Real Time PPM testing

<Burp>

Geez. Why? <Burp>

The usual way to tell if a filter is blocked is with a differential pressure switch <Belch>.

Turn on a lamp, or sumfin.

Using standard 'counters' is not going to work for that app. as to the equip I am familiar with.

You might be able to use a dual filter system. The first filter will restrict flow when media becomes excessively dirty. This reduction in flow to the primary filter will cause a 'low flow' alarm and you can run your bypass sequence via that alarm.

Hope that makes sense.

CR3

First of all, why are you putting oil in the coolant? Coolant is normally glycol and water. If there is oil in the coolant, you probably a head gasket leak. There is already sensors built for oil system.

Second, why transfer to a second tank when a properly placed sensor in the normal circulation path will do.

Third, Filter on Coolant?... What is this for; a helicopter, or jet engine?

There are lots of sensors out there. It depends on what you want to sense and its properties. There are optical, magnetic, acoustical, etc. sensors. There are systems that will count the particulates as small as microns. Once you know what you want to sense, simply do a search on the internet for those particular sensors.

OK, Let's qualify; First, i am an supplier in Detroit to Automotive engine and transmission manufacturers. I supply pumps and filtration equipment for moving and cleaning machining tool coolants. I am quite familiar with PD switches, etc. The prospective client seeks a typical automotive solution; some device to beat the operator over the head so he will change the filter elements. It is a classic waste of money for suplimenting people who rarely use their brains to operate equipment. But that is pretty much how I make a living. The client wants an alarm telling him the particulate count has surpassed acceptable limits. I know it can not be done in-process, so I plan to transfer a sample periodically for testing. This is where it gets out of my expertise; what device to use to give a scale of the particulate in the sample? Would turbidity work? I don't think so, as it counts the oils. Same with refraction devices. Oil is part of the good stuff in machine coolants. I don't think there is a perfect answer, but imagine a device where we can program the alarm via a 4-20 Ma signal and create our own scale of what is good and bad via random sampling.

Better?

Back in the day we just waited until we saw blue liquid forming around an operators feet. Guess who spent the next 2 months cleaning coolant pans and changing filters.

Worked every time. In more recent days we used as replied in #1.

CR3

some device to beat the operator over the head so he will change the filter elements

How about a clockwork alarm clock connected to a rubber mallet or a bucket of water suspended above the operator's hammock?

Seriously, do it on time. Update the timer on the basis of operating experience.

Sorry I missed the 'Machine' part of coolant. We call it cutting oil.

If he was cutting only iron products a magnetic sensor would be do, however if he is also cutting aluminum etc, it is best to use an acoustical sensor.

See http://www.idiny.com/apc.html for example

Again, it can be done in line with the hose going to the cutter. (after the filter)

That just may be the ticket, thanks for the reference.