Oil humidity sensor for condition-based oil management

The LDH oil humidity sensor is a powerful tool for monitoring oil quality in industrial applications. By continuously measuring relative humidity and temperature, it enables plant operators to carry out condition-based changes and maintenance.

Whether you’re managing hydraulic systems, lubricating oils, or other industrial applications, the LDH oil humidity sensor empowers you to optimize oil usage and prevent costly damage. Invest in smarter oil management with LDH!

Let’s explore its features and benefits:

Key features

Precise measurement: The LDH sensor accurately detects the moisture content and temperature of the oil. This real-time data allows for proactive maintenance.
Easy installation: Thanks to its standardized 1/2" NPT process connection and M12 electrical connector, the LDH1xx can be quickly integrated into existing systems.
IO-Link technology: The sensor communicates seamlessly with IT-based condition monitoring systems, providing valuable insights for predictive maintenance.
Durable housing: The durable (IP69K) compact sensor has a stainless steel housing, making it resilient in harsh operating environments.

Benefits


Increased machine availability		Cost savings		Reliable data collection
Condition-based maintenance: Reduce risk associated with a time-based oil change process. The LDH detects water in oil before it harms components or causes corrosion. Avoid downtime: By addressing oil quality issues promptly, you reduce the risk of unplanned downtime.		No additional transducers: The LDH is a compact, all-in-one sensor, eliminating the need for extra components. Simplified design: Plug-and-play installation streamlines commissioning processes.		Loss-free signal transmission: IO-Link ensures accurate and reliable humidity and temperature data. Prevent production issues: Correct environmental conditions are crucial for optimal performance.

Acceptable water content in hydraulic, engine, or lube oil

The acceptable water content in oil is less than 60%. Levels above this threshold typically necessitate corrective action.

Excessive water content in hydraulic, engine, or lubrication oils causes rust, corrosion, and reduced lubricity. In cold temperatures, water in oil can freeze and cause blockages.

Excessive water in oil may lead to seal swelling and leaks in hydraulic systems. In engines, water in oil causes sludge formation and increased wear. ifm’s oil humidity sensor can check for water in hydraulic oil.

An oil moisture sensor detects high levels of water in oil. Detecting this problem early prevents damage to machines and related components through proactive maintenance.

Causes of moisture in oil

Water ingress is the most common cause of moisture in oil. Water ingress is when water permeates a structure. Typical causes of water ingress in oil are:

Damaged seals
Cleaning processes
Filler cap not on correctly
Environment
Condensation
Leaking cooler

Water ingress in oil leads to problems such as:

Corrosion or wear of components
Cavitation of pumps,
Poor filterability of oil
Deterioration of oil viscosity

How to get rid of dissolved water in oil

The correct technique for removing dissolved water in oil depends on the level of moisture content:

Polymeric filters capture and remove water molecules. They work with free water or emulsified water in oil.
Centrifugation uses centrifugal force to separate water from oil. It works due to oil's higher density than water.
Vacuum dehydration requires heating oil under vacuum conditions. This process vaporizes and condenses the water so it can be removed.

Note that boiling water out of hydraulic oil is inefficient. The boiling point of hydraulic oil is much higher than that of water.