Comparison of LEAKWISE Oil on Water vs. Oil in Water Measurement
- While oil-in-water measurement devices may be suitable for specific applications, LEAKWISE offers a superior solution for continuous, real-time monitoring of oil on water. Its simplicity, reliability, and comprehensive capabilities make it a cost-effective and environmentally responsible choice for industries dealing with potential oil spills and leaks.
- LEAKWISE sensors work by using a high-frequency electromagnetic absorption technology to monitor the floating oil on water. The floating sensor contains a transmitter and antenna which continuously sends and receives data. Water has a higher absorption rate of electromagnetic energy than hydrocarbons, so changes in the absorption rate can indicate the presence or buildup of hydrocarbons.
- In places where oil in water measurement is a regulatory requirement, LEAKWISE sensors are an essential complementary add-on for better regulatory compliance.
- Based on the following comparison table, it is clear that LEAKWISE sensors are superior to Oil in Water measurement technique in terms of complexity, reliability, durability, repeatability, opex, and capex. LEAKWISE sensors are simple to operate, highly reliable, durable, repeatable, and require low operating and capital expenditures.
| Parameter | LEAKWISE Oil-on-Water | Oil-in-Water Measurement |
| Functionality | Measures oil on water thickness (real-time) | Measures oil in water concentration (batch or interval) |
| Complexity | Low – sensor and controller, minimal moving parts | Variable – complex sampling, extraction, analysis steps |
| Reliability | High – solid-state, no consumables, simple calibration | Moderate – prone to calibration drift, component failures |
| Durability | High – weatherproof, corrosion-resistant, long lifespan (10+ years) | Variable – depends on specific device, sampling systems |
| Repeatability | Excellent – consistent repeatability | Moderate – variability due to sampling, analysis uncertainties |
| Opex (Operating Expense) | Low – no consumables, minimal maintenance | Moderate – sampling costs, calibration, consumable reagents, maintenance, potentially hazardous waste disposal |
| Capex (Capital Expense) | Moderate – sensor and controller costs | Variable – wide range depending on device types, laboratory equipment |
| Data Availability | Real-time with continuous monitoring | Offline or delayed depending on analysis frequency |
| Alarm Triggers | Immediate alerts for oil detection and thickness increase | Delayed due to batch analysis, potential missed events |
| Additional Capabilities | Emulsion detection, ethanol detection | Limited additional capabilities |
| Safety, quality and Environmental Regulations | FM Class 7745, UL 60079-0 and -11, CSA C22.2, ATEX EU-Type, UKEx, IECEx: IEC 60079-0 and 11, IEC 61326-1, Safety Integrity Level (SIL) 1 IEC 61508-2 and IEC 61511 | May not meet specific regulatory requirements |
Additional Advantages of LEAKWISE
- Early detection: Identifies leaks immediately, minimizing environmental impact.
- Remote monitoring: Allows for centralized monitoring and control.
- Scalability: Adapts to diverse water surfaces and environments.
- Trend analysis: online data enables trend analysis and proactive maintenance.
- Thickness: The LEAKWISE sensors not only enable reliable detection of hydrocarbons, but can also provide valid indications of the thickness of the hydrocarbon layer.