6.(a) List SIX examples of condition monitoring that could be applied as part of a planned maintenance system.(6)
(b) Explain how condition monitoring can assist in expediting classification survey requirements.(4)
(a) Six examples of condition monitoring (6 marks)
- Lube oil analysis – checks viscosity, contamination, BN/AN, and wear metals.
- Vibration monitoring – identifies faults in bearings, gears, and rotating machinery.
- Thermography (infra-red scanning) – detects hot spots in switchboards, insulation, and bearings.
- Ultrasonic testing – detects leaks in compressed air/vacuum systems, checks bearing lubrication.
- Performance monitoring – trends in fuel consumption, exhaust temperatures, and turbocharger efficiency.
- Wear debris analysis (ferrography/magnetic chip detectors) – monitors metallic particles from machinery wear.
(Other valid answers: cylinder pressure analysis, noise monitoring, dissolved gas analysis in transformer oil, etc.)
(b) How condition monitoring assists in expediting classification survey requirements (4 marks)
- Objective evidence – Provides surveyors with documented, continuous records of machinery condition, reducing the need for physical dismantling.
- Extended survey intervals – Satisfactory condition monitoring records may allow surveys to be extended or streamlined.
- Reduced downtime – Less intrusive inspections are needed, allowing machinery to remain in service during survey.
- Targeted inspection – Surveyors can focus only on components showing abnormal trends, saving time and cost.