FUEL/LUBRICATION OPTIMIZATION
FLUID DYNAMICS Precision monitoring and analysis of fuel and lube oil improves locomotive performance and availability.
uel and lube oil are literally the lifeblood of a dieselelectric locomotive. Fuel is the second-largest railroad operating cost, after labor. And lube oil is far more complex than it may seem, as its chemistry is an accurate indicator of how well an engine is performing, and when a failure may be imminent. CSX and the MBTA’s commuter rail operation are using analytics and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven technology to optimize and analyze fuel and lube oil, respectively. MBTA MOLECULAR DATA MBTA, under the direction of Chief Railroad Officer Ryan Coholan, partnered with 4Atmos Technologies LLC, a Dallas, 32 Railway Age // February 2021
Tex.-based provider of IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things) Big Data solutions and predictive analytics on a program called Oil Velocity Solutions. The program applies AI modeling to laboratory lube oil data and clusters it “into matches against known failure signatures, not just thresholds for upper and lower limits,” according to 4Atmos President Mike Jensen. “Fluids are molecular data recorders waiting to tell their stories.” The Oil Velocity Solutions program analyzes no fewer than seven lube oilrelated locomotive failure modes tied to: • Fuel Leaks/Viscosity. • Crankcase Overpressure. • Exhaust Blowby/Turbocharger. • Coolant Contamination/Dilution. • Traction Motor Bearing Wear.
• Wear Metals. Following a successful six-month pilot, the MBTA contracted with 4Atmos to monitor all of its locomotives in full production. “We’ve helped set records at the MBTA for what we call good catches and saves,” notes Jensen. “We’ve seen a rapid ROI, reduced train delays, decreased locomotive maintenance costs and improved reliability, while averaging a 30-day failure prediction lead time.” Since 2018, MBTA has transitioned from 45- to 10-day oil sampling that incorporates predictive oil/fluid analytics; an on-site, MBTA-staffed Oil Lab; a locomotive fleet “at-risk” ranking; prescription recommendations for inspection and repair; and overhaul warranty monitoring. The program features Web-based and railwayage.com
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BY WILLIAM C. VANTUONO, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
