In a world where environmental protection and operational safety are paramount, real-time oil detection technologies have become indispensable. One of the most advanced solutions in this space is the ROW sensor developed by Laser Diagnostic Instruments (LDI). This non-contact oil detection system is transforming how industries monitor and respond to hydrocarbon contamination across a wide range of operational contexts.
What Is the ROW Sensor?
The ROW (Remote Optical Watcher) is a highly sophisticated, non-contact oil detection sensor designed for continuous surface monitoring of water bodies. Using ultraviolet (UV) fluorescence and advanced optics, the ROW system can instantly detect oil presence on water without making any physical contact with the surface. This eliminates maintenance needs and enhances long-term reliability — making it a game-changer in industrial safety and environmental monitoring.
Certified to ATEX/IECEx Zone-1 standards, the ROW sensor is engineered for extreme conditions and operates effectively in saline, high-temperature, and chemically aggressive environments.
1. Power Generation & Utilities
Use case: Monitoring transformer oil leaks, coolant water discharge, and turbine systems.
Value: Preventing costly shutdowns and environmental violations.
ROW sensors are increasingly deployed in power plants, both conventional and renewable, to detect oil leaks from turbine bearings, storage tanks, and wastewater discharge channels. With real-time oil detection, plant operators can take immediate action, preventing environmental contamination and avoiding regulatory fines.
2. Maritime & Port Authorities
Use case: Spill detection in ports, harbors, and oil terminals.
Value: Ensuring rapid response to spills and maintaining clean marine environments.
Ports are dynamic environments with high risks of oil spills from docking vessels and terminal operations. The ROW sensor’s non-contact design makes it ideal for continuous monitoring in challenging maritime conditions, where wave action and weather variability demand robust, maintenance-free solutions. Many harbors in the Baltic and Scandinavian regions have adopted ROW for its reliability and long operational lifespan.
3. Oil & Gas Industry
Use case: Pipeline integrity monitoring, offshore platform discharge control, tank farm surveillance.
Value: Protecting ecosystems and securing infrastructure.
The oil and gas sector faces intense scrutiny regarding environmental safety. ROW systems are installed on offshore platforms, along pipeline routes, and around refineries to detect hydrocarbon leaks before they escalate into major spills. The sensor network capability of ROW allows multiple units to be managed remotely, offering centralized oversight of large facilities.
4. Water Treatment & Municipal Utilities
Use case: Preventing contamination in water reservoirs, stormwater basins, and treatment effluents.
Value: Safeguarding water quality and meeting environmental compliance.
ROW has been successfully deployed in water treatment plants across Europe and Asia. Its ability to monitor effluent channels and detect illegal discharges of oil ensures that municipal water supplies remain safe and compliant with environmental standards.
5. Chemical & Industrial Manufacturing
Use case: Wastewater monitoring, production area runoff surveillance.
Value: Mitigating environmental risks and ensuring operational accountability.
In chemical plants and industrial factories, accidental spills can have devastating environmental consequences. The ROW system provides early warning, allowing response teams to act swiftly. Its long maintenance-free lifecycle makes it especially attractive for industries operating in corrosive or hazardous atmospheres.
Why Industries Choose ROW
- Real-time detection: Immediate alerts for proactive response.
- No false alarms: Precision sensing with triple verification layers.
- Non-contact & maintenance-free: Ideal for remote or hazardous zones.
- Certified technology: Complies with international safety standards (ATEX/IECEx).
- Long lifecycle: 5 years of continuous use with factory refurbishment.
A Versatile Solution for a Cleaner Tomorrow
The ROW sensor’s cross-industry adaptability and certified performance make it one of the most trusted technologies in non-contact oil detection. Whether it’s safeguarding marine ecosystems or ensuring compliance in energy and manufacturing, LDI’s commitment to environmental monitoring is evident through its global footprint and continuous innovation.
As industries strive toward sustainability and ESG goals, integrating technologies like ROW is no longer optional — it’s a strategic imperative.
Want to learn more about how our technologies can be integrated into your industry? Contact us today!