System for maintaining the quality and level of lubricant in an engine

摘要

A system (1) for measuring the quality and level of lubricant in an engine lubricant reservoir (5) includes valve means (26) for selectively directing a portion of lubricant from the engine (2) through a first conduit (25) for return to the engine or through a second conduit (31) for removal from the engine. Within the first conduit are one or more sensors (28) for sensing the condition of the lubricant passing through the first conduit. The sensors are monitored by a controller (30) which is operative selectively to cause the valve (26) means to block the flow of lubricant through the first conduit and direct a portion of the lubricant through the second conduit (31) based on the monitored conditions of the lubricant. Also, the controller (30) directs a supply of fresh lubricant to the engine in response to the lubricant in the engine lubricant reservoir dropping below a predetermined level. The lubricant flowing through the second conduit may either be stored in a lubricant reservoir (32) and if desired subsequently intermittently mixed with the fuel in the fuel tank (11), or caused to flow directly to the fuel tank on command of the valve means by the controller which limits the amount of lubricant that can be added to the fuel tank so as not to exceed a predetermined lubricant/fuel ratio for the engine. <IMAGE>