Method and apparatus for detecting a fouled fluid filter
AssigneeSociete Nationale d'Etude et de Construction de Moteurs d'Aviation "S.N.E.C.M.A."
InventorPierre C. Mouton
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Abstract
A method and apparatus for detecting a fouled fluid filter are disclosed in which the fluid pressure at the outlet of the fluid filter is corrected by a correction pressure to determine a corrected pressure drop. Such a corrected pressure drop has a mathematical function which passes through a maximum magnitude before the fluid flowing through the fluid filter reaches a maximum value. The corrected pressure drop is monitored during the operation of the fluid filter and when the corrected pressure drop reaches a predetermined threshold value, before the engine with which the fluid filter is associated reaches its maximum power, an alarm will be actuated.
Claims9
A method of detecting a fouled fluid filter having fluid flowing through the filter via a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet with a fluid pressure, P2, at the outlet, comprising the steps of:
- a) generating a correction pressure, PC, such that a corrected pressure drop. P2-PC, for a fouled fluid filter will reach a predetermined threshold value before the fluid flow rate through the filter reaches a maximum value;
- b) determining a corrected pressure drop P2-PC;
- c) repeating steps a) and b) during operation of the fluid filter and actuating an alarm if the determined corrected pressure drop reaches the predetermined threshold value.
Apparatus for detecting fouling of a fluid filter having fluid flowing through the filter via a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet with a fluid pressure, P2, at the outlet, comprising:
- a) means for generating a correction pressure PC, such that a corrected pressure drop. P2-PC. for a fouled fluid filter will reach a predetermined threshold value before the fluid flow rate through the filter reaches a maximum value;
- b) means for determining a corrected pressure drop P2-PC;
- and,
- c) alarm means connected to the means for determining a corrected pressure drop P2-PC for actuating an alarm if the determined corrected pressure drop reaches the predetermined threshold value.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.