HYDRAULIC OIL CIRCUIT WATER CONTENT MONITOR

It is almost certain that some amount of water is present in hydraulic and lubrication systems. Water contamination accelerates the aging process resulting in oxidation, hydrolyses, additive depletion, reduced lubricant film strength, corrosion and damage to components.

Because of the destructive potential of water, hydraulic and lubrication fluids are best operated with a water content at lower levels

Therefore the best method for monitoring water content in oil is a device that can measure water below and above saturation point continuously online.

The EESIFLO EASZ-1 continuously monitors an oil's direct water content level and is temperature compensated . The EASZ-1 is loop powered with an analog outputs for remote display or control and has an optional RS-485 feature

The EASZ-1 is an accurate and robust resistive capacitance meter measuring between two co-axis pipes. By applying a sinusoidal signal with a known amplitude and frequency to the inner pipe it is possible to measure the resistive capacitance of the liquid under test.

The EASZ-1 sensor cell is continuously in contact with the process media which flows through it and a large area for measurement is covered on all axis points of the pipe which means that the sample area is more representative of what is flowing through unlike other probe devices which could more easily miss the presence of free water molecules. Since the capacitance is measure over the whole outer chamber it is difficult to miss any presence of water either in saturated situations or where the oil has gone over its saturation point.

What are the advantages of the EASZ-1 water in oil analyzer?

Water activity monitors simply inform the user that there is a risk of free water contamination in a system. They are of no use with a free water condition at some or all times and will display 100% saturation at the time. The EASZ-1 measures TOTAL WATER whether in the ppm or percentage range and is a cost effective loop powered instrument that can be used on most oil applications.

For more information contact your local EESIFLO representative!

Glossary

Dissolved / In Solution

These terms refer to a homogenous mixture of two fluids - in this case oil and water - implying that the individual water molecules are discrete and mixed with the oil molecules. The water is in solution. The sample cannot be separated by allowing the solution to stand at a given temperature. The fluid is clear.

Free Water

This describes the condition in which a fluid is saturated and is past the point where water is the solution. If more water is added to the oil, the water sinks to the bottom and the oil rises to the top. The visible horizontal line at the boundary between the two elements is called the interface.

Emulsions

Another example of free water is emulsions. They form when enough mechanical agitation acts on the fluid so that the free water forms a cloudy mixture of water and hydrocarbons. The mechanical shearing action creates very small water droplets which have too much surface tension to join and form an interface. This is still free water as it is not in solution, but it does not create an interface boundary, causing a visible cloud or haze instead.

Saturation / Saturation Point

At this point the fluid carries as much water in the dissolved state as it possibly can at a given temperature. At this point the saturation level is 100%. If any more water were to be added, a free water condition would result and that would be the beginning of an emulsion or interface. When the saturation point is given, a corresponding temperature is also given because saturation varies according to temperature.

Saturation Level / Percent Saturation

This is the degree of saturation which indicates what percent of maximum possible water in a dissolved state is in the oil. A reading of 0% would indicate oil free of water, while a reading of 100% would indicate oil that is saturated with water.

Water Vapor Pressure

This is the pressure exerted by water vapor. Water gives off vapor, consisting of molecules that have evaporated and are in a gaseous state. The presence of water in oil results in a water vapor pressure on the surface of the oil. This water vapor pressure depends on the water content, the type of oil (including additives and particles), and temperature. If the ambient water vapor pressure is higher than that of the oil, water moves into the oil. By contrast, if the ambient water vapor is lower, water evaporates out of the oil.

Saturated Water Vapor Pressure

When adding water to oil, the water vapor pressure increases until a maximum value. The vapor is then said to be saturated vapor and the pressure it exerts saturated water vapor pressure. In oil this is the case when a maximum amount of water is dissolved.