Efficient and Accurate Hydraulic Oil Contamination Detection

Parker Hannifin (UK), specialist diversified manufacturers of motion and control technologies, recently introduced its compact, icountBSplus. The icountBSplus is a fully contained, portable bottle sampling system that uses laser particle counting technology to ensure the fast and accurate detection of contamination in hydraulic oils and hydrocarbon fuels.

A key component of Parker’s fluid particle analysis and monitoring portfolio, the icountBSplus has been designed to help improve the reliability, productivity and profitability of production equipment and processes. The icountBSplus’ portability, robust features and ease of use enables it to be used for fixed location laboratory or portable contamination testing in a wide range of industry sectors including oil and gas, aerospace, agriculture, and construction.

The innovative laser particle counting technology and intuitive Windows based user interface can deliver results in as little as 15 seconds. A front-loading sample bottle chamber provides a controlled environment where every sample is degassed using suppressed, clean, air prior to delivery to the measurement cell via a fixed displacement pumping system. This helps eliminate many of the variables associated with traditional methods of contamination monitoring. An integrated relative humidity moisture sensor is included to detect and report on the water content in the sample being tested. An additional sensor provides accurate temperature monitoring while an external fluid supply adaptor facilitates sampling from a hydraulic pressure line.

Matt Fielder, industrial business development manager, Parker Hannifin, said: “Proactive maintenance of oils and fuels reduces the risk of system failure and the associated costs, which is crucial to deliver operational and cost efficiencies in today’s market. Customer feedback and extensive R&D has led to the significant developments making up the icountBSplus that will improve performance and maintain ease of use. Easy to use products that provide instant results are crucial in delivering successful asset maintenance and care.”

“Along with the addition of sensors and the fluid supply adaptor, we have also included a high-resolution interactive touch-screen. On-screen icons make set-up quick and simple with the ability to control the stylus and set test parameters. The internal software is available in 12 languages, making the touch-screen interface and controls user friendly,” continued Fielder.

Data from more than 500 tests can be stored in the built-in memory or printed with the integrated thermal printer. Results may also be downloaded at any time for analysis using common applications such as Microsoft Office. Any future software upgrades can be uploaded to the unit via a convenient, integrated USB port.

The icountBSplus is CE compliant and fully accredited to all particle counting standards, including ISO, NAS, AS and GOST as well as the latest ISO Medium Test Dust standards.