초록 ▼

A method is provided for evaluating a multiplicity of lubrication quality parameters. For a particular lubrication system, a parameter profile is designated to define all the measurable parameters to be monitored. Each parameter in the profile is assigned to single category respective to WEAR, CHEMI

A method is provided for evaluating a multiplicity of lubrication quality parameters. For a particular lubrication system, a parameter profile is designated to define all the measurable parameters to be monitored. Each parameter in the profile is assigned to single category respective to WEAR, CHEMISTRY and CONTAMINATION. Parameter values are proportionalized in a finite number of increments between acceptable and unacceptable limits. The worst case parameter of a category is selected to represent that category on a 3-axis, Cartesian graph for placing a data point along the respective category axis. Three data points respective to the three axes are linked with a triangular plane, the area of which is representative of the system quality state.

대표청구항 ▼

[ Having fully described the preferred embodiments of our invention we claim:] [1.] A method of evaluating the quality status of a lubrication application, said method comprising the steps of:defining a specific lubrication application;defining a profile of measurable lubrication fluid parameters, e

[ Having fully described the preferred embodiments of our invention we claim:] [1.] A method of evaluating the quality status of a lubrication application, said method comprising the steps of:defining a specific lubrication application;defining a profile of measurable lubrication fluid parameters, each parameter reflecting a quality status of said lubrication application;for each of said measurable fluid parameters, defining a spectrum of values between a good parameter quality and an alarming degree of poor parameter quality;for each of said fluid parameters, dividing said spectrum of values into a finite number of increments, said number of increments being substantially the same for all fluid parameters;defining three parametric categories for said fluid parameters respective to (a) equipment wear, (b) fluid chemistry and (c) fluid contamination;assigning each of said fluid parameters to one of said parametric categories;defining three, mutually perpendicular, orthogonal axes having said finite number of increments measured from a point of mutual axis origin;assigning each of said parametric categories to one of said orthogonal axes;from a physical example of said specific lubrication application, measuring said profile parameters;respective to the measured parameters of each parametric category, identifying that parameter having a value most advanced toward an alarming degree of poor quality;Normalization assigning a data point on each of said orthogonal axes respective to the most advanced parameter value among parameters in the parametric category assigned to each respective axis, said data point being proportionately located within the same increment along the respective axis as was assigned to the respective fluid parameter value; and,Linearly connecting the data points respective to each of said axes to define a triangular plane intersecting said axes for an integrated visual display of said three parametric categories, the shape and size of said plane being indicative of the quality status of said physical example of said specific lubrication application.