Oil condition sensor or laboratory analysis?
An oil analysis in an oil laboratory is essential in order to correctly assess the condition of the oil and to determine the current state of oil cleanliness and oil quality.
Before any changes are made to the hydraulic system or the process on suspicion, the ACTUAL STATUS should be documented (see also: “Off-line filtration?! Yes or no?”).
An analysis in a specialized oil laboratory (e.g. Oelcheck) is a detailed snapshot with important individual values such as wear metals, additives, oil condition, viscosity, water content, particles in accordance with the Oelcheck analysis regulations. ISO4406 etc. Only by combining the individual values can an overall picture of the oil condition be obtained.
However, this is also associated with some disadvantages:
- Possible contamination through sampling
- Time between sampling and result
- Temperature differences from the hydraulic system to sample evaluation under laboratory conditions
This is exactly where the advantage of the oil sensors on the market comes into play!
By continuously recording/measuring (24 hours, 7 days) the oil condition, a trend can be determined during the running process under real process conditions.
For some sensors, alarm limits can be set using the software supplied. As soon as the oil condition (particles, viscosity, water content, conductivity, etc.) moves into a critical range, the sensor reports the change via an “alarm signal”. The system operator has the opportunity to react now at the latest. And at the latest now I would send an oil sample to the laboratory to find out more. Is it the degradation of additives, has there been an oil mixture or are there too many particles in the oil, which directly increase the wear of the system-relevant components?
Up to 70% of malfunctions and failures in hydraulic and lubricating oil systems are caused by impurities in the medium!
Depending on the application and hazard potential, you may have to choose one or even several sensors, with most sensors recording several values at the same time.
In my opinion, the sensors only serve to report deviations and cannot replace laboratory analysis.
The combination of sensor + laboratory is a good solution for critical processes!
Contact details:
LARS BENK
+49 7424/9495-663
Lars Benk: Profile of a field-tested expert
Basic training: Tool mechanic, specializing in stamping and forming technology.
Further training: State-certified technician with a focus on mechanical engineering.
Additional qualification: Degree in technical business administration, combining technical know-how with business expertise.
Professional experience: More than a decade of active work in the field of hydraulics.
Specialization: Certified specialist in oil analysis (MLA II – Machine Lubrication Specialist), with a specific focus on the maintenance and optimization of machines through professional lubricant analysis. Certified specialist for hydraulic fluids – specialist knowledge for optimal hydraulic systems.
