Vectron International's ViSmart viscosity sensor successfully tested in ship-board application

Citation

(2008), "Vectron International's ViSmart viscosity sensor successfully tested in ship-board application", Sensor Review, Vol. 28 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/sr.2008.08728baf.004

Vectron International's ViSmart viscosity sensor successfully tested in ship-board application

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Vectron International's ViSmart viscosity sensor successfully tested in ship-board application

Article Type: Mini features From: Sensor Review, Volume 28, Issue 2.

The Sensors and Advanced Packaging business unit of Vectron International, a leader in the design, manufacture and marketing of frequency control, sensor, and hybrid product solutions, has announced that its ViSmarte viscosity sensor (Figure 12) has been successfully evaluated in a simulated ship-board application for a major national maritime application by the Defense Research and Development Canada Atlantic (DRDC Atlantic), an agency of the Canadian Department of National Defense (DND). As a result of the performance testing, DRDC Atlantic has applied to DND to conduct shipboard tests for consideration of installation of the ViSmarte into ship-board equipment for continuous real-time lubricant monitoring.

Figure 12 The ViSmart™ viscosity sensor from Vectron International

Randy Haggett, the condition based- monitoring project scientific authority for DRDC Atlantic, stated: “The results of the evaluation of the ViSmart sensor are very positive so far. The sensor has been shown to track the change in viscosity as a function of temperature, while also accurately monitoring fuel dilution effects on the condition of oil. Such products will enable the fleet to deploy real-time online diagnostic capabilities to optimize engine performance and preventive maintenance procedures”.

ViSmarte sensor was integrated into a diesel engine and testing was carried out across the entire temperature spectrum ranging from 0 to 120°C for a series of specified commercial oils that are used online at the ship as part of the routine operating conditions. After testing for repeatability and reproducibility, the manufacturer's test data showed that the ViSmarte detected oil aging as a function of viscosity to accuracy and repeatability values of ±1 percent.

Vectron's ViSmart viscosity sensor is designed to provide instantaneous sample and/or continuous, realtime, in-process viscosity measurements for embedded real-time, in-line environments requiring high resolution and accuracy in low- to mid-range viscosity fluids. The ViSmart viscosity sensor uses robust and reliable semiconductor technology, has no moving parts, and is sealed for complete immersion. It is unaffected by vibration or flow conditions, does not need field calibration and is packaged in a very portable, lightweight size. The ViSmart sensor measures a wide range of viscosity of fluid and is rated for temperatures up to 125°C in a threaded bolt package for quick installation, with custom options and configurations available for specific industry applications and process requirements.

The ViSmart model series can be connected to any computer or control platform via the standard USB port and the forthcoming CANBUS and 4-20mA options to provide a continuous audit trail for process monitoring markets to control operating costs and maintain quality standards. Additionally, leveraging Vectron's Starter Kit bench- top viscometer data station, the customer can acquire multiple channels of continuous viscosity and temperature data.

For further information please visit the web site: www.visensor.com

For further information please visit the web site: www.vectron.com