Finning UK secures fluid analysis contract

Finning UK’s Fluid and Condition Monitoring Service is confirmed as the sole supplier of fluid analysis to East Midlands Trains’ DMU fleets.

The contract to carry out fluid analysis on the East Midlands Trains’ Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) fleet, includes all EMT Class 153, 156 and 158 units, some 89 units in total. The DMU fleet in question covers an area that stretches north to south Sheffield to Leicester and east to west Norwich to Liverpool.

Each of the 89 units will undergo a regular depot exam oil sampling, followed up with subsequent sampling and investigation. But as Ross Tomlinson, rail reliability engineer for Finning’s Fluid and Condition Monitoring Service explains, fluid analysis is just a small part of the service that will be provided.

“Finning UK will be working closely with the team at East Midlands Trains, not only with the supply of fluid analysis data, but also, to help improve operating efficiencies and reduce the overall cost of repair and maintenance. This gives added value to our clients in terms of increased information, technical assistance and support.”

As a form of preventative maintenance, the process of fluid analysis is very simple. A small amount of fluid is extracted from the required compartment, which is then sent away to be analysed at the Finning oil laboratory. This enables an equipment problem or abnormality to be highlighted quickly and then prevented, helping to avoid a minor fault becoming the cause of a major repair.

The sampling service provides an insight into the condition of the engine, gearboxes, final drives and hydraulic components. In highlighting the pattern of wear rates and the presence of any anomalies, maintenance can be scheduled when it is most convenient; this minimises the risk of a breakdown and any unplanned downtime.

On the value and importance of fluid analysis, Ian Astle comments, “Our ultimate goal is to maintain and improve the condition of our fleet. Using Finning’s Fluid and Condition Monitoring Service will allow us to capture vital information, identify potential problems and act, before they become costly failures. The dedicated website means that we can receive any results and recommendations efficiently, enabling us to react swiftly when necessary.”