VAF ViscoSense 3 Viscosity Sensor & Interface Box 0279-0112
VAF Instruments B.V.
New product
VAF Instruments ViscoSense®3 is an in-line viscosity measurement system developed for accurate and continuous monitoring of fuel viscosity in marine and industrial applications.
In ships operating on heavy or heated fuel oils, maintaining the correct viscosity before fuel enters the engine or burner is essential for proper atomization and combustion. VAF explains that ViscoSense 3 performs continuous in-line viscosity measurement and is designed so its readings are not significantly affected by flow velocity, vessel vibration or dirt particles.
For marine engineers, superintendents and spare-parts buyers, the important point is that ViscoSense is a complete system family rather than one single part number.
A requirement may involve:
ViscoSense Sensor • Interface Box • Sensor Housing • Electronic Controller • Signal Interface • Control Valve • Older ViscoSense System • Viscotherm Retrofit • ViscoSense 3D Density System
Therefore, identifying the exact system and part number is essential before ordering.
Manufacturer: VAF Instruments B.V.
Manufacturer Location: Dordrecht, The Netherlands
Product Family: ViscoSense®
System: ViscoSense®3 / VS3
Equipment Type: In-line Fuel Oil Viscosity Measurement System
Main Application: Marine diesel-engine and burner fuel viscosity monitoring/control
Interface Box Part Number: 0279-0112
User-Supplied Sensor Reference: 110791
Current approved VS3 sensor reference: 0279-0096 / 0279-0096-4, depending on document/revision notation
ViscoSense 3D Sensor: 0279-0110
ViscoSense 3D Interface Box: 0279-0111
VAF's Bureau Veritas approval documentation identifies the VS3 system as comprising a viscosity/temperature sensor and interface box 0279-0112, while the VS3D system uses sensor 0279-0110 with interface box 0279-0111.
ViscoSense 3 is a real-time in-line viscosity measurement system.
Instead of taking a fuel sample and measuring viscosity separately, the sensor is fitted directly into the process line. It continuously measures the fuel while the machinery is operating.
VAF describes the measuring technology as a torsional vibration principle. The sensor has no conventional rotating measuring components, and its measuring element is designed for long-term operation in demanding fuel applications.
In practical terms:
Fuel enters the measuring section → ViscoSense sensor measures viscosity and temperature → Interface box processes the measurement → 4–20 mA signals are sent to the vessel's control system → Fuel temperature/viscosity control can be adjusted.
This allows an engine's fuel conditioning system to maintain the viscosity required for effective injection and combustion.
Heavy fuel oils become less viscous when heated.
If viscosity at the engine inlet is too high, fuel atomization may be poor. If the fuel becomes excessively thin, the fuel-injection system can also operate outside the intended conditions.
The viscosity-control system therefore works together with the fuel heater and control valve to maintain an appropriate fuel condition before injection.
VAF specifically notes that maintaining correct viscosity supports fuel atomization, combustion efficiency, reduced deposits and lower operating and maintenance costs.
According to VAF's official ViscoSense 3/3D product bulletin, the system has the following published specifications.
Viscosity Range: 0–25 / 0–50 mPa·s standard
Other viscosity ranges: Available on request, up to 1000 mPa·s
Temperature Range: 0–200°C
Maximum Operating Temperature: 180°C
Temperature Sensor: PT100
Viscosity Accuracy: ±2% instantaneous or 0.5 mPa·s
Temperature Accuracy: ±1°C
Sensor Material: Stainless Steel 316L
Sensor Coating: Diamond Like Carbon (DLC)
Sensor Protection: IP65
Integrated Cable Length: 5 m
Sensor Weight: Approximately 1 kg
For the interface box:
Power Supply: 100–230 VAC, 50–60 Hz
Power Consumption: 6 W
Viscosity Output: 4–20 mA
Temperature Output: 4–20 mA
Ambient Temperature: –20°C to +55°C
Mounting: Wall mounting
Approximate Weight: 2 kg
The ViscoSense 3D version additionally measures density, and its interface includes a density output and Ethernet/Modbus TCP capability in the approved configuration.
This distinction is very important when buying spare parts.
Measures primarily:
Viscosity + Temperature
Approved configuration includes:
Sensor: 0279-0096 family
Interface Box: 0279-0112
Measures:
Viscosity + Temperature + Density
Approved configuration includes:
Sensor: 0279-0110
Interface Box: 0279-0111
Do not assume that a 0279-0111 and 0279-0112 interface box are automatically interchangeable simply because their external housings look similar.
The correct replacement should be verified using:
System Version • Part Number • Sensor Part Number • Connection Diagram • Software/Hardware Revision • Vessel Installation
Official type-approval documentation distinguishes the two configurations.
VAF has a long history of marine fuel viscosity equipment.
Older vessels may therefore carry equipment identified as:
Viscotherm
Viscotherm V12
Viscotherm V98
ViscoSense 2
ViscoSense 3
ViscoSense 3D
This creates a significant spare-parts market because a shipowner may search using an old equipment designation rather than the latest system name.
VAF states that ViscoSense 3 is designed to be suitable for retrofit into older Viscotherm V12 or V98 arrangements, making it relevant when maintaining or modernizing older marine fuel systems.
However, retrofit must still be checked against the actual existing system. A sensor or electronic box should never be ordered solely because the word “VAF” or “ViscoSense” appears on both components.
This is one of the most important sections for purchasing departments.
Many buyers search Google using only the VAF part number.
For example:
0279-0112
0279-0096
0279-0110
0279-0111
110791
A search may also remove punctuation:
02790112
02790096
02790110
or use spaces:
0279 0112
This blog intentionally includes these variants so marine buyers searching by part number can find the relevant VAF product family.
But part-number verification remains essential because VAF products have evolved through different revisions and generations.
The 0279-0112 ViscoSense 3 Interface Box is the electronics interface for the VS3 measurement system.
According to official approval data, it operates from 100–230 VAC, 50/60 Hz and provides separate 4–20 mA outputs for viscosity and temperature.
The box takes the signal generated by the sensing assembly and makes it usable by the vessel's automation or viscosity-control system.
If the sensor is healthy but the ship receives no viscosity or temperature signal, troubleshooting must therefore include both the sensor and interface box.
ViscoSense systems are especially associated with:
Main Engine Fuel Oil Booster Systems
Heavy Fuel Oil Treatment Systems
Marine Diesel Engine Fuel Conditioning
Fuel Heater Control Systems
Fuel Viscosity Control Loops
Auxiliary Engine Fuel Systems
Marine Burner Fuel Systems
Boiler Fuel Oil Systems
Power Plant Fuel Treatment Systems
VAF identifies marine diesel engines and burners operating on heavy fuel oil as core applications for in-line viscosity control.
The ViscoSense 3D adds fuel-density measurement.
Density is especially useful when fuel consumption needs to be calculated in mass rather than only volume.
VAF documentation explains that density measurement from ViscoSense 3D can be combined with a VAF positive-displacement flowmeter so fuel consumption can be monitored in kilograms rather than litres.
The ViscoSense 3D standard density range is documented as 750–1100 g/l, with other ranges available on request.
This makes the ViscoSense family relevant not only to viscosity control, but also to modern vessel fuel-performance monitoring.
Check:
Verify:
VAF states that the measuring principle is designed to be resistant to effects from normal line pulsations, flow velocity, vibrations and dirt particles, so persistent unstable readings deserve a systematic electrical and process check rather than simply assuming normal vessel vibration is the cause.
ViscoSense 3 incorporates temperature measurement through a PT100 element.
If viscosity output is present but temperature is absent, investigate the temperature signal circuit, interface electronics and vessel input channel.
Check:
100–230 VAC supply → Fuse/power supply → Sensor connection → Interface electronics → 4–20 mA output wiring → PLC/automation input
Never open a powered interface box. The equipment carries a mains electrical warning and should be isolated before service.
Check the exact sensor and box combination.
For example:
VS3: 0279-0096 + 0279-0112
VS3D: 0279-0110 + 0279-0111
The above combinations are identified in VAF approval documentation.
A component from a different generation should not be treated as plug-and-play without verification.
VAF promotes ViscoSense 3 as a low-maintenance design with no conventional wear parts in the measuring principle and long-term calibration stability.
Nevertheless, vessel maintenance teams should periodically inspect:
Do not mechanically damage or aggressively clean the sensor's measuring element.
SM MARINE SERVICE™ can support sourcing for the broader VAF marine viscosity measurement and fuel-control family, subject to stock and exact compatibility.
Requirements may include:
VAF ViscoSense 3 Sensor
VAF ViscoSense 3 Interface Box 0279-0112
VAF ViscoSense Sensor 110791 reference
VAF Sensor 0279-0096
VAF ViscoSense 3D Sensor 0279-0110
VAF ViscoSense 3D Interface Box 0279-0111
Older ViscoSense Sensors
ViscoSense 2 Equipment
Viscotherm Equipment
Sensor Assemblies
Interface Boxes
Sensor Cables
Measurement Housings
Electronic Modules
Fuel Viscosity Controllers
Control Valves and Fuel-System Components
Possible supply conditions:
New • Used • Refurbished • Reconditioned • Tested Working
For an exact requirement, send:
VAF Part Number + Equipment Nameplate + Sensor Photo + Interface Box Photo + Existing System Model + Vessel Application + Required Quantity
This greatly reduces the risk of supplying a visually similar but incompatible unit.
SM MARINE SERVICE™ can also assist with enquiries beyond ViscoSense.
VAF's marine measurement portfolio includes viscosity systems, flow measurement and propulsion/performance measurement technologies.
Therefore buyers looking for VAF viscosity equipment, VAF fuel-system instrumentation, VAF flowmeters, VAF sensors or VAF marine measurement spare parts can send their complete requirement for sourcing support.
This broader product coverage is important because vessel purchasing departments frequently send only a photo or old part number without knowing the exact current replacement.
Many ships were designed around complete VAF viscosity-control arrangements.
Replacing only the failed sensor or interface electronics can often be much more practical than redesigning an entire fuel-conditioning system.
At the same time, older equipment such as Viscotherm or earlier ViscoSense installations creates demand for replacement and retrofit solutions.
VAF itself highlights the ability of ViscoSense technology to support retrofit applications and emphasizes its long-term stability and low-maintenance design.
ViscoSense 3 and 3D have marine type-approval documentation from major classification organizations.
For example, a Nippon Kaiji Kyokai certificate identifies ViscoSense VS3 and VS3D as viscosity sensor and interface-box equipment manufactured by VAF Instruments B.V. in Dordrecht, Netherlands.
Bureau Veritas documentation similarly identifies the system as a Viscosity Measurement – Control System and lists the approved sensor and interface-box configurations.
This is particularly relevant for commercial vessel applications where equipment certification and documented configuration matter.
ViscoSense 3 is an in-line system for continuous measurement of fuel-oil viscosity and temperature, commonly used in marine diesel-engine and burner fuel systems.
Official VAF approval documents identify 0279-0112 as the ViscoSense 3 / VS3 interface box.
Current approval documents identify the VS3 sensor as the 0279-0096 family. Some documentation denotes it as 0279-0096-4. Always verify the complete installed nameplate and revision before ordering.
The 110791 number was supplied with this stock requirement as a VAF ViscoSense 3 sensor reference. I did not find sufficient current official VAF documentation to present 110791 as the universal current VS3 sensor number, so it should be verified against the physical nameplate or original vessel documentation before replacement.
ViscoSense 3 measures viscosity and temperature. ViscoSense 3D additionally measures density.
No. Official approval records associate 0279-0112 with VS3 and 0279-0111 with VS3D. Do not assume interchangeability.
Yes. The official specification lists isolated active 4–20 mA viscosity and temperature outputs.
The published interface-box supply is 100–230 VAC, 50–60 Hz, with approximately 6 W power consumption.
ViscoSense 3 is promoted as suitable for retrofit into certain older Viscotherm installations, including V12/V98 applications, but the exact retrofit must be verified technically before installation.
Yes. Subject to availability, requirements may be sourced as new, used, refurbished, reconditioned or tested-working equipment.
Yes. SM MARINE SERVICE™ supports marine customers worldwide with equipment sourcing and international shipment arrangements.
VAF Instruments ViscoSense®3 Marine Fuel Oil Viscosity Measurement System with Interface Box Part No. 0279-0112 and compatible viscosity/temperature sensor assembly. Designed for continuous in-line viscosity monitoring and marine fuel-control applications. SM MARINE SERVICE™ supplies VAF ViscoSense 2, ViscoSense 3, ViscoSense 3D, Viscotherm sensors, interface boxes and related marine fuel-system spare parts in new, used, refurbished and reconditioned condition, subject to availability, with worldwide shipping and technical sourcing support.
VAF currently provides the TIB-775-GB-0722 ViscoSense3 technical manual through its official download center.
VAF Official Manuals – ViscoSense 3 Technical Manual
The manufacturer's PB-782-GB-0319 ViscoSense3 and 3D brochure contains measuring ranges, accuracy, outputs, construction and operating specifications.
Download VAF ViscoSense 3 / 3D Product Bulletin
VAF Instruments Official Brochure Download Center
Official approval documentation confirms the approved VS3/VS3D sensor and interface-box combinations.
Marine Automation & Navigation Equipment Supplier
Available Condition:
• New Equipment • Used Equipment • Refurbished Equipment • Reconditioned Equipment
Stock Location:
• Bangladesh • China
Services:
• Worldwide Shipping • Technical Support • Spare Parts Supply • Marine Equipment Sourcing
Contact Information
SM MARINE SERVICE™ Samir Market, DT Road, Pahartali, beside CDA Market, Chattogram, Bangladesh
Mobile / WhatsApp / Viber: +88 01818 929292
Email: info@smmarineservice.com
Website: www.smmarineservice.com
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