Tackling The Threat Of Water: Cases of water ingress leading to engine failure increasingly common, Gems sensor can prevent mechanical damage

摘要

Fuel is subject to the relentless and unceasing hazard of contamination, with moisture as one of the most common dangers. Water in fuel that reaches the fuel system can affect the operational performance and life of engine parts or, worse, lead to early and possibly catastrophic failure. Controlling the ingress of moisture in fuel systems is therefore of vital importance. According to Jim Dockendorff, chief engineer, Level Products, Gems Sensors and Controls, cases of water ingress leading to engine failure are increasingly common. "There is a particular urgency to protect high-efficiency engines, especially modern ones, where moisture in the form of condensation is a common problem," Dockendorff said. Gems has developed a conductivity-based sensor that can detect the level of water in fuel and lubricating oil and prevent mechanical damage as a result of lubricant property degradation. The WIF-1250 is a no-moving-parts solution for use with fuel filters and in compressor crankcases to determine if water is present in the lubricating oil, the company said.