Oil · vibration · temperature monitoring
See the warning signs before the machine stops
DataMonitor measures oil condition, vibration and temperature on gearboxes, hydraulic systems, compressors and engines. When a reading moves outside its normal range, the screen shows a warning. Maintenance is planned before the machine stops.
- Monitoring at the machine, across the plant or remotely
- Data can stay on site. Internet is optional.
- Installation and alarm set-up by DataMonitor
A product and monitoring level are recommended for your machine. The price is sent as a written quote.
- Viscosity45.8 cStNormal
- Water in oil320 ppmWarning
- Particles (ISO 4406)17/15/12Normal
- Vibration (RMS velocity)2.4 mm/sNormal
- Oil temperature61 °CNormal
Values are examples. Alarm limits are set from each machine's own normal readings.
Most plants notice a fault too late
In many plants a fault is noticed only when the machine stops. The oil starts to change much earlier. It thickens or thins, picks up water and gets dirty. A maintenance team that sees this change early turns the repair into a planned stop.
- Unplanned downtime: Lost output comes with labour costs and urgent parts.
- Unnecessary oil changes: Good oil is drained because the calendar says so.
- Growing damage: A job that could have been planned becomes a major breakdown.
Our products
Oil is monitored in two ways: with a portable device at set intervals, or with a fixed sensor continuously. Vibration and temperature monitoring are added to the same system. All products show status in the same colours: green is normal, amber is a warning, red is an alarm.
Portable oil analyzer
It measures an oil sample on the spot and saves the result. One device covers many machines.
DetailsOnline oil monitoring system
A sensor on the oil line and a monitoring screen. It monitors an important machine continuously and raises an alarm when a limit is crossed.
DetailsVibration and temperature monitoring
Vibration and temperature sensors connect to the oil monitoring system. The readings are assessed together with the oil data.
DetailsThe sensors we use and what they measure
Product comparison
| Portable oil analyzer | Online oil monitoring system | Vibration and temperature monitoring | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Measures | Viscosity, water and moisture, oil ageing, temperature | Oil condition, particles (ISO 4406), metal wear2 | Vibration level (RMS velocity), temperature2 |
| How it works | You pour in a sample. The device measures and saves it. | A fixed sensor measures. You watch the screen. | A sensor on the machine measures continuously. |
| Best for | Teams that check many machines on rounds | Important machines that need a constant watch | Plants adding vibration to an oil monitoring system |
| Installation | None. The device is portable. | A sensor on the oil line and a monitoring system. | A sensor on the machine, wired to the same system. |
| Monitoring level | Device screen (Level 1) | Level 1, 2 or 3 | Same levels as the oil monitoring system |
| First step | Ask for a quote for the device. | Ask for a system quote for your machine. | Added to the system quote. |
2 We assess vibration with reference to ISO 10816-7 for pumps and ISO 20816-3 for other industrial machines. The applicable standard depends on the machine type. Particle contamination is reported as an ISO 4406 code. The devices make no claim of compliance. Their purpose is symptom detection and early warning. Metal-wear monitoring follows a particle trend. It does not identify the metal.
The choice depends on the machine and the maintenance routine. It is made at the quote stage.
The warning signs we detect
A change in the oil is one of the first signs that a problem is starting in the machine. The four most common signs are listed below.
| Warning sign | What we measure | Likely cause | What to do | Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oil is thickening | Viscosity ↑ | The oil has aged (oxidation) or overheated. | Plan an oil change. | The oil is changed on time, not early. |
| Oil is thinning | Viscosity ↓ | Fuel has got into the oil, or the wrong grade is in use. | Check for leaks and check the oil grade. | Lower risk of engine and bearing damage. |
| Water in the oil | Moisture (ppm) ↑ | There is a coolant leak, a worn seal or condensation. | Check the seals. | Helps protect bearing life. |
| Oil is ageing | Dielectric ↑ | Oxidation products have built up, or the oil is contaminated. | Plan the change from the trend. | Fewer unnecessary oil changes. |
Three monitoring levels
Monitoring starts with one machine. When the need grows, the system moves up a level. The existing installation stays in place.
1 · At the machine
Status is shown on the monitoring screen at the machine. No internet is needed. Data stays in the device.
2 · Across your plant
All machines are viewed from PCs on the plant network. Data is kept on a server in the plant.
3 · From anywhere
Machines are reached over the internet from anywhere. Alerts are sent by phone and email.
How it works
Call
The machine, the oil in use and the problem are discussed.
Quote
The right product, the monitoring level and the price are sent in writing.
Installation
The sensors and the monitoring screen are installed. Alarm limits are set from the machine's normal readings.
Monitoring
When a reading changes, a warning appears on the screen and, if required, on your phone. Maintenance is planned from it.
A quote for your machine
The machine, the oil in use and the problem are discussed by phone. The right product and monitoring level are defined. The price is sent as a written quote.
- Product recommendation for your machine
- Written quote
- Installation and alarm set-up included
Industries we serve
The aim is the same in every industry: see the change in the oil before the machine stops. What differs is the equipment monitored and the risks the oil faces.
Cement
Kiln drive gearbox, mill gearboxes, fans, crushers
View industrySteel & metals
Rolling-mill gearbox, rolling and casting hydraulics, pumps
View industryAutomotive suppliers
Hydraulic presses, transfer-line gearboxes, compressors
View industryPower generation
Hydro turbine bearings, wind gearboxes, generator sets
View industryPlastic injection & presses
Injection machine hydraulics, hydraulic pumps, servo and proportional valves
View industryConstruction & mobile equipment
Excavator and loader hydraulics, travel and swing gearboxes
View industryPaper & pulp
Main drive gearbox, dryer cylinder bearings, press hydraulics
View industryFood & beverage
Screw compressors, press and filling hydraulics, conveyor gearboxes
View industryMarine & shipyards
Main engine, auxiliary generators, turbo, steering and deck hydraulics
View industryMining
Crusher and conveyor gearboxes, mills, hydraulic excavators
View industryPilot plant programme
The first installations are carried out with plants chosen for long-term cooperation. Pilot plants receive a discount on installation. In return, permission is requested to publish the results as a case study. The company name can be withheld. Terms are agreed in the quote.
Frequently asked questions
Can I monitor my machines without an internet connection?
Yes. At Level 1 the readings appear on the monitoring screen at the machine. At Level 2 a local server collects them over your plant network. You only need internet for Level 3. That level lets you watch machines from anywhere and get alerts by phone and email. Details
Does my data stay in the plant or go to the cloud?
That is your choice. At Level 1 the data stays in the device. At Level 2 it stays on your own plant server and never leaves the site. The data goes to the online server only if you choose Level 3. Details
Does DataMonitor diagnose faults?
No. DataMonitor detects warning signs and gives early alerts. Examples are oil thickening, water or dirt in the oil, or rising vibration. Metal identification, acid and base number (TAN/TBN) and vibration spectrum (FFT) analysis need a lab and a specialist. DataMonitor works alongside them. Details
Which is better, lab oil analysis or real-time monitoring?
They work best together. A lab offers a wide range of in-depth tests. Its results arrive after the sample is shipped, and they only reflect the day it was taken. Real-time monitoring measures continuously and raises an alarm when a limit is crossed. So monitoring suits the daily watch, and the lab covers periodic in-depth checks. Details