This article was first published in the Spring/Summer 2019 issue of Spring/Summer 2019 issue of International Cruise & Ferry Review. All information was correct at the time of printing, but may since have changed.
Schaller Automation considers ‘safety first’ as an important mantra. For over 50 years, the Germany-based firm has been ensuring the safety of crew and passengers sailing on ships using its oil mist detectors in their engines.
The company first introduced its oil mist detection systems at the end of the 1960s and has been pioneering development in this field ever since. To date, more than 55,000 engines have been protected by a Visatron oil mist detection system.
To respond to today’s market demands, Schaller has developed the VN301plus oil mist detector, which is even safer and simpler than its predecessors. The VN301plus offers low operational costs, easy maintenance and it can also be adapted for the new generation of dual-fuel engines that are being installed on passenger ships. Schaller can equip any diesel, gas and dual-fuel engine with the new product.
It is important to detect the presence of oil mist inside the crankcase as soon as possible to avoid further damage to the engine or its components. Schaller aims to tackle this issue with its accurate and reliable VN301plus multi-sensor system, enabling operators to react more quickly to changes.
The VN301plus system consists of a central unit which can be connected to up to 20 sensors. Each sensor monitors one crankcase compartment independently. Due to the Venturi effect, where fluid pressure reduces when fluid flows through a constricted section of pipe, the VN301plus can quickly analyse the oil mist concentration and react quickly if it is high.
The measuring head is cleaned by fresh air which actively protects it from dirt and as a result maintains a high level of monitoring accuracy, avoiding false alarms. Schaller is the only one on the market proposing this proven technology.
Due to the new compact design of the sensor and engine wall connection, it is easier to install the sensor on each engine type. With the newest and updated software, the sensor automatically adapts its measurement based on the engine operation and can avoid false alarms even if there are frequent changes in engine load and revolutions per minute.
The VN301plus uses Schaller’s hybrid cable, which offers user-friendly and fast installation. This cable provides air and power to each sensor and acts as a link to the central unit where all the information of the system is displayed. The central unit’s simple display means users quickly gain an overview of the system status. Schaller’s VN301plus oil mist detection system is geared towards Industry 4.0 due to its CANopen and Modbus interface options.
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