Computational Systems, Inc.

Arby D Dickert

Eric L Johnson

Keith A Hawn

James F Kirkpatrick, Jr

James F Kirkpatrick

A method and apparatus for detecting the degree of deterioration in lubricating oil including a grid-like capacitive sensor, that uses the lubricating oil as a dielectric medium, and a magnetic field imposed upon the oil to attract ferromagnetic wear particles into the vicinity of the sensor. Preferably, the magnetic field is generated by a permanent magnet and an electromagnet aligned such that the magnetic field produced by each magnet acts upon the oil along the same axis. A plurality of capacitance measurements are taken at periodic intervals for one type of classification and analysis. Magnetically induced particle concentrations are analyzed visually under the aid of periodic magnetic flux reorientation and optical magnification.

Oil monitor with magnetic field

An apparatus for detecting the degree of deterioration in lubricating oil including a grid-like capacitive sensor, that uses the lubricating oil as a dielectric medium, and a magnetic field imposed upon the oil to attract ferromagnetic wear particles into the vicinity of the sensor. Preferably, the magnetic field is generated by a permanent magnet and an electromagnetic aligned such that the magnetic field produced by each magnet acts upon the oil along the same axis.

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Knoxville, TN, United States of America

Arby D Dickert