Partnering for powerful condition monitoring system

The powerful combination of technologies has resulted in a highly efficient maintenance solution that is specifically targeted at inaccessible, high cost, critical assets in the marine sector. James Fisher Mimic (JFM), providers of reliability engineering and condition monitoring solutions to the international shipping industry, has fully integrated the Artesis MCM solution to analyse motor current performance within their Mimic predictive maintenance product. This detailed information, in conjunction with other maintenance data, then provides an in depth analysis and overall picture of machine health and performance.

‘Artesis’s MCM solution seemed a natural fit as part of our Mimic condition based maintenance (CBM) offering, said Graeme Brown, business development director at James Fisher Mimic. ‘Motor current analysis is a CBM process that we have not previously offered. It is important that our partners provide us with not only exceptional technology but also simple and straightforward functionality, in keeping with the Mimic philosophy. Artesis delivered this, and more.’

The wireless methodology of the MCM solution is of particular importance to JFM’s customers. Through the use of intelligent communications, it is ideal for high cost equipment such as motor driven assets onboard ships that are completely inaccessible but still require condition monitoring. The wireless solution allows the monitoring of such equipment to take place in an electrical switch room, providing constant and reliable, remote monitoring.

Andy Bates, director at Artesis said, ‘Partnering with James Fisher Mimic meant we were working in a challenging and demanding sector, but having already experienced various industries and applications we were more than confident that our MCM solution would deliver and this high level integration demonstrates the versatility of MCM. JFM is currently trialling the MCM units on salt water pumps and are extremely pleased with the results so far.’

‘The adoption of condition monitoring systems within the shipping industry is moving at a fast pace, added Graeme Brown. ‘Predictive maintenance is not a short term solution and the initial investment is soon recouped by the longer term downstream benefits. The cost of annual repair and replacement more than justifies the installation costs of the MCM units.’

The Mimic Software Suite is a condition monitoring system that identifies the optimum time to conduct maintenance activity, which in turn realises savings by reducing downtime for unexpected repairs. Mimic ensures maintenance decisions are driven by the condition and performance of the assets.