FILTER MONITOR
A filter monitor is disclosed capable of sensing the presence of water in the filter. The sensor utilizes changes in capacitance of a water absorbing media which functions as a dielectric disposed between a pair of electrodes. The sensor is in communication with a valve means to interrupt the transient fluid when a predetermined amount of water is present in the fluid.
1 . A fuel filter monitor for sensing contaminants in a transient flow of hydrocarbon fluid comprising:
a filter cartridge including an end cap;
a capacitance sensor; and
a pair of spaced apart electrodes in communication with the capacitance sensor and disposed in the end cap of the filter cartridge, the electrodes having a dielectric medium interdigitated therebetween, the medium capable of absorbing contaminants in the hydrocarbon fluid to vary the capacitance between the electrodes.
2 . The fuel filter monitor as defined in claim 1 , further comprising a seal plate sealing an end of the filter cartridge and containing the electrodes.
3 . The fuel filter monitor as defined in claim 1 , wherein the capacitance sensor is adapted to communicate with a valve for militating against the flow of fluid.
4 . The fuel filter monitor as defined in claim 1 , wherein the medium is formed from cellulose.
5 . The fuel filter monitor as defined in claim 1 , wherein the medium includes an amount of super absorbent polymer material.
6 . The fuel filter monitor as defined in claim 1 , further comprising a first filter medium disposed upstream of the electrodes.
7 . The fuel filter monitor as defined in claim 6 , further comprising a second filter medium disposed downstream of the electrodes.
8 . A fuel filter monitor for sensing water in a transient flow of hydrocarbon fluid comprising:
a filter cartridge including an end cap;
a capacitance sensor; and
a pair of spaced apart electrodes in communication with the capacitance sensor and disposed in the end cap of the filter cartridge, the electrodes having a dielectric medium interdigitated therebetween, the medium capable of absorbing water in the hydrocarbon fluid to vary the capacitance between the electrodes.
9 . The fuel filter monitor as defined in claim 8 , further comprising a seal plate sealing an end of the filter cartridge and containing the electrodes.
10 . The fuel filter monitor as defined in claim 8 , wherein the capacitance sensor is adapted to communicate with a valve for militating against the flow of fluid.
11 . The fuel filter monitor as defined in claim 8 , wherein the medium is formed from cellulose.
12 . The fuel filter monitor as defined in claim 8 , wherein the medium includes an amount of super absorbent polymer material.
13 . The fuel filter monitor as defined in claim 8 , further comprising a first filter media disposed upstream of the electrodes.
14 . The fuel filter monitor as defined in claim 13 , further comprising a second filter media disposed downstream of the electrodes.