Real-time oil monitoring for compressor station engines

Breakdowns don’t occur when it is convenient. Mechanics can’t always investigate potential issues in a timely fashion. Results from the oil labs don’t always arrive in time. That’s where Shell Remote Sense can help.

Shell Remote Sense offers live oil monitoring for natural gas engines. The service can also be used on compressors that have dedicated oil sumps separate from the crankcase lubricant. Shell Remote Sense provides instant alerts when contaminants such as water enter the system, or when TBN has dropped significantly. Compressor station operators can use Shell Remote Sense to better plan their maintenance routines.

The service monitors the following:

1. TBN – acids from combustion take a toll on the reserve alkalinity of the lubricating system. By monitoring TBN you will have a better idea if the oil is suitable for continued use, or if an oil change is recommended.

2. Oxidation – oxidation and nitration levels give insights about the oil’s suitability for continued use, and can also help indicate when combustion timing is off.

3. Viscosity – radical changes in engine oil viscosity can indicate combustion issues, or be an indicator that the wrong type of lubricant was topped-off in the sump. Viscosity issues should be corrected immediately in order to avoid damage to the engine.

4. Water contamination – Shell Remote Sense can give an indication of when contaminants like water have infiltrated the engine.
 

Shell Remote Sense works on 2-stroke and 4-stroke natural gas engines. The system can also be modified to work on turbines and compressor cylinders. Installation of Remote Sense hardware can generally be completed in one day. Contact us via email for installation guides.