Lubrication and Hydraulic Systems

Lubrication and Hydraulic Systems

Optimize maintenance and extend equipment lifetime by measuring water contamination in oil online

Water in lubrication and hydraulic systems deteriorates oil performance, causes corrosion and can ruin polar additives. Leading marine engine manufacturers cite water contamination in oil as a significant ship maintenance challenge and have set specific requirements for allowable limits of moisture in oil.

Vaisala’s moisture and temperature transmitter MMT330 accurately measures moisture in oil online, giving a real-time picture of the oil’s condition. Thus, corrective actions can be taken before water damages critical machine parts. MMT330 is compatible with any lubrication and hydraulic oil type and works independent of oil age and temperature. Go to the specifications of MMT330.

Please contact our Industrial Measurement sales to discuss further.

Oil and water drops

Water deteriorates oil

Water is a common contaminant in industrial oils that deteriorates its performance, whether used as a lubricant, coolant, insulator, or for other purposes. High moisture content increases the risk of corrosion, over-heating, machine malfunctions and other costly problems. The ability of oil to hold water in solution depends on the oil type, its age, and what additives are present. When the water content in oil reaches the saturation point, it separates out and free water is formed.

Free water formation is critical in terms of problems related to water in oil. It prevents the formation of a uniform oil layer on metal surfaces, thus reducing its lubrication performance and increasing equipment wear and corrosion. It ruins polar additives like AW (anti-wear) and EP (extreme pressure). Water can also initiate micro-pitting. Free water provides a growth medium for microbes to form slime or mats, which easily plug filters and valves and may cause critical malfunctions.

A man working on an oil rig

Don’t measure the damage. Prevent it. With Vaisala.

Continuous monitoring of moisture in oil ensures reliable equipment performance at all times and helps to schedule service intervals and prevent unscheduled downtime. It also reduces the risk of failures of critical and expensive machine parts, while requiring the activation of oil dryer systems only when necessary. Vaisala helps you to optimize your performance by offering

  • Real-time measuring
  • Local support – globally
  • Easier maintenance
  • Cost efficiency via stability and robustness
  • Fast, customized implementation
  • Works in most oils

Oil and water drops

What is water activity (aw )?

Water activity is the amount of water in a substance relative to the total amount of water it can hold. It is defined in our application note, which you can download from the link below.

Engine

Vaisala’s moisture and temperature transmitter MMT330 accurately measures moisture in oil online, giving a real-time picture of the oil’s condition. Thus, corrective actions can be taken before water damages critical machine parts. The MMT330 is compatible with any lubrication and hydraulic oil type and works independent of oil age and temperature.

Where should I install the probe for the best measurement?

What is the maximum flow rate the sensor can withstand? What is the response time of the sensor? Can the sensor measure % water by volume in oil (free or emulsified water)? What does the water activity (aw) output indicate?  What is the benefit of measuring aw versus ppm? Does the sensor need to be programmed or calibrated to each specific fluid you are using? In which fluids can the sensor be used? See our advanced Q&A eBook about everything you wanted to know about measuring moisture in oil.

Lubrication and Hydraulic Systems products

Moisture in oil probe MMP8

MMP8 for Continuous Online Measurement​

Vaisala HUMICAP® Moisture in Oil Probe MMP8 enables fast and reliable measurement of moisture in oil.

MMT330 Moisture and Temperature Transmitter Series for Oil

Moisture and temperature transmitter MMT330

The MMT330 series enables fast and reliable detection of moisture in oil in central lubrication systems, hydraulic systems and power transformers. Three probe options offer solutions for various installation requirements, like high pressure, tight spaces and pipeline installations. The series is also compliant with DNV GL 2.4 type approval (Class B).

MMT162 Compact Moisture in Oil and Temperature Transmitter for OEM Applications

Moisture and Temperature Transmitter for Oil MMT162

Excellent economical solution for reliable on-line detection of moisture in oil even in the most demanding applications. The sensor’s excellent chemical tolerance provides accurate and reliable measurement over the measurement range.

MM70 Hand-Held Moisture and Temperature Meter for Spot-Checking in Oil

Hand-Held Moisture and Temperature Meter for Spot-Checking in Oil MM70

Reliable MM70 is an ideal tool for the preventive maintenance of oil-filled systems. The water activity measurement indicates the margin to free water formation, which causes severe problems in lubrication systems. Excellent pressure and temperature tolerance.