Single electrode conductivity technique

摘要

A method and apparatus are disclosed for the analysis of a fluid to determine the remaining useful life of the fluid and whether the fluid has become contaminated. The method can be performed either on-line or off-line, however, the on-line method is preferred. In the method, a sample of the fluid is contacted by a single electrode which is connected to the ground potential by means of the equipment in which the fluid is used. A current is applied to the sample through the electrode and the conductivity of the sample is measured. The conductivity measurement can then compared to known values for the fluid to determine the remaining useful life of the fluid and whether the fluid has become contaminated.