As industry moves towards autonomous vehicles, Industry 4.0, and AI, oil sampling of mining equipment still requires placing people in potentially hazardous environments which are often noisy, hot, and have the ever-present danger of rotating equipment, pinch points, vehicle movement, or stored energy release.

The Smartoil™ M-Series solves these problems by removing people from dangerous or hazardous environments when taking oil samples thus almost eliminating the associated risks.  The device is a completely autonomous, fully automated, hands-free oil sampler designed to take a time-based oil sample in a bottle which is then sent to a contracted lab for analysis. Samples can also be activated locally or via Bluetooth® in some of the 6 versions of the product currently available.

The product was primarily focussed on the safety aspect of fluid sampling however it also virtually eliminates the other issues associated with manually taking samples.

These issues include;

• The human factor - the problem of receiving bad data through poor sampling practices or sampling errors
  • Training, change of personnel, different techniques and taking samples using different levels of skill and care.
• Sample point location - They are often in places that are heavily contaminated and must be thoroughly cleaned before the sample is taken which relies upon the skill and experience of the sample taker.
• Environmental conditions - it can be very difficult to keep contamination out.  If bottles are opened in windy and dusty conditions, contamination can be inadvertently added to the sample. 
• The equipment itself - may contain its own contamination if it is not well maintained or kept clean.

Results returned from a laboratory often reveal potential issues or readings that are considered strange and require further investigation and often a repeat sample is needed due to inaccuracies in the initial sample. Any uncertainty, results in added downtime for the equipment and added cost to the business, and of course the safety risks of operating machinery that could be in a failure mode.

The SmartOil^TM M-Series eliminates these issues because the sample is taken on time every-time and in a continually controlled safe location and environment. The precision of the sample provides real and accurate information that can be evaluated with confidence and lead to purposeful action. Clients can avoid making poor engineering decisions as a result of bad data along with costly and time-consuming resampling.

SmartOil^TM devices are installed in a location where the oil will provide accurate and trendable data on the health of the oil and the components being checked. Oil is continually circulated through the unit. Each unit measures fluid pressure and temperature with inbuilt sensors. When a sample is to be taken, algorithms will calculate the exact time the sample valve is opened to take a precise 100ml sample every-time.

The M3 version in this series goes one step further. It has a larger edge processor and is capable of accepting additional data streams from other external sensors. Customers can install an optional manifold to the rear of the unit and install additional sensors such as a laser particle counter to detect particle contamination, hydrocarbon sensors, water-in-oil sensor, or others as required.  The information from such sensors is then processed by the edge processor and crunched into 30-second data streams.  These data streams can wirelessly transferred out of the M3 device via Bluetooth® to a Smart device using the free SmartOil^TM app. This then allows the real-time monitoring of oil condition as well as taking a scheduled oil sample for the lab.

All SmartOil^TM M-Series feature sensors that monitor oil pressure and temperature and are pre-programmed with the appropriate parameters for the oil that is to be sampled. The date and time of sampling are programmed by the user for each sample from a Smart device using the free SmartOil^TM app. The SmartOil^TM M-Series has a vast range of applications including engine oils and coolants, hydraulic oils, gearbox and transmission fluids, and final drive & differential oils.  With accurate and regular sampling, clients can detect engine coolant leaks before they damage engine components and even monitor hydraulic contamination levels in real-time.  Changes in oil quality can be identified and acted on swiftly, limiting damage to the equipment and avoiding machinery downtime.  

The introduction of the SmartOil^TM M-Series into Australia by Lubrication Engineering has forever changed the model of oil sampling to create a system that is both safe and accurate, as well as meeting the needs of its clients.  The construction is stable and secure using stainless steel and aluminium with a full stainless-steel option for underground coal mining and comes with an IP67 environmental rating, running on 0-3000 PSi.

Lubrication Engineering Pty Ltd

Lubrication Engineering's expert team provides the best-unbiased advice and products when it comes to high-quality oils and greases, contamination, and lubrication storage systems along with lubrication transfer systems.  Customers are supported through training, consulting, equipment servicing, and equipment hire to keep their operations running smoothly. The company works with a diverse range of clients including some of Australia's and the world's leading manufacturers, heavy industry, and mining companies along with the food and beverage industry, offering a range of lubrication services and equipment.

For further information on the SmartOil^TM M-Series contact Lubrication Engineering on 1800 676 699.