How to Monitor the Performance of Your Marine Hydraulics System

In the marine industry, hydraulic systems are the invisible muscles which helps to power the ship’s boats and offshore platforms. Thus, right from the steering systems and winches to the Hatch covers and cranes, having the right hydraulic equipment will guarantee a seamless and safe operation at the sea. 

But like any powerful system, marine hydraulics, also need to have regular monitoring, cleaning and checking to keep them efficient and reliable. If you work with ships or manage marine operations, it is important that you know the basics of how to keep a close eye on your hydraulic system.

Understanding the importance of checking these systems regularly is not just a good practice, but is essential for avoiding downtime, accidents, and any expensive repair. Let’s have a look at what are the most important points which needs to be checked when it comes to effectively monitoring the performance of marine hydraulic systems.

Why monitoring matters?

Hydraulic systems are known for their ability to handle heavy loads and perform under any harsh and difficult condition. However, there might be situations when things can get wrong and the impact may become severe. There can be issues like contamination, leak in the fluid or overheating, all of which can result in critical failure of the system. For marine vehicles, such failures costs more than money. They compromise safety at sea. 

Therefore, by monitoring the performance of the marine hydraulics systems, one can –

• Detect the problems early and prevent any form of fatal breakdowns
• Improve the lifespan of the costly component
• Reduce the maintenance cost of the parts
• Ensure smooth and safe operation of the entire system and the network

Key aspects to monitor

Hydraulic fluid condition

The hydraulic fluid is the lifeline of the marine system. However, with time, it can get contaminated with water, dirt, or metal particles. Therefore, it is important that there is regular testing of this fluid for contamination, viscosity and acidity. It will help you understand whether it needs to be filtered or replaced. 

Clean fluids ensure that the entire system can work smoothly, and avoid any unnecessary wear and tear. There are sensors or sampling kits available which can help to test fluid quality at scheduled intervals.

System pressure

Hydraulic systems rely on consistent pressure to operate. For instance, if the pressure becomes too low, the equipment will not function efficiently. On the other hand, if it’s too high, it will strain the components and might even cause leaks. Therefore, installing pressure gauges and the advanced sensors can help to track pressure levels in real time and diagnose if there is any fault before they might escalate. 

Temperature control

Marine environment is tough and the hydraulic systems need to work continuously. Therefore, there are chances of excess heating of the fluids or components and they can cause damage in hoses, seals, farms, etcetera. Monitoring the operating temperature ensures that the system stays within safe limits. While checking if you see that the marine system is getting frequently overheat, You need to check the cooling system and the liquid and the fluid levels because it may be a sign of blocked filters or insufficient ventilation.

Leak detection

Even if there are very small leaks in the hydraulic system, over time it can cause significant losses. Apart from wasting the expensive hydraulic fluid, it can cause safety hazards by making the decks slippery. Therefore, it is necessary that there are experts who go through regular visual inspections along with the leak detection devices. They are simple but effective way to keep track if the system is working properly and whether the fluid is in place.

Noise and vibration

A healthy hydraulic system should run smoothly with minimal noise. Just like any machine, unusual sounds such as hissing, knocking, or whining can often be an indication of problems that there is air in the system or some pump issues or cavitation. 

Similarly, there can be unexpected vibrations that may point towards some misalignment in the component. It is important to pay attention to the signs in the early stage, otherwise there might be some expensive repair repairs required.

Component wear and tear

Pumps, wolves, horses and cylinders are the key parts of any hydraulic system. However, with time these components will see damages and dents. Due to pressure, heat and constant use, these components will be aging. Therefore, regular inspections can help to identify any cracks, rust or weak seals. It is important to replace the worn parts on time otherwise it will cause sudden breakdowns and if it is at sea, the situation can worsen.

Tools and methods for monitoring

• Condition monitoring sensors – These are the advanced sensors which can track parameters like temperature, pressure and fluid quality in real time.
• Scheduled maintenance – Following a routine inspection checklist ensures no component is overlooked.
• Diagnostic software – There are many modern marine hydraulics equipments which come with a digital monitoring software and it provides the performance reports and alerts in real time.
• Crew training – Ensuring that the crew members know the basics of the hydraulic system can help to detect if there are any quality issues.

Common signs of trouble

• Drop in the hydraulic pressure is one of the biggest signs you should be aware. 
• If there is rising operating temperature, it could be a sign of a faulty mechanism. 
• Sluggish performance of equipment like slower winches or steering definitely means there is some issue. 
• Fluid discoloration or strange smell is something you need to be aware about. Increased vibrational noise in any of the components is a sign that detection is necessary. 

There are some best practices for long term reliability, of which sticking to a scheduled maintenance, keeping the system clean, using quality parts and fluids, and investing in modern technology are very important. 

Monitoring the marine hydraulics systems is not a complicated thing. But with smart monitoring plan, it not just safeguards the equipment but also improves the safety and efficiency in marine operations. So, to make monitoring a routine part of your vessels maintenance, make sure that you are connected with the experts. Remember, prevention is always cheaper and safer than repairs at the sea.