RIYADH: The exhibitions organized in Saudi Arabia are getting sophisticated with a number of related activities taking place under one roof. The shows offer a complete package that serves as a one-stop shop for visitors. One such occasion was the recently concluded Saudi Construction Show 2011. The five-day event that displayed over SR1 billion worth building equipments was also an event that showcased simulator for truck drivers and a mini lab signifying the importance of testing lubricants and oil used in the heavy machineries. Mohammaed Misbahuddin, Service Supervisor, Commercial Vehicle Division was busy demonstrating the workings of a simulator designed to train heavy truck drivers. The show that attracted business visitors was also a place visited by engineers, technicians and other technical constructor workers including heavy truck drivers. Misbahuddin said the simulator was installed with an aim to offer firsthand information to drivers about the trucks that were launched during the event. “The simulators were designed to demonstrate and train the prospective drivers about the features that highlight the safety driving on the construction sites,” said Misbahuddin. He said this is the first time ever that the simulator has been installed at the construction show, which offered a package for the potential buyers to know all about the products including safe driving. Ayad Al-Garni, technician at Fluid Analysis Lab at the show was demonstrating the samples that he already collected from the construction sites. In a glass cabin installed at the show, Garni's lab was well equipped with devices required for chemical analysis of engine oils, lubricants and coolants used in the heavy machineries. He said the samples brought to his lab are tested not only for impurities but also for contamination. “Samples of oil and lubricants are brought for chemical analysis at the lab to check impurities and other contamination. The engines also get contaminated that required treatment,” he said adding parallels with the clinical labs. He said a drop of oil on glass slide is tested under the microscope and an analyzer is used to detect other impurities. The impurities detected in the oil ranged from metallic particles due to the wear and tear of the engine to soot and oxidation that contaminate the machine, he explained. The chemical analysis at the lab gives a complete condition of the machine, he said. He said the schedule periodic inspection would be after each 250 hours operation time for of engines while the time limit for hydraulic and transmission devices is 500 hours. There are several benefits of chemical analysis of fluids used in the heavy construction machineries from optimizing the operation to the increasing the lifespan of engines, he said.
