Fluid particle sensor apparatus and method for detecting ferrous and non-ferrous metals
US6297626A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 28, 1998 |
| Grant date | Oct 2, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 28, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01V3/104
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A sensor apparatus for detecting both ferrous and non-ferrous particles in a fluid including a housing adapted for insertion into a fluid line, the housing having a collection cavity formed therewithin for trapping and holding metallic particles which are suspended in the fluid as the fluid passes through the sensor. A first coil wound below the collection cavity and a second coil wound about the collection cavity, the inductance of the first coil being responsive to the temperature of the fluid passing through the sensor and the inductance of the second coil being responsive to the ferrous and non-ferrous particle accumulation within the collection cavity. An electromagnetic coil is spaced above the second coil to attract ferrous particles away from the vicinity of the second coil. Based upon eddy current principles and because eddy currents are a function of material conductivity, a first energization of the second coil generates a signal indicative of the total ferrous and non-ferrous particle accumulation within the collection cavity and a second energization of the second coil with the electromagnetic coil likewise energized generates a signal indicative of just the non-ferrou…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.