Internal-combustion engines – Lubricators – Crankcase – pressure control
Reexamination Certificate
1999-10-26
2001-05-22
Wolfe, Willis R. (Department: 3747)
Internal-combustion engines
Lubricators
Crankcase, pressure control
C184S006240
Reexamination Certificate
active
06234137
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to the field of lubricating systems for internal combustion engines, and, more particularly, to an apparatus and method of lubricating the engine of a locomotive.
The filtration and conditioning of the lubricating oil of an internal combustion engine are critical for maintaining the reliability of the engine. It is known that particulate matter will become entrained in the lubricating oil during the operation of an internal combustion engine. The particulate matter may be introduced as a byproduct of the combustion process or by the wearing of metallic parts within the engine. It is also possible that solid debris may enter an engine during a maintenance operation. It is known to provide a filter in the lubricating oil flow path of an internal combustion engine in order to remove particulate matter. As the oil is pumped through the oil filter, particles entrained within the oil will become trapped on the filter media. Oil passing through the filter is then returned to the engine essentially free of particulate matter exceeding a certain size. It is known that such filters have a finite life depending upon the quantity of particulates within the oil and the relationship of the size of the particulates to the size of the passages through the filter. Once a filter becomes sufficiently clogged with particulate matter, the flow of oil through the filter will become impeded. If the pressure of the oil is sufficiently high, a clogged filter may fail mechanically thereby allowing unfiltered oil to bypass the filter media.
In the field of locomotive engines as well as in most commercial applications, it is desirable to extend the interval between oil and oil filter changes in order to maximize the on-train availability of the locomotive. The frequency of lubrication system maintenance usually depends upon one of two factors: the depletion of certain beneficial additives within the oil and the maximum useful life of the oil filter. It is known that certain additives such as surfactants, detergents and buffers within lubricating oil become depleted as an engine is operated. It is possible to add additional quantities of such additives to extend the interval between oil changes. However, the useful life of the oil filter may then become the limiting factor defining the interval between lubrication system maintenance services.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Thus, there is a particular need for an apparatus and method for extending the interval between oil filter changes in an internal combustion engine. A lubricating apparatus for an engine is described herein that provides such an extended service interval, the lubricating apparatus comprising a sump for containing oil, the sump disposed proximate a bottom portion of an engine and operable to collect oil flowing out of the engine; a pump having an inlet in fluid communication with the sump and operable to pump the oil through the lubricating apparatus and the engine; a filter in fluid communication with the pump and having an outlet in fluid communication with the engine for providing filtered oil to the engine; and a trap for collecting solids precipitating out of the oil in the sump, the trap being in fluid communication with a low point in the sump. The trap may be formed as a housing disposed below the sump and may contain a plurality of meshes having a variety of opening sizes. In operation, the trap functions to contain particulate matter settling out of the lubricating oil and to prevent such solid matter from reentering the flow path of the oil. A fluid communication path may be provided from the bottom of the housing back to the sump, with an auxiliary oil pump maintaining a small flow of oil down through the meshes to ensure that the particulate matter remains entrained in the trap. The auxiliary oil pump may remain in operation during periods of engine shutdown to promote the settling of particulate matter into the trap.
REFERENCES:
patent: 1587800 (1926-06-01), Saives
patent: 1671391 (1928-05-01), Winslow et al.
patent: 6024193 (2000-02-01), Fukushima
Fitzpatrick Michael A.
Spriegel Andrew R.
General Electric Company
Harris Katrina B.
Holland & Knight LLP
Maire, Esq. David G.
Rowold, Esq. Carl A.
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