Oil Mist Detection In The Atmosphere Of The Machine
Rooms
presented at the Marine Propulsion conference in Bilbao, January 2005

Quality Monitoring Instruments Ltd

QMI was formed in the mid-80’s to develop a completely new way to detect oil mist, because there were widely recognized drawbacks with the existing methods.

The first market covered crankcase monitoring. We were asked to enter this market as existing oil mist detectors have three distinct problems.

Our first major customer was A. P. Moller who, over the years, has installed our product on approximately 70 vessels with a further 15 currently being installed.

In the early ‘90’s we were asked by two of our customers if our existing detector was suitable for monitoring the atmosphere in the engine room. We carried out successful trials. It was suggested by MSA that a dedicated detector should be created to monitor machine room spaces. During the mid-90’s we developed a practical detector. The original design of the crankcase detector needed some modification for the new environment. This system has now been used on over 90 installations with many orders outstanding.

In 1997 we were awarded a ‘Safety at Sea’ Certificate by the Seatrade Journal.

Sales are growing year on year as a result of the recognition of the number of accidents our system has been able to prevent.

CRANKCASE MONITORING SYSTEMS give an immediate warning of any danger signs and their location. Engine health monitoring is part of the programme making it possible to locate when and where engine wear is taking place. Confidence in the readings helps the crew to plan ahead for scheduled maintenance procedures.

ATMOSPHERIC DETECTORS give data on the build up of oil mist in machine room spaces, pinpoint the area of danger and warn the user to take immediate action. Escaping oil mist is the cause of a very high percentage of fires at sea.

Speed of response to warning signs and proven reliability are the secrets of our success.

A considerable number of faults that have been discovered, including the detection of steam and smoke as all three parameters have the same particle size.

Our name is recognized internationally by such organizations as Shell, Esso, Chevron, Mobil, Moller, BP, P & O, Princes Cruises, both the British and American Navy, Stena, ACL, Willenius and many many more.

The QMI oil mist detection system is designed to aid the carrying out of running repairs to an engine as necessary. This means that maintenance can be undertaken before a major failure has developed.

Our Agents, located in various parts of the world, can give a back-up service. Details of our Agents are located here.

Our manufacturing company is ISO 9000 registered.