In the offshore industry diesel and gas generators are significant components. On these systems the use of oil analysis as a condition monitoring tool is indispensable. However, little importance is paid to the cooling system although more than 50% of engine failures actually begin in the cooling system. This is unfortunate – Cooling system problems can potentially reduce the life of components within all systems engines, transmissions and hydraulics. Proper cooling system maintenance is essential to achieving optimum engine performance, reliability and longevity.
As with lubricants many of the principles also hold true for coolants. Coolants should be monitored on a timely basis and carefully managed. This is important in order to ensure engine operational efficiency and recognise system issues before it damages components. In this regard, coolant analysis is extremely important. A typical coolant test will check for contaminants, water content, acidity, sludge and metals that could indicate potential problems inside the cooler or radiator.
REQUIREMENTS FOR AN EFFECTIVE COOLANT ANALYSIS PROGRAM
Determine your primary objectives e.g.
- Decrease unscheduled downtime
- Control coolant consumption and disposal costs
- Improve reliability, product quality and productivity
Choose an established service provider
Lubri-Con’s service and technical personnel will provide practical suggestions to assist in establishing your coolant analysis program. Our reports are accompanied by detailed explanations and practical recommendations for improving machine reliability.
Obtain a representative sample
Obtaining a representative sample is the most important part of a scheduled coolant analysis program. Poor sampling do not reflect the true condition of the coolant and component – the reliability of the results and its interpretation is affected.
Establish a Consistent Baseline of Information
Proper information on unit type/component/sample location/coolant type is significantly important is setting up your coolant analysis program. Complete sample information speeds processing and increases the data analysts’ ability to fully interpret the test results.
Prompt reporting
This ensures that abnormal or critical conditions are recognized and acted on in timely manner to prevent damage or a loss in production. It is here that measurable value of your analysis program materialises.
Lubri-Con Ltd. has been in continuous and evolving operation since 2009 — long enough to have developed complete, time-tested procedures for implementation, execution and reporting on Oil and Coolant analysis – as condition based monitoring tools.
We are the distributors of the Castrol Radicool (ELC) Premix.
Castrol Radicool SF-O Premix
Castrol Radicool SF-O Premix is a long-life ready to use coolant based on monoethyleneglycol and distilled water. In contrast to traditional antifreeze coolants, Castrol Radicool SF-O Premix does not contain amines, nitrites, phosphates or other inorganic inhibitors. The special organic acid inhibitor package used in Radicool SF-O Premix enables longer drain intervals with optimal protection against corrosion, radiator blockage, overheating and freezing. Castrol Radicool SF-O Premix provides year round protection against corrosion, and offers freezing protection down to – 37ºC.
Coolant Analysis Test Packages
Lubri-Con’s Coolant Analysis test packages are designed for the coolant formulations on the market today and the applications in which they are used. Regular testing and analysis can detect problems within the cooling system before they cause major damage or even failure.
Our Standard and Premium test packages monitor the corrosive acidic and alkaline attributes of the coolant, freeze and boil point protection, corrosion metals, contaminants and inhibitor levels. Also monitoring the organic acids in extended life coolants is beneficial in confirming proper fluid maintenance.
