Air in Oil: A Critical Threat to Automotive Components & Vehicles

Traditional monitoring methods rely on indirect estimations and reactive maintenance strategies, failing to detect air-in-oil dynamics in real-time. The Smart Bubble System (SBS) introduces the first direct, continuous measurement of air bubbles and foam formation, providing automotive manufacturers and powertrain engineers with complete transparency into oil condition.

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Challenges in Manufacturing & Production

  • Stamping, machining, and robotic assembly: Hydraulic systems require stable oil conditions for precision and efficiency. Air entrainment lowers hydraulic pressure, leading to component malfunctions.
  • Testing & end-of-line validation: Lubrication instability during gearbox, differential, and engine test cycles impacts quality assurance.

Challenges for Powertrain & Drivetrain Performance

  • Gearboxes & drivetrains: Air bubbles disrupt lubrication, accelerating wear on synchronizers, planetary gear sets, and bearings.
  • Torque converters & clutch systems: Foam formation weakens the lubrication film, causing slippage and efficiency losses.
  • Axles & differentials: Cavitation and air entrainment accelerate oxidation, reducing component lifespan.

The SBS Advantage for Automotive Manufacturers & Suppliers

For decades, air entrainment has disrupted both production processes and vehicle performance. SBS provides the first direct, real-time air-in-oil measurement, solving these critical challenges.

The SBS Advantage for Automotive Manufacturers & Suppliers
Eliminating lubrication failures

Eliminating lubrication failures

Detects microbubbles and foam formation in gearboxes, drivetrains, and hydraulic systems. Prevents oil degradation and oxidation, reducing unplanned downtime.

Optimizing oil condition monitoring

Optimizing oil condition monitoring

Replaces conventional, indirect capacitive measurement methods with direct, machine-vision-based oil analysis.

Protecting production processes

Protecting production processes

Prevents cavitation and air-related failures in stamping presses, robotic systems, and machining centers. Enhances oil stability, ensuring consistent production quality.

Testing & Implementing SBS in the Automotive Industry

The SBS portfolio includes two complementary solutions for analyzing air in oil under real-world conditions.

SBS-ST: Controlled Stationary Measurements

Simulates foaming and air entrainment under controlled lab conditions to replicate real-world lubrication issues.
Ideal for research labs, transmission manufacturers, and lubricant engineers to validate new oil formulations and system designs.

SBS-ME:Inline Real-Time Measurement

Directly integrates into the application, enabling automotive OEMs and Tier-1 suppliers to monitor real-world performance.

Automobilindustrie

Bereit, Ihre Ölzustandsüberwachung zu optimieren?

The SBS supports leading automotive manufacturers in:

  • Reducing maintenance costs by minimizing lubricant degradation and wear.
  • Extending component lifespan in gearboxes, drivetrains, and differentials.
  • Maximizing efficiency in production & vehicle operation by ensuring stable lubrication conditions.
Bereit, Ihre Ölzustandsüberwachung zu optimieren?

Find out more about the Smart Bubble System

The Smart Bubble System was developed to optimize fluid management and lubricant strategies along the value chain. Find out what advantages it brings in your specific case.