Bearing-sensor integration for a lubrication analysis system

A bearing lubrication analysis system, comprising:

• a bearing employing a lubricant;
• first sensing means for sensing a first parameter of the lubricant;
• second sensing means for sensing a second parameter of the lubricant;
• and
• processing means operatively coupled to the first and second sensing means, the processing means analyzing the sensed lubricant parameters, at least one of the first sensing means and the second sensing means being adapted to sense a parameter other than one directly related to one of temperature and thermal response of the lubricating fluid.

A bearing-sensor integration, comprising:

• a bearing employing a lubricant;
• and
• a lubricant sensor integrated with the bearing such that at least a portion of the sensor is in contact with the lubricant, the lubricant sensor further including:
• a pH sensor;
• a chemical sensor;
• an electrical conductivity sensor;
• and
• a temperature sensor.

A method for determining the health of a bearing lubricant, comprising the steps of:

• using a lubricant sensor operatively coupled to a bearing to collect in situ data relating to at least one lubricant parameter, the at least one lubricant parameter being selected from a group including:
• pH, chemistry, electrical conductivity, temperature and viscosity;
• and
• using a processor operatively coupled to the lubricant sensor to analyze the data and render a health assessment of the lubricant.

A method for determining the health of a bearing lubricant, comprising the steps of:

• using a lubricant sensor operatively coupled to a bearing to collect in situ data relating to at least one lubricant parameter, the at least one lubricant parameter being selected from or determined as a function of a group of lubricant properties including at least two of:
• pH, chemistry, electrical conductivity, temperature and viscosity;
• and
• using a processor operatively coupled to the lubricant sensor to analyze the data and render a health assessment of the lubricant.

A drain plug/lubricant sensor combination arranged for use in analyzing a lubricant health condition data in a mechanical equipment lubrication application;

• comprising:
• a drain plug of a lubricant reservoir, the drain plug including a first end and a second end;
• and
• a lubricant sensor coupled to the surface of the first end of the drain plug, at least a portion of the lubricant sensor being in contact with the lubricant, the lubricant sensor including a pH sensor, a chemical sensor, an electrical conductivity sensor, and a temperature sensor.