Fast & Seamless Smart Bubble System Implementation
Unlike other oil analysis methods that require complex test setups and long calibration times, SBS is designed for plug-and-play implementation. No test bench adaptation, no system downtime, and no waiting for sample validation—just immediate, real-time measurement at your site.
The implementation of the Smart Bubble System (SBS) begins with a structured assessment of the application and measurement environment to ensure that the measurement process is fully tailored to operational needs. This phase establishes the foundation for precise, real-time oil condition monitoring and guarantees that SBS delivers meaningful and actionable results. During this stage, the application setup is analyzed in detail, including the current lubrication system, hydraulic infrastructure, and operational conditions. The assessment identifies the challenges of existing methods, particularly if they rely on indirect estimations, periodic lab tests, or sensor-based assumptions, which often lead to inconsistent data. By defining critical test conditions such as oil type, temperature ranges, system pressure levels, and flow rates, the SBS setup is configured to align perfectly with real-world operating conditions. Once the assessment is completed, the process transitions to on-site measurement, where SBS provides direct, real-time oil analysis without requiring oil extraction or modifications to the system.
Following the application assessment, on-site measurements are conducted using the SBS-ME, a mobile in-line testing solution designed for direct, real-time air-in-oil measurement. Unlike conventional methods that require sample extraction and external analysis, SBS-ME connects directly to the system without interfering with ongoing operations. This eliminates the need to extract large oil volumes (5–15 liters) and prevents issues related to sample contamination or transport delays. Instead, the Scan & Detect feature allows SBS to immediately identify air content, bubble size, morphology, and fluid stability, enabling a precise parameter setup for further analysis. The system is designed for seamless integration, ensuring quick deployment and instant measurement capability. The installation process is completed within minutes. SBS-ME is directly connected to the hydraulic flow and return lines, requiring no modifications to existing components. A standard Schuko plug serves as the power source, allowing immediate system activation without downtime. Once installed, the measurement starts instantly, providing real-time insights into air-in-oil behavior.
Once the measurement phase is completed, the collected data is processed using an advanced machine-vision algorithm, which enables the real-time detection, classification, and visualization of air bubbles in oil. This breakthrough allows for instant observation of air-in-oil behavior, providing engineers and maintenance teams with valuable insights that were previously unattainable using conventional analysis methods. With SBS Insights, expert-generated reports are compiled to identify root causes of lubrication inefficiencies and provide targeted recommendations for optimizing components, refining lubrication strategies, and improving overall process efficiency. These insights enable industries to implement predictive maintenance measures, significantly reduce system wear, and lower maintenance costs by minimizing air-induced failures.
Why SBS?
The Advantages Over Conventional Indirect Measurement
Conventional air-in-oil analysis methods are based on interpreting the electrical properties of oils, such as their conductivity. To obtain measurements using these methods, complex calibration protocols must be performed, which can become invalid due to particles and other influencing factors. Long operational interruptions, a lack of validation options, and the inability to reproduce results at a later time highlight the need for a new solution.
With the Smart Bubble System, direct and optically validatable measurements are easily possible via plug-and-play—completely calibration-free.
