IPU wins Business Innovation Award

The Sandwell Business Awards, held at Sandwell College on July 14th celebrated the best business talent and innovation from in and around Sandwell.

IPU were awarded top prize for Business Innovation for our OilAlert Live package.

This innovative approach to tackling oil contamination brings together exceptional British technology from Tan Delta (OilAlert sensor) and our own customised software E/LOG.

The permittivity sensor used for OilAlert is 60 times more sensitive than a traditional di-electric sensor. Di-electric sensors only react when very high levels of contamination occur. By this time, engine failure is imminent and internal components are likely damaged. Permittivity sensors study an oil’s electro-mechanical footprint at its molecular level. It will detect the presence of trace metals in quantities as low as 10 parts per million (or 0.001%).

This real-time analysis is then broadcasted using a cell phone link to a business’ service centre. These are received by E/LOG, a sophisticated software package that trends a wide range of engine parameters. Problems can be detected and identified immediately. If the problem is not urgent it can be added to the vehicles next service schedule. If major failure is predicted, the operator can be told to stop the engine before the problem causes a catastrophic and costly breakdown.

Genuine customers of IPU have saved £19,482 over 5 years in replacement parts and labour by installing OilAlert Live to vehicles.

On winning the award, IPU’s Divisional Director of Oil Conditioning Doug Campbell said: “We’re very happy to receive this award as it recognises not only the innovation that IPU has applied to this problem, but also the compelling value that it delivers to our diverse global customer base in power generation, marine, mining and other heavy industries”.