Sensor Analyzes Oil On-The-Go

Sensor Analyzes Oil On-The-Go FARM SHOP Miscellaneous 34-1-37 Before you buy that next new tractor or truck, you may want to ask if it has a Fluid Property Sensor (FPS). If it does, you'll probably save money on oil and other fluids because you'll only change them when they really need it. The new sensor can also tell you if coolant is leaking into the oil or if incomplete combustion is occurring, adding soot to the oil. The Measurement Specialties sensor is now being sold to OEM's but should also be available soon for aftermarket use. "The FPS offers fluid sensing on-the-go," says Mark Uhrich, Measurement Specialties. "No other sensor on the market will measure viscosity, density and dielectric constant simultaneously." It also measures temperature, but it's the other three measurements that make this sensor so amazing. Contaminates like soot, water, ethylene glycol coolant and fuel in engine oils are easily detected. Each changes one or more of the physical properties measured by the FPS. An onboard microprocessor provides real time data analysis using algorithms developed for the fluid being monitored. At its simplest, an OEM might use the sensor to trigger a warning light telling the operator to take the engine to the dealer. Once there, fault codes can be used to tell the dealer that the soot load is too high or water has been detected, suggesting a coolant leak. "Oil is kind of like a diary," says Uhrich. "If you can detect a problem early, you reduce or avoid the engine wear that can create failure or require a rebuild." While having an oil sample analyzed can provide much of the same information, it is a snapshot in time. A few seconds after the sample is taken, a problem can develop. The FPS is like a security camera with real time monitoring from an on-board oil analysis laboratory. It will dramatically expand current capabilities based on multiple, single use sensors. "Caterpillar and others already offer remote equipment monitoring that reads information and transmits it to a central location," says Uhrich. "GE gets information from aircraft engines in the air and understands how they are operating." It may be only a short time before engines will be able to communicate directly with a preferred service provider, whether a dealer or a local mechanic. Alternatively, the information could be fed to an onboard terminal that displays the results to the operator and recommends actions to be taken. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Measurement Specialties, 1000 Lucas Way, Hampton, Va. 23666 (ph 757 766-1500; toll free 800 745-8008; fax 757 766-4297; www.meas-spec.com).

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