Unit Fluid Monitoring (UFM) systems permit in-depth monitoring of hydraulic power packs and lubrication systems, according to officials at Hainzl, a manufacturer of hydraulic, automation and robotic products based in Linz, Austria. The main focus is on analyzing the oil for signs of humidity, aging and degree of contamination, as well as monitoring operational parameters such as pressure, temperature and flow rate.

The relevant data are easily accessed and also configured via an integrated web interface. Users can decide whether to receive notifications of abnormalities via digital outputs directly on the unit, or by TCP/IP messages sent to a higher-level control system. Additional useful functions such as email alerts and reports are also available.

According to the company, UFM permits cost-effective retrofitting of many systems. Typical uses are for early detection of wear in lubrication systems, oil analysis for hydraulic power units, and monitoring of test systems.

The UFM’s microCMU provides the basis for hydraulic monitoring. For example, it offers 4 GB of local storage capacity; eight analog inputs for standard sensors, such as for pressure and flow rate; eight digital outputs as signaling contacts, four of which can be used as digital inputs for status signals; two serial interfaces for connecting intelligent sensors with pre-evaluation capacity; one CAN bus interface for future expansion; and one Ethernet interface. And importantly, the microCMU has a small form factor that permits DIN rail mounting.

In addition, the UFM fluid monitor, like all condition-monitoring products from Hainzl, can be linked to the company’s HAICMON Analysis Center. This means that in addition to leakage and fluid monitoring, users can also take advantage of HAICMON’s useful options such as long-term trend analysis, automatic email alerts and in-depth reports.

Benefits of the UFM include a web interface that displays configuration and status information, optimization of service intervals, alerts in the event of water ingress, early detection of wear in lubrication systems, detection of system leaks, data transfer to high level control systems, and documentation of oil changes and service calls.

Hainzl
www.hainzl.at