Phantom of the Thames: Five Years of Wireless Condition Monitoring by Erbessd-Instruments

The history of ferry service across the Thames dates back to the Domesday Book 1,000 years ago. In February 2019, Transport for London introduced two new hybrid ferries, Dame Vera Lynn and Ben Woollacott, featuring high-tech auto-mooring systems at Woolwich and North Woolwich piers. This ambitious project, managed by Briggs Marine, marked a significant technological advancement since the introduction of roll-on roll-off ferries in 1963.

The new ferries, built by Remontowa and sailed from Poland to London, and offered several benefits aligned with the Mayor of London’s Transport Strategy including improved reliability and comfort, greater passenger and vehicle capacity (150 passengers and 210 meters of vehicle space and dedicated cycle spaces), enhanced accessibility and safety features, and greater environmental standards, incorporating the diesel-electric hybrid propulsion system to meet London’s emission targets.

Advanced Predictive Maintenance with Erbessd-Instruments

To ensure the reliability and safety of these technologically advanced vessels, Erbessd-Instruments’ latest predictive maintenance technology was implemented. The Phantom wireless vibration and temperature sensors are fitted to critical equipment on the vessels and mooring systems, enabling early detection of changes in machine condition. This allows for timely interventions before issues become problematic.

Unmatched Battery Life and Sensor Robustness

One of the standout features of Erbessd-Instruments’ Phantom sensors is their exceptional battery life and durability. Designed to operate reliably in challenging conditions, these sensors boast long-lasting batteries that significantly reduce the need for frequent replacements, thereby minimizing maintenance efforts and costs.

Longevity of Battery Life: The sensors’ batteries are designed to be able to take 65,000 measurements, ensuring continuous monitoring without the frequent need for battery changes. This longevity is a critical factor in maintaining the efficiency and reliability of the condition monitoring system. These have been going for 5 years and are as strong and reliable as the day they were fitted!

Robustness and Durability: Phantom sensors have an IP69 rating and are built to withstand harsh environments, including high temperatures (from -40C to +80C) and vibration conditions. This robustness ensures consistent performance and reliability, even in demanding marine settings.

Continuous Data Collection means Continuous Monitoring

Data is collected continuously and is accessible on control systems and smartphones. The Phantom system, specified and installed by our European Master Distributor, CBM Partners Ltd, offers comprehensive features such as:

Alarm Notifications: Immediate alerts for potential issues.
Machine Health Dashboard: An overview of the condition of all monitored equipment.
Live Condition Data Capture: Real-time monitoring of equipment status.
Cloud-Based Data Analysis:: Advanced analytics for proactive maintenance.

RUT951 routers from Teltonika ensure data is transmitted from the Phantom sensors to the cloud server efficiently, using dual SIM slots for auto-failover and backup WAN capabilities. This robust device supports multiple key protocols, such as Modbus TCP, MQTT, SMPP, IPv6, SSH, and HTTPS, making it a versatile tool for current and future needs.

Oliver Mottershead, MD of Erbessd-Instruments Europe and responsible for the Woolwich Ferry system installation, praises the Phantom system: “It makes wireless/auto condition monitoring affordable; skilled personnel can spend time analyzing data rather than collecting it! And technically, it surpasses most other systems, whether hand-held or wireless; it’s cloud-based, has a long battery life, long-range Bluetooth, 10kHz bandwidth, and powerful built-in analytics.”

Key Factors for a Successful Program

Since installation 5 years ago, our experience has highlighted several key factors for ensuring a highly effective and successful remote monitoring program:

System Integrity and Confidence: Regular monthly reports on system integrity have been instrumental in identifying and resolving issues that could have undermined confidence. For instance, we discovered that one gateway was frequently turned off, causing intermittent failures. By preventing the power from being turned off and fitting an extender aerial, we ensured consistent operation.
Visibility of Healthy Machinery: Regular traffic-light reports are crucial for visualizing the condition of both healthy and unhealthy machines, preventing the neglect of sensors that appear inactive.
Engagement of Maintenance Personnel: Continuous training and communication ensure that maintenance personnel understand the importance of condition monitoring, their duty of care, and the significance of alarm notifications.
Battery Management: Tracking battery usage and planning replacements prevent system downtime and maintain sensor performance. Simultaneously calibrating sensors during battery replacements ensures another five years of optimal performance.

Erbessd-Instrument’s Phantom sensors, renowned for their exceptional battery life and robust design, ensure continuous, long-term monitoring even in the harshest conditions. This longevity reduces maintenance efforts and costs, allowing maintenance personnel to focus on proactive data analysis rather than frequent battery replacements.

By choosing Erbessd-Instruments’ technology, TFL has not only enhanced the reliability of the Woolwich Ferry but also contributed to a cleaner, safer, and more efficient transport solution. As the passenger ferries market continues to grow, embracing innovative, durable, and reliable condition monitoring solutions like those offered by Erbessd-Instruments will become the norm in meeting the demands of the future.

Oliver Mottersead, B.Sc, se distingue como un experto en mantenimiento predictivo y un líder respetado dentro de la industria. Originario del Reino Unido, es un Profesional Certificado en Mantenimiento y Fiabilidad, así como Analista Certificado en Vibración. En su rol de Director General de Erbessd Instruments – Europa, Oliver supervisa el soporte de ventas y distribución, además de encargarse del entrenamiento y servicios técnicos para el mercado europeo. Su liderazgo y conocimiento técnico lo consolidan como una figura clave en la evolución del mantenimiento predictivo en Europa.

ERBESSD INSTRUMENTS® fabricante líder de Equipos de Análisis de Vibraciones, Máquinas de Balanceo Dinámico y Monitoreo de Condición con oficinas en México, EE.UU., Inglaterra e India.