Smart sensor manages fluid: Digitalization & Industry 4.0

The Unifying Smart Sensor for autonomous fluid management systems uses proprietary technology for real-time monitoring of the heat removal capability of coolant, acidity levels, the amount of coolant and its temperature.

“Instead of aggregating different technologies of single-function sensors that also require compensation and calibration, the Unifying Sensor uses a single technology to monitor most of the functions of fluid quality and quantity without needing calibration or compensation,” said Josef Maatuk, a consultant at Max Em Engineering in Los Angeles.

The Wave technology probe consists of a thin organic layer with etched traces of a thermocouple for measuring the temperature of liquids. The junction of dissimilar metals produces electrical potential related to temperature.

Maatuk, who developed the sensor, likens it to a self-driving car because it can monitor and control fluid quality and quantity and tell a user, for example, when more water or acid neutralizer is needed for a process.

The Unifying Smart Sensor is shown. Image courtesy of Max Em Engineering