Abstract: An installation for following up the evolution of the quality of a lubricant circulating in equipment includes a conduit connected, upstream, to the piece of equipment and downstream to a recovery pan. A first controlled interruption valve circulates the lubricant in the conduit, a buffer reservoir accumulates lubricant, and a first bypass line is connected to the conduit, upstream from the first valve and to the buffer reservoir. A second controlled interruption valve circulates the lubricant in the first bypass line, a second discharge line discharges the lubricant, from the buffer reservoir to the recovery pan and a third controlled interruption valve circulates the lubricant in the second discharge line. A sensor determines content in a predetermined chemical element of a lubricant sample at the outlet of the buffer reservoir. This sensor includes an X-ray source and detector and a sample cell with a poly X-ray window.

Abstract: A sensor for determining the overall content of a pre-determined chemical element in a liquid body uses X-ray fluorescence technology and includes an X-ray source, an X-ray detector, and a cell intended to contain a sample of lubricant to be analyzed, and is provided with a wall forming a window for passage of X-rays, the wall of the sensor cell being produced from polyethylene terephthalate, the cell also including a casing defining an internal volume for receiving the sample. A procedure for calibrating the sensor, and an automated method for online monitoring are also described and claimed.

Abstract: A sensor for determining the overall content of a pre-determined chemical element in a liquid body uses X-ray fluorescence technology and includes an X-ray source, an X-ray detector, and a cell intended to contain a sample of lubricant to be analyzed, and is provided with a wall forming a window for passage of X-rays, the wall of the sensor cell being produced from polyethylene terephthalate, the cell also including a casing defining an internal volume for receiving the sample. A procedure for calibrating the sensor, and an automated method for online monitoring are also described and claimed.