Tan Delta oil sensors were deployed across a fleet of large diesel electric locomotives to improve reliability and maintenance scheduling and control.
An Oil Quality Sensor (OQSx) was installed downstream from the main engine oil filter using a simple pre-fabricated flange which was fitted inline and into which the sensor was screwed.
Power for the sensor was provided by an available feed from the engine. Data was streamed to a locally fitted OQD to display real time data, as well as connected to the existing telematics system such that data was streamed back to the customers central maintenance control and planning department.
Data from the sensor is used to help plan optimal servicing whilst simultaneously providing an alert mechanism to identify potential problems before damage is caused.
The customer has benefited from the ability to track actual maintenance activities of locomotive operators through the data provided by the sensor and ensure that an optimal service schedule maintained, thus reducing operating and failure costs.
With a 7 month pay back, the installation of the oil sensors delivered a series of benefits which all contributed to the pay back.