Jan 23 2013
PVL now has a solution to the problem of monitoring water in oil, in the form of the WIO200 water-in-oil sensor.
While conventional approaches require taking a small sample of the oil and then analysing it, the WIO200 provides continuous monitoring of the entire lubricant oil volume, providing early warning of high levels of water content that could damage the machine.
In applications such as marine engines or other machinery where water might be present, problems associated with water include corrosion of machine parts, a reduction in the oil’s ability to -withstand pressure, emulsification, and leaching of oil additives. Conventional sampling often only picks up the problem after damage has occurred. But when water in the lubricating oil is detected early, maintenance personnel can intervene before any damage is done, preventing expensive accidents.
The WIO200 water-in-oil sensor measures water in oil, moisture in oil, relative humidity and water activity. It provides a 4-20mA analogue output and two relay alarm outputs. The sensor is calibrated for lubrication oil and performs continual oil analysis rather than discrete samples. As well as providing advance warnings of problems, it can also be used to ensure that separators, filters and driers are only running when actually needed.
Simple to install and easy to connect, the WIO200 provides a measurement range of 0.01-1.00aw, with accuracy to ±0.03aw and resolution of better than 0.004aw. The relay alarm contacts are rated for 250V AC, with the default alarm settings being 0.50aw and 0.90aw. The sensor works with oils at up to 40 bar pressure and up to 85°C.
The sensor was developed for monitoring marine engines, and meets the standards of MAN Diesel & Turbo Copenhagen. It is also Germanischer Lloyd Type approved. But there will be applications in any condition monitoring system where there is the potential for water to contaminate lubricating oil, hydraulic oil, diesel, etc.
The WIO200 sensor is available with an associated terminal box. The terminal box provides power to the sensor, links the sensor to any external condition monitoring system, and provides a local visual indication of the water level in the oil.