Oil Mist Detectors

Oil Mist Detectors (OMDs) is commonly used in marine and industrial diesel engines to monitor crankcase conditions and detect potential early signs of bearing or lubrication failure.

What is an Oil Mist Detector (OMD)?

An OMD is a safety device installed in large reciprocating engines (like those on ships or in power plants). It continuously samples air from the engine crankcase, checking for oil mist particles. Elevated levels of oil mist can indicate overheating bearings or other mechanical issues, which could lead to dangerous crankcase explosions if left unchecked.

How it works:

• Sampling heads are installed at various points in the crankcase.

• These heads draw in air samples continuously.

• The OMD measures the opacity (light absorption) of these air samples — more mist means more light absorption.

• If mist levels exceed a safe threshold, the system triggers alarms and/or engine shutdown protocols to prevent damage or explosions.

Notable Features (from the image):

• Multiple sampling points (as seen by the tubing connections).

• Individual measuring heads with readout displays and indicator labels.

• Electrical connections for integration into shipboard or industrial monitoring systems.

• Safety certifications (visible labels showing regulatory compliance like CE marking or marine safety standards).