Sediment indicator for liquid circulatory system

摘要

A sediment indicator for installation in a fluid flow line of a fluid circulatory system, such as a liquid cooling system for an internal combustion engine to provide a visual indication of when the fluid medium has become dirty and is in need of cleaning or replacement. The indicator includes the tubular open ended member insertable in a fluid flow line of the circulatory system to provide a fluid passage that is in fluid communication with the flow of fluid in a system. The indicator includes a housing portion having a sediment collecting chamber open to the flow passage of the tubular member and in depending relationship to it. The housing is at least partially transparent to permit visual inspection of the chamber. A washer having a hole smaller than the sediment collecting chamber restricts the rate of movement of sediment into the chamber. Sediment entrained in the circulating fluid medium as it passes in the fluid passage of the tubular member drops under the influence of gravity through the hole in the washer into the chamber where it can be viewed from without the housing. Collection of a predetermined amount of sediment in the chamber is indicative that fluid medium needs to be cleaned or replaced.