SIGPAT PROGRAMME
frequently asked questions

What is SIGPAT?

The SIGPAT programme is an advanced system of analysis of the regular conditions of marine lubricants in service which can make a decisive contribution towards cost-effectiveness and maintenance of the various machinery installed on ships.

This program has been developed to offer shipowners the following advantages:

  • Quick analysis and information on maintenance and the cost-effectiveness of machines.
  • Computerized diagnosis of the development of oils over time.
  • Regular, punctual information on the performance of machinery in relation with lubrication.

SIGPAT is based on an important development of modern analytical techniques, using a much smaller sample size to carry out the different tests than normal established procedures.

This superior service helps Inspection Departments and Chief Engineers on ships to keep oil at a good level for lubrication and so lengthen the life of all machinery and equipment on board.

The information obtained using the new analytical techniques (plasma spectography, spectophotometry, etc.) continuously and constantly provides SIGPAT with computerized statistical data and limits related with wear and other equipment parameters.

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SIGPAT objectives

With the help of the Inspection Department of the Shipping Company, CEPSA LUBRICANTES S.A. develops a TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMME (T.A.P.) for the different types of oil used by the different ships in its fleet.

The objectives of the T.A.P. include the following:

  • To help with preventive maintenance of the main ship's equipment, providing in a simple, orderly fashion the information about them obtained using modern techniques for analysis of used oils.
  • A complementary benefit is the achievement of higher in-service lubricant efficiency by optimization of the oil change periods.
  • Establishment of the optimized frequency of sample taking from the different machines (drive engines, aux. engines, horns, hydraulic engines, reducers, etc.) necessary to provide sufficient information to apply the preventive maintenance programme.
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How does SIGPAT work? The procedure

The SIGPAT programme consists of the following parts:

  • Selection of equipment and data collection.
  • Development and follow-up of the programme.
  • Regular assessments and conclusions on the efficiency of the programme.
Selection and data collection

CEPSA LUBRICANTES S.A. and the shipowner's Inspection Department select the ships and machines with which to implement the SIGPAT programme.

When the ships involved in the programme have been chosen, the corresponding Lubrication Study is carried out, including all ship's machinery and suitable lubricants.

These studies will always take optimization of lubricants into account so that the lowest number of lubricants can be stipulated, because of the logistic problem of storage on board; however, this optimization must always be carried out so that lubrication is carried out within the safety limits established in the various recommendations of the different manufacturers of marine machinery.

When the machines have been selected, the most important information for the programme, make, model, power, rpm, etc., is collected.

Programme development and follow-up

The oils involved in the programme will be those recommended in the lubrication studies for the different ships in the fleet and commercialized by CEPSA LUBRICANTES S.A.

It is understood that the SIGPAT programme will apply only to equipment or machinery which uses exclusively oils supplied by CEPSA LUBRICANTES. In cases where operating requirements mean two compatible oils might have to work together for a certain time, the programme would be restricted, in principle, to information on the condition of the oil.

However, if it should be necessary for justifiable reasons to carry out tests on any oil made by competitors, we would not have any objection.

The SIGPAT programme will cover the following points:

  • Frequency of sample-taking for analysis

    For each ship, at the outset of the programme, CEPSA's Technical Assistance Dept. and the shipowner's Inspection Dept. will establish the conditions for taking samples from the machines together; however, the normal frequencies for this process are given below, for reference:.

  • Propulsion machinery

    Crosshead diesel engine (casing and cams)
    Samples taken approx. every 500 hours of service or every 3 months.

    Medium-speed trunk diesel engine.
    Samples taken approx. every 500 hours of service or every 3 months.

  • Auxiliar equipment

    Diesel generators / auxiliary engines
    Samples are taken periodically to establish the most efficient frequency for oil changes. When this optimum period has been fixed, samples are taken every 3 or 4 changes to check the efficiency of the frequency established.

    Turbogenerators, turbopumps and turbocompressors
    One sample is taken every 8 months to find out the degree of degradation of the oil and wear on components.

    Reducers
    One sample is taken every 6 months to find out the degree of degradation of the oil and wear on components.

    Hydraulic systems (deck machine, servomotors, etc.)
    One sample is taken every 6 months to find out the degree of degradation of the oil and wear on components.

    Horns
    Samples are taken every 4 months, especially to check the degree of wear of closures and the presence of water.

    Compressors (air, refrigerators, etc.)
    Samples are taken every 6 months to check the oil characteristics and wear on components.

    Oleothermal systems
    Samples are taken every 4 months to check the condition of the oil in the circuit.

Sample taking

To obtain adequate knowledge about the oil load in service, it is necessary for the sample to be sufficiently representative of the system as a whole. For this purpose, a careful sample taking system is required that should be followed in accordance with these indications:

  • Before taking samples, the circuit needs to be drained and the first ½ litre of oil thrown away.
  • Samples should be taken in bottles for the purpose, provided by the Technical Assistance Dept. of CEPSA Lubricantes S.A.
  • Samples should be taken with the machine in normal working conditions, i.e., when the oil temperature matches its working temperature.
  • In general, samples should be taken, if possible, from the pump drive side or from a point as near as possible.
Sample data collection

Samples should be properly identified to avoid any error in diagnosis, for which purpose CEPSA Lubricantes S.A. suitable labels for all the relevant information needed.

CEPSA Lubricantes S.A.'s Technical Assistance Department will provide all the information necessary to fill out the sample identification labels.

  • Sending samples

    After being placed in their bottles, the used oil samples with all the required information on their identifying labels are to be sent as soon as possible (postage prepaid) by a postal service established with Correos (Spanish Post Office) to the post box number of the Marine Lubricants Research Centre/Laboratory.

    The Technical Assistance Dept. of CEPSA Lubricantes S.A. will give each ship the necessary kits for sample taking and sending to the laboratory for analysis for the technical assistance programme (TAP).

    These kit consists of 12 125-cc bottles, packets for sending the samples (postage prepaid) and adhesive labels for proper identification of samples.

    A sheet is also included with the necessary instructions on how to follow the TAP properly and the address and telephone numbers to contact our department to clear up any doubts that might arise.

IMPORTANT
For the results of the oil analysis to be sent quickly and adequately, the CEPSA CODE NUMBER assigned to each machine must be clearly indicated on the sample identification label.

Each ship will be given these codes together with the necessary information and sample-taking kit.

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Analysis certificate

When the corresponding laboratory tests have been carried out, the results obtained for the last 4 samples taken, on a form like the one shown here, will be sent by the fastest possible means (fax, e-mail, etc.) to inform you of the development of these factors:

  • Viscosity changes.
  • Total base number (TBN).
  • Dilution from fuel.
  • Water (fresh/salt).
  • Contamination index / total solids.
  • Metals from wear.

The report sent contains an overall diagnosis of the state of the engine and oil and measures to be taken to correct any problems that may have arisen.

If the results mean a failure is likely in the near future, you will be informed of this immediately, by phone.

To facilitate control and follow-up of the SIGPAT programme, Cepsa Lubricantes S.A. will provide a Machine Control Card, on which the progress of samples and the most important factors related with the maintenance of the different machines installed on board will be compiled.

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