Atten2 OilWear C100 Online Particle Sensor
| Brand | Atten2 |
|---|---|
| Origin | Spain |
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Origin Category | Imported |
| Model | C100 |
| Pricing | Upon Request |
Overview
The Atten2 OilWear C100 is an online particle sensor engineered for continuous, real-time monitoring of solid particulate contamination in industrial fluids. It operates on a patented digital image analysis principle—capturing high-contrast micrographs of particles suspended in flowing liquid and classifying them by size using calibrated optical magnification and pixel-based dimensional mapping. Unlike traditional light extinction or pore-blockage sensors, the C100 delivers direct visual confirmation of particle morphology and distribution, enabling discrimination between wear debris, dirt ingress, and fiber contaminants. Designed for integration into active circulation loops, it measures particles ≥4 µm in equivalent spherical diameter (ESD), with classification aligned to internationally recognized contamination coding standards including ISO 4406:2017, NAS 1638 Class Code, and SAE AS4059F. Its deployment supports condition-based maintenance protocols by transforming fluid cleanliness data into actionable reliability indicators—particularly critical in rotating equipment, hydraulic power units, and lubrication-critical test benches.
Key Features
- Optical particle imaging engine with automated focus stabilization and LED-illuminated flow cell for consistent contrast across varying fluid refractive indices
- Real-time output of multi-standard contamination codes (ISO 4406, NAS 1638, SAE AS4059F) via configurable analog (4–20 mA) and digital (RS-485 Modbus RTU) interfaces
- Modular architecture: sensing head (flow cell + optics + illumination) decoupled from processing unit—enabling flexible mounting in confined spaces and retrofit compatibility with existing oil conditioning systems
- Minimal flow requirements: operational at 0.1–5 L/min with pressure drop <0.2 bar at nominal flow; compatible with inline installation without bypass or external pump dependency
- Support for integrated diagnostics: built-in self-test routines verify optical path integrity, flow sensor calibration, and communication handshake status during startup and periodic intervals
- IP67-rated enclosure with stainless steel wetted parts (316L) and FKM seals—certified for continuous exposure to mineral oils, synthetic hydrocarbons, glycol-based coolants, aqueous emulsions, and hydrocarbon fuels
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The OilWear C100 is validated for use with transparent to semi-opaque fluids having kinematic viscosity up to 400 cSt at 40 °C and particle loadings ≤10,000 particles/mL (>4 µm). It maintains measurement fidelity across mineral turbine oils, PAO- and PAG-based synthetics, water-glycol fire-resistant fluids, water-soluble machining coolants, diesel fuel, and aviation kerosene (Jet A-1). All firmware and hardware configurations comply with IEC 61000-6-2 (immunity) and IEC 61000-6-4 (emissions) for industrial environments. The device supports audit-ready data logging when paired with Atten2’s OilHealth® platform—ensuring alignment with GLP-compliant maintenance documentation frameworks and facilitating traceability per ISO 55001 asset management requirements.
Software & Data Management
The C100 communicates natively with SCADA, PLC, and PC-based monitoring systems via Modbus RTU over RS-485 or 4–20 mA analog output scaled to ISO code ranges. Optional integration with Atten2’s OilHealth® software enables synchronized acquisition of both particle count data and oxidative degradation metrics (e.g., acid number trend, dielectric loss factor) from co-located sensors—delivering a unified health index for fluid life assessment. Firmware updates are performed remotely via secure HTTP(S) endpoint; all configuration changes and sensor events are timestamped and stored with immutable audit trail capability—supporting FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliance when deployed in regulated manufacturing settings.
Applications
- Turbomachinery lube oil systems (gas/steam turbines, compressors) where early detection of bearing wear debris prevents catastrophic failure
- Hydraulic control systems in aerospace actuators and wind turbine pitch mechanisms requiring NAS Class 5–7 cleanliness verification
- Industrial gearboxes and circulating lubrication systems in steel mills and paper machines
- Test rig instrumentation for component validation under ASTM D7684 (standard practice for particle counting in hydraulic fluids)
- Fuel filtration monitoring in marine auxiliary engines and backup generator sets
- Condition monitoring of quench oils and metalworking fluids in heat-treatment and machining lines
FAQ
What minimum flow rate is required for stable particle imaging?
A sustained flow of ≥0.1 L/min is required to maintain laminar flow through the optical cell; optimal performance is achieved between 0.5–3 L/min.
Can the C100 distinguish ferrous from non-ferrous particles?
No—morphological classification only; elemental composition requires complementary ferrographic analysis or XRF spectroscopy.
Is recalibration required after sensor cleaning or replacement?
Yes—optical path recalibration must be performed using Atten2’s certified reference suspension (ISO MTD-F) following any maintenance affecting the flow cell or lens assembly.
Does the sensor support explosion-proof certification for hazardous areas?
Not inherently; however, intrinsically safe barrier kits (e.g., Pepperl+Fuchs KFD2-STC4) may be used in Zone 2 installations per IEC 60079-11.
How frequently does the system log particle count histograms?
Configurable from 1 second to 60 minutes; default interval is 30 seconds with rolling 72-hour buffer stored onboard.
