ABB brings diagnostics to UK marine market

LEAP (life expectancy analysis program) and MACHsense P are the core products and allied with more traditional actions such as borescopic inspection, are intended to ensure a high degree of confidence in the condition of the machines.

LEAP provides information on the remaining lifetime of the stator windings of a high voltage machine. According to ABB, these data can be used to significantly reduce the risk of shut downs caused by unforeseen failures. In addition, standard preventive maintenance can be planned around a vessel docking.

MACHsense P – which holds three patents – combines mechanical vibration techniques with electromagnetic measurements and has been developed specifically for rotating machines. Bespoke algorithms are incorporated which are specific to each machine type. These algorithms are used to estimate defect indices and criticality for each machine. MACHsense–P is claimed to offer a reliable early warning system that provides an opportunity for effective maintenance planning during the initial stages of defect development.

“With this ‘best in class’ technology we can offer our marine clients new possibilities to improve their operations, increase vessel availability and reduce maintenance costs,” says Roddie Goudie, condition monitoring specialist for ABB marine and cranes business unit. “The marine industry demands a high level of performance from their electrical assets and any downtime can be extremely costly. In the case of a large generator or induction motor, a failure or unplanned maintenance action can result in significant issues for a vessel operator. Lead time for replacement units is often long and the capital cost high, however, this can be a fraction of the true cost if a vessel has to be taken ‘off-charter’ or cannot operate to its intended performance levels. UK vessel operators can now realise high operational and financial benefits by integrating these services into their maintenance strategy.