Particle counters / fluid cleanliness

Why Fluid Cleanliness Monitoring Matters on Board

Hydraulic systems are among the most contamination-sensitive systems on a vessel. Steering gear, stabilisers, hatch covers, cranes, and pitch control systems all depend on hydraulic oil that remains within a defined cleanliness level to function reliably. When contamination exceeds the tolerance of the components in the system, wear accelerates - and it does so silently, without any immediate symptom.

The problem is compounded by the fact that contamination events are often introduced during maintenance. A component replacement, a filter change, or a hose repair can introduce particles into a previously clean system. Without a cleanliness check after the work is complete, contaminated oil goes back into service in a system that was just serviced - the opposite of the intended outcome.

Particle counters solve this by making cleanliness measurable. A 90-second test before returning a system to service after maintenance is the simplest and most reliable way to confirm that the work has not introduced a new problem.

What to Monitor and When

Hydraulic systems - steering gear, stabilisers, deck machinery, and other hydraulic circuits are the primary application for particle counting on board. These systems contain precision components with tight tolerances that are particularly vulnerable to abrasive particles.

After maintenance - any time a hydraulic or lubrication system is opened for component replacement, filter change, or repair, a cleanliness check before returning to service is best practice. It confirms the system is clean and provides documented evidence if a warranty or insurance question arises later.

Routine periodic checks - establishing a baseline cleanliness level for each critical system and checking against it at regular intervals detects gradual contamination build-up before it reaches damaging levels.

Continuous inline monitoring - for the most critical systems, inline particle detectors provide real-time cleanliness data without any crew intervention, alerting immediately when contamination levels rise above a defined threshold.

Speak With a Specialist

Get in Touch with Our Experts