摘要 |
Apparatus for warning of a leak in a hydraulic system. The warning apparatus includes a liquid level sensor, mounted above the hydraulic fluid reservoir, and a signal assembly. The sensor includes an expansion chamber with a float chamber pipe inside. The float chamber pipe opens into the expansion chamber a substantial distance above the expansion chamber bottom. Hydraulic fluid, which expands when the equipment is started, flows through the open pipe end and into the expansion chamber. If the liquid level in the float chamber pipe drops below a set level, a float in the pipe also drops to activate the signal assembly. If the hydraulic system springs a leak, the alarm activates to minimize damage. Before re-starting the equipment the excess fluid held in the expansion chamber is allowed to drain back into the reservoir. Drainback is done either passively, through a constricting passageway at the expansion chamber bottom, or actively, typically by the operator after use.
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