LOCKHEED MARTIN AND FRAS DEVELOP AUTONOMOUS LASERNET FINES FOR HANDS-OFF LUBRICANT SAMPLING
Provides Continuous Fluid Sampling and Wireless Transmission of Machinery Condition Status
AKRON, OHIO, February 20th, 2003 -- The marriage of two fielded lubricant wear particle analysis tools, Lockheed Martin's LaserNet Fines and FRAS Technology's DynaSampÃ’ fluid sampler, has produced a hands-off inline oil analysis tool that taps directly into a machine's sealed lubricant system, eliminating any chance of sample contamination and the shipment of samples to shore-based laboratories. Lockheed Martin of the U.S. and FRAS Technology of Norway have signed a memorandum of understanding to manufacture and market this breakthrough technological combination. An earlier version of LaserNet Fines, developed by Lockheed Martin, has been in use for several years and has significantly improved the operational efficiency of machinery by preventing unforeseen equipment breakdowns.
"Our newest in-line LaserNet Fines puts the highest quality data in the hands of experts faster than ever before because no operator handles the lubricant collection system and no collection bottles are sent to labs. The unit's wireless connectivity transmits real-time data and provides two-way communication for lab analysts to remotely customize the data collection process as machinery conditions change," said David Filicky, Lockheed Martin program manager. Users can change the frequency, type and amount of data transmitted if wear data indicate a need for increased lubricant sampling. "The combination of these two unique and industry-proven technologies is a natural solution for remote lubricant sampling," he added.
The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, D.C., successfully tested a prototype inline LaserNet Fines system with DynaSamp in late 2002. The U.S.-located unit transmitted data over a wireless network to a Norwegian laboratory for assessment.
"The prototype system delivered accurate data of lubricant analyzed under full pressure, sampled from equipment in full operation. We envision inline assessment of hydraulic power units, valves and pump systems, lubrication systems, steering gears, and winch systems on oil rigs, as well as many other types of equipment operating at the edges of civilization," said Solve Fjerdingstad, FRAS general manager.
The Naval Electronics & Surveillance Systems-Radar Systems (NE&SS) unit of Lockheed Martin introduced LaserNet Fines in the late 1990s to the lubricant analysis industry with its commercial and military desktop units. It is a commercial PC-based instrument that combines custom laser imaging of fluids and artificial intelligence to monitor wear condition of critical machinery components. It analyzes machinery fluids such as hydraulic oil, lubricants and fuels with a laser-imaging optical flow cell. The laser-based camera images the fluid moving through the flow cell to detect wear particles, which LaserNet Fines classifies by shape, size and type to create wear trend reports by comparing the imaged particles against a library of particles. Lab technicians and machinery operators use those reports to identify machinery components for preventive maintenance or replacement. NE&SS has sold 80 commercial units and five units to the U.S. Navy.
DynaSamp automatically draws samples from lubricant systems under pressure, eliminating any chance of outside contamination and providing the most accurate readings available to assess machinery wear particle types, shapes and sizes in fluids.
FRAS AS, Hovik, Norway, specializes in condition monitoring of hydraulic and lubrication systems. By using its knowledge and unique sampling technology, FRAS offers condition-monitoring programs based on oil sampling and analysis. Its qualified personnel and oil analysis reference databases enable it to provide customers with expert advice on how to keep machinery healthy.
Lockheed Martin NE&SS provides laser-based commercial and electronic warfare products, sensor systems, pilot simulation and training systems, antisubmarine warfare and surveillance systems to customers worldwide. NE&SS is a unit of Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE: LMT) headquartered in Bethesda, MD.
Cary J. Dell, NE&SS, 330.796.8458 (tel), cary.j.dell@lmco.com
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