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Oil Quality Sensor

An oil quality sensor measures the condition of oil in place, continuously, instead of waiting for the next sample to come back from the lab. PE Energy supplies the Des-Case Oil Quality Sensor 2 range for industrial gearboxes, hydraulic systems and circulating oil systems: the in-line sensor itself, the standalone display and data logger, and the cables and conversion leads needed to commission them.

Related condition monitoring categories: contamination monitoring sensors, moisture content sensors, compact laser particle counters, portable laser particle counters, and the full condition monitoring range.

What does an oil quality sensor measure?

An oil quality sensor reads the condition of the oil itself, not just its level or pressure. The Des-Case Oil Quality Sensor 2 continuously measures contamination, moisture, temperature and degradation, so early changes show up between scheduled oil samples rather than after them.

What that buys you is expressed directly on the display: the OQD-S-1 Oil Quality Display calculates and shows oil life remaining in days from the current oil condition. It logs at five-minute intervals with a real-time clock and a ten-year battery backup, which means a drain interval argument can be settled against a trend line rather than a calendar.

What do I need to order to install an oil quality sensor?

A working installation is normally three items, not one: the sensor, a cable, and either a display or a connection into an existing control system. Ordering the sensor alone is the most common reason a commissioning visit stalls.

Part What it is
OQS2-01-A-V The sensor. 1/2 inch BSPP male thread, RS485, 4-20 mA, CAN bus and Modbus outputs.
OQD-S-1 Standalone display with data logger. Reads oil condition and temperature with no PC attached.
OQC2-A-02 / OQC2-A-10 Sensor power and data cable.
OQC2-B-10 Sensor to display cable, 10 metre run.
OQC2-C-02 Display power and data cable, 6.5 ft / 2 m.
OQC2-CON-A / OQC2-CON-B Conversion cable, Oil Quality Sensor 2 to Gen 1 connection.
OQC2-USB-01 Configuration cable, USB to RS485. Needed to set the sensor up from a laptop.

The two conversion cables are the detail worth catching before you order. If a Gen 1 sensor is already installed and you are replacing only the head, the OQC2-CON-A or OQC2-CON-B lead lets the new Oil Quality Sensor 2 land on the existing Gen 1 connection instead of forcing a rewire of the run.

Will the sensor fit my gearbox or reservoir, and what does it need electrically?

The mechanical and electrical requirements are modest, which is why these sensors go into existing assets rather than only new builds. The published data on our own product page for the OQS2-01-A-V is the specification to check against your port and panel.

Specification OQS2-01-A-V sensor OQD-S-1 display
Material Stainless steel, AISI304 Heat resistant polycarbonate
Weight 0.4 lb (180 g) 0.66 lb (300 g)
Process connection 1/2 inch BSPP male, 32 mm AF hex collar, 25 Nm torque Not applicable
Electrical connector 6 pin Bulgin 4000 series Not applicable
Power supply 9 to 30 V DC, 0.4 W average 9 to 30 V DC, 0.4 W average, 200 mA continuous
Outputs RS485, 4-20 mA, CAN bus, Modbus 1 x 4-20 mA analog, 1 x RS485 at 9600 baud to sensor, 1 x RS485 at 115200 baud from display
Ingress protection Not published on the data sheet IP67 when connected

Two consequences fall out of that table. The 25 Nm collar torque and 32 mm hex mean this is a hand-tool installation into an existing 1/2 inch BSPP port, not a machining job. And because the display is IP67 once connected and made from heat resistant polycarbonate, it does not need a dry cabinet, so the reading can sit at the machine where the operator is rather than in a control room.

Is an oil quality sensor the same as a particle counter or a moisture sensor?

No. An oil quality sensor tracks the overall condition of the fluid, including degradation, while a particle counter reports solid contamination by size band and a moisture sensor reports water content specifically. They answer different questions and are frequently deployed together.

PE Energy carries all three as separate lines, which is the practical way to scope a monitoring program: contamination monitoring sensors for particulate, moisture content sensors for water ingress, and compact or portable laser particle counters where an ISO cleanliness code is required for reporting. Start with the failure mode you have actually seen in that asset, then add the sensor that detects it.

Need help specifying an oil quality sensor?

Tell us the asset, the port size available, the oil in service and whether the reading needs to reach a PLC or stay local at the machine, and our team will confirm the sensor, cable and display combination, along with pricing and lead time. Request a quote and we will respond promptly.

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