Sensors that send data to a cloud service and a remote monitoring system that provides real-time reporting lets you swiftly detect deviations in oil quality, such as the presence of water, mechanical dirt, oxidation products, and the wrong additives. Remote monitoring will have a huge impact on the functioning of your plant.
1. Prevent downtime and save money
A flaw in a pump or turbine could cost you tens or even hundreds of thousands of euros. In addition to having to pay for a new pump, you will incur costs from the lost oil and the need for new filters. The biggest cost, however, arises from production losses. In the worst cases, the production line ends up out of use for an extended time while being repaired and flushed, with each hour of downtime possibly costing thousands of euros.
‘Preventing just one machine breakdown pays for the cost of a remote monitoring system for oil many times over.’ –Pasi Yliherne, product manager at Masino-Konaflex Oy
To minimise the risk of downtime and to optimise the cost of the remote monitoring system, the sensors and monitoring components should be positioned in locations that are critical for production. Masino’s experts help you determine optimal locations for the sensors and additional filters, to ensure that you make the most of your remote monitoring system.
2. Perform oil changes or servicing only when necessary
Without reliable information on the condition of the oil, you have to judge the timing for oil changes on the basis of operating hours or, worse, go by ‘gut feel’. This could lead to perfectly usable oil, which would have been good for another year or two, going to waste. Unnecessary oil changes also mean that valuable work hours are wasted.
A remote monitoring system provides solid information on oil quality, enabling you to select and schedule the measures on the basis of data. This way, you don’t end up replacing good oil, so you save not only money but also natural resources.
On the other hand, even oil that is relatively new might not be in good enough condition. It may contain impurities or moisture, and any dirt that remains in the system ruins the oil quickly. Without real-time monitoring, these problems would get spotted only when the next oil sample is taken or the machine breaks down. Read more about high-quality oil maintenance.
3. Eliminate delays related to sampling, and minimise the risk of human error
Oil samples that are obtained manually tell us many things about the condition of the oil. However, analysing the sample always involves a delay. If you suspect that the oil in your system may be of poor quality, a week is a long time to wait, and the machine could suffer damage while you’re waiting for the results.
Also, reliable sampling requires a skilled and experienced technician. The sample must be taken in the right location with the right technique, to ensure that it is representative and uncontaminated.
A sensor system with remote monitoring eliminates the risk of human error and delay connected with sampling and analysis. The system offers reliable real-time information on oil quality in an automated manner without employees having to spend their time on sampling.
4. Manage your system with real-time remote monitoring and automated alerts
Continuous automated monitoring offers a real-time overview of oil quality, providing valuable information on the functioning of the entire production line. This allows you to shift from putting out fires to planning and scheduling your measures in advance.
Data generated by the sensors are saved to cloud storage in real time, and information collected while no-one is in the factory can be viewed later. Regular reports give an accurate trending overview of the oil quality everywhere in the plant, enabling you to spot any changes in the situation immediately.
You can set limit values for factors such as the oil’s water content or specify any other deviations. If the limit value gets exceeded, the system alerts the remote user and service provider. You can respond to problems before any damage occurs.
‘Automated remote monitoring lets you rest easy in the knowledge that you have 24/7 access to accurate and up-to-date information on oil quality.’ –Pasi Yliherne, product manager at Masino-Konaflex Oy
Masino supplies high-quality Des-Case systems on a turnkey basis
For remote monitoring of oil quality, we offer Des-Case systems on a turnkey basis. Our experts help you select optimal locations for the sensors, connect the system to the cloud service, and offer guidance on the interpretation of reports.
You can prolong the service life of your oil and devices by equipping your oil system with offline and by-pass filters and desiccant breathers and with systems for removing water and oxidisation products, when necessary. Our experts have extensive experience with various oil and hydraulics systems, condition monitoring systems, and filtration. Together we can specify and realise the ideal oil system for your plant or production line.
Read our blog post: The ABCs of high-quality oil maintenance