Commenting on one incident in which fluid and condition monitoring services has saved Castlebridge Plant, a substantial amount of money and avoided costly downtime, Andrew Foster, managing director said: "We have been using the fluid sampling service for a number of years now and it is integral factor to our fleet maintenance and repair programme.
"In this particular instance fluid testing on an excavator resulted in an 'Amber' alert in the evaluation. On receiving the comments we were made aware that a drop in viscosity was detected through fuel dilution.
"Even though only a small amount of fuel dilution had been highlighted, more importantly the laboratory analysis showed a 'spike' in the aluminium levels. This was rather concerning given the low oil hours of the excavator. We were then given the recommended points of action. This included removing the filters, cutting them open and checking for the presence of metal. If detected, this would suggest a bearing or piston issue and action should be taken a.s.a.p to trace and repair the fault.
"Our team of engineers did find traces of aluminium in the filters and so we removed the engine which was still, at this point, in service. Due to the speed and efficiency of the fluid and condition monitoring service we were able to save a costlier repair job, around £26,000, with an extra £10,000 for total failure. However, the cost in downtime would have proved more expensive. Had the unit failed without us being able to plan the change out over a weekend we would have had to find work for four 100 tonne trucks for three days, on 23-hour shifts."