Page 46: of Marine News Magazine (December 2014)

Privately held, American-based On-Site Analysis, Inc. (OSA), a manufacturer of high-tech, on-premise, auto- mated ß uids analysis equipment, has now expanded into the maritime industry with the introduction of the OBA ShipCheck, an on-board analyzer. With a physical foot- print of just four square feet and weighing only 95 pounds, and using the same ASTM methods as outside labs, the OBA ShipCheck conducts diagnostic ß uids analysis for marine engine lubricants, marine grease and gear lubri- cants, generators, hydraulics, air compressors, scrape down oils and many more ß uids. The device allows engine room staff to perform comprehensive ß uids testing on board and in just minutes to identify needed repairs Ð eliminating the need to send samples to onshore laboratories. The proprietary technology utilizes advanced analytical components including a built-in dual temperature viscom- eter and particle counter. The OBA ShipCheck conducts lab quality diagnostic analysis of all lubricants, hydraulics, gear boxes, transmissions, generator lubes, etc. Automati- cally identifying the presence and/or levels of 20 metals and contaminants like glycol, fuel, % water, Nitration, Oxidation, Dual Temperature Viscosity (40 & 100c), it also identiÞ es the ß uidÕs Total Base Number (TBN). The OBA ShipCheckÕs special software has been customized to marine application rules, with an extensive database reß ecting the industryÕs concentration in hydraulics and gearboxes. This information is then used to identify if ß u-ids have been over extended, still have physical properties, or if component has a needed repair. Designed to allow engineers to do their own analysis, OBA ShipCheck does not require expert stafÞ ng. As a start, the device eliminates the need Ð at just 25 percent of the cost Ð to send ß uid samples to onshore laboratories. As the centerpiece of an effective condition-based main- tenance system, the OBA ShipCheck connects directly to the LubeTrak web-based data analysis system, allowing corporate ß eet maintenance management to track the con- dition of their entire ß eet on a real time basis and receive email ÒAlertsÓ when emerging problems are identiÞ ed. Ac- cording to Jim Greer, President of On-Site Analysis, the equipment is robust and dependable. He explains, ÒFor years, mining and ocean oil-rig operators in remote loca- tions have used it to test all of their lubricants.Ó Will Willis, Jr., Chairman & CEO, adds, ÒWe can virtually eliminate 100% of the unscheduled repairs brought on by not moni- toring the internal conditions of components and ß uids. By conducting on-board analysis, maintenance people can identify hidden or emerging problems before they become catastrophic. Additionally, they would not do unnecessary ß uids changes or maintenance because our analyzer will tell them when something needs to be done. Shipboard personnel would beneÞ t by implementing a condition- based maintenance protocol and avoid of the lost time and money associated with breakdowns.Ó The OBA ShipCheck Fluids Analyzer Automated Technology Provides Lab-Quality Fluids Analysis On Board and In Minutes Tech file 46 MNDecember 2014MN Dec14 Layout 32-49.indd 46MN Dec14 Layout 32-49.indd 4611/25/2014 11:10:16 AM11/25/2014 11:10:16 AM