POLARIS Laboratories, LLC - Marine Industry

Marine Maintenance Services, Marine Engine Oil Analysis, Coolant Analysis, Fuel Analysis

MARINE
The diesel engines, gear systems and hydraulics required to power today’s marine industry are expected to operate for long periods of time at full load capacity under extreme, often uncontrollable, conditions. These units are constantly exposed to the damaging effects of either fresh water or saltwater, which are also used by some to cool the very systems that keep them up and running. Where contamination and wear are eminent, maximizing asset reliability becomes the priority. Monitoring the condition of both the unit and the fluid through oil analysis identifies wear-causing contaminants and their effect on performance…it costs so little to protect so much.

Routine oil analysis is critical to managing asset reliability in any marine application. High performance expectations and harsh environmental operating conditions present constant obstacles. Continual exposure to water creates unique problems. Fresh water-cooled engines are susceptible to condensation and rust. Diesel engines typically operate at very high temperatures, promoting oxidation and acid formation. Gear systems and hydraulics are vulnerable to contamination and wear. Oil changes can be difficult and are not always convenient. Routine testing and analysis can extend oil drain intervals and identify small problems before they become costly failures.

TESTING PROGRAMS

• Basic

• Extended Drain

• Preventive

• Predictive

POLARIS Test Packages

Download the Marine Product Guide here

DIESEL ENGINES

Routinely monitoring a diesel engine oil's viscosity, as well as its ability to neutralize acids and disperse and suspend soot particles produced during combustion can indicate whether or not anti-wear additive and dispersant / detergent levels are providing sufficient engine protection.

OIL

COOLANT

Coolant Analysis takes the guess work out of properly maintaining a cooling system and can identify maintenance problems before catastrophic engine failure occurs. Regular coolant testing and routine maintenance can help you achieve maximum system efficiency and save you time and money in less downtime, fewer repairs and determining proper drain intervals.

A cooling system is subject to pitting, corrosion, cavitation, erosion and electrolysis. Although coolants are formulated to help prevent these problems from occurring, coolant analysis will identify them if present and determine if the coolant you're using is providing adequate protection.

Guide to Coolant and Cooling Systems Maintenance

Although contamination by dirt and water should be closely monitored, the biggest concern for these systems is the type of wear occurring. Direct Read Ferrography detects the amount of ferrous wear occurring by providing a ratio of large to small ferrous particles, which is extremely helpful in trend analysis.

Hydraulic systems require the fluid’s viscosity to be low enough to minimize friction loss, yet high enough to prevent fluid leakage and provide satisfactory protection against wear. It should have good oxidation stability to prevent sludge from forming, sufficient water separability and air release properties and resistance to foaming.