Labkotec idOil-SLU Sludge Sensor
General Information
This manual is an integral part of the product.
- Please read the manual before using the product.
- Keep the manual available for the entire duration of the product’s life span.
- Provide the manual to the next owner or user of the product.
- Please report any errors or discrepancies related to this manual before commissioning the device.
Safety and the Environment
- The plant owner is responsible for the planning, installation, commissioning, operation, maintenance, and disassembly at the location.
- Installation and commissioning of the device may be performed by a trained professional only.
- Protection of operating personnel and the system is not ensured if the product is not used in accordance with its intended purpose.
- Laws and regulations applicable to the usage or the intended purpose must be observed.
- The device has been approved for the intended purpose of use only.
- Neglecting these instructions will void any warranty and absolve the manufacturer from any liability.
Intended Use
- The idOil-SLU sensor is intended to be used in oil and sand separators to detect sand or sludge on the bottom of the tank.
- The sensor can be placed in a zone 0 explosive atmosphere, but the control unit connected to it has to be placed in a safe area.
- A more specific description of the product’s operation, installation, and use is provided later in this manual.
- Other use is counter to the product’s purpose of use. Labkotec cannot be held liable for any damage caused by using the device in violation of its intended purpose of use.
Markings and Symbols
Safety-related markings and symbols
- This marking warns of a possible hazard. Failing to observe the safety instructions in question may result in injury or death.
- This marking warns of a fault or hazardous situation. Failing to observe the safety instructions in question may result in injury or device breakage.
- This marking warns of a possible fault. Failing to observe the safety instructions in question may result in device or system breakage or erroneous operation.
- This marking emphasises an issue that requires special attention during installation and when using the device in an explosive atmosphere.
Installation
- idOil sensors can be installed in zone 0 explosive atmospheres.
- Do not remove the sensor markings from the cables or sensor frames.
- Check the correct installation depth of the sensor in the instructions of the separator in question.
- Leave a sufficient length of the sensor or extension cable coiled inside the service well, so that you can easily lift the sensor out for inspection and cleaning.
Installing the idOil-SLU sludge sensor
The sensor issues an alarm on sludge, sand, or other solids accumulated at the bottom of the separator. The sensor’s exact installation depth depends on the following:
- separator type
- separator shape
- maximum allowed sludge layer thickness
The sensor must always be immersed in liquid. The alarm is activated when the sludge layer reaches the alarm switching point (S), which is located inside the sensor gap (T). The sensor activates the alarm when it is in contact with air. For this reason, the separator must always be filled with water after draining.
idOil-SLU sludge sensor
- Air
- Oil
- Water
- Sludge
- Standard liquid level
- Alarm switching point
- Maximum allowed sludge layer height
- Sensor gap
Connections
Control Unit
- Safe area
- Hazardous area
Sensor connectors idOil-20, idOil-30/idOil-30 3G, idOil-30 Battery/idOil-30 Battery 3G
- 9: sensor 1, connection 1
- 10: sensor 1, connection 2
- 11: sensor 2, connection 1
- 12: sensor 2, connection 2
- 13: sensor 3, connection 1
- 14: sensor 3, connection 2
Sensor connectors idOil-D30
- 46; sensor 1, connection 1
- 47: sensor 1, connection 2
- 48: sensor 2, connection 1
- 49: sensor 2, connection 2
- 50: sensor 3, connection 1
- 51: sensor 3, connection 2
- Extension cable, e.g., protected, twisted-pair 2 x 0.5 mm,2 maximum resistance 68 Ohm.
- Example cable connector LCJ1-1 for a single sensor
- Example cable connector LCJ121 for two sensors
- Example cable connector LCJ1-3 for three sensors
- idOil-SLU sensor
Product Code
- idOil-SLU sensor
- LMS-SAS5 mounting kit for sensor
Connected to SET
The sensor of the idOil product family can be connected to the control unit of Labkotec Oy’s SET product family in place of the SET sensor. The difference is that the cable in the idOil series sensors has no shielding, and the polarity of the wires does not matter because the sensor connection is polarity-free.
- Safe area
- Hazardous area
- Sensor connector SandSET-1000
- 9 = SHD
- 10 = +
- 11 = –
- Cable connector LCJ1-1 for a single sensor (replaces LCJ1-SK4 cable connector).
- Sensor connector SET-2000 Oil/Sludge
- 12 = SHD
- 13 = +
- 14 = –
- Cable connector LCJ1-1 for a single sensor.
- Extension cable, e.g., protected, twisted-pair 2 x 0.5 mm2, maximum resistance 68 Ohm.
- idOil-SLU spare part sensor for SET-1000 and SET-2000 control units Product code 8540704SP including:
- idOil-SLU sensor
- LCJ1-1 cable connector
- Rubber seal for LJB2-78-83 and LJB3-78-83 junction box
- LMS-SAS5 mounting kit for sensor
Functional test
Always check the correct operation of the alarm after the installation and after making the connections.
- Lower the sensing element of the sensor into the sand or sludge. If this is not possible, lift the sensor into the air.
- Put the sensor back into the water. The indicator light should turn off or the alarm notification should disappear within 10 seconds, and the relay(s) and the buzzer should revert to their normal state after the set delay.
Product Description
Device operation
The sensor issues an alarm of sludge, sand, or other comparable solid matter, which has piled up on the bottom of the separator. Applications are sand/sludge separators and oil separators.
Dimensions idOil-SLU sludge sensor
Technical Specifications
| TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS idOil-SLU | |
| Operating principle | Ultrasound |
| Enclosure | Enclosure class: IP 68 Materials: PP, AISI 304/316, PA, NBR, CR, Silicon |
| Weight | 530 g (incl. 5 m cable) |
| Temperature | Operation: 0 ºC…+60 ºC Environment: -25 ºC…+60 ºC |
| Supply voltage | 7,5…16 V DC |
| Cable | 2 x 0.75 mm2 PUR, Ø5 mm |
| EMC | EN IEC 61000-6-2 EN IEC 61000-6-3 |
| ATEX and IECEx Ex classification Special terms (X) Exi connection values | EESF 19 ATEX 003X IECEx EESF 19.0003X II 1 G Ex ia IIB T5 Ga Ta = -25 °C…+60 °C Ui = 16 V, Ii = 80 mA, Pi = 400 mW Ci < 4.0 nF, Li < 1.6 mH |
| Manufacturing year: Please see the serial number on the type plate. | xxxxxxx x xxx xx YY x where YY = manufacturing year (e.g. 18 = 2018) |
Maintenance
For cleaning the sensensorou can use,se e,.g. dishwashing detergent and a brush. Do not use corrosive substances to clean the sensors. The idOil sensors do not have wear or replaceable parts.
Conformity of the Product
The EU declaration of conformity and the product’s technical specifications are integral parts of this document. Labkotec Oy has a certified ISO 9001 quality management system and ISO 14001 environmental management system.
Limitation of Liability
Due to continuous product development, we reserve the right to change these operating instructions.
Transport and Storage
Check the packaging and its contents for any possible damage. Ensure that you have received all the ordered products and that they are as intended. Keep the original package. Always store and transport the device in the original packaging. Store the device in a clean and dry space. Observe the permitted storage temperatures.
Repair
The device may not be repaired or modified without the manufacturer’s permission. If the device exhibits a fault, it must be delivered to the manufacturer and replaced Labkotec idOil-SLU Sludge Sensor with a new device or one repaired by the manufacturer.
Decommissioning and Disposal
The device must be decommissioned and disposed of in Labkotec idOil-SLU Sludge Sensor compliance with local laws and regulations.
Troubleshooting
Observe the installation and maintenance instructions Labkotec idOil-SLU Sludge Sensor for explosive atmospheres! For detailed instructions on how to set the device in maintenance mode, please refer to the control unit’s operation and installation manual.
- PROBLEM: Fault alarm is on idOil-20.
- Action:
- Measure voltage separately from that sensor’s sensor connectors.
- The voltage should be 9.0–11.5 V.
- If the voltage is correct, measure the current drawn by the sensor as follows:
- Disconnect the sensor wire from the control unit’s left-hand side sensor connector.
- Connect an mA meter as shown in the figure below.
- Reconnect the disconnected wire after the measurement.
The measurement can also be carried out on the separator end by opening the cable extension. 
- Ex-classified mA current meter
- idOil-20, idOil-30 control unit’s sensor connectors 9–10 or 11–12 or 13–14
- idOil-D30 control unit’s sensor connectors 46–47 or 48–49 or 50–51
- idOil sensor(s)
Customer Service
- E-mail: labkonet@labkotec.fi
- Tel: +358 29 006 6066.
- Address: Myllyhaantie 6, FI-33960 Pirkkala, Finland
© 2025 Labkotec.fi.
FAQs
What is the Labkotec idOil-SLU sensor used for?
It helps to guarantee prompt maintenance and regulatory compliance by tracking the buildup of sludge and sending out a warning when the sludge layer surpasses a predetermined limit.
How does the idOil-SLU sensor detect sludge?
The sensor detects the presence of sediment or sludge using capacitive technology.
What materials is the sensor compatible with?
Use other idOil sensors, such as idOil-OIL or idOil-WATER, for applications involving the monitoring of clear water or floating oil.
How is the idOil-SLU sensor powered?
The attached idOil control unit provides low-voltage power to the passive sensor. An external power source is not necessary.
. What is the correct mounting depth for the sensor?
The size and maintenance schedule of the separator determine the installation depth. Mount the sensor slightly above the maximum permitted sludge layer thickness as a general rule. Consult your system’s manufacturer’s guidelines or local environmental restrictions.
