Portable Infrared Analyser for Fast BN Measurement of Two-Stroke Marine Cylinder Oil Introduced

The Spectro Scientific (USA) FluidScan Q1200 Series portable infrared analyser provides direct quantitative Base Number (BN) measurement of two-stroke cylinder oil for marine engines - in less than one minute. The analyser optimises cylinder feed rates by allowing ship-board engineers to avoid over lubrication of the cylinders and reduce corrosion due to slow steaming, saving time and component replacements costs.

The result of a joint marketing agreement between Spectro Scientific and Wärtsilä Services Switzerland, the Q1200 was developed for marine engine applications. Its ability to measure BN quickly and accurately helps determine the proper amount of lubrication needed for cylinder operation. This allows the engine maintainer to extend the lifetime of these components by reducing cold corrosion and cylinder scuffing due to insufficient lubrication and to prevent scaling due to overlubrication. Further cost savings are realised through the elimination of solvents and other hazardous chemicals typically used for testing.

The handheld device requires a small 1/2ml sample volume and includes color-coded alarm limits for fast and easy results interpretation. It correlates with lab methods specified in ASTM D2896, allowing ship-board engineers to comply with manufacturer residual recommended BN and inlet BN guidelines in real time.

The FluidScan Q1200 Series is available in three models, each of which is easily upgradeable to accommodate additional shipboard equipment: the Q1210 measures oil BN for marine cylinder oils in less than one minute; the Q1220 which measures BN, additional system oil and other four-stroke engine oils; and the Q1230, which features all of the above capabilities as well as additional oil libraries, including mineral and synthetic oils used in machinery components such as gear boxes and compressors.

Spectro Scientific Vice President of Business Development Bob Wopperer commented, “For the past several years, the FluidScan lubrication oil analyser has delivered improved efficiency and reliability to our marine industry customers with four-stroke powered vessels. We are pleased to announce our partnership with Wärtsilä Services and the new FluidScan Q1200 model designed specifically for two-stroke powered vessels.”