Abstract: A method to effectively utilize an oil debris monitor to provide advanced warning to mechanical system failures in a high noise system by adapting detection and annunciation algorithms to the background noise in a system that includes collecting I and Q channel data from a sensor; processing the I and Q channel data to both calculate a noise based (RMS adjusted) detection threshold and to identify a ferrous and nonferrous signal; processing the ferrous and nonferrous signals to determine signal peaks above the RMS adjusted detection threshold; adjusting a detection threshold if more signal peaks observed than allowable particles in a given time window; transmitting the detection threshold previously determined to particle detection, rate limit adjustment, detectability algorithms, and estimated mass loss accumulation.

Abstract: There is disclosed an arrangement for separating an air-oil mixture in an oil distribution system of an engine. The arrangement comprises a distribution channel of the system, which defines a fluid flowpath suitable for receiving the air-oil mixture, and an ultrasonic transducer configured to insonate the fluid flowpath.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and system for detecting a concentration of an analyte based on an oscillator having a selective frequency characteristic. The method may include generating a fringing field, generating various resonant frequencies by changing a resistance value of a resistor-capacitor (RC) oscillator, measuring a change in each of the various resonant frequencies generated by the RC oscillator based on a change in capacitance attributable to a change in an analyte within a region of the fringing field, and measuring a change characteristic of the analyte within the fringing field based on the change in each of the various resonant frequencies.

Abstract: A contaminant detection system for use in a fluid distribution system includes a first detector assembly including an inlet housing and detector screen through which fluid in the fluid distribution system passes and a first sensor to detect a first type of contaminant caught in the detector screen; and a second detector assembly including a second sensor which activates when the inlet housing or detector screen is clogged to detect whether the fluid contains a second type of contaminant when the first sensor does not detect the first type of contaminant.

Abstract: A method is disclosed that includes determining a current level of a plurality of lubricant parameters present in a portion of lubricant, comparing the current level of each of the plurality of lubricant parameters to a threshold value corresponding to each of the plurality of lubricant parameters, analyzing a priority of each of the lubricant parameters, and determining a health status of the lubricant in response to the comparing and the analyzing.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of performing a quantitative and/or qualitative determination of catalytic fines in fuel oil and a system suitable for determining catalytic fines in an oil using the method. The method comprises determining aluminum using NMR and quantitatively and/or qualitatively determining the catalytic fines based on the aluminum determination. The system comprises a NMR spectrometer, a digital memory storing a calibration map comprising calibrating data for calibrating NMR spectra obtained by the NMR spectrometer and a computer programmed to analyze the NMR spectra obtained by the NMR spectrometer using calibration map and performing at least one quantitative and/or qualitative catalytic fines determination.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention include an apparatus for monitoring a lubrication oil in a turbomachine oil reservoir, the apparatus having: a housing section including: a casing; a base plate and a back support coupled with the casing; an oil intake conduit extending through the base plate, the oil intake conduit for fluidly connecting with the turbomachine oil reservoir; a pump fluidly connected with the oil intake conduit; an oil analyzer fluidly connected with the pump; and a drain conduit fluidly connected with the oil analyzer and extending through the base plate; and a mount coupled with the housing section, the mount for coupling with the turbomachine oil reservoir.

Abstract: A system and method to detect non-ferrous debris from a non-ferrous roller bearing element. The system includes a trap in fluid communication with a lubrication fluid of the non-ferrous bearing and a sensor operably associate with the trap. The method includes trapping the non-ferrous material debris in the lubrication fluid with the trap and triggering the sensor upon detection of the non-ferrous material debris trapped within the trap.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of measuring engine oil deterioration, including measuring the first absorbance of engine oil using near infrared at a wavelength of 1000 nm or more, measuring the second absorbance of the engine oil during use using near infrared at the wavelength, and comparing the first absorbance and the second absorbance of the engine oil, so that the engine oil may be determined to be in a state of deterioration when the second absorbance may be at least 1.5 times the first absorbance, and to a system for measuring engine oil deterioration therefor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a test medium for the rapid analysis of engine oils in internal combustion engines, having a weight per unit area of 50.0 to 200.0 g/m2, comprising, based on the total weight of the test medium, 20.0% by weight to 98.0% by weight of cotton pulp, 0.0% by weight to 50.0% by weight of cellulose and 0.1% by weight to 50.0% by weight of silicic acid and/or at least one silicate salt. The present invention also relates to a method for the rapid analysis of engine oils in internal combustion engines, in which a drop of an engine oil to be analyzed is applied to the test medium according to the invention and is allowed to penetrate into the test medium, and the text result is then preferably compared with at least one reference image in order to determine the condition of the engine.

Abstract: A method is provided for determining remaining oil life prior to an oil change in an internal combustion engine that uses a body of oil. The method includes transferring the body of oil to the engine and determining a volume of the transferred body of oil. The method also includes determining quality of the transferred body of oil and determining the remaining oil life based on the determined quality and volume of the body of oil. The method additionally includes activating an oil change indicator when the remaining oil life reaches a predetermined level. A system for determining a number of engine revolutions permitted on a volume of oil is also disclosed.

Abstract: A monitoring method that includes calculating the autonomy of a lubrication system of an airplane engine and also providing for the diagnosis and prognosis of a plurality of problems and breakdowns of the engine and of its lubrication system by means of measurements taken by sensors arranged in the lubrication system. The method further comprises the step of calculating the status of the lubrication system at a given moment and calculating its evolution over time in order to determine the remaining lifetime before a breakdown.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for detection of wear particles in a lubricant are disclosed. The apparatus includes a microfluidic device including a microchannel sized for a lubricant containing wear particles to pass therethrough and first and second electrodes extending into the microchannel. A detection system is coupled with the electrodes for detection of wear particles passing through the microchannel, based on a change in capacitance of the electrodes.

Abstract: A system and a method for monitoring a building material are disclosed. The system and the method provide a comprehensive monitoring throughout a manufacturing and an application process and provide a real time data feedback relating to the physical characteristics of the building material. The system and method include mixing a predetermined amount of taggant particles with a predetermined volume of at least one component of the building material in order to comprehensively monitor a mix ratio and segregation of the building material during manufacturing and application.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for inspecting use a sensor for detecting taggant particles in a material after installation. The sensor is positioned adjacent a finished surface of the installed material and is connected to a control device for displaying an indication of a distribution of the taggant particles below the surface. The control device also generates a profile of the taggant particles versus a distance from the surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a signaling magnetic plug for a liquid circuit, the plug including a first magnetic electrode and a second magnetic electrode for coming into contact with the liquid flowing in the liquid circuit when the magnetic plug is mounted so as to detect the presence of metal particles that might be contained in the liquid. According to the invention, the plug also includes a preferably non-magnetic intermediate electrode disposed between the first and second magnetic electrodes while also being designed to be in contact with the liquid flowing in the liquid circuit when the magnetic plug is mounted, whereby said plug enables the presence of such metal particles to be detected early.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for monitoring a ratio of at least two components being mixed use sensors detecting ferrous taggant particles in the component(s) and the mixture. The sensors include an annular drive coil positioned between inner and outer annular sense coils all surrounding a passage for material being sensed. The ratio is determined by comparing a signal generated by one sensor through which a taggant particle containing component is flowing with a signal generated by another sensor through which the mixture is flowing delayed by the time required for the component to flow from the one sensor to the another sensor. The signals can also be used to control the flow of the components and to check the mixture after use for such mixtures as asphalt and concrete.

Abstract: A process and device for detecting electrically conductive particles in a liquid flowing in a pipe section, the liquid being exposed to periodic alternating electromagnetic fields by a transmitter coil which induces eddy currents in the particles, a probe made as a coil arrangement and which has an effective width producing a periodic electrical signal based on the eddy currents. The signal ha a carrier oscillation with an amplitude and/or phase which is modulated by particles passing across the effective width of the coil arrangement, the probe signal being filtered by a frequency-selective first filter unit, the filtered signal being sampled by a triggerable A/D converter stage to obtain a demodulated digital measurement signal, the digital measurement signal being filtered by a digital, frequency-selective adjustable second filter unit to obtain a useful signal, and the useful signal being evaluated to detect passage of electrically conductive particles in the pipe section.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for monitoring a ratio of at least two components being mixed use sensors detecting ferrous taggant particles in the component(s) and the mixture. The sensors include an annular drive coil positioned between inner and outer annular sense coils all surrounding a passage for material being sensed. The ratio is determined by comparing a signal generated by one sensor through which a taggant particle containing component is flowing with a signal generated by another sensor through which the mixture is flowing delayed by the time required for the component to flow from the one sensor to the another sensor. The signals can also be used to control the flow of the components and to check the mixture after use.

Abstract: A fluid tester includes an inlet for a fluid path, an ionization chamber defining at least part of the fluid path located downstream from the inlet, a charge chamber configured to subject a fluid to an electric field defining at least part of the fluid path located downstream of the ionization chamber, a patch holder configured to hold a patch into the fluid path downstream of the electric chamber and an outlet for the fluid path. A method of testing a fluid includes ionizing a fluid, moving particles suspended in the fluid by passing the fluid through an electric field, passing the fluid through a patch and analyzing a patch.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a test medium for the rapid analysis of engine oils in internal combustion engines, having a weight per unit area of 50.0 to 200.0 g/m2, comprising, based on the total weight of the test medium, 20.0% by weight to 98.0% by weight of cotton pulp, 0.0% by weight to 50.0% by weight of cellulose and 0.1% by weight to 50.0% by weight of silicic acid and/or at least one silicate salt. The present invention also relates to a method for the rapid analysis of engine oils in internal combustion engines, in which a drop of an engine oil to be analysed is applied to the test medium according to the invention and is allowed to penetrate into the test medium, and the test result is then preferably compared with at least one reference image in order to determine the condition of the engine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for real-time monitoring of motile lubricants within the presently common reciprocating engine. A sensor array is fully submerged (or partially submerged) within the lubricant system fluid, for example, oil. The fluid property monitoring is accomplished by multiple sensors acting in unison to provide data to a remote processing and display portion of the system. The system allows for the unified data acquisition and real-time comparison by providing both a physical sensor unit with embedded multiple sensors of multiple types as well as multiple DSP (Digital Signal Processing) or microcontroller modules acting in parallel to provide best-fit results for purposes of real-time monitoring high-temperature motile lubricants for property degradation (namely viscosity and foreign particulate detection) and particulate accumulation.

Abstract: A method for determining storage stability for a plurality of fluid lubricant samples of different lubricating oil compositions is provided. Each sample includes a combination of one or more base oils and one or more lubricating oil additives. The methods can advantageously be optimized using combinatorial chemistry, in which a database of combinations of lubricating oil additives or lubricating oil compositions containing such additives is generated. As market conditions vary and/or product requirements or customer specifications change, conditions suitable for forming desired products can be identified with little or no downtime.

Abstract: To provide a broken piece detecting sensor assembly capable of stably detecting broken piece admixed in a fluid, which broken piece is made of material characterized by non-metal, non-magnetic and non-electroconductive characteristics such as ceramics. This broken piece detecting sensor assembly is a sensor for detecting broken piece admixed in a fluid. Provided are two opposed flat plates, a shift mechanism for moving at least one of the two flat plates in a confronting direction to allow the broken piece to be sandwiched between those two flat plates, and measuring and determining section. The measuring and determining section is operable to measure the distance between the two flat plates to thereby detect the presence or absence of the broken piece, the size of the broken piece or the amount of the broken piece accumulated.

Abstract: A maintenance information output apparatus which can output maintenance information of a speed reducer more adequately than the prior art is provided. A maintenance information output apparatus 130 has: an operating portion 131 which is operated by the user; a wired communicating portion which receives data of an amount of iron from an iron amount detecting device that is attached to a speed reducer 20 of an industrial robot 10, and that detects the amount of iron in a lubricant in the speed reducer 20, through a portable wireless receiver 120; a hard disk which stores the data of the amount of iron received by the wired communicating portion; a display 134 which outputs maintenance information of the speed reducer 20; and a processing device which is configured by a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, and which controls the operations of the wired communicating portion, the hard disk, and the display 134 in accordance with an operation on the operating portion 131.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for measuring at least one state characteristic of oil or fat in a device that uses oil or fat and is provided with a filtering apparatus (1; 101) comprising a filter housing (2) and at least one filter element (7) which is inserted thereinto. According to said method, at least one sensor (35, 36; 135; 235) of a measuring device (30; 130; 230) is introduced into a measurement space (8; 208) located in the oil or fat circuit in order to measure at least one state characteristic of the oil or fat, and the measured values thereof are evaluated using measuring electronics (32; 132) that are connected to the at least one sensor (35, 36; 135; 235). The inventive method is characterized in that a microfilter element, ultrafilter element, or nanofilter element (7) is used as a filter element. Also disclosed are a corresponding filtering apparatus (1) and a correspondingly configured measuring device (130).

Abstract: The condition of a shoe roll is monitored by a device which continuously analyzes the lubricant used in a lubrication system (14) integrated with the shoe roll. The analysis determines the amount of contaminant particles which have entered the lubricant. Particles (19) originating from the belt (13) of a belt roll belonging to the shoe roll (10) are determined in the lubricant. The condition of the belt (13) of a belt roll belonging to the shoe roll (10), and especially the condition of the inner side of the belt (13), can be determined on the basis of the amount of the particles (19).

Abstract: A method and device for assessing rheological properties of a fluid, including lubricity and viscosity. The invention utilizes a tube into which the fluid is introduced, and relies on tracking the movement of the fluid through the tube either alone or with one or more particles intentionally introduced into the fluid to assess the rheological properties of the fluid. The method and device generally entail flowing the fluid and the optional suspended particle through a passage within the tube, and assessing a rheological property of the fluid within the tube by tracking the movement of the fluid and/or particle through the portion relative to the flow of the fluid through the portion.

Abstract: The condition of a shoe roll is monitored by a device which continuously analyzes the lubricant used in a lubrication system (14) integrated with the shoe roll. The analysis determines the amount of contaminant particles which have entered the lubricant. Particles (19) originating from the belt (13) of a belt roll belonging to the shoe roll (10) are determined in the lubricant. The condition of the belt (13) of a belt roll belonging to the shoe roll (10), and especially the condition of the inner side of the belt (13), can be determined on the basis of the amount of the particles (19).

Abstract: A device for detecting electrically conductive particles in a liquid flowing in a pipe section, with a transmitter coil surrounding the pipe section for inducing eddy currents in the particles, at least one first inductive receiver coil surrounding the pipe section and a second inductive receiver coil which is spaced axially to the first receiver coil and which surrounds the pipe section, the first and the second receiver coils being located in the region of the transmitter coil and being subtractively connected, in order to output a difference signal according to the eddy currents induced by the transmitter coil, and the transmitter coil forming the primary side and the receiver coils forming the secondary side of a transformer arrangement. An evaluation unit evaluates the difference signal in order to detect passage of electrically conductive particles in the pipe section.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for monitoring a ratio of at least two components being mixed use sensors detecting ferrous taggant particles in the component(s) and the mixture. The sensors include an annular drive coil positioned between inner and outer annular sense coils all surrounding a passage for material being sensed. The ratio is determined by comparing a signal generated by one sensor through which a taggant particle containing component is flowing with a signal generated by another sensor through which the mixture is flowing delayed by the time required for the component to flow from the one sensor to the another sensor. The signals can also be used to control the flow of the components and to check the mixture after use.

Abstract: A metal particle sensor system for detecting metal particles in an oil line. The metal particle sensor system may include a metal particle sensor positioned about the line, an orifice positioned within the line and downstream of the metal particle sensor, a first pressure sensor positioned upstream of the orifice, and a second pressure sensor positioned downstream of the orifice. The metal particle sensor detects metal particles in the line while the first pressure sensor and the second pressure sensor determine a pressure drop across the orifice.

Abstract: The quantitative determination of two contaminants of a fluid is carried out in the following steps: detection of permittivity ? and viscosity v of the fluid; determination of the quantity of the first contaminant 11e on the basis of a difference between detected permittivity ?? and a first preset value 10e; estimation of viscosity 12n on the basis of the quantity of the first contaminant 11e; and determination of the quantity of the second contaminant on the basis of a difference between detected viscosity v and estimated viscosity 12n.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for monitoring a ratio of at least two components being mixed uses sensors detecting ferrous taggant particles in the component(s) and the mixture. The sensors include an annular drive coil positioned between inner and outer annular sense coils all surrounding a passage for material being sensed. The ratio is determined by comparing a signal generated by one sensor through which a taggant particle containing component is flowing with a signal generated by another sensor through which the mixture is flowing delayed by the time required for the component to flow from the one sensor to the another sensor.

Abstract: A clean check is performed on a gearbox by flushing an oil-based fluid through the gearbox and then through a filter. The filter is then weighed to determine the weight of contaminants collected in the filter. The contaminant weight is compared to a predetermined level, wherein the gearbox is acceptable if the contaminant weight is below the predetermined level. This method is carried out on a system that includes a source of the oil-based fluid fluidly connected to an inlet of the gearbox and a filter fluidly connected to an outlet of the gearbox. A device such as a pump is provided for causing the oil-based fluid to flow through the gearbox and the filter.

Abstract: A method is provided of detecting contamination of engine fluid in an engine. Engine fluid is provided to a particle counter, and the cleanliness of the engine fluid is measured with the particle counter during operation of the engine.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for analyzing the maintenance status of liquid-filled electric equipment. An accurate indication of the maintenance state of an electric device and its insulating liquid is obtained using an analysis method comprising a particle analysis of suspended particles and sediment contained in the liquid. The analysis method can further comprise a chemical analysis of the insulating liquid. This analysis results in profiles of the liquid that give an accurate indication of the maintenance state of the electric device.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method and a device for machine diagnosis and, in particular, for transmission diagnosis in a machine or motor vehicle. The measurement system, according to the invention, comprises a coil (2) wound on a coil core (11), on the surface of which ferritic wear particles (3) to be detected accumulate. Opposite the coil (2) a rotating toothed wheel (6) is arranged which influences the inductance of the coil (2). The output signal of the coil (2) is pulsed with a constant amplitude, the pulse frequency depends on the rotation speed of the toothed wheel (6). Deviations of the amplitude are attributable to the accumulation of ferritic wear particles (3) on the coil (2) and therefore provide a measurement of the condition of the machine or transmission.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting an accumulation of particles with a medium such as the soot content in diesel engine oil including generating a first waveform at a first frequency and a first voltage level to produce a standing wave having a voltage null point where at least a portion of the standing wave is passed within a portion of the oil. Generating a second waveform at a second frequency and a second voltage level to place a signal associated with a second voltage null point at a detection location for determining the signal's null point voltage level. The percentage soot content of the oil may be determined by taking the ratio of the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage over the null point voltage at the detection point. This ratio is indicative of the percentage soot content. The first and second waveforms may be produced by a variable frequency microwave source that is coupled with a coaxial cable have a probe affixed to its distal end for immersion in the oil.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method and a device for machine diagnosis and, in particular, for transmission diagnosis in a machine or motor vehicle. The measurement system, according to the invention, comprises a coil (2) wound on a coil core (11), on the surface of which ferritic wear particles (3) to be detected accumulate. Opposite the coil (2) a rotating toothed wheel (6) is arranged which influences the inductance of the coil (2). The output signal of the coil (2) is pulsed with a constant amplitude, the pulse frequency depends on the rotation speed of the toothed wheel (6). Deviations of the amplitude are attributable to the accumulation of ferritic wear particles (3) on the coil (2) and therefore provide a measurement of the condition of the machine or transmission.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for analyzing the maintenance status of liquid-filled electric equipment. An accurate indication of the maintenance state of an electric device and its insulating liquid is obtained using an analysis method comprising a particle analysis of suspended particles and sediment contained in the liquid. The analysis method can further comprise a chemical analysis of the insulating liquid. This analysis results in profiles of the liquid that give an accurate indication of the maintenance state of the electric device.

Abstract: A process, a method and apparatus are provided for testing and analyzing oil's physical and chemical characteristics and contaminants found in oil. A process separates contaminants prior to testing of oil's chemical and physical characteristics and includes manufacturing and operation parameters, and visual techniques for analysis. An apparatus is provided to separate and remove contaminants into magnetic, non-magnetic and liquids for further testing and analysis. This is accomplished using magnetic fields, filtration and condensing systems. The testing of oil's chemical and physical characteristics as well as contaminants is done using a plurality of tests such as viscosity, blotter, opacity and images for contaminants. A method is provided to prepare blotter and filtration systems, to remove fluid contaminants from particles and to include process parameters, trending and graphical analysis of images via software programming.

Abstract: An abrasive particle detention system includes a fluid circulation system, a probe assembly, a monitoring circuit, and an operator indicator. The probe assembly includes an orifice from which a stream of fluid emerges, and a probe having a face upon which the stream at least partially impinges. The probe face includes an insulative substrate and a conductive film formed on the substrate. Abrasive particles in the fluid stream abrade the conductive film, changing its electrical resistance. A monitoring circuit is utilized to observe these changes, and when they correspondence to a concentration above a pre-selected level, an operation indicator is triggered. The system may include an electronic controller coupled to the monitoring circuit, which can account for variables such as temperature, viscosity, and/or pressure in the fluid circulation system.

Abstract: Thin film thermal oxidative engine oil or other oleaginous liquid deposit device has an oleaginous test liquid placement volume; a heatable depositor surface in liquid communication with the volume; a supply for at least one of an oxidant and another substance which can adversely affect the test liquid; and a relatively thin film forming unit which delivers the test liquid to the depositor surface in a relatively thin film. Thin film thermal oxidative engine oil or other oleaginous fluid deposit method is also provided, which includes providing an oleaginous test liquid in an oleaginous test liquid placement volume; providing a depositor surface and heating said surface; delivering the test liquid as a relatively thin film to the heated depositor surface; providing to the test liquid an oxidizing and/or other substance which can adversely affect the test liquid; and observing any deposits or other activity thereabout. The invention is useful in oil testing.