Research Project Reciprocating engine Protection and Performance Monitor

Proximo Technology will develop a new predictave maintenance system 11PdM" to detect failures in reciprocating
gas & diesel engines connecting rods & bearings. Analysis of deteriation will be processed and analyzed by a
computer program together with intelligent analysis methods. The protection & inspection system will be able to
inform operators of fleets of gas & diesel engines operating in the Oil & Gas, Marine, Mining, Powergeneration,
Transportation/train sector and many other Industrial manufacturing plants/pipelines when their reciprocating
machinery is starting to deteriate.
The development would produce a unique & innovative uautomated" analysis system, supported by its own
unique software. The intention being to build a flexable a simple, affordable and non-intrusive approach to
detecting the mechanical condition of connecting rods and bearings without stripping the engine down for
inspection. The software will monitor on-line the meachanical condition of rod rotation and set baseline readings.
Any deteriation from the connecting rods and bearing baseline readings will indicate an alert. On any indication of
an anomily/change in condition the user will be able to also inspect the cylinders off-line with the 11EnScope"
inspection device.
The instrument will also perform a "leak down" or flow test. This unique analysis will be performed with the engine
cylinder static at Top Dead Centre (TDC) on the compression stroke. Air pressure is added to the cylinder from the
En Scope in a controlled manner from manufactured mechanical instrument with the subsequent flow rate
measured. These numbers, combined with compression test values from normal service intervals, give early
indicators of leakage from either valve or ring sealing issues. The trending of these numbers can better set time
lines for unit wear and required replacement of f;lUity parts.
Additionaly the system will be able to prduce optional PT & PV diagrams to evaluate performance in engine power
cylinders no matter where they are situated in the world.