Asahi Kasei Engineering Corp. (AEC) and Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) will jointly implement a demonstration project for predictive detection of signs of abnormality in rotating equipment on ships. The project will utilize vibration analysis technology accumulated by AEC in onshore plant diagnosis, and verify its effectiveness when applied to ships.

For the demonstration, dedicated vibration sensors will be installed on important auxiliary machinery including pumps and oil purifiers in an automobile carrier ship and a very large crude oil carrier (VLCC) currently under construction. In addition to using specialized analysis software in onboard equipment to monitor the output from the sensors, the system will also utilize the Fleet Monitor* real-time ship-to-shore communication platform as part of onboard IoT with the expectation of enabling more precise analysis of malfunctions to be performed onshore in a timely manner, supporting enhanced safety in operation.

Regarding vibration sensors for main engines, power generators, and propulsion shaft bearings, AEC is participating in a joint research scheme led by Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK) in accordance with requests from the industry. Abrasion tests are being carried out using a generator engine at MOL’s technology laboratory, and evaluation for installation on an actual vessel has begun.

Based on a great deal of accumulated technology and data related to operation and maintenance at plants of the Asahi Kasei Group, AEC has been engaged in the field of equipment testing and diagnosis of for over 40 years. AEC provides testing/diagnosis services and maintenance planning support to customers both inside and outside Asahi Kasei Group for equipment used at plants such as motors, pumps, boilers, tanks, and pipes. Moving forward, AEC will utilize its accumulated technology and know-how to provide services that meet customer’s needs.