Abstract: A system for detecting imminent failure of rotatable equipment that has lost centerline control and is near catastrophic failure is housed in a linear tubular element within which is permanently potted a thin gage insulated wire protected by an optional fuse. The contact end of the wire is located immediately adjacent to a semiconductor disk and an optional abradable disk placed at close proximity to the rotatable equipment being monitored. The thin gage insulated wire return is connected between the fuse and the semiconductor disk providing an electrical return path for detection of a change in electrical continuity. The semiconductor and abradable disks between the contact wire and the rotatable equipment act as insulators from errant grounding. Loss of rotatable equipment centerline control will cause physical contact between the contact wire and rotatable equipment, breaking electrical continuity, the resulting ground path being instantly detected through the internally potted fuse.

Abstract: A system for detecting imminent failure of rotatable equipment that has lost centerline control and is near catastrophic failure is housed in a linear tubular element within which is permanently potted a thin gage insulated wire protected by an optional fuse. The contact end of the wire is located immediately adjacent to a semiconductor disk and an optional abradable disk placed at close proximity to the rotatable equipment being monitored. The thin gage insulated wire return is connected between the fuse and the semiconductor disk providing an electrical return path for detection of a change in electrical continuity. The semiconductor and abradable disks between the contact wire and the rotatable equipment act as insulators from errant grounding. Loss of rotatable equipment centerline control will cause physical contact between the contact wire and rotatable equipment, breaking electrical continuity, the resulting ground path being instantly detected through the internally potted fuse.