Abstract: Because mechanical aerators are located in a pond of liquid and, therefore, not subject to convenient visual monitoring by operations personnel, it is desirable to have a method for automatically detecting and dislodging debris which become caught on the aerator propeller. The present invention includes a waterproof vibration sensor mounted within sensing range of the rotating shaft of the aerator propeller. The sensor is operably connected to the propeller motor so that when the sensor detects excessive rotating shaft vibrations caused by debris attached to the propeller, the motor is automatically shut down and then run in the reverse direction causing the debris to be thrown off the propeller. Once the debris have been dislocated from the propeller, the motor is restarted in the forward direction. If the sensor continues to detect excessive motor shaft vibration, the motor will once again be shut down and then run in the reverse direction.

Abstract: A device and method for detecting bearing overheating in oil-lubricated turbine pumps comprising and temperature transmitting collar and infrared sensor. The temperature transmitting collar is mounted on the pump line shaft immediately adjacent to the stretch bearing, which is the top bearing in the pump system. The infrared sensor is positioned within sensing distance of the temperature transmitting collar and control circuitry is provided to warn of abnormal temperatures and to turn the pump off if temperatures continue to rise to an alarm condition.