Compact online particle counter for continuous monitoring of liquids

PAMAS OLS50P

PAMAS Sensor Measurement Cell

The PAMAS Particle Measurement and Analysis Systems GmbH specializes in the development and manufacture of particle counters for purity control of liquids. The product range includes measuring instruments for continuous condition monitoring of operating fluids such as hydraulic and lubricating oils, as well as for particle analysis of water, pharmaceutical solutions, and many other liquids. At the Motion, Drive, and Automation (MDA) trade fair, which takes place as part of the Hannover Messe 2013 from April 8 to 12, 2013, PAMAS will present a new development in the field of Condition Monitoring: The compact online device PAMAS OLS50P can be integrated into any system and features numerous interfaces for analog and digital data transmission.

PAMAS manufactures particle counters for various application areas. A fundamental distinguishing feature is their adaptation to the respective measurement environment: Portable particle counters are suitable for field measurements on-site. These devices allow both online and individual measurements to be performed. Laboratory devices are developed for particle analysis of bottle samples. For this, the sample is taken from the system, filled into bottles, and then measured in the laboratory. Online measurements cannot be performed with laboratory devices. Online particle counters are designed for continuous condition monitoring of liquids. The sample fluid is diverted from the system via a bypass and returned to the system after analysis.

Plant operators prefer to use online devices for monitoring their operating fluids. Compared to instruments for laboratory measurements, online particle counters have three advantages: First, when taking samples in containers, only a snapshot of the contamination distribution is recorded, whereas online measurement can capture short-term temporal changes. Second, sample preparation measures are required before laboratory measurement. Improper sampling and sample preparation can easily introduce external dirt particles into the sample fluid. The type of sample preparation thus affects the results of laboratory measurements: they can vary if the sample has not been properly prepared. With online measurements, manual sampling is unnecessary, so there is no risk of external contamination of the fluid afterward. The third advantage of online measurements is the lower operational effort: online measurements run automatically and can be performed unattended, unlike laboratory measurements. Compared to lab measurements, the operational and personnel effort for online measurements is significantly lower.

To meet the demand for particle counters for condition monitoring of operating fluids, PAMAS developed a new online device – the PAMAS OLS50P. As a stationary monitoring instrument, this particle counter is already successfully used by several customers. Any light obscuration sensor from the PAMAS HCB-LD series can be integrated into the newly developed PAMAS OLS50P. By using suitable materials, the sensor can be adapted to critical liquids and thus used for the analysis of water up to strong acids.

The PAMAS OLS50P is equipped with a wear-resistant ceramic piston pump. The pump ensures a constant flow rate of 25 ml/min within a pressure range of 0 to 6 bar. The particle counter features eight size channels and can thus detect the particle count in eight size classes. The PAMAS OLS50P measures particle sizes > 4 µm(c), > 6 µm(c), > 10 µm(c), > 14 µm(c), > 21 µm(c), > 25 µm(c), > 38 µm(c), and > 70 µm(c).

For data transmission, the user has digital and analog interfaces available. The basic version includes an RS 485 interface for digital data transfer to a PC. The optional analog interface function via a 4-20 mA channel can be used for data transmission to the PLC (Programmable Logic Controller). The PAMAS OLS50P thus becomes an efficient measuring instrument for comprehensive condition monitoring.

For data analysis, PAMAS offers two acquisition and evaluation programs:
- With the PAMAS POV (PAMAS Online Visualization) software, long-term trend analyses can be created.
- The PAMAS PCT (PAMAS Component Test) software enables online monitoring of components in industrial plants and component testing.
Using these software programs, the measurement results can be displayed according to common purity class standards (e.g., according to ISO 4406 or SAE AS 4059). Additionally, measurement parameters can be programmed with the software and thus tailored to the specific application.

At Hannover Messe 2013, PAMAS will present the newly developed particle counter PAMAS OLS50P in Hall 23 (Stand A49).