P&WC's Oil Analysis Technology -- An On-Wing Game-Changer for Preventive Maintenance

July 25, 2016
P&WC's innovative oil debris monitoring technology is demonstrating in the test environment its potential to drive increased aircraft availability and reduce costs.

OSHKOSH, WISCONSIN--(Marketwired - July 25, 2016) - With more than 1,300 engines enrolled in the customer trial, Pratt & Whitney Canada's (P&WC's) innovative Oil Analysis Technology Program continues to build momentum as a next-generation on-wing monitoring solution for preventive maintenance. P&WC is encouraging the more than 15,000 operators of PT6A-powered aircraft flying worldwide, who have not already joined the trial, to participate as "early adopters" in supporting the calibration of the technology across PT6A engine models. P&WC is a United Technologies Corporation company (NYSE:UTX).

Now in the final stages of its development, P&WC's innovative oil debris monitoring technology is demonstrating in the test environment its potential to drive increased aircraft availability and reduce costs. The highly sensitive technology detects minute particles within engine oil, providing early and precise exposure of the deterioration in oil-wetted components - giving detailed information about what is happening inside the engine without removing it. Once the solution reaches maturity in the next 15 to 24 months, there are many indications it will surpass the effectiveness of any other oil debris monitoring technology.

"The PT6A is a very reliable engine and this new technology has the ability to further increase that reliability and provide a high degree of 'visibility' inside the engine while it remains on the wing," said Denis Parisien, Vice President, Marketing, General Aviation, P&WC. "From a proactive and preventive maintenance perspective, P&WC's oil analysis technology has the potential to significantly improve the cost of operation. The time and cost savings this technology is poised to bring to customers are substantial." 

Participants in the trial are asked to collect oil samples at regular intervals and send them for analysis in pre-paid shipping envelopes provided by P&WC. They have the option to receive informational reports with oil analysis results and technology updates at no cost during the trial. Specific terms and conditions apply.

"Several fleet customers and individual operators are already participating in the trial and we are seeing a lot of enthusiasm about this technology's potential in the industry," said Parisien.

Visit P&WC at EAA AirVenture 2016 in Hangar B. Operators interested in participating in the trial can obtain more information from their local Field Support Representative (FSR) or visit the Oil Analysis Technology section of P&WC's website.

About Pratt & Whitney Canada

Founded in 1928, and a global leader in aerospace, P&WC is shaping the future of aviation with dependable, high-technology engines. Based in Longueuil, Quebec (Canada), P&WC is a wholly owned subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. United Technologies Corp, based in Farmington, Connecticut, provides high-technology systems and services to the global aerospace and building systems industries.

This press release contains forward-looking statements concerning future business opportunities. Actual results may differ materially from those projected as a result of certain risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to challenges in the design, development, production, support, and performance and realization of anticipated benefits of advanced technologies; as well as other risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to those detailed from time to time in United Technologies Corp.'s Securities and Exchange Commission filings.