For 70 years, Schaller Automation has built its business around protecting large engines from crankcase explosions. Now the company is expanding that expertise into condition monitoring, connected systems and predictive maintenance.
In this episode, Janne Silden speaks with Raphael Stein, Group Sales Manager at Schaller Automation, about how engine monitoring is evolving as shipping becomes more digital and new fuels introduce new safety requirements.
Schaller’s history in the maritime industry began in the late 1960s, when a German engine manufacturer approached the company looking for a more reliable way to detect oil mist in the crankcase. The resulting VISATRON® system became the foundation of Schaller’s maritime business, with more than 35,000 systems now in operation across the world fleet.
Today, the company is moving beyond oil mist detection. Its condition monitoring portfolio also covers vibration, bearing friction and gas concentration in the crankcase. Through COBMOS®, these different sensors can be combined in one system, alongside external data such as pressure and temperature, to provide a broader picture of what is happening inside the engine.
The transition towards alternative fuels is adding another dimension. Dual-fuel and gas engines bring different explosion-protection requirements, while fuels such as methanol and, in future, ammonia influence the technical demands placed on monitoring equipment.
Looking ahead, the discussion turns to data and AI. Schaller plans to use the growing amount of data generated by its monitoring systems to develop algorithms capable of identifying changes in engine condition earlier and providing more precise information to operators, moving towards predictive maintenance.
As Stein puts it: “When I see us in 10 years standing here, we have everything in place and we will show you our algorithms and AI for predictive maintenance.”
