Eaton’s new electronic clogging indicator enables clean, safe and efficient use of filter elements

“At Eaton we understand that optimum timing is the deciding factor for clean, safe and efficient filtration,” says Chris Rau, division engineering manager of Eaton’s Filtration Division. “The new VS5 indicator is robust and ideal for use in harsh environments, providing a clear visual aide to operators as to when filter elements need replacing.  Knowing exactly when to replace the elements enables users to make cost-saving decisions associated with replacing elements too early, before the end of their working life.”

Eaton’s VS5 electronic clogging indicator for oil filters measures the differential pressure inside the filtration system continuously to evaluate the status of the filter elements.  It includes a M12 female connector as signal interface, which is designed in response to increased demand for industrial applications, and features an eight pin configuration to ensure interference free signal transmission, thereby providing a reliable signal to the operator. The eight pins of the M12 connector are configured with an analog 4 to 20 mA output signal, two PNP switch signals, power supply and earth.

The LED is integrated into this compact connector too. At a glance users can see what the condition of the filter is: green stands for connected and operating well; yellow provides an early warning signal, showing that nominal pressure of the first limit value has been exceeded (75%); and red indicates that it is necessary to change out the clogged filter element because nominal pressure has been exceeded (100%). Furthermore, it is possible to connect the VS5 indicator to the user’s PLC control system to determine the clogging status of the filter elements in operation from a central point.