Japanese classification society ClassNK and Hitachi Zosen Corporation have completed a joint study of the condition-based monitoring and automatic diagnostic system ClassNK CMAXS LC-A for Hitachi MAN B&W engines.
CMAXS LC-A is an abnormal-state diagnosis system to maintain machinery in optimal operational shape, using enhanced condition diagnosis technology and innovative sensor data analysis algorithm. By collecting data from several sensors rather than just one, correlations can be identified and abnormal relations can be detected. This is a key feature of CMAXS LC-A which distinguishes it from other CBM systems to date.
The system can identify optimum fuel injection and cylinder oil feed rates onboard ship in response to the condition of the machinery, supporting optimal operations.
During the joint study, ClassNk and Hitachi Zosen Corporation developed a system compatible with Hitachi MAN B&W engines and conducted verification tests on one bulk carrier installed with a Hitachi MAN B&W engine.
The system for Hitachi MAN B&W engines combines and analyses big data from the ship’s data logger. Using the analysed results, the system can produce trend graphs of components/function conditions to prevent serious damage at an early stage. The system also displays appropriate maintenance information such as work procedures and instructions automatically.
ClassNK CMAXS systems are already commercially installed on the vessels of some of the world’s leading shipping companies. In June this year, “K” Line Ship Management Pte Ltd selected ClassNK Consulting Service’s machinery condition monitoring and automatic diagnostic system ClassNK CMAXS LC-A for use on one of its container vessels, marking the first commercial application of the software.
The Singaporean shipping company selected ClassNK CMAXS LC-A after a successful trial installation in 2014 delivered proven fuel and lubricating oil savings of 200 tons/year. The trial was carried out as part of a joint research project in collaboration with ClassNK and Diesel United Ltd.
CMAXS LC-A is just one example of new software developed by ClassNK to help users overcome inefficiencies in operations and maintenance management, therefore increasing the efficiency of the entire ship.
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