Abstract: A method of and apparatus for determining ferrous particle counts in a fluid within a machine fluid system. In a sequential process, a solid particle count in a fluid above at least one given particle size is determined to determine particle size distribution. Ferrous particles are separated from the fluid and a solid particle count in the fluid above at least one given particle size is again measured to determine the solid contamination level of non-ferrous particles only. The solid particle count is compared with the non-ferrous particle count to determine the ferrous particle count above at least one given particle size to determine particle size distribution in said machine fluid system caused by wear.

Abstract: A moisture monitor apparatus for a fluid system. The apparatus includes a heater in fluid communication with the fluid system to heat the fluid in the fluid system. A microphone transmits sounds produced as the moisture vaporizes from heating and converts the sounds into electric voltage variations. The electric voltage variations are translated into quantitative data to determine the level of moisture in the fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method to remove and collect ferrous particles from a fluid for ferrous particle analysis. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a holder chamber and a removable examination slide within the chamber. A magnet induces a magnetic field at the examination slide. A portion of the fluid is passed over the slide in order for the magnetic field to retain ferrous particles on the slide. Thereafter, the slide can be removed from the holder chamber for ferrographic analysis.

Abstract: A viscosity measurement apparatus for measuring viscosity of a fluid under known pressure. A tube of known diameter and length allows the fluid to pass therethrough. A closed chamber is in fluid communication with the tube. A piston, sealably engaged with the chamber, may be moved by force of the fluid passing through the tube. A linear gauge measures the time required to move the piston. A mechanism is provided to reset the piston by forcing fluid back through the tube to empty the chamber to begin another measurement.

Abstract: A contamination measurement apparatus for determining a level of particulate contamination in a fluid. The apparatus includes a filter for passing a fluid therethrough. A volume indicator produces movement of a test piston in response to the fluid passing through the filter. The flow decay characteristics of the fluid are determined in response to movement of the test piston. A back flush mechanism returns the fluid back through the filter by use of a back flush piston which reciprocates in a chamber between a first position wherein the back flush piston is engaged with the test piston, and a second position wherein the back flush piston is disengaged from the test piston so that the test piston is free to move in response to the fluid volume.

Abstract: A system for determining the level of particulate contaminants in a fluid utilizes a porous filtration element having filtration pores therethrough in fluid series with a volume indicator. Preferably, the filtration medium is provided with filtration pores which have a generally predetermined size such that oversized particles of the particulate contaminants are accumulated on one side of the filter medium. In one embodiment, filtration of the fluid continues until the filtration medium is blocked entirely, and then a reading of the volume of fluid which has flowed therethrough is taken. The fluid thus accumulated can be forced back through the filter medium in a backflush direction such that the accumulated particulate contaminants are washed away, thereby rendering the filtration medium ready for a subsequent measurement. In automatic embodiments of the invention, a bistable valve may be utilized, the flow states of the valve being switched to shift from the filtration phase to the backflush phase.