Spill Sensor

The OS-250 System is designed to detect spills around sensitive equipment and to take preventative action if able. The system includes special moisture-sensitive mats consisting of material specifically developed for detecting liquid spills. A simple electrical connection between the moisture-sensitive mat and KD Scientific’s OS-250 Controller sets the alarm. When as little as three drops of water touches the mat an audible alarm is triggered and an LED starts flashing.

In addition to sounding an alarm, the OS-250 Controller can turn the power off to any device that is plugged into its single, switched power outlet. The power outlet of the OS-250 controller can supply up to 10 A of current and will easily control syringe pumps or valve controllers.

Components

The OS-250 System is comprised of moisture sensitive mats (4), the OS-250 controller, a sensor cable with mat-clip, and a line cord for connecting the switched power output of the OS-250 controller to a powered device such as a perfusion system. These components are shown below.

• Mats

  The moisture sensitive mats represent the heart of this system. Mats are made from a multi-layer, non-woven, carbon impregnated material and can be cut to any size or shape. They are resistant to most organic solvents. They can also be reused following exposure to salt solutions.

• OS-250 Controller

  The OS-250 controller provides the system’s functionality. The front panel houses the input BNC for the sensor cable, an alarm LED, an internal alarm speaker and the power switch. The instrument rear panel houses an outlet for the switched power cable, a connection port for the instrument line cord and a fuse assembly.

• Sensor cable

  The sensor cable connects the moisture sensitive mat to the controller. The mat-clip can be attached anywhere on the mat to provide full functionality.

Features

• Audible alarm and auto shut off capability
• Detects single drop of H₂O, saline, ETOH, MEOH, Acetone, Decane, DMSO

Drop resistances for various compounds.

Mats are capable of detecting the presence of some, but not all, pure organic solvents. Resistance values below 430 kΩ will trigger an alarm condition. Addition of solutes can alter these results. Pure solvents capable initiating an alarm condition are shown in red.

Liquid	1 drop	3 drops
nanopure H2O	200 MΩ	82 kΩ
Normal saline	18 MΩ	6 kΩ
ETOH	190 MΩ	19 kΩ
MeOH	78 kΩ	31 kΩ
acetone	245 kΩ	136 kΩ
hexane	240 MΩ	102 MΩ
chloroform	210 MΩ	37 MΩ
decane	330 MΩ	260 MΩ
DMSO	420 MΩ	290 MΩ

Note: We advise independently testing the performance of all solutions to

Specifications
Power requirements:	90 - 240 VAC, 50/60 Hz, 0.5 VA
Operating humidity:	10 - 75%
Switched outlet current:	8 A
Enclosure:	4.6 x 8.2 x 18.0 cm (H x W x D)
Weight:	1.4 kg