

ExxonMobil’s MobilGard CCM programme, built on 15 years of experience in cylinder condition monitoring and analysis, is designed to provide protection for slow-speed engines. Operators on the programme receive a tailored lubrication recommendation, based on extensive data samples that benchmark their specific engine and operating conditions. Regular MobilGard CCM analysis, coupled with support from ExxonMobil’s experienced engineers, helps customers to optimise their feed rates, maximise their engine life and ultimately reduce overall operating costs.

*Statistics taken from FES analysis of MobilGard^TM CCM data analysis gathered in 2Q17.

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