Maersk Fluid Technology automates SEA-Mate BOB system

Integrated software automates production of cylinder lubricants using data from onboard sensors.

Maersk Fluid Technology's blending-on-board (BOB) system. Image credit: Maersk Fluid Technology

Updated on 29 May 2018 09:25 GMT

Maersk Fluid Technology (MFT) reports that it has advanced its SEA-Mate blending-on-board (BOB) technology with integrated software that automates the system's function to produce fit-for-purpose cylinder lubricants using data from onboard sensors. Originally developed by Maersk for use on A.P Moller-Maersk Group's fleet of containerships, MFT's BOB technology allows for the blending of the in-use system oil, as a base oil, with a high-BN cylinder oil product to produce a cylinder lubricant and facilitate the addition of fresh system oil to the engine sump. MFT claims the use of this technology can reduce cylinder oil consumption and alleviate issues such as cold corrosion and excessive cylinder wear, as well as mitigate issues associated with worn system oil causing problems for the hydraulic control system in modern, electronic controlled two-stroke engines. The SEA-Mate BOB product line has comprised three models: B500, B1000 and B3000. They have been built with a different capacity, making them suitable for different engine sizes. The new model range - B500 Mk2, B1000 Mk2 and B3000 - will continue to have many of the tried and tested characteristics. The main difference will be in the control system of the B500 Mk2 and B1000 Mk2, whilst they will continue to have the same nominal capacity - i.e. they will be suitable for the same engine sizes. The B1000 Mk2 will have the option to be an automated model of the BOB system that uses output signals from the ship's engine control system and additional external sensors for engine condition as input parameters to provide the necessary information required to safely operate system and engines by optimising the cylinder oil properties. Henrik Bak Weimar, Technical & Operational Manager, Maersk Fluid Technology, said: "Maersk Fluid Technology, as a manufacturer of BOB systems, we continuously strive to improve the BOB technology to deliver new generations of all models for our customers. Our developments of the automated versions of the BOB system models are a result of extensive operational experience on board vessels. The new generation of blenders meets expectation of modern engines' operators." Maersk Fluid Technology is due to attend the Posidonia shipping exhibition from June 4-8 with stand 111 in hall 3 (3.111).