ExxonMobil Upgrades Cylinder Condition Monitoring Program

ExxonMobil Marine Fuels and Lubricants upgraded its marine engine condition monitoring program. The MobilGard cylinder condition monitoring (CCM) program now has the functionality for onboard oil samples to be compared against ExxonMobil’s database of nearly 100,000 test results, helping operators to protect and optimize the performance of their engines, the company said.

“The upgrade of the MobilGard CCM program comes at a time when engine builders continue to push the boundaries in developing next generation models, and some marine operators are retrofitting older engines with fuel optimization kits,” said Steve Walker, Global Field Engineering Services Manager, ExxonMobil Marine Fuels and Lubricants. “With the introduction of new models and adaptation of older engines, comprehensive engine condition monitoring programs are going to be key to help monitor these engines in operation going forward.”

The MobilGard CCM program includes taking regular cylinder oil scrape down samples from the scavenge drain system. Two tests are carried out on the sample, which analyze the two key parameters of iron content and total base number (TBN) in the oil, using onboard measurement units. The concentration of iron in the scrape down oil provides an indication of an engine’s liner wear rate. The TBN level demonstrates if the engine’s liners are being protected from the effects of the acidic products of combustion, or are in danger of suffering from corrosive wear.

In addition to the onboard checks on scrape down oil, the MobilGard CCM program includes a range of laboratory-based tests to give further insights into the performance of the oil and engine. These include oil condition and wear metal analysis. According to the company, all findings are reported in an easy to understand format including historic trend analysis for the engine with advice on how to rectify areas of concern, and opportunities to optimize engine operation.

“ExxonMobil has been undertaking scrape down oil analysis programs for over 10 years, which is why we can call on nearly 100,000 test results to compare a customer’s sample against,” commented Iain White, Global Field Marketing Manager, ExxonMobil Marine Fuels and Lubricants. “Over 350 vessels currently rely on MobilGard CCM to help enhance the performance of their engines.

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