Low cost particle counter is designed to help companies reduce the cost of machinery maintenance and system downtime caused by contamination of hydraulic oils.A new, low cost version of an innovative portable particle counter has been launched by Parker Hannifin. Called the Classic Laser LCM, the new particle counter is less than half the price of many existing devices and is designed to help companies throughout industry reduce the cost of maintenance and system downtime caused by contamination of hydraulic oils in manufacturing and process systems, and in mobile plant and machinery. It is estimated that at least 80% of all hydraulic systems failures are caused by contamination, mainly in the form of dirt and debris that enters the system during installation, maintenance or repair, or through damaged or worn parts, such as cylinder and valve seals.
Particulate contamination will affect the operating efficiency of both the oil and sliding parts, cause valves to stick and, in the worst case, can lead to sudden component failure.
In each case, the result will be costly system downtime and increased maintenance.
These problems can, however, be overcome by regularly monitoring the level of contamination using Parker's Classic Laser LCM, which has been developed to make sampling quick, simple and cost effective.
The unit is compact and lightweight and produces extremely accurate results within a simple two minute test cycle, with connection to the hydraulics system by means of a dedicated in-line sensor or a single point sampling device.
Although the new particle counter has been launched as a low cost device, it incorporates advanced laser technology, with an opto-mechanical, continuous wave single point source laser (SPSL).
In addition, the Classic LCM features a hands free 300-test cycle logging via LCD handset; an RS232 serial port computer interface; and a wide range of optional extras such as a barcode swipe wand to allow quick handset data loading.
Data can be printed immediately, including graphical representations of results to support predictive maintenance, from the integral 16-column printer.
The Classic LCM is IP55 rated with a protective cover to enable it to be used both in production environments and on outdoor sites, as it is resistant to contamination by particles and other airborne matter.
It is therefore ideal for use in a wide variety of demanding indoor and outdoor environments, such as general and heavy industrial, agricultural, mobile, military and marine applications.
In addition, a dedicated aggressive fluids version is available, suitable for monitoring corrosive fluids such as phosphate ester based lubricants in commercial aviation.
The Classic LCM is accredited to US Standards and has full ISO certification and calibration to the latest ISO Medium test dust standards.