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Kidde Global Solutions

Oil Mist Detection

Crankcase explosions from oil mist ignition can be disastrous for vessels and crew — marine safety equipment must react in seconds. For nearly 50 years, the Graviner™ oil mist detector has monitored oil mist levels on thousands of merchant ships and fleets worldwide.

Trusted for nearly 50 years at sea

Protects thousands of vessels worldwide

Authorized global service network

Reacts in seconds to a developing hazard

Detecting oil mist before it becomes an explosion.

People and businesses everywhere trust the Graviner™ brand and depend on our expertise to protect what is most valuable to them.

Product Catalog

The Graviner™ OMD range.

Two generations of oil mist detection systems, supported by a shared accessory range.

Mk6 OMD System

The established Graviner™ oil mist detection system, trusted across merchant fleets worldwide.

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Mk7 OMD System

The current-generation Graviner™ oil mist detection system.

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Mk6 & Mk7 Accessories

A common accessory range shared across both Mk6 and Mk7 systems.

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Product details
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Oil mist detection for engines and machinery

In a large diesel engine an overheated bearing or piston can create a cloud of oil mist in the crankcase. If it ignites, the result can be a serious crankcase explosion. An oil mist detector samples the air from the crankcase and gives an alarm at the first sign of oil mist, so the engine can be slowed or stopped before the mist becomes dangerous.

Oil mist detection is a core safety system on ships and offshore platforms and is fitted to many large marine and industrial engines. Graviner oil mist detectors, including the Mk6 and Mk7 systems, are made for this task and are part of the Kidde Global Solutions portfolio.

Related: Graviner · Mk6 oil mist detector · Mk7 oil mist detector · Marine and offshore · All fire detection and security systems

Frequently asked questions

Why is oil mist detection used on ships?

International rules such as SOLAS and classification societies require crankcase oil mist detection, or equivalent protection, on larger engines because oil mist can cause a crankcase explosion.

What happens when an oil mist detector gives an alarm?

The alarm warns the engineers and, depending on the installation, can slow down or stop the engine so the cause can be found before the mist becomes dangerous.

How does an oil mist detector work?

It takes air from the crankcase and measures its oil mist density, often by optical scattering. When the level rises above the set alarm level, it alerts the engineers.

How do you test an oil mist detector?

Testing is carried out according to the manufacturer's manual, usually with a test procedure that checks the alarm and the monitoring of the sampling, and is part of regular engine and system service. Our Graviner team can advise on your model.