The sensors by Gill come optionally with CAN connectivity and a local LED display. They are used for example in vehicle engines.


The oil condition monitoring sensor comprises three measurement channels (Photo: Gill Sensor & Controls)

The oil condition monitoring sensors use magnets combined with inductive technology to monitor the accumulation and type of ferrous debris in oil systems, providing real-time insight into machinery health. The products, which are around the size of a magnetic drain plug, are introduced into the oil flow and uses powerful magnets in its tip to attract and retain any ferrous particles in the oil. An inductive coil within the sensor probe coupled with innovative electronics enables the sensor to differentiate and measure both fine and coarse particles.

The coil alternately generates magnetic pulses and measures the strength of the debris' induced magnetic field, providing accurate insight into the machinery condition and early warning of component failure. The sensors offer three independent output channels. The first channel measures fine particles in the range of 1 µm to 850 µm, which are typically caused from wear in engines and gearboxes. This can indicate when the oil needs changing or accelerated wear rates, indicating a potential problem. Coarse particles are measured on the second channel in a size range of 2 mm to 5 mm, typical of debris generated by early mechanical failure of bearings or gears in a gearbox, for example. By also incorporating temperature measurement and dielectric measurement, a third channel gives the additional functions of oil temperature measurement or a change in oil dielectric, which will indicate either water contamination in the oil or loss of oil.

Gill’s oil condition monitoring sensor features the same measurement options as the standard sensor, with an additional local indication display. It monitors continuously in ferrous wear and failure particles in oil, combined with water in oil contamination, providing users with warnings of the most common causes of machinery failure. The local LED display provides a simple red, amber and green light indication of the status of the machinery’s condition.