Gas and failure particle separator system

#This invention relates generally to combination particle detectors and foam separators which are used in conjunction with hydraulic and lubrication systems for mechanical equipment which utilize a fluid such as oil. In particular, the invention selectively removes particles above a predetermined size in the oil of such systems. The invention is further adapted to remove air and other trapped gases from the fluid and vent them from the system.

#Mechanical power transmission equipment is subject to wear due to abrasion, caused by the contact of moving parts under pressure at high relative speeds. This results in the release of a quantity of small particles. Such "wear particles" or "fuzz" are generally 2 to 20 microns in size. Particles of this size, when suspended in a circulating fluid such as heavy lubricating oil generally move with it rather than reacting promptly to gravity and inertial forces. However, once normal "wear in" occurs the quantity of such particles reduces to a relatively low value which in most systems are readily removed from the system through the use of suitable filters or by strategically placed magnets, if the particles are of a ferrous nature. When the components of the power transmitting system which is being lubricated become overloaded or when localized areas of weakness occur, the situation changes radically. In such cases much larger particles of material become loosened, generally at the point of contact between moving parts under high surface pressure. Furthermore once the surface has been deformed by the breaking off of such particles the rate of deterioration accelerates resulting in the breaking off of additional particles at increasing rates. Additionally, the quantities of wear particles produced are substantially increased. Failure particles generally fall into the 100 to 2000 micron size range. Due to their greater mass they are less subject to being suspended in the lubricating fluid.

#It is well known that the structural failure of drive train components may be predicted in advance of such failure by monitoring the condition of the lubricating oil. Such structural failure is indicated when metallic particles in the size range of failure particles, i.e. greater than 100 microns, are detected or when the quantity of wear particles substantially increases. The present invention is of the type that separates out such failure particles and provides a signal warning the operator of the situation occurring.

#FIG. 1 is a top view of a particle and gas separator according to the present invention.

#FIG. 2 is a vertical cross section side view along line 2--2 in FIG. 1.

#FIG. 3 is a horizontal cross section along line 3--3 in FIG. 2.

#Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 we see several views illustrating the preferred embodiment of a combination particle and gas separation system 10 according to the present invention. In the preferred embodiment it comprises a hollow cylindrical housing 12 having an integral top 14. Built into said top is oil inlet 16, which receives the fluid from the oil hydraulic system (not shown) and is adapted to inject said fluid tangentially to the smooth inner wall 18 of said hollow housing.

#Top 14 further contains a gas outlet or discharge 20 which is connected through internal channel 22 to a short hollow cylindrical tube 24, which, in turn, is concentric with housing 12. Tube 24 also cooperates with inner wall 18 to form a cylindrical annulus, which as will be explained below, is critical to the total operation of the system herein described. Tube 24 has but a single opening 25 at its tip which acts as an inlet for the separated gas and foam for subsequent discharge from the system.

#Also contained in top 24 is an opening 26 leading into chamber 28, which lies alongside the full length of hollow housing 12 and is further adapted to contain a magnetic particle detector 30. At the bottom of chamber 28 is an exit hole 32, through which separated particles are attracted by magnet 34 of detector 30. As shown in FIG. 2 maximum particle capture efficiency is achieved by having said magnet positioned at the same reference point along the length of housing 12 as is hole 32. Oil pressure is maintained in chamber 28 by an "O" ring 33 or similar type of sealing device.