Answer
Condition Monitoring (CM) is a predictive maintenance technique involving continuous or periodic measurement of physical parameters to identify changing trends and developing mechanical faults before functional failure occurs.
Key Techniques Used On Board
- Vibration Analysis: FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) spectrum analysis on rotating machinery (turbos, purifiers, feed pumps) to detect dynamic imbalance, shaft misalignment, gear damage, and rolling element bearing defects (BPFO/BPFI).
- Lube Oil Analysis (Tribology): Laboratory and onboard testing checking viscosity, Base Number (BN), water content, PQ index (ferrous wear), and elemental wear metals (Fe, Cu, Pb, Al, Cr).
- Infrared Thermography: Thermal imaging of main switchboard busbars, breaker contacts, starter panels, and exhaust pipe insulation blocks to spot localized resistance heating.
- Ultrasonic / Acoustic Monitoring: Detecting high-pressure fuel line micro-leaks, valve seat blow-by, steam trap failures, and vacuum leaks.
- Performance Signature Analysis: Analysis of diesel engine combustion using digital peak pressure indicators (P-max, P-comp, expansion curves) and turbocharger efficiency parameters.
Primary Advantages
- Enables transition from Time-Based (Calendar) Maintenance to Condition-Based Maintenance (CBM) under Class-approved schemes.
- Prevents catastrophic machinery breakdown, minimizes unnecessary overhauls, extends component life, and optimizes spare parts utilization.