Cutting the running costs of hydraulic and lube systems – new temperature controller helps prolong fluid life

Citation

(2003), "Cutting the running costs of hydraulic and lube systems – new temperature controller helps prolong fluid life", Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, Vol. 55 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/ilt.2003.01855aad.001

Cutting the running costs of hydraulic and lube systems – new temperature controller helps prolong fluid life

Cutting the running costs of hydraulic and lube systems – new temperature controller helps prolong fluid life

Keywords: Temperature sensors, Hydraulics, Temperature control

A new fast-response temperature sensor from AC Fluid Technology of Birmingham, England, is designed to support modern process control systems with fast and very accurate fluid temperature monitoring (see Plate 1). This facilitates continuous and precise temperature control of fluids in hydraulic, lubrication and other systems, thereby extending the operating life of the fluid and reducing downtime and maintenance costs.

Plate 1 The new fast-response temperature sensor from AC Fluid Techology

The Buhler MK2 and EK2 Thermolog temperature sensor available in the UK exclusively from AC Fluid Technology is a versatile probe and transmitter that is designed for tank-tops, tank walls or it can be fitted into pipe-work by means of a standard tube fitting. A two-part module, with parts that can be separately fitted, the Thermolog comprises a “wet” part that is immersed in the fluid, whilst the “dry” part is removable for inspection. This eliminates the need to drain the reservoir or pipework during maintenance.

Temperature changes are output using the 4-20 mA signal preferred by most controllers, with connection by means of a DIN (giving adjustment of cable orientation in 90 steps) or with an optional M12 cable connector. The sensor is extremely rugged and is available in either a stainless steel or brass body, in either 10 bar or 5 bar versions.

“Fluctuating fluid temperatures are possibly the most significant factor in the breakdown and reduced working life of hydraulic fluids and oils,” says AC Fluid Technology director, Mike Coleman, “but process control systems need accurate real-time feedback in order to be able to respond to temperature changes effectively. If the fluid can be maintained between optimum maximum and minimum operating temperatures, then big savings are often the result. We believe that the Buhler Thermolog range is the best on the market to achieve this level of temperature control.”

The Thermolog temperature sensors (MK2, brass 5 bar, EK2, stainless steel 10 bar) cover the range from 0 to +100°C, have an operating voltage of 10-30 V DC and have probe lengths from 50 to 1,000 mm.

For further details, contact Mike Coleman at AC Fluid Technology, 2, Batemans Lane, Wythall, Birmingham B47 6NG, UK. Tel: +44 1564 825 145; Fax: +44 1564 821 105; E-mail: instatest@lineone.net