Oil condition analysis equipment that monitors equipment oil in real-time, enabling any anomalies in the oil to be detected at a very early stage, is now available across Africa from Hytec Fluid Technology (HFT). Sourced from England-based OEM Tan Delta, the range of oil monitoring and analysis equipment helps to minimise plant equipment operating costs. One of the most beneficial features of these sensors is that the oil condition data can be accessed by authorised personnel from anywhere in the world, improving control and efficiency. The solution also enhances plant equipment competitiveness and helps plants meet environmental, social and governance (ESG) objectives.

The Tan Delta range of oil condition analysis equipment from HFT comprises oil condition analysis sensors (incl. ATEX-compliant sensors), sensor kits and accessories, modems and gateways, and digital display solutions. The range is highly effective and is trusted by leading equipment manufacturers and plant operators around the world.

Appointed as the official Tan Delta African distributor on 19 March 2021, HFT supplies and services Tan Delta’s entire standard range of equipment. “We are also in a position to provide tailored oil monitoring and analysis solutions to suit specific client needs,” says Wynand Kapp, divisional manager, Industrial Filtration, HFT. The average lead time for imported stock, due to Covid-19 restrictions, is four to six weeks, but most equipment is available from HFT ex-stock, significantly reducing this lead time.

The equipment, with its patented Tan Delta analysis technology, can be used for all applications across all industrial sectors, and features prominently in the mining, power generation (including wind generation plants), marine, shipping and manufacturing industries.

The range can be implemented on any oil-reticulating plant equipment in any application using any oil type (mineral, synthetic or semi-synthetic) in any environment. “The patented technology incorporated into the sensors gives operators the capability to programme them so they are specific to both the application and the oil used in that application,” Kapp explains. “If the oil in a client’s equipment is not listed in the Hydrocarbon data base, it can be profiled for a small fee before installing a Tan Delta oil analysis device.” Installation and setup are done after oil profiling so that the oil analysis runs hand-in-hand with the oil profile, including the monitoring requirements. “This enables oil condition monitoring in real time,” Kapp says.

As far as applications are concerned, Kapp points out that “any application that runs hydraulic fluid will benefit from the technology.” The rationale is that the equipment gives plant operators and managers the power of immediate, real-time monitoring of the application oil. “Oil is the life blood of any hydraulic application,” Kapp adds. “It is therefore beneficial for plant operators to have this telemetry and data at their fingertips, allowing for immediate intervention before failure can occur.” He also points out that the Tan Delta technology “provides end users with a very strong foothold to set up a ‘no failure safe’ service schedule of critical components and applications.”

Resolving indicated issues

“Where oil condition issues are indicated,” Kapp adds, “HFT has the technology and equipment to resolve them for all oil conditioning purposes.” The technology and equipment include solutions for contamination mitigation or filtration requirements to the niche technologies required for acid remediation, varnish mitigation, vacuum dehydration or electrostatic removal requirements.”  

Installing Tan Delta’s oil condition analysis equipment is a simple process and can easily be carried out by the end user. However, to ensure the most appropriate solution for the client’s requirements, HFT works together with end users through the entire process. Beginning with receipt of the first request for assistance through to post-commissioning ‘switch-on’, HFT guides the client through the entire process and provides a complete project guideline and installation guide. “The guideline and installation guide empower clients to not only familiarise themselves with the technology, but also to understand it, which can only benefit them,” Kapp says.

All units are supplied as complete express kits, which means they come standard with the sensor, small display and data logger unit, along with all the required cables. “Clients may opt to purchase just the sensor,” Kapp says, “but in these instances the correct cable configuration must be purchased separately.”

Proven quality

Tan Delta is an ISO 9000 company and its entire range of sensors and supplementary products are manufactured to ISO 14001 standards. They also adhere to IP68 (water and dust) standards when connected, shock and vibration standards, the general emission standard for industrial environment, and the generic immunity standard for industrial environments. The range is RoHS compliant and conforms to all CE requirements.

 “A partnership with a well-established entity like Tan Delta opens the highway of endless possibilities when it comes to correct and effective oil condition monitoring,” Kapp concludes. “This puts our customers on the best path to complete total fluid management.”

The entire range of Tan Delta oil monitoring and analysis equipment is available in sub-Saharan Africa from Hytec Fluid Technology, a Bosch Rexroth South Africa Group Company.