Magnetic Filtration Sensor Device

Abstract

A sensor device 11 for a magnetic filter 10, converting an analogue signal therefrom to find and relay a filter status by interrogation of an electrically connected reference data library providing the correlation therebetween. A temperature sensor (50, fig 6) may be included. A user interface and LED display may be included. The filter may have an elongate magnetic core 12. The force sensing resistor may comprise a multilayer assembly made of at least two layers of flexible printed piezoelectric ink (31, 32a, 32b, 33, fig 4). The change in a force responsive sensor 25 may be measured. A time period remaining for saturation and / or the saturation point may be predicted via a counting process and / or a machine self-learning configuration. The system is designed to provide an indication of the status of contaminant capture in a magnetic filtration device with a sensor and data processing electronic components to calculate real-time a requirement for purging / cleaning of a filtration device prior to and / or at saturation.

Description

Field of invention The present concept relates to the monitoring of capture of magnetically susceptible material at a magnetic filtration device, and in particular, although not exclusively, to a device and method of magnetically susceptible contaminant capture sensing based on a force responsive sensor and / or an entrapment rate of change. Background A wide range of filtration devices and methods are used for both commercial and domestic applications. For example, conventional water-based central heating systems, including both domestic and commercial, use a heat source such as an oil, gas or electrically powered boiler (or air source to ground source heat pump) to circulate hot water through a fluid network that comprises radiators, hot water tanks and the like interconnected by metallic and non-metallic pipework. Internal corrosion of the metallic components of the network is an endemic problem and has resulted in a number of different approaches to try and alleviate system contamination by circulation of ferrous particles within the system. Industrial applications that utilise a working fluid to provide cooling, lubrication or to remove wear debris from machine processing tools and products, employ fluid fdtration devices to extract particulate matter from the fluid. The cleaned fluid may then be recirculated for further use or more readily disposed of due to the removal of the particulate matter. Without filtration devices, the working fluid quickly becomes heavily contaminated resulting in machine wear and / or failure and the quality of the finish of machined components can start to deteriorate. In almost all territories, the filtering and cleaning of industrial fluid waste is required prior to discarding. Industrial applications can also extend to other industries such as, but not limited to, food, pharmaceutical, oil and gas, etc where ferrous contamination (or any contamination with high enough magnetic susceptibility or high enough magnetic permeability to be attracted to magnetic fields) is deliberately removed to enhance product quality, increase product life, eliminate unwanted and undesirable material from the flow of fluids (fluids including gases, liquids and any other flowing materials e.g. grains, flour, rice, powders, pellets, etc). Magnetic filtration devices have been developed and configured to filter the magnetically susceptible particles from these fluid based system. In a commercial setting, such units may be employed in an on-line capacity, forming part of the fluid circuit during operation of the machinery or production line, or in an off-line state in which the working fluid is diverted or isolated from the production line when inoperative to provide the required filtration. US 2007 / 0090055 Al and WO 2011 / 086370 Al disclose magnetic filtration devices for separating contaminant material from a working fluid having a central magnetic core housed within a separation chamber. Magnetically susceptible particles (such as iron containing metal e g. mild steel) flow within the chamber and around the magnetic core where they are captured by the magnetic circuit whilst contaminant-free fluid exits via an outlet. Similar types of magnetic filtration devices are installed within central heating systems and operate in-line to continually remove ferrous particles from the working fluid within the system. Example magnetic filtration devices are described in WO 2013 / 150293 Al. Within both commercial and domestic central heating systems, due to the increased demand for boiler efficiency which had resulted in smaller diameter tubing within the boiler a number of problems have been created. In particular, poor containment of ferrous particles of different sizes and mass leads to contamination build-up within the system and in particular the small diameter tubing within the boiler in turn reducing the boiler efficiency and potentially leading to blockage. Additionally, where a magnetic filter has been in use for a long period, or the system is heavily contaminated with ferrous particles, saturation and subsequent blockage of the filter presents a high risk of leakage and system damage and potentially ultimate system failure. Industrial filtration applications are also affected by filtration efficiency and in particular filtration saturation. Undesirable contaminant accumulation within the industrial cleaning fluid network can lead to excessive machine wear, inefficient processing, product quality issues (including product failures or rejections), possible increased maintenance time and cost, possible increase in frequency of replacement of such machining fluids (or other fluids being magnetically cleaned), and potentially increased production line failure and stoppages. There is a risk that such undesirable problems could reduce the efficiency of systems adding to extra costs through increased maintenance, increased downtime and possible even reduced efficiency which may even result in increased carbon footprint in operation of such production lines. Accordingly, there is a need for improved monitoring of the status of magnetic filtration devices to help maintain desired fluid network conditions and in particular low levels of contaminant within the network. Summary of the Invention It is an objective of the present concept to provide a sensor system configured specifically to monitor the status of a magnetic filtration device and in particular the status of contaminant capture within the filtration device. It is a further specific objective to provide a system and method for the qualitative and / or quantitative monitoring of the accumulation of magnetically susceptible material within a magnetic filtration device optionally involving sensing a size, volume or other magnitude / characteristic of contaminant build-up at a magnetic element or magnetic core. It is a further specific objective to provide a monitoring system configured to output to a user either locally or remotely, the status of a filtration device according to a range of operational conditions from zero or low levels of contaminant capture to high levels of capture up to and including the point of filter saturation. It is a further specific objective to provide a device for the dynamic / real-time status monitoring and user status output reporting via at least one means of notification or alerting including visual, audible, electronic or tactile / physical notification or signalling. Accordingly, the inventors provide a device and method configured to provide an indication of the status of contaminant capture at a magnetic filtration device. The present device and method may be integrated with further components and systems to provide automated cleaning and / or purging of a magnetic filtration device in direct response to the monitored status of contaminant capture. In particular, the present filtration sensing device and method may be configured to provide real-time output indication signals to a user to prompt manual cleaning and / or purging of the filter at one or more predetermined threshold capture status e.g. where the filter is 80% full or is close to or at a predefined saturation level or when a rate of contamination capture is below a predefined rate or a combination of both. The present filtration monitoring system (device and method) preferably comprises a force responsive sensor, optionally implemented as a pressure sensitive resistor suitably configured to be sensitive to force acting on a body due to the body being present within a magnetic field generated by one or more electro, electro-permanent or permanent magnets. In particular, the present device may comprise a pressure sensitive resistor or other means to measure a pull or push force or a torque created by a magnet (which could equally be an electromagnet or electro-permanent magnet) on an object such as another magnet, electromagnet, electro-permanent magnet or other material with magnetic permeability (to interact with the magnetic field) such as ferromagnetic (mild steel or magnetic stainless steel) components. The force responsive resistor may be configured for operation with a sensor configuration and construction to provide real-time sensing of contaminant entrapment by the filter optionally including a break force configuration, an area configuration and / or a surface configuration. A break force configuration may comprise a plurality of membranes or layers in contact in which the resistance due to mechanical load, is infinite until enough force is applied to provide contact. An area effect configuration of the present sensor may be configured via a size of a contact area between two layers in which an increase in contact is associated with increasing force to provide a reduced resistance. The surface effect configuration provides that as forces increased, the contact of the active surfaces increases at a microscopic level to provide a desired resistance change characteristic. The present system utilises a force sensing resistor measurement circuit in which changes in resistance are responsive to the changes in force / load applied to a force sensing resistor (e.g. pressure sensitive resistor). Such configurations result in a changing electrical signal (for example voltage, resistance, current) that may be monitored, recorded and processed by additional electronic components for subsequent electronic processing and data analysis. The changes in force / load applied to could equally be applied to another electronic device capable of converting the force / pressure / torque into a means that an electronic circuit could be created to detect such changes e.g strain gauge, force sensitive capacitor, etc. According to a first aspect of the present concept there is provided a sensor device for a magnetic filter comprising: a force measurement circuit having at least one force responsive sensor configured to be responsive to a change in magnetic field strength at the device, the measurement circuit configured to output an analogue electrical signal; a microcontroller to convert the analogue electrical signal output from the measurement circuit to a filter status indication, the microcontroller having a microcontroller board, a microprocessor chip, at least one input / output circuit and a reference data library having reference electrical signal data and correlated filter status data; the microcontroller configured to receive the measured analogue electrical signal and output a generated filter status indication via interrogation of the reference data library. The present system is adapted to measure contamination build-up at the filter due to changes in the magnetic circuit and in particular the interaction between the collection magnet and the force responsive sensor between the collection magnet and an external magnet (or external ferromagnetic part). Changes in the magnetic circuit change the force acting on the sensor with a corresponding change in resistance and voltage output by the measurement circuit. The output voltage, following subsequent data processing (digital / electronic), may then be configured to trigger further mechanical actuators, devices and systems local and / or remote to the filtration device and / or forming part of the fluid network within which the filter device is installed or to which the filter device is connected in fluidic communication. The present system may provide real-time dynamic status output information or indications to a user. By having the system record force values over time intervals and rates of change of force values over intervals, by recoding and storing these values, it is clear that different result characteristics can be stored for different applications (examples including but not limited to: different contamination types, different flow rates, different amounts of contamination in the flow, different fluid types, different viscosities, or even combinations of such examples). It is possible to then store and upload such datasets to other similar devices to allow the devices to work in a more efficient manner for better collection of contamination. Equally, if the user desires stricter cleaning regimes they may wish the unit to trigger that it is full at a reduced amount of ferrous contamination collection (as collection ability of a magnet is generally reduced as the layer of collected contamination builds up on the collection magnet) which can be noted and stored as part of the stored data for future use as a preset setting by the unit. According to further aspects, the present concept is configured to provide a contaminant entrapment monitoring system adapted for measuring a rate of change in magnetically susceptible contaminant entrapped within the filter device. Such a rate of change configuration may comprise a force responsive sensor, a Gauss (Hall effect) sensor or other magnetic field or force-based or torque-based sensor being responsive directly to changes in magnetic field strength and / or changes in force / mechanical load at one or more regions or surfaces of a part of a body forming part of the sensor. Optionally, the sensor comprises a sensor magnet or a ferrous body / component configured to create a force responsive to contamination build-up such that the force is variable / proportional relative to a volume of contaminant entrapped by the magnetic core of the filter device. Preferably the sensor magnet or a ferrous body / component is positioned within the magnetic field created by the core such that the sensor magnet or ferrous body / component provides a force at the region of the sensor that changes with a change in the magnetic field strength acting on the sensor magnet or a ferrous body / component due to contamination build-up. The present concept may comprise at least one temperature sensor and suitable electronic circuitry / boards as part of the sensing system. Such temperature sensing electronics enable the present device to monitor the temperature of the working fluid and / or the primary sensor (e.g. force responsive sensor or Hall effect sensor) and to provide correction of temperature variations of the fluid positively or negatively relative to a predefined ‘normal’ operational temperature. This provides compensation for the natural change in magnetic performance of permanent magnets due to temperature variations encountered during operation conditions (as magnets have temperature dependant coefficients relating to remanence, Br, coercivity, Hei). Suitable software programs and / or additional electronics may provide temperature compensation for the data output by the force responsive sensor and / or Hall effect sensor via generation of calibrated sensor responsive data. As will be appreciated, such temperature variation at an environment provides a corresponding change in magnetic field strength, fluid viscosity, magnetic susceptibility of particulate contaminants, etc. The present concept may comprise manually or automatically adjustable electronics and circuitry (for example dip switches and the like) and / or such adjustment may be implemented via software / coding, etc) to change the sensitivity of the present sensor arrangement and / or to provide desired trigger levels and / or thresholds. For example, less ferrous materials which interact less with a magnetic circuit, (for example paramagnetic materials and low magnetic permeability materials such as Stainless Steel etc) are capable of being identified effectively by the present system through the use of variable resistors and other electronic or software means having variable operational control and adjustability. The present sensing system may comprise one or a plurality of sensing devices and / or individual sensors (e.g. force responsive sensors, Hall effect sensors, etc). Such sensors may be positioned at different locations at one or a plurality of different magnetic filters. The present system is capable of being configured to issue a notification that the filter requires cleaning or to trigger an automated cleaning actuation of the filter based on a single or a combination of sensor measurements) by the single or plurality of sensors or by a defined number of the plurality of sensors. For example, the present system may be configured to trigger a need for filter cleaning / emptying only if predetermined threshold filtration statuses are identified by at least two sensor devices / sensors located at the same or different locations / positions of a single or a plurality of magnetic filters. Optionally, the present system may comprise a plurality of sensors and associated electronic circuitry interconnected electronically so as to provide a coupled operational state. Such an arrangement is advantageous to avoid false threshold triggering / indications. Such arrangements are further advantageous to identify non-uniform contaminant accumulation at a magnetic core that may prompt filter device physical / mechanical reconfiguration or changes to the set-up of the magnetic filter device (such as changing flow rate, altering the pipework connections, adding a magnetic filter device, etc). Optionally, the present system is configured for predicting the point required for filtering intervention (e.g. filter cleaning or filter change) based on real-time status monitoring and / or historical measured data. For example, a rate of change of capture at the magnetic core, (e.g., as determined by changes in an output electronic signal (voltage), where the system comprises a force responsive sensor), the system may be configured to monitor and identify a reduced rate of change of contaminant built-up indicating the system and in particular the filter is approaching saturation (further contaminant is incapable of being entrapped by the magnetic core due to the volume of existing contaminant around the magnetic body) so as to prompt cleaning. A repeatable pattern of such rate of change measurements provides a predictive assessment system and magnetic filter sensing arrangement. The present system may therefore be configured with a machine self learning module and functionality. For example, cleaning could be triggered by the present system where a rate of change and in particular a pre-defined number of rate of change readings are below or above a predefined threshold (calculated by comparing one sensor reading with one or more previous sensor readings recorded at earlier time intervals). The present system may be configured to only trigger cleaning after recording a pre-set threshold rate of change. Such an arrangement avoids false triggering. The present device may be configured with a factory set trigger threshold (sensing measurement and / or rate of change reading) and / or may be configured with a user definable trigger threshold. The rate of change may be variable or may be pre-defined. The rate of change may be recorded by a user instructing the unit that it may be full. The unit can record the rate of change at that point in time to create a learnt reference point for triggering in the future based on a rate of change instead of or additionally to the recorded force value. The present system may be configured to record and process maximum and minimum rate of change values together with intermediate values to provide a reference library of threshold values against which a 'fullness score’ may be recorded when the sensing device is operational and acquiring real-time rate of change data. Intermediate values may be divided equally or may be unequal intervals between the maximum and minimum (e.g. a log scale) to provide the \fullness score Such an arrangement is configured to predict time remaining before a pre-defined threshold trigger to clean the filter device according to a self-learning mode and functionality (based on the processing of historic system data acquired over a plurality of time periods by the present system). As a magnetic filter collects magnetic contamination the ability to collect the contamination reduces over time as the magnetic circuit reduces in its ability to present magnetic field to attract the contamination (similar to a keeper plate effect on a horseshoe magnet limits magnetic field going into the airspace to allow attraction) - so over time the ability to capture reduces so the rate of change would reduce. If the timesteps between measurement are known and the rate of change trigger is known, it is possible to start to predict when it is likely that the ‘full’ rate of change value is likely to be met. However, it is also expected that the contamination amounts in the fluid over time may vary (perhaps due to the application) so an intelligent counter system can factor in rate reductions and rate increases with time to correct the count to allow an improved prediction of timescale to being likely to be full enough to be cleaned. And, if the system is not being used, the counter system could become a useful means of suggesting an opportunity to clean the system (whether it requires cleaning or not) which may assist in reducing maintenance time and boosting production time (cleaning when not in use rather than cleaning required when in use). Such an arrangement may be implemented with a counter module and / or analyser having a counter function in which the rate of change equals a count which may be used directly and / or processed against a reference data library. A further embodiment of the present sensor may be integrated with full Machine Learning, or AI compatibility and functionality, specifically compromising the use of existing AI software and algorithms taking input data in the form of measurements from the sensor (in the form of Voltage changes or other variable measurement), combined with atmospheric conditions (such as vibration and temperature), and other measurements which upon processing would anticipate the current levels of contamination build-up, and further refine the models created to optimise the detection capabilities of the sensor / s. Such an embodiment may take in wider reaching data, such as flowrates, machine operation, and operating hours, and be integrated into wider AI control of the system, to generate a holistic model of the contamination build-up, and better predict how this will change over time, and impact other areas of the system. Optionally, the present system may comprise one or a plurality of electronic circuits (e.g. binary implementation - yes / no or go / no-go) optionally including multiple sensors and / or linked to automated cleaning actuators to override or control a time and sequence that may be associated with a machine forming part of a fluid network and domestic or commercial processing line. Optionally, the filter status data is a set of percentage data values each being a percentage value of particle capture via the magnetic filter in a range from a value at or close to zero and value at or close to complete saturation of the magnetic filter with particle capture. Optionally, filter status data is a set of discrete values in a range from at or close to zero and the value at or close to complete saturation of the magnetic filter due to particle capture. Optionally, the filter status data is a set of data values associated with capture of magnetically susceptible particles within the chamber in a range at or between a first value corresponding to when the device is empty or clean of magnetically susceptible particles and a second value corresponding to a value when the device is at or close to complete saturation or capture of magnetically susceptible particles. Optionally, the filter status data is a set of data value(s) each being a value of contamination capture via the magnetic filter in a range from a value at or close to the clean / empty value to a value at or close to complete saturation value of the magnetic filter with contamination capture. Optionally, the device is configured to count the capture of magnetically susceptible particles by the magnetic core. Optionally, the device may further comprise a temperature sensor. Optionally, a microcontroller may be configured to process temperature reference calibration data, the microcontroller may be configured to calibrate the output filter status indication via interrogation of the temperature reference calibration data. It is known that performance of a magnet or electromagnet varies with temperature variation, so it is possible to accommodate a volumetric correction based on how full a magnetic filter may be with variation in temperature of the application. It is also known that the performance of Resistors (specifically Force Sensing Resistors in this case) is impacted by temperature, and the microcontroller may be configured to accommodate such changes in its measurements of the contamination buildup. Optionally, the device may comprise a visual, audible, tactile or digital output component. Optionally, the device may comprise an array or series of LEDs or the like provided at one or more regions of a body or mounting that contains the internal electronic components and in particular the force responsive sensor (and / or Hall effect sensor and / or other sensor capable of measuring or interacting with the presence of a magnetic field). The LEDs may be mounted at an external face of a part of the sensor device and may comprise the same or different colours. The LEDs may be mounted on an internal face of a part of the sensor device to provide illumination to the unit the device is mounted onto and may comprise the same or different colours. Preferably, the LEDs are part of and / or connected to a microcontroller and / or microcontroller circuit board such that individual LEDs may be activated and in response to real-time contaminant status monitoring to indicate a level (e.g. a percentage) entrapment status e.g. from low or zero contaminant to near full or saturation. For example, the LEDs may comprise at least one green, at least one amber and at least one red LED each independently controllable to correlate with a status of contaminant entrapment at the magnetic filter. Optionally, the device may comprise a speaker or other audible output device. The device may comprise an actuator to move one or more components of the device to provide a visual tactile response such as a raised, displaced, recessed, extended region or component of the device as a tactile indication of the contaminant status. The digital output may comprise a signal relayed remotely or locally at the device to trigger further components or systems connected directly or indirectly to the sensor monitoring system. Optionally, the visual output component comprises any one or a combination of: a user interface; a display screen; at least one LED; a set of LEDs; a set of LEDs comprising different coloured LEDs. Optionally, the digital output component comprises any one or a combination of: a port to connect an electronic component or connector; a wired or wireless communication electronic component to output a digital signal. The output may equally be an analogue output to provide similar intended output effect to that of a digital output e.g. variable voltage or variable current to be used by another circuit for control means of that other circuit, an output to activate a speaker, etc. Optionally, the microcontroller further comprise any one or a combination of: RAM; a long term storage medium; a programmable logic circuit data reference library containing programmable logic circuit specific data; at least one software program; at least one programmable logic circuit control software program. Optionally, the device further comprises a plurality of reference data libraries, each library containing the reference electrical signal data and the correlated filter status data being specific to a particular magnetic filter. Such reference data libraries may be referred to as Look Up Tables (LUTs). Such tables may include analogue electrical signal values, digital electrical signal values, resistance values, current values and contaminant volume values (for example a percentage entrapment status of the filter relative to a zero or full entrapment status). Preferably, the system comprises a plurality of reference data libraries / LUTs 48 containing data specific to any one or a combination of (but not limited to): a particular type of magnetic filter, a particular type of working fluid, a particular type of particulate contaminant, a particular operating temperature of the environment, a particular array of magnetic elements, a viscosity of a working fluid, an average flow rate of the working fluid within the network, a particle size of the magnetically susceptible particles. Optionally, the device may comprise a user interface module to enable a user to interact and / or control operation of the microcontroller. The user interface module may comprise an electronic port or communication module such as wired or wireless comms data transfer components to enable local and / or remote access to the present device for data transfer to and from the device. Optionally, the user input module comprises any one or a combination of: an electronic port; a wired or wireless communication module to connect an auxiliary computer entity to the device and enable a user to interact and / or control operation of the microcontroller and / or the sensor device. Optionally, the user input module may comprise any one or a combination of: a microphone; a touch sensitive screen; at least one button; a touch sensitive pad. Preferably, the device comprises an external housing to contain the force measurement circuit, the microcontroller and a method of powering the aforementioned devices (such as mains connection, USB power or batteries, or power from an external device such as a CNC machine or other PLC device). Optionally, the external housing may comprise one or more regions configured for attachment to a magnetic filter device. Optionally, one or more attachment regions may comprise a hook, aperture, collar, adhesive layer, strap or other means to provide a secure connection. Optionally, the device may comprise the mount to removably attach the device to an external region of the magnetic filter. Optionally, the mount may comprise any one or a combination of: a collar, a screw, a clip, a strap, a belt, a tie, a band, a hook or a projection to secure the device to an external region of the housing. Optionally, the mount may comprise any one or a combination of an adhesive patch, layer, tab, channel, slot, clamp or foot to secure the device to an external region of the magnetic filter. Optionally, the force responsive sensor comprises any one or a combination of: a load sensor; a weight sensor; a tension sensor; a compression sensor; a pressure sensor; a strain gauge; a torque gauge or sensor; a force responsive resistor, inductor or capacitor; a Piezoelectric sensor or generator; magneto-resistive sensor, magnetoelastic sensor; gyroscopic sensor; galvanomagnetic sensor. Optionally, the force responsive sensor comprises a force sensing resistor having a resistance characteristic being responsive to a change in force or mechanical load at the sensor due to a change in magnetic field strength within at least a region of the magnetic filter. Optionally, the force sensing resistor may comprise any one or a combination of: a patch force sensing resistor; a pad force sensing resistor; a multilayer assembly; coiled electrically conductive wire. Optionally, the patch, pad or multilayer assembly may comprise an elongated resistance wire extending over a contact surface, the contact surface intended for orientation towards, at or within a magnetic circuit generated by at least one magnetic element forming a core or component of a filter device. Optionally, the multilayer assembly may comprise a plurality of flexible layers; and a first and second body or first and second electrode forming part of the multilayer assembly. Optionally, the force responsive sensor may comprise a Piezoelectric force sensor or an ink-printed flexible Piezoelectric force sensor. According to a further aspect of the present concept there is provided a magnetic filter to filter magnetically susceptible contaminant material from a fluid comprising: a housing defining an internal chamber through which a fluid is capable of flowing between an inlet and an outlet of the device; an elongate magnetic core comprising a plurality of magnets extending axially within the chamber such that a magnetic field generated by the magnetic core is created in a fluid flow path to entrap the contaminant material at the magnetic core; and a sensor device. Preferably, the sensor device is positioned at, within, close to or adjacent the magnetic field. Preferably the sensor device is a device that is responsive to a change in magnetic field at the device. Optionally the sensor may be configured to operate qualitatively or quantitatively. Optionally the sensor device may be configured to be responsive directly or indirectly to a change in magnetic field at the device. Optionally, the sensor device may be mounted at any one or a combination of positions and / or status including: at an external surface of the housing; is detachably mounted at the device; is mounted at an inside surface of the housing; is mounted at the magnetic core. Optionally, the sensor and in particular force responsive sensor may be mounted at a position proximate to the core. Optionally, the force responsive sensor may be positioned at a region external to the at least one magnet, at a position between the at least one magnet and an outer sleeve of a magnetic core, at an external surface of an exterior housing of the filter device and / or at an internal facing surface of the housing that defines an internal fluid flow chamber. According to one embodiment, the sensor device may be mounted at the magnetic core at a region between a plurality of magnets and a containment sleeve that defines an external surface of the core. A method of monitoring capture of magnetically susceptible particles by a magnetic core within a magnetic filter, the method comprising: creating a magnetic field within a filtration chamber; allowing a fluid to flow through the chamber within the magnetic field and capturing magnetically susceptible particles within the chamber; providing a force responsive sensor within the magnetic field, the sensor being responsive to a change in a strength of the magnetic field due to the capture of the magnetically susceptible particles; converting a change in force experienced by the sensor to an analogue electrical signal using a measurement circuit; outputting a filter status indication using a microprocessor to receive the analogue electrical signal and generate a filter status indication. According to a further aspect of the present concept there is provided a method of monitoring capture of magnetically susceptible particles by a magnetic core within a magnetic filter, the method comprising: creating a magnetic field within a filtration chamber; allowing a fluid to flow through the chamber within the magnetic field and capturing magnetically susceptible particles within the chamber; providing a sensor within the magnetic field responsive to a magnetic field strength and / or a force translated from magnetic field strength due to the capture of the magnetically susceptible particles by the core. According to a further aspect of the present concept there is provided a method of monitoring capture of magnetically susceptible particles by a magnetic core within a magnetic filter, the method comprising: creating a magnetic field within a filtration chamber; allowing a fluid to flow through the chamber within the magnetic field and capturing magnetically susceptible particles within the chamber; and sensing a change in a characteristic of the magnetic filter resulting from the capture of the magnetically susceptible particles by the core. Optionally, the characteristic of the magnetic filter comprises any one or a combination of a change magnetic field, a magnetic field strength and / or a force translated from magnetic field strength due to the capture of magnetically susceptible particles by the core. Preferably the system comprises force responsive sensor and the method comprises converting a change in force experienced by the sensor to an analogue electrical signal using a measurement circuit; outputting a filter status indication using a microprocessor to receive the analogue electrical signal and generate a filter status indication. Preferably the responsive sensor has a magnet against it that attracts to the magnetic field from the collection magnet, causing a force against the responsive sensor and as the contamination builds up on the collection magnet the magnetic circuit changes so the force upon the responsive sensor changes. Optionally the magnet against the responsive sensor could be replaced by a material that is magnetically receptive to give the force against the responsive sensor. Optionally the magnet against the responsive sensor could be repositioned to create a repulsion from the collection magnet, instead of attraction to the collection magnet, and a different change in force could be detected using the responsive sensor. Optionally more than one magnet plus responsive sensor pairings could be connected magnetically using ferrous materials to link the magnets (such as, for example, mild steel keeper plates as used with horseshoe magnets) to improve the magnetic circuit to give improved force response on the responsive sensors. Optionally the responsive sensor could be placed on the collection magnet surface (or close to it) and contamination deliberately build up onto the responsive sensor and the changing magnetic circuit over time would give a varying force on the responsive sensor caused by the contamination (magnets not necessarily required in this configuration). Optionally, the device may comprise a Gauss or Hall effect sensor. Optionally, the method may comprise recording a plurality of readings taken and recorded by the force responsive sensor at regular / uniform preset time intervals or at time internals / period that are non-uniform and increase or decrease e.g., as the filter entraps contamination and approaches saturation and / or immediately following cleaning when the filter is relatively free of entrapped contaminant and / or whether the contamination levels in the system being cleaned are suspected to be at a particular concentration amount so the time intervals can be changed to better monitor contamination entrapment rate change. Optionally, the method may comprise recording a plurality of readings taken by the force responsive sensor and determining a rate of change based on the readings. Optionally, the plurality of readings are recorded at regular / uniform preset time intervals or at time internals / period that are non-uniform and increase or decrease e.g., as the filter entraps contamination and approaches saturation and / or immediately following cleaning when the filter is relatively free of entrapped contaminant. Optionally, the plurality of readings may be recorded at regular / uniform preset time intervals or at time internals / period that are non-uniform and increase or decrease e.g., as the filter entraps contamination and the contamination level in the system is at a predefined / predetermined level or concentration so the time intervals can be changed to better monitor contamination entrapment rate change. Optionally, a rate of change may comprise any one or a combination of: a rate of change of the analogue electrical signal; a rate of change of a digital electrical signal; a rate of change of the force experienced by the sensor; a rate of change of the filter status indication. Optionally, an analogue electrical signal comprises any one or a combination of current, voltage, capacitance, inductance and resistance at the measurement circuit. Optionally, the method comprises collecting / acquiring a plurality of sensor readings and recording the readings as sensor values. Optionally, the method comprises calculating a difference value in the sensor values between a current value and an immediate proceeding sensor value (relative to time). Preferably, the method comprises recording the difference and repeating the step of calculating the difference in sensor values to create a data set of changes in sensor values relative to time and / or operation of the filter device to entrap magnetically susceptible contaminant material. Preferably, the method comprises comparing the difference values with a threshold value to determine if the difference value is greater than, equal to or less than the threshold value. Preferably, the method comprises collecting / acquiring sensor readings at regular time intervals. Optionally, the method comprises outputting a status indication of the filter device based on said step of comparing the difference values. Optionally, the method comprises actuating a cleaning of the filter device via at least one mechanical and / or electromechanical actuator controlled by a microprocessor, the microprocessor having processed the difference values and / or data resulting from the step of comparing the difference values. Optionally, the method comprises assigning a score value to the difference value. Preferably, the method comprises assigning individual score values to each of the plurality of difference values. Optionally, the method comprises adding and / or subtracting from the score value to create a revised score value. Optionally, the method comprises comparing the revised score value with a threshold value (a threshold delta value) to determine an extent of capture and / or a rate of change of capture of magnetically susceptible material by the filtration device. Optionally, the method comprises outputting a status indication of the filter device based on said step of comparing the revised score values. Optionally, the method comprises activating a cleaning of the filter device based on said step of comparing the revised score values. Optionally, the method comprises allowing fluid to flow through the filter device and continuing to collect / acquire sensor readings and sensor values. Optionally, the method comprises predicting any one or a combination of: a saturation point, a number of time periods remaining over which sensor readings will continue to be collected prior to a saturation of the filter device and / or a time period remaining until the filter device is deemed to be saturated with magnetically susceptible contaminant material. Optionally, the method comprises processing data via a machine self-learning module and / or analyser being configured to process acquired current sensor data and historic sensor data to predict any one or a combination of: a saturation point, a number of time periods remaining over which sensor readings will continue to be collected prior to a saturation of the filter device and / or a time period remaining until the filter device is deemed to be saturated with magnetically susceptible contaminant material. Optionally, the step of predicting comprises processing the difference values, revised score values and / or threshold data values. Optionally, the method comprises adjusting any one or a combination of a predefined threshold delta value; a threshold saturation value; a trigger value by which the filtration device is cleaned, based on the step of processing the difference values, the revised score values and / or threshold values. Optionally, the method comprises exporting stored data, storing or overwrite data of any one or a combination of: sensor values taken over time; sensor values taken at a time when filter saturation was reached; score values recorded over time for post processing by a user or for integration into or use by a wider monitoring systems. Optionally, the method further comprises importing and / or exporting recordable or variable values including Look Up Table values to a server to create application data. The method may further comprise analysing server data to create new data for different applications (e.g. a thicker and thinner viscosity result is known so an in-between viscosity result can be predicted and created manually or using AI). Such new data may then be downloaded from a server and loaded onto the present system for use in a new application test with higher change of successful monitoring. It is known that, in some filtration systems, as contamination builds during capture the flow of fluid becomes restricted to an extent that an increase in pressure drop between the inlet and outlet of said filtration system is detectable. Optionally, it is desirable to correlate the magnetically measured contamination build-up against the increase in pressure drop to provide a reference / Look-up alternative pressure drop indicator. Such a pressure drop measurement may be used alongside a magnetic measurement as a secondary contamination level confirmation indicator, and / or to correlate contamination build-up against pressure drop. This may be used to ensure the filter is cleaned at sufficient intervals to maintain the pressure drop within a desired range for a given system. Brief description of drawings ......................................................................................................................*....................................................................................................................................................<■»».......... A specific implementation of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is an external perspective view of a magnetic filter comprising a sensor device according to one aspect of the present concept; Figure 2 is a part cross sectional view through A-A of figure 1; Figure 3A is a plan view of a force responsive sensor component forming part of the sensor device of figure 2; Figure 3B is a side view of the force responsive sensor of figure 3 A; Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of a force sensitive resistor multilayer assembly in which at least two layers of a flexible, printed Piezoelectric ink are bound together according to a further implementation of a force responsive sensor component forming part of a sensing device according to a further embodiment; Figure 5 is a perspective view of a load actuator sensor having an annular sensing area surrounding an inner mechanical load concentrator for force resistance measurements implemented within a sensor device of the type of figure 2 according to a further embodiment; Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of selected electronic components forming part of the sensor device of figure 2 according to the specific implementation; Figure 7 is a measurement electronic circuit forming part of the sensor device of figure 2; Figure 8 is a schematic flow diagram of at least one mode of operation of the sensing device according to the specific embodiment of figure 2. Detailed description of preferred embodiment of the invention Referring to figure 1 a sensor device 11 is mountable to or capable of forming part of a magnetic filter 10. The filter 10 comprises a head 14 (provided as a base or cap portion) having a fluid inlet 15 and a fluid outlet 16. An elongate housing 13 extends axially from head 14. Housing comprises an external surface 21 and an internal surface 22, at least in part, defining an internal fluid flow chamber 17. A magnetic core 12 extends axially within chamber 17 and comprises an array of magnetic elements 23 (figure 2) extending circumferentially, axially and radially relative to a central axis 95 of filter 10. Core 12 comprises an internal flow passageway 18 through which a return flow of fluid is configured to flow towards outlet 16. From chamber 17 via slots 12a positioned at an axial end of core 12. Referring to figures 1 and 2, sensor device 11 comprises an external housing Ila and internal cavity 1 lb. A plurality of electronic components (e.g. electronic boards and components) are housed within cavity 1 lb. In particular, a force responsive sensor 25 and associated mechanical, physical and electronic components are housed within cavity 1 lb forming part of a sensor device 11 and annular collar 93 provides a mount at device 11 for positioning over and about an axial end 10a of filter housing 13. Accordingly, sensor device 11 is positionable against external surface 21 of filter housing 13 such that the force responsive sensor, implemented as a force sensing resistor (FSR), is positioned within a magnetic field / circuit 24 generated by magnets 23. As will be appreciated, the magnetic fields 24 extends radially outward from core 12 across the full width of fluid flow chamber 17 including regions of sensor device 11 as illustrated in figure 2. A secondary magnet 99 is positioned adjacent the FSR 25, but radially outside (relative to the core / main filter axis), i.e., the FSR 25 is located closer to the collection magnets 23 than the secondary magnet 99. Accordingly, with the FSR 25 and associated magnet 99 so positioned, the FSR 25 (as described herein), is configured to be indirectly responsive to changes in the magnetic field strength generated by magnets 23 at the region immediately external to filter housing 13. According to the specific implementation, the FSR 25 is implemented as a patch force responsive resistor as illustrated and described referring to figures 3A and 3B. In operation, a working fluid (such as water within a domestic or commercial central heating system or a cleaning fluid of an industrial processing / operational line, amongst other fluids and flowable products), flows into chamber 17. Magnetically susceptible particulates suspended within the working fluid are entrapped by the magnets 23 and collected about the central magnetic core 12. This changes the magnetic circuit which causes a change in magnetic field strength at the location of FSR 25 which provides a corresponding change in force at the resistor providing a corresponding change in output analogue voltage of an FSR measurement circuit 44 (figure 6). This output analogue voltage of the FSR circuit 44 may then be processed via an internal electronic assembly 40, having multiple electronic components, as described referring to figures 6 to 8. Referring to figures 3A and 3B, the FSR 25 comprises a rectangular / square shape profile having a circuit layer 26, a spacer layer 30, a force sensing layer 29 and a rear adhesive layer 27. A terminal 28 extends from the multilayer assembly to provide connection with FSR circuit 44 (figure 6). According to the specific implementation, sensor 25 comprises a 4cm square RP-S40-ST sensor with a D20mm x 10mm A (axially magnetised) N35 grade NdFeB magnet 100 oriented in attraction. According to further embodiments, the size, shape, grade or magnet material type e.g. SmCo, Ferrite, Alnico or bonded, may be selected as necessary to provide sufficient magnetic performance for the expected application and environmental conditions. The sensor component is provided on a 0.4mm thick smooth and solid non-magnetic plate to allow the FSR 25 to work as expected in having a force put into it that can be detected and measured (although the thickness can be varied according to manufacturing needs as long as the magnetic performance in the design is still met). In operation, the magnet 99 is held loosely against the sensor FSR 25 so it does not slide / rotate relative to the sensor FSR 25 so any magnetic circuit changes instantly affect the position on the magnet 99 to cause a change in force from the magnet on the FSR 25. Magnet 99 at the sensor is capable of being attracted to a pole at filter magnet 23 to create a clamping force. The change in force is therefore responsive to the accumulation of magnetically susceptible contaminant that surrounds magnet 23 and in turn affects the magnetic interaction of the magnet 100 within the FSR 25. According to further embodiments, magnet 99 may comprise a material that is sufficiently magnetically susceptible to be attracted to the filter magnet 23 to replicate a similar (even if reduced) force effect upon the FSR 25. Figure 4 illustrates an optional further embodiment of a force responsive sensor, comprising a plurality of layers. In particular, the sensor comprises outer substrate layers 31, 34 and an intermediate adhesive layer 33. A first and a second pressure sensitive layer 32a is positioned intermediate adhesive layer 33 and each substrate layer 31. A respective conductive layer 32b is sandwiched between each respective pressure sensitive layer 32a and substrate layer 34 to provide the multilayer assembly of figure 4. Suitable electronic connections / wires (not shown) provide electrical connection with conductive layers 32b and the FSR circuit 44 (figure 6). Figure 5 illustrate a further embodiment of a FSR 25 also implemented as a force sensing resistor. The resistor comprises a load concentrator 36 surrounded by an annular sensing area 39 defined within a generally planar support substrate 35. Suitable electronic connections 37, 38 are provided in coupled electronic communication with the sensing area 39 to be connected to the FSR circuit 44 (figure 6). Such an arrangement (figures 3A to 5) are configured for break force, area effect and surface effect configurations as part of a resistance versus force correlation. Referring to figure 6, selected electronic components of the sensor device 11 are illustrated schematically as an electronic assembly 40. The assembly 40 comprises a force measurement circuit 44 coupled in electronic communication with a microcontroller board 45 comprising a microcontroller 46 and at least one data storage facility 47. Facility 47 comprises a plurality of data reference libraries 48, referred to herein as Look-Up Tables (LUTs). A temperature measurement circuit 49 comprises a temperature sensor 50 and associated other components such as a microcontroller (not shown), a plurality of data storage utilities 51, wired or wireless communication ports and components, etc as will be appreciated and associated with the temperature measurement electronic circuit boards. Device 11 comprises a first input component or interface 41 having an electronic or mechanical activation mode button 20. Mode button 20 may be actuated by a user pressing a thumb or finger onto device 11. An output indication component or display 42 comprises an indicator LED control electronic circuit 42a connected to the external LEDs 19 to indicate the particulate entrapment status of filter 10. Device 11 further comprises at least one control component or interface 43 having a plurality of push buttons 43 a including a power on / di splay filter capacity button 43b and a reset filter / rate counter button 43 c (although it will be appreciated that such functions can also be performed through coding creating a button functionality effect or similar choice selections via an application on a computer where the app can control the device 11). Electronic system 40 further comprises an Li-ion rechargeable battery 52 (although any battery type may be used); a charging controller 53 and a micro-USB port 54. As illustrated, the FSR circuit 44 is coupled electronically to the microcontroller circuit board 45. All other electronic components, interfaces and circuit boards 41, 42, 43, 49, 52, 53, 54 are all connected electronically to the microcontroller circuit board 45. In particular, micro-USB port 54 is connectable with a 5VDC power supply as well as providing electronic communication capability with external mounted devices such as the USB drive, PC or other computer entity such as a PLC, portable or remote processing system. Data transfer and software interrogation may be provided via coupling a USB stick, drive, PC, handheld device (or similar) with port 54. Alternatively or in addition, connection (data transfer i.e. upload and / or download) may be achieved via wireless comms as will be appreciated. According to further embodiments, the micro-USB port may be another type of connector port e.g. RS232 as necessary. Additionally, the device may have such other connectors in addition to the micro-USB port as necessary. The present device may be operated at voltages such as 24V to suit e.g. PLC circuits with voltage and / or current converters as required. Referring to figure 7, the FSR circuit 44 comprises a variable force resistor 25 connected to a voltage reference 58 that produces a fixed (constant) voltage independent of the loading on the device. Variable force resistor 25 is further coupled to an amplifier 57 via a negative terminal, with a ground 55 connected to a positive terminal of amplifier 57. Amplifier 57 further comprises a positive supply voltage pin 56 and a further pin 60. The output from amplifier 57 corresponds to the analogue voltage output connection 59. The circuit extending from the variable force resistor input and the variable voltage output sides of amplifier 57 comprises a feedback resistor 61 provided in parallel with a 47pF capacitor 62. In operation, circuit 44 is configured to measure a change in force as filter 10 accumulates magnetically susceptible contaminant about magnet core 12, with this contaminant positioned intermediate sensor 25 (in particular FSR) and core 12. The circuit 44 provides desired linearity in voltage output with respect to force applied to force resistor 25. Circuit 44 also provides versatility with regard to force range adjustment via adjustment of the circuit parameters of reference voltage Vref and the feedback resistor 61. Circuit 44 is configured to enable a user to change the force range (via the same force resistor 25) by orders of magnitude. It will be appreciated that alternative electrical circuits will exist to provide a similar effect of converting the FSR 25 (or other force measuring device) force value into a useable voltage to allow a force range to be converted to a fullness rating (e.g. changing any combination of gain level, sensitivity range, etc). Referring again to figure 6, microcontroller circuit 45 via microcontroller 46 is configured to convert the analogue voltage output 59 from circuit 44 into digital voltage / capacity data. The obtained digital signal is then further processed via microcontroller 46 that controls indicator LEDs 19 and other parts of the system. LEDs 19 and output 42 are further configured for displaying battery charge and mode selection via selective activation of the LEDs 19 and / or LED lighting sequence and lighting power output. Device 11 may further comprise additional LEDs (not shown) controllable by microcontroller 46 configured to illuminate an interior of chamber 17. According to the preferred embodiment, housing 13 comprises a transparent or translucent material (such as glass or a polymer material) and may comprise edging optionally in the form of graphics, ridges, channels, recesses, protrusions, extensions, ribs or the like that are configured to be illuminated via the additional LEDs (not shown). Such LEDs may comprise one or a plurality of colours that may be controlled independently via microcontroller 46 dependent upon and in response to the values of the analogue digital voltage output 59 and the converted digital voltage or capacity value processed by the microcontroller circuit board 45. LED edge-lit or back-lit effects controllable by the microcontroller circuit board 45 provide further visual means by which a user may be notified of a contaminant status of the filter 10. The microcontroller circuit board 45 and in particular microcontroller 46 is configured to interrogate the appropriate LUT 48. The LUT selected for interrogation may be based on the type of filter device to which the sensor 25 is attached having a specific magnetic core configuration, field strength, fluid flow chamber size, or any combination of these combined, etc. Each LUT 48 is also configured to be specific to a particular working fluid having a predefined viscosity, viscosity versus temperature profile, the type of magnetically susceptible contaminant (magnitude of magnetic susceptibility, particle size, shape etc), or any combination of these. The LUTs 48 each comprise a set of data including a premeasured voltage data set and a corresponding correlated filter status data set optionally being a percentage of filter contaminant capture from zero to maximum capture i.e. saturation. The temperature sensor 50 via temperature sensing circuit board 49 is configured to calibrate optionally in real-time or after initial conversion of the analogue voltage output 59 to the digital voltage / capacity value processed by microcontroller 46. Accordingly, the calculated electronic signal generated by microcontroller circuit board 45 is optionally a product of both the force encountered by FSR 25 and the temperature at the environment of the sensing device 11. The overall operation of the sensor device 11 is illustrated and described referring to figure 8. Initially, a user may wish to check the status of filter 10 with regard to contaminant capture by pressing a data accumulation button at stage 63. The force is measured by FSR 25. The analogue voltage is output from circuit 44 and this data is processed by microcontroller circuit 45. A filter status indication is signalled by the LEDs 19 via stage 64 in which the high-powered LEDs are illuminated corresponding to the filter capacity indication status. Such a process involves conversion of force to voltage by circuit 44 at stage 65. The microcontroller measures the FSR voltage at stage 66. The calculation by the microcontroller circuit board 45 (force-voltage calculation) is provided at stage 67. An option for the user to select an operational mode 68 is provided (detailed below). If the force is greater than a pre-defined maximum force (stage 69) the system continues to stage 70 at which the max force equals the current force. If the force is less than the pre-defined maximum force (stage 73) the system continues to stage 71 detailed below (noting that if the sensor device 11 is removed from the filter 10 the minimum force value would be too low and too close towards a zero value. In such a situation, such a ‘low’ value would be ignored so as to prevent false value detection). If the current mode selected is not the desired user mode (stage 68) a further mode is activated at stage 72. The systems determines if the mode is a rate counting mode. If yes, at stage 81 the system calculates the rate of change between the live measurement and the most recent / historic (time interval) measurement. If the rate is between zero and a preset value at stage 82, the system may add to the rate counter. If the rate is greater than the predefined threshold at stage 84, the system may subtract from the rate counter at stage 85. The output from stages 83 and 85 are fed to a further rate counter process 87 such that if the counter value is less than zero the system continues to stage 86 where rate counter is reset to equals zero. If the rate counter is greater than zero, the system interrogates to check if the rate counter is greater than its maximum at stage 89. If yes, the rate counter is reset to equals its maximum as determined at stage 88. Referring again to stage 82, the rate counter value is used to give an indication of how full the filter is by its rate of capture where a zero value would represent clean (empty) so able to capture contamination effectively and a maximum value would represent full so less able to capture contamination effectively (inspection and cleaning advised) and the LEDs 19 would indicate fullness or emptiness accordingly. The predefined threshold preset value in stage 82 can be varied by the user or predefined as required for the application to allow the user to vary sensitivity of the cleaning regime. Equally the counter increments (e.g., by one), decrements (e.g., by two), and maximum counter score (e.g., four) may be changed as necessary to alter the system sensitivity to match the application requirement (such as to compensate for variations in contamination over time for example). Accordingly, the system is configured to determine the capacity value from the rate counter after the rate counter value has been scored and then corrected if required to ensure the capacity value is maintained within the defined range (minimum and maximum values) at stage 90. In use, if the counter is at 1 three more counts are recorded before the counter reaches its maximum value. From the known interval between checks the system is configured to then start to predict the number of remaining counts multiplied by the time interval to equal the predicted time until the filter 10 is likely full and requires inspection and cleaning. This may be displayed by counting the number of unlit LED’s and knowing the timer interval to perform the maths externally. Alternatively, a LCD display may output an actual time remaining and / or if the sensor device 11 were to be given the real time and date or have access to real time and date data so as to update itself, the device may be configured to display the time (and date) when it predicts it will need inspection to be cleaned. In applications where batch work is carried out, the present system / device advantageously allows the user to better plan scheduled maintenance and cleaning of the filter 10 to minimise maintenance downtime and maximise productivity. It will be understood that the force value and the rate of change of force value could be determined either independently or calculated together either using the same time steps between measurements or with different timesteps between calculations to give maximum flexibility of the sensor device 11 to provide accurate useable results. Referring to stages 70 and 71, if the force value exceeds the maximum force value previously recorded the system is configured to overwrite that maximum force value with the new maximum force value. If the force value is less than the minimum force value previously recorded the system is configured to overwrites that minimum force value with the new minimum force value (considering the system will ignore false low values from e.g. sensor device 11 being taken away from the filter 10, as mentioned previously). The system then recalculates the user mode LUT 48 at stage 74 using the new extended range of values. The system then checks the LUT data set 47 at stage 75 for the closest force value. The capacity value is determined from the look-up value at stage 76. The predefined LEDs (of preselected number, colour and / or type) are then illuminated at stage 77. At stage 78 the system obtains the battery voltage and converts to the battery charge level at stage 79. The LEDs are illuminated to correspond to the battery charge level at stage 80 with the appropriate LED lighting colour and / or illumination period. At stage 91, the system checks if USB power is connected. If no power is identified, the system is configured to wait for ten seconds at stage 92 (although this timescale can be varied to be longer or shorter which would affect battery life). If power is connected, the system proceeds back to stage 65 to convert the force to voltage via the FSR circuit 44, restarting the cycle. As will be noted, the present sensor device 11 and system is configured to learn a filtration system’s characteristics (how much contamination the filter 10 can collect and how quickly it can collect). For example, it is seen that materials of weaker magnetic permeability (and / or of differing particulate sizes) can be filtered more optimally and / or the filtration effects using fluids of greater viscosity can be recorded and used to give revised filtration performance profile characteristics through Look Up Tables specific to specific conditions and / or applications. The sensor device 11 is configured to Team’ a user’s specific application and allow optimisation of cleaning regimes. The present system may comprise multiple different modes, as indicated. The different modes and operation is as follows. Mode 1 - A factory set mode in which the min and max capacity are at predefined factory set values, between which the system will indicate the level via the LEDs, alerting the user with more frequent flashing of the red indicator LEDs when the capacity reaches a certain value to alert the user to clean. A user may optionally select a different trigger percentage in a suitable software coding App to that recommended in the factory setting. This mode uses the pre-defined lookup tables to calculate the capacity. However a user may select which one is used via a suitable App (Windows / MAC) loaded on the device and / or handheld mobile device in wireless (e.g. Bluetooth / WiFi) communication with the present system. Mode 2 - A user variable mode, in which the system will predict the lookup table values by recording the lowest minimum value and the largest maximum value seen by the system and calculating the levels between this. A user may select the trigger percentage in a suitable App. The system will then indicate the level via the LEDs and alert the user when the capacity reaches this value. The user will be able to reset this predicted lookup table entirely, along with the recorded min and max values via an option available only within the App. Mode 3 - A rate counter mode in which the system will measure the rate of change at a set interval, and compare it to a preset value, delta. A value is added to an ongoing rate counter (adding one- if the value is below delta and subtracting two - if it is above delta), with the counter being limited to a minimum of 0 and a maximum of 4. This current counter value determines how time remaining until the fdter requires cleaning. The system will record the min and max rates and the user can select a percentage between 10% (lowest rate) and 95% (highest rate) of these values as the trigger rate. The user is able to reset the average rate of change data collected for this mode via the App. In each of these modes, the system will store various values, to help with performing or debugging each of the modes and for post-processing of data. In all three modes the present system stores the min and max settings. While in mode 1 and 2, the system stores the rate of change at the trigger point values and store these in a running average. This will be optionally used to calculate a suggested initial trigger value as a possible guide for rate of change when in mode 3, however, will be overridden if the user chooses a user-specific trigger value. While in mode 3, when the system hits the rate trigger value, it stores the force value as part of a running average. All of these values will be displayed at the device and / or the App, to help with trigger value choices and debugging. As indicated, the microcontroller circuit board 45 is configured to measure the voltage level output from the FSR circuit 44 and to use the voltage to determine the capacity of the filter which is indicated to the user via the LEDs when button 43a is pressed. As indicated, a user may select to press alternate buttons 43b, 43c to obtain the desired indication of power status, filter capacity, preset filter status mode status, rate counter status etc. Microcontroller circuit board 45 is also configured for communicating with external computer entities such as PCs etc via the USB port (such as a micro-USB port) 54 as indicated. Such connection enables software control of the microcontroller 46 as will be appreciated. According to further embodiments, the device may comprise suitable wired or wireless communication protocols to allow further data exchange with the microcontroller circuit board 45 for selective addition, removal, copying or amendment of the data stored within the storage utility 47 including in particular additions, external storing, deletions and updates of the LUTs 48. The microcontroller 45 comprises multiple ADC channels and is accordingly USB communication compatible with low power demand usage and high memory suitable to run control algorithms as well as interfacing and storing the data within the storage utility 47. According to a rate of change / predictive mode of operation, in use, the system monitors sensor values from zero magnetic field value (Free Space Value) up to a peak value depending on the magnitude of the magnetic field strength (which will vary with magnet type, location relative to magnet, temperature, any ‘ferrous’ contamination in the way to ‘shield’ magnetism away, etc). It would be assumed that normally the magnet would be clean and the sensor would read a high value. The system can take sensor value readings at regular time intervals and to compare against preset or user defined numbers to cause a basic Go7‘NoGo’ indicator for highlighting if the filter requires cleaning. This value can be a fixed number or it could be a number above the minimum (Free Space / zero field or force). This number could be preset to be a value that would be less than any value possible to record. Preferably, the minimum value is not the free space value (sensor device 11 in isolation of the filter 10) as this value would not represent any lower value intended to be measured by the sensor device 11 in normal application operation. Preferably, to the system is configured to via coding to ignore such a low value. According to some implementations, the low value is a factory pre-set or a user-defined value. By taking sensor values at regular intervals, it is then possible to note rates of change. It is expected that a clean magnet system can capture ferrous contamination easily / quickly so the rate of change (in a uniformly contamination flow) is a higher value. But as the contamination builds at the core the filter has reducing capacity to capture more contaminant and the rate of capture reduces. Therefore, as the rate of change value falls below a certain value, this indicates the filter is becoming full and requires an inspection and / or cleaning. The rate of change value for this trigger is factory and / or user defined, as indicted, or taken from the rate of change noted when the ’Go’ / ’NoGo’ indicator is activated. It will be noted the initially the system could have no sensor data (if it is not in a factory preset mode) and it is required to ‘learn’ as it records. Once it has learned, the values for minimum and maximum rates are stored unless deliberately reset by the user. If the rate of change is compared to trigger rate value, a count system can then be implemented. Each time the rate is below the trigger, the system increases the count by one (reduces by two if above the trigger). If the count hits a certain number (e.g., 4), the system sends a message to imply it may be full (secondary to the ’Go’ / ’NoGo’ indicator). The count may be limited so it is never negative and cannot go beyond an upper value (e.g. 6) - this would allow changes in rate (such as new work piece adding to contamination etc). It may be preferable to have reset button for the count so that when the filter is cleaned, the count is set back to zero (timer reset to zero) - it would be possible for the count to go back down if the conditions and time allowed but a manual reset may be preferable only for the count. The count may then be linked to the time between sensor measurements. If the count is 4, the system identifies the filter is full (no time remaining before inspection / cleaning). If the count is 3, the unit thinks there may be 1 timestep left before inspection. If the count is 2, the system thinks there may be 2 timesteps left before inspection. If the count is 1, the system identifies there may be 3 timesteps left before inspection. If the count is 0, the system identifies there may be at least 4 timesteps left before inspection. One consideration is that of cleaning, potentially more significant if material being cleaned has poor permeability and / or where little contamination is collected. Once removed, if the system identifies is still on, the next reading would be a free space value so the rate of change could be a very large value (compared to a previously small rate of change). So it may be advantageous to include a definable variable that is a value added to the free space / zero field value but which is not greater than any of the ’Go’ / ’NoGo’ trigger values to create a Lower Limiter sensor value - i.e., if the sensor value is below this Lower Limiter value, system identifies resets to the Lower Limiter value but only for the purposes of calculating a rate of change (the original sensor value would still be used for the ’Go’ / ’NoGo’ trigger check). This aim would be to eliminate problems of the system accidentally using a very high rate of change within the fullness calculations which may make less permeable material applications and / or low contamination applications less easy to accommodate mathematically. It would also allow the system to remain active even during cleaning. This same system can be used to automatically place the unit into a lower power consuming mode during cleaning, during which, illumination LED’s are not triggered, and the timesteps between measurements are increased, until the system detects a value above the Lower Limiter once again. Equally, the present system may include a secondary sensing mechanism, such as a position or proximity sensor or similar or another magnetic field measuring sensor detecting only the presence of the filter 10, such that if the sensor device is removed from the filter 10 (e.g. for cleaning or charging, etc) this secondary sensing mechanism (or other means to perform a similar effect) would cause a similar effect of preventing incorrect field measurement and / or rate of change measurement value from being used by the sensor device in determining fullness levels. If the range of Rate of Change values (minimum to maximum) are noted during operation, system may use the rate of change at each timestep and compare against the range of values to illustrate a possible level of ‘fullness’. If the system is used in the same application then this may work well; if it is used with different permeability contamination and / or differing amounts of contamination in the flow, the ’Go’ / ’NoGo’ indicator would still apply. Being able to reset measured values when changing the application is advantageous to allow it to re-leam. Accordingly, the system works from a minimum / zero field value baseline. The system is configured to be compatible for any fluid type, contamination type, etc providing the sensor can detect relative changes in force / magnetic field strength as contamination is collected. Preferably the sensor is located at the filter at a position where a peak force / field is experienced. The system may therefore be configured with a peak force / field finding configuration. Equally if it is used with different permeability contamination and / or differing amounts of contamination in the flow a different Look Up Table could be selected by the user to allow different data set for that new application to be advantageously learned, stored and used in the future. ‘Go7’NoGo’ METHOD. A rate of change of value is calculated. The system records a measured sensor value every T minutes and notes the value, V at each timestep. A rate of change is calculated between latest measurement and first previous. A rate of change between latest measurement and second previous (over two timesteps) is calculated. This may be performed over a multiple timesteps as necessary. The time T could be 5 minutes, 10 minutes, or other definable variable. This process may run continuously whilst the unit has power. ‘Rate of Change’ METHOD. The Rate of Change of sensor values is calculated at the same time as a sensor value is taken (every T minutes). A rate of change is determined between latest measurement and first previous. A rate of change between latest measurement and second previous (over two timesteps) is determined. This could be implemented over multiple timesteps as necessary. It may be preferable to take an average of these. The time T may be 5 minutes, 10 minutes, or any definable variable. This process may run continuously whilst the unit has power. The time between measurements is also noted. ‘Go’ / ‘NoGo’ Part 1 A value selected for ‘Go’ / ‘NoGo’. Uses a pre-set number - could vary number with Product type. If above the number, is ok; if at or below the number it is full - ‘Go’ / ‘NoGo’ If the system already has a likely sensor trigger value, when reached the system triggers, and activates the ‘Clean Required’ LED. Part 2 A user selected value for ‘Go’ / ‘NoGo’ that is a number above the Free Space (zero / minimum) value. A potentiometer / rheostat / variable capacitor may be utilised to create this value (or coding via a program to give a similar variable selector ability). For example, a potentiometer may allow a range from 0-1.5T equivalent (min to max on potentiometer). The sensitivity range may be different from 0-1.5T, e.g. 0-1.5T (or more) or 0-0.6T (or less) -depending on a product / filter range. The system may comprise a potentiometer with fixed position steps e.g. 10 steps between a 0-1.5T range. Or the system may comprise a plurality of potentiometers (one for range change e.g. 0-0.25T, 0-0.5T, 0-0.75T,...0-3T, etc; one for splitting into equal parts e.g. 0%, 10%, 20%,..., 100%, etc - fine tuning effect). A rotary dip switch (or similar fixed position selector method) could be used instead of a potentiometer to give known position steps. If a sensor value in Free Space is known (~0 field) and say IT or 1.2T, the system may calculate a GSD range and ‘calibrate’ for a potentiometer to be used. When triggered, the system activates the ‘Clean Required’ LED. Part 3 Rate of Change ‘Go’ / ‘NoGo’. As a magnet loses ability to capture as it gets more full, the rate of change would start to reduce in continual contamination flow. If the rate of change is less than a defined value, it could be indicative of the unit losing efficiency of capture and it needed a clean. The rate of change value where it could be getting full, is defined as Delta. When the system is triggered as full, from a value picked for ‘Go’ / ‘NoGo’, the rate of change in value is noted and this can be used as a Delta value. When the system is triggered as full from a user selected value for ‘Go’ / ‘NoGo’, the rate of change in sensor value is noted and this can be used as a Delta value. It is possible to state a Delta value (so it is not derived from any actual GSD values over time). This Delta value can be user defined and / or variable. It is ordinarily assumed that a filter unit would be in continual use and that the sensor value would change over time (albeit at a varying rate, with the rate likely to slow down as the magnet gets more full of contamination). So when the measured rate of change falls below the Delta, the sensor value can be noted and this would be the rate first triggered value. However, the unit may be in a variable amount of contamination flow so the rate may rise again the perhaps reduce to another trigger point at an even lower value possibly. And there may be a risk that the unit is left on but cleaned and left on but with no flow, so the filter may see a low rate and trigger at a high (relatively clean) value. Likewise, the contamination may be magnetically poor so the rate trigger could be at a higher number than in other applications. The system may record an initial rate trigger value plus the minimum rate trigger value and average these two GSD values to give a possible intermediate (‘smoothing out’) rate trigger value. The GSD value used is then the ‘Go’ / ’NoGo’ trigger value to activate the ‘Clean Required’ LED. The present system therefore uses a rate of change as the guide. This provides some functionality to accommodate unusual contamination materials and fluids combinations and can allow an element of estimating possible timescales to saturation. When the threshold is reached, the system triggers and activates the ‘Clean Required’ LED. Fullness Score - by GSD Value Part 4 Linear Fullness Score - Takes Min value (Free Space) and Max values ever recorded, splits range into equal sections and puts into equal size Score value zones and uses the Rate of Change Fullness Trigger (as above). Part 5 Non-Linear Fullness Score - Takes Min value and Max values ever recorded, splits range into 512 sections but reassigns those into 9 non-linear score zones (halving size of each zone as the filter becomes full). GSD value falls into a non-linear scoring system. This performs well (because capture is quick on a clean magnet and slows as it becomes full). The system may take the Rate of Change Fullness Trigger (as above) and use that as the minimum. By Splitting into a plurality of sections, the system is adapted for fullness indicators. Because the effectiveness of a magnetic filter to collect contamination over time reduces as the magnetic filter accumulates contamination, allowing the Fullness Score to be nonlinear may be advantageous. This is especially true where the user wishes the system to be more efficient in contamination collection (increased regular cleaning cycles where the filter 10 is deliberately prevented from becoming too full - by the user’s setting of the sensor device 11 such that it triggers a ‘Clean Required’ LED earlier in time). Part 6 Take average of the versions of steps 4 &5 (rounding down to a whole integer) to spread the scoring risk. This may allow for variation between linear and non-linear. It may allow for a ‘smoothing’ of the score over time. Fullness Score - by Rate of Change Part 7 Linear Rate of Change Fullness Score. Takes Min value and Max Rate of Change values recorded, splits range into 512 sections but reassigns those into 9 linear score zones (equal size of each zone as the filter becomes full). Rate of change value falls into a non-linear scoring system. Part 8 Non-Linear Rate of Rate of Change Fullness Score. Takes Min value and Max Rate of Change values recorded, splits range into 512 sections but reassigns those into 9 non-linear score zones (non-linear smaller sizes of zones as the filter becomes full). Rate of Rate of change value falls into a non-linear scoring system. As above in part 5, allowing the Rate of Change of Fullness Score to be non-linear may be advantageous. Part 9 Calculate an average of the Part 7 and 8 to spread a scoring risk. It may allow for a ‘smoothing’ of the score over time. Rate of Change to Predict a need for inspection and / or cleaning and / or time period remaining for inspection and / or cleaning Part 10 and / or Part 11 The Rate of Change is calculated Part 9 (above), between latest measurement and first (Part 10) or the second (Part 11) previous sensor readings. A Count method is used, with the InspCount starting as 0 for the first three readings (to let the system settle). This is compared against a Rate of Change Trigger value ‘Delta’ (from Part 3 above) - if the calculated value is less than Delta, the system may approaching saturation, so add 1 to the InspCount; if the calculated value is more than Delta, the system is not full, so remove 2 from the InspCount. If the InspCount result becomes negative, the InspCount is reset to 0. If the result goes above 9, the InspCount is reset to 9. The limited range of InspCount is from 0 to 9. This is used as an indicator of possible saturation. Where InspCount = 0, the Fullness Indicators (LEDs) may be Green, where InspCount = 1, 2 or 3, the Fullness Indicators may be White, where InspCount = 4, 5 or 6, the Fullness Indicators may be Red. The system also attempts an initial estimate for time remaining before a need to clean. Initially it will not estimate this as there is only one value. When the time (in minutes) is between the current test and previous test, T, it will start to estimate. If the Count is 0, the system assumes at least 4xT minutes left. If the Count is 1, the system assumes 3xT minutes left. If the Count is 2, the system assumes 2xT minutes left. If the Count is 3, the system assumes at IxT minutes left. If the Count is 4, the system assumes 0 minutes left (i e., cleaning is required). If the Rate of Change exceeds Delta, the Count, InspCount, Fullness indicator and the estimated timings for saturation are changed accordingly. Step 12 The Rate of Change is calculated Part 10 and 11 as above and an average calculated between the latest measurement and first previous sensor reading and between the latest measurement and second previous sensor reading. The same Count method is as detailed in Part 10 and 11 to enable the system to activate the Fullness indicator as detailed above. Optionally, it is possible to consider measuring a rate of rate of change in force value (an acceleration). Because it is known that a system’s ability to collect contamination could slow down as the magnet filter starts to collect, the rate of change starts to slow down. In this same way the rate at which the rate changes starts to slow (deceleration in capture rate) which indicates the possibility that the system is likely to need inspecting and cleaning. It is therefore within the scope of the present concept that the previously mentioned steps could equally be applied using a rate of rate of change as a measurement method and means of indicating the fullness of the magnet filter. Variables used within System Program. GSDVal - Sensor value at any point in time (e.g., Hall effect / Gauss sensor or force sensing resistor (FSR)) Time - Time, T, when measurement taken Timelnt - Time Interval between measurements taken (new Time = Time + Timelnt) ErrorCode - This can be 1, otherwise system is ok and this can be 0. CleanVal - If GSDVal falls below this value, gets limited to this value (may not be needed) GSDMaxVal = Max Value of the sensor (only used in Fullness estimate) CleanValLimiter - Value used to create CleanVal - a value added to the minimum SENSOR value recorded (may be a variable). FreeSpaceVal - the value of GSDVal when no magnetic field is present (a zero field value) FactGoNoGo - Factory defined SENSOR value - if GSDVal goes below this, triggers an FullGoNoGo LED light to turn on CustGoNoGo - User defined variable SENSOR value - if GSDVal goes below this, triggers an InspectionNeeded light Delta - the Trigger value for Rate of Change of GSDVal - if the Rate of Change of GSDVale is below Delta, the system may be starting to need an Inspection. ResetCount - if this value is used, it forces FullnessInspCount to clear itself to Zero ResetMaster - Resets any data back to Factory Preset values. dVdTl - Rate of Change of GSDVal between this current Time and 1st previous Time (one x Timelnt involved) dVdT2 - Rate of Change of GSDVal between this current Time and 2nd previous Time (two x Timelnt involved) dVdTAvg - average of dVdTl and dVdT2 at the current Time dVdTAvgMod - Modulus of average of dVdTl and dVdT2 at the current Time InspCountLimit - when FullnessInspCountl, FullnessInspCount2 or FullnessInspCountAvg reaches this value, the unit is programmed to think it may need an Inspection. InspCountl - this is a counter that increases each time the Rate of Change of GSDVal dVdTl is less than Delta but decreases when the Rate of Change of GSDVal dVdTl is more than Delta. FullnessInspCountl - this is a limited range version of InspCountl and can be used as a Fullness Indicator guide. It is used in the updating of InspCountl on the next Time measurements. TimeLeftEstl - this uses the value of FullnessInspCountl and the value of Timelnt and uses an equation to estimate how long may be left before an Inspection may be needed - it is merely an estimated guide. ValEstFulll when the unit thinks it may be full from the FullnessInspCountl reaching the trigger InspCountLimit, the SENSOR value when this happens is noted. ValEstFullFirstl - this is the SENSOR value when the FullnessInspCountl value first reaches the InspCountLimit. ValEstFullMinl - this is the minimum noted SENSOR value when the FullnessInspCountl value reaches the InspCountLimit. ValEstFullAvgl - this is the average of ValEstFullFirstl and ValEstFullMinl. InspCountZ - this is a counter that increases each time the Rate of Change of GSDVal dVdT2 is less than Delta but decreases when the Rate of Change of GSDVal dVdT2 is more than Delta. FullnessInspCountZ - this is a limited range version of InspCountZ and can be used as a Fullness Indicator guide. It is used in the updating of InspCountZ on the next Time measurements. TimeLeftEstZ - this uses the value of FullnessInspCountZ and the value of Timelnt and uses an equation to estimate how long may be left before an Inspection may be needed - it is merely an estimated guide. ValEstFullZ - when the unit thinks it may be full from the FullnessInspCountZ reaching the trigger InspCountLimit, the SENSOR value when this happens is noted. ValEstFullFirstZ - this is the SENSOR value when the FullnessInspCountZ value first reaches the InspCountLimit. ValEstFullMinZ - this is the minimum noted SENSOR value when the FullnessInspCountZ value reaches the InspCountLimit. ValEstFullAvgZ - this is the average of ValEstFullFirstZ and ValEstFullMin2. InspCountAvg - this is a counter that increases each time the Rate of Change of GSDVal dVdTAvg is less than Delta but decreases when the Rate of Change of GSDVal dVdTAvg is more than Delta. FullnessInspCountAvg - this is a limited range version of InspCountAvg and can be used as a Fullness Indicator guide. It is used in the updating of InspCountAvg on the next Time measurements. TimeLeftEstAvg - this uses the value of FullnessInspCountAvg and the value of Timelnt and uses an equation to estimate how long may be left before an Inspection may be needed - it is merely an estimated guide. ValEstFullAvg - when the unit thinks it may be full from the FullnessInspCountAvg reaching the trigger InspCountLimit, the SENSOR value when this happens is noted. ValEstFullFirstAvg - this is the SENSOR value when the FullnessInspCountAvg value first reaches the InspCountLimit. ValEstFullMinAvg- this is the minimum noted SENSOR value when the FullnessInspCountAvg value reaches the InspCountLimit. ValEstFullAvgAvg - this is the average of ValEstFullFirstAvg and ValEstFullMinAvg. FullGoNoGoLED - Linked to LED light to Indicate when unit likely Full from FactGoNoGo or CustGoNoGo checks. FullRateofChangeLED - Linked to LED light to Indicate when unit likely Full from the rate of change (Delta) checks. FullRateofChangeCounterLED - Linked to LED light to Indicate when unit likely Full from the rate of change counter FullnessInspCount checks. BackLightLED - Linked to the inspection LED at the rear of the SENSOR value. The inspection LED could be a bright white or Red, White and Green combination (to match the Fullness Guide Indicator status). PowerLED LED to indicate unit is turned on SettingGoNoGoLED - Linked to LED light to Indicate which method between FactGoNoGo or CustGoNoGo is in use. SettingPowerLED - Linked to LED light to Indicate unit has Power (is ‘On’). SettingFullness9LEDs - Linked to LED light to Indicate which method between Value and Rate of Change is in use to with Fullness Guide Indicator (9 LED’s - 3 Green, 3 White, 3 Red). Equally, a different number of LED’s can be used and / or equally different colours can be selected and / or equally the LED’s could be replace by other means of displaying such information e.g. LCD display. FullRateofChangeCounterLED - Linked to LED light to Indicate when unit likely Full from the rate of change counter FullnessInspCount checks. LED9 - Red LED - 9th - Max Fullness 9 to Min Fullness 1 LED8 - Red LED - 8th - Max Fullness 9 to Min Fullness 1 LED7 - Red LED - 7th - Max Fullness 9 to Min Fullness 1 LED6 - White LED - 6th - Max Fullness 9 to Min Fullness 1 LED5 White LED 5th Max Fullness 9 to Min Fullness 1 LED4 - White LED - 4th - Max Fullness 9 to Min Fullness 1 LED3 - Green LED - 3rd - Max Fullness 9 to Min Fullness 1 LED2 - Green LED - 2nd - Max Fullness 9 to Min Fullness 1 LED1 - Green LED - 1st - Max Fullness 9 to Min Fullness 1 Mode #1 Concept:- Peak Field finding Mode - place sensor onto filter body and move it around -SENSOR value to tell us when a peak field zone has been found. This would allow user to locate best place to fix the sensor against. The SENSOR value will be measuring and storing the minimum and maximum values it measures just for this mode. It will then perform maths based on e.g. Peak found >= (Max-Min)*95%+Min. When there is more than one sensor, user is to connect one sensor at a time to perform this task. If more than one sensor detected, flash an ErrorCode (e.g. flash first and last of the Fullness LED’s twice per second). Suggest flash all three White LED’s every second when below 90% of maximum value, middle white light lights up permanently when at or above 90% of maximum value but all three light up permanently when at or above 95% of maximum value. We may want to change this 90% and 95% values (or change it to a maximum minus nominal values instead of a percentage - as required to obtain a similar effect). Mode #2 through to #15 Concept - Preset Modes - each magnetic filtration unit will have its own magnet pole position relative to the outside and different magnetic field strengths when clean / empty and therefore different magnetic field strengths when full of contamination. Each Mode will have its own Factory set SENSOR value below which the unit will be triggered to indicate it is probably full (‘Go’ / ’NoGo’). Each Mode can also have a user defined SENSOR value below which the unit will be triggered to indicate it is probably full (a different ‘Go’ / ’NoGo’). Each Mode can measure the rate of change of SENSOR value. If that rate falls below a certain value, it can record that SENSOR value and use that as a trigger to indicate it is probably full (a third ‘Go’ / ’NoGo’). The rate value for triggering can be either:- the rate of change when the factory set SENSOR value was reached, the rate of change when the user defined SENSOR value was reached, or a variable value for rate of change that is used (and the SENSOR value when this rate is reached is used). The Fullness Guide Indicator can be worked in different ways. It can use the actual SENSOR value and compare it against the whole range of SENSOR values the unit measures in that Mode (linear or non-linear), or it can use the rate of change of SENSOR value and compare it against the whole range of rate of change of SENSOR values the unit measures in that Mode (linear or non-linear), or it can use a counting method linked to Rate of Change of SENSOR value. When the Rate of Change of SENSOR value is below the trigger value, it starts a counting how many times (adding 1 to the count if under, removing 2 if over - not going less than 0 or more than 6). If the Count is 0, all three green LED’s of the Fullness Guide Indicator are lit, between 1 and 3 white LED’s start to light up one at a time, then between 4 and 6 red LED’s start to light up one at a time. Equally, the addition and subtraction values to the Count Value and the Count Value range can be other numbers to give a similar effect to increase or decrease the sensitivity of the result for example to better suit an application. Mode #16 Concept - User Defined Modes - this mode can be user for Customer’s own requirements (e.g. filtering non-standard magnetic contamination and / or filtering with non-standard fluid media) and could be used against other magnetic filters not produced by Eclipse Magnetics (if the magnetic output from them is enough for the unit to work). This Mode will NOT have its own Factory set SENSOR value below which the unit will be triggered to indicate it is probably full (‘Go’ / ’NoGo’). This Mode will be ‘off and the user defined SENSOR Mode will be used instead. Each Mode can also have a user defined SENSOR value below which the unit will be triggered to indicate it is probably full (a different ‘Go’ / ’NoGo’). Each Mode can measure the rate of change of SENSOR value. If that rate falls below a certain value, it can record that SENSOR value and use that as a trigger to indicate it is probably full (a third ‘Go’ / ’NoGo’). The rate value for triggering can be either:- the rate of change when the factory set SENSOR value was reached, the rate of change when the user defined SENSOR value was reached, or a variable value for rate of change that is used (and the SENSOR value when this rate is reached is used). The Fullness Guide Indicator can be worked in different ways. It can use the actual SENSOR value and compare it against the whole range of SENSOR values the unit measures in that Mode (linear or non-linear), or it can use the rate of change of SENSOR value and compare it against the whole range of rate of change of SENSOR values the unit measures in that Mode (linear or non-linear), or it can use a counting method linked to Rate of Change of SENSOR value. When the Rate of Change of SENSOR value is below the trigger value, it starts a counting how many times (adding 1 to the count if under, removing 2 if over - not going less than 0 or more than 6). If the Count is 0, all three green LED’s of the Fullness Guide Indicator are lit, between 1 and 3 white LED’s start to light up one at a time, then between 4 and 6 red LED’s start to light up one at a time. Equally, the addition and subtraction values to the Count and the Count range can be other numbers to give a similar effect to increase or decrease the sensitivity of the result for example to better suit an application. Initial Values:- GSDVal 0 (this is an example value, to give a minimum value to begin with) GSDMaxVal = 100 (this is an example value, to give a maximum value to begin with) Time - 0 (minutes) (this is an example value to give a start of timing value) Timelnt - 20 (minutes) - (this is an example value and could be varied by the user as necessary) ErrorCode - 0. Clean Vai varies with product / application e.g. 100000 (this is an example value) CleanValLimiter 50000 (this is an example value and may be varied depending on the system) FreeSpaceVal - 34700 (this is an example value to represent that which the system measured when the unit is not connected to a filter and may be varied depending on the system - it is expected that the system will have means to ignore values that fall outside expected measured values) FactGoNoGo - 0 (this is an example value as a starting value) CustGoNoGo - 0 (this is an example value as a starting value) Delta - 0 (this is an example value as a starting value) ResetCount - 0 (this is an example value as a starting value) ResetMaster - 0 (this is an example value as a starting value) dVdTl - 0 (this is an example value as a starting value) dVdT2 - 0 (this is an example value as a starting value) dVdTAvg - 0 (this is an example value as a starting value) dVdTAvgMod - 0 (this is an example value as a starting value) InspCountLimit - 4 (this is an example value but could be different to give a different sensitivity for an application) InspCountl - 0. (this is an example value as a starting value) FullnessInspCountl - 0. (this is an example value as a starting value) TimeLeftEstl - 3000 (minutes) (this is an example value and an initial time left before the unit may need inspecting - it can be changed but will get updated as the system learns how full the filter is getting over time) ValEstFulll - 0 (this is an example value as a starting value) ValEstFullFirstl - 0 (this is an example value as a starting value) ValEstFullMinl - 0 (this is an example value as a starting value) ValEstFullAvgl - 0 (this is an example value as a starting value) InspCountl - 0. (this is an example value as a starting value) FullnessInspCountl - 0. (this is an example value as a starting value) TimeLeftEstl 3000 (minutes), (this is an example value and an initial time left before the unit may need inspecting - it can be changed but will get updated as the system learns how full the filter is getting over time) ValEstFulll - 0 (this is an example value as a starting value) ValEstFullFirstl- 0 (this is an example value as a starting value) ValEstFullMinl - 0 (this is an example value as a starting value) ValEstFullAvgl - 0 (this is an example value as a starting value) RoCDVal=0 (this is an example value as a starting value) InspCountAvg - 0 (this is an example value as a starting value) FullnessInspCountAvg - 0. (this is an example value as a starting value) TimeLeftEstAvg - 3000 (minutes), (this is an example value and an initial time left before the unit may need inspecting - it can be changed but will get updated as the system learns how full the filter is getting over time) ValEstFullAvg - 0 (this is an example value as a starting value) ValEstFullFirstAvg - 0 (this is an example value as a starting value) ValEstFullMinAvg- 0 (this is an example value as a starting value) ValEstFullAvgAvg - 0 (this is an example value as a starting value) PowerLED - 1 (this is an example value as a starting value) FullGoNoGoLED - 0. (this is an example value as a starting value) FullRateofChangeLED - 0. (this is an example value as a starting value) FullRateofChangeCounterLED ^0. (this is an example value as a starting value) BackLightLED - 0 (or Red 0, White 0, Green 0) (this is an example value as a starting value) SettingGoNoGoLED - 0 (this is an example value as a starting value) SettingPowerLED - 0 (this is an example value as a starting value) SettingFullness9LEDs - LED9 to LED1 all 0 (this is an example value as a starting value) FullRateofChangeCounterLED - 0 (this is an example value as a starting value) LED9 - Red LED - 9th - Max Fullness 9 to Min Fullness 1 (the LED numbers and colour could be changed) LED8 - Red LED - 8th - Max Fullness 9 to Min Fullness 11 (the LED numbers and colour could be changed) LED7 - Red LED - 7th - Max Fullness 9 to Min Fullness 11 (the LED numbers and colour could be changed) LED6 - White LED - 6th - Max Fullness 9 to Min Fullness 11 (the LED numbers and colour could be changed) LED5 - White LED - 5th - Max Fullness 9 to Min Fullness 11 (the LED numbers and colour could be changed) LED4 - White LED - 4th - Max Fullness 9 to Min Fullness 11 (the LED numbers and colour could be changed) LED3 - Green LED - 3rd - Max Fullness 9 to Min Fullness 11 (the LED numbers and colour could be changed) LED2 - Green LED - 2nd - Max Fullness 9 to Min Fullness 11 (the LED numbers and colour could be changed) LED1 - Green LED - 1st - Max Fullness 9 to Min Fullness 11 (the LED numbers and colour could be changed) DataClean Start at Time=0. — this starts counting and will only rest to zero ifMasterReset is pressed. Take the SENSOR readingas GSDValRaw If GSDValRaw >GSDValRawMax, then GSDValRawMax = GSDValRaw - reset a max value if it happens If GSDValRaw <GSDValRawMin, then GSDValRawMin = GSDValRaw - reset a min value if it happens If FreeSpaceVal >GSDValRawMin then FreeSpaceVal = GSDValRawMin - if min is below FreeSpace value, reset FreeSpace value to the lower number if GSDValRawMax <(FreeSpaceVal+250) then CleanValLimiter=50000 make value very high else CleanValLimiter = FreeSpaceVal + 2700 — this 2700 should be min of 75% of GSD value when CustDelta, FactDelta and Rate of Change Delta is met GSDVal= GSDValRaw if Va!Limiter 1 then —if value limiter is on, limit lower value of sensor value if GSDValRaw <CleanValLimiter then GSDVal = CleanValLimiter else GSDVal= GSDValRaw Timing check The sensor reading will be taken at regular time intervals (Timelnt) of say 20 minutes. Let GSDValminuslGSDVal Countdown Timelnt until it is 0 then take new reading for GSDVal Rate of change of sensor values, dV / DTl = (GSDValminusl-GSDVal) / (TimeInt) If GSDMaxVal <GSDVal then GSDMaxValGSDVal - retain maximum value —call Go / NoGo Inspection check —call Delta check —call Rate of change Inspection check (fullness) —call Rate of change counter Inspection check (fullness) Let GSDValminus2= GSDValminusl Let GSDValminusl GSDVal Countdown Time 1 nt again until it is 0 then take new reading for GSDVal Rate of change of sensor values is dV / DTl = (GSDVal- GSDValminusl) / (TimeInt) Countdown Timelnt until it is 0 then take new reading for GSDVal Rate of change of sensor values, dV / DTl = (GSDVal- GSDValminusl) / (TimeInt) —1 timestep Rate of change of sensor values, dV / DT2 = (GSDVal- GSDValminus2) / (2*TimeInt) -2 timesteps dVdTAvg = (dV / DTl + dV / DT2) / 2 — take average dVdTAvgMod = Modulus (dV / DTl + dV / DT2) / 2 — {so if value is negative, make it positive} IfdVdTAvgModMaxVal <dVdTAvgMod then dVdTAvgModMaxVal = dVdTAvgMod retain maximum value If GSDMaxVal <GSDVal then GSDMaxVal GSDVal - retain maximum value —call Go / NoGo check —call Delta check —call Rate of change check (fullness) —call Rate of change counter check (fullness) —Retimer Let GSDValminus3 GSDValminus2 Let GSDValminus2 GSD Valminusl Let GSDValminusl GSDVal Countdown Timelnt again until it is 0 then take new reading for GSDVal Rate of change of sensor values is dV / DTl = (GSDValminusl-GSDVal) / (TimeInt) Countdown TimeJnt until it is 0 then take new reading for GSDVal Rate of change of sensor values, dV / DTl = (GSDVal- GSDValminusl) / (TimeInt) -1 timestep Rate of change of sensor values, dV / DT2 = (GSDVal- GSDValminus2) / (2*TimeInt) —2 timesteps Prev Rate of change of sensor values, PrevdV / DTl = (GSDValminusl- GSD Valminus2) / (TimeInt) -previous 1 timestep Prev Rate of change of sensor values, PrevdV / DT2 = (GSDValminusl- GSDValmtnus3) / (2*Timelht) —previous 2 timesteps Rate of rate of change of sensor values, dsV / DTsl = (dV / DTl - PrevdV / DTl) / (TimeInt) --1 timestep compared If Time / Timelnt<=3 then dsV / DTs2= dsV / DTsl else if not met fourth countdown timer, then dsV / DTs2 calculation not ready Rate of rate of change of sensor values, dsV / DTs2 = (dV / DT2 - PrevdV / DT2) / (TimeInt) --2 time steps compared but only 1 Timelnt as rate only changed within that IT end dsVdTsAvg = (dsV / DTsl + dsV / DTs2) / 2 — take average dsVdTsAvgMod = Modulus (dsV / DTsl + dsV / DTs2) / 2 — {so if value is negative, make it positive} If dsVdTsAvgModMaxVal <dsVdTsAvgMod then dsVdTsAvgModMaxVal = dsVdTsAvgMod- retain maximum value dVdTAvg = (dV / DTl + dV / DT2) / 2 - take average dVdTAvgMod = Modulus (dV / DTl + dV / DT2) / 2 — {so if value is negative, make it positive} IfdVdTAvgModMaxVal <dVdTAvgMod then dVdTAvgModMaxVal = dVdTAvgMod retain maximum value If GSDMaxVal <GSDVal then GSDMaxVal GSDVal - retain maximum value —call Go / NoGo check —call Delta check —call Rate of change check (fullness) —call Rate of change counter check (fullness) Goto Retimer —call Go / NoGo check —call Delta check —call Rate of change check (fullness) —call Rate of change counter check (fullness) Goto Retimer Go / NoGo Inspection check If DipSwitch3=0 then If GSDVal <FactGoNoGo then FullGoNoGoLED = 1 (inspection status LED for ‘Go 7’NoGo ’ turns on). FactDelta GSDVal else FullGoNoGoLED = 0 (inspection status LED for ‘Go' 'NoGo ’ turns off). Else (DipSwitch3=1) If GSDVal <CustGoNoGo then FullGoNoGoLED = 1 (inspection status LED for ‘Go ’ / ’NoGo ’ turns on). CustDelta GSDVal else FullGoNoGoLED = 0 (inspection status LED for ‘Go' 'NoGo ’ turns off). End - RETURN TO CODING Delta check (do we want to vary the Delta manually, with a VaryDelta, or use a position switch to increase of decrease sensitivity to it?) If DipSwitchl 0 then Delta = FactDelta — using sensor values from Factory trigger else Delta = CustDelta — using sensor values from User defined trigger IfTime <= Timelnt then InspCountl = 0 If Time <= FullnessInspCountlthen FullnessInspCountl = 0 If Time <= Timelnt END else —current sensor value data value vs 1st previous If ResetCount = 1 then FullnessInspCountl =0 —if Rate of Change Counter reset button is pressed, reset counter to zero If dV / DTl <0 then InspCountl = FullnessInspCountl 2 —if rate is negative, subtract 2 from count else if dV / DTl <Delta then InspCountl = FullnessInspCountl + I — if rate is between 0 and Delta add 1 to count else InspCountl = FullnessInspCountl + 0 — if rate is above Delta add 0 to count FullnessInspCountl = InspCountl If FullnessInspCountl >6 then FullnessInspCountl=6 — limit the value to max 6 If FullnessInspCountl <0 then FullnessInspCountl 0 — limit the value to min 0 If FullnessInspCountl = 0 then TimeLeftEstl = 4 x Timelnt - zero count assumes more than 4 times Timerinterval If FullnessInspCountl = 1 then TimeLeftEstl = 3 x Timelnt one count assumes 3 times Timerinterval until needs inspection If FullnessInspCountl = 2 then TimeLeftEstl = 3 x Timelnt two count assumes 2 times Timerinterval until needs inspection If FullnessInspCountl = 3 then TimeLeftEstl = 1 x Timelnt - three count assumes I times Timerinterval until needs inspection If FullnessInspCountl >= 4 then TimeLeftEstl = 0 x Timelnt four+ count assumes 0 times Timerinterval until needs inspection If FullnessInspCountl >= 4 then TimeLeftEstl = Ox Timelnt - four count assumes 0 times Timerinterval until needs inspection If FullnessInspCountl >= 4 then ifValEstFullFirstl = 0 then ValEstFullFirstl =GSDVal - only take the first value If FullnessInspCountl >= 4 then ifValEstFullMinl = 0 then ValEstFullMinl =GSDVal -take a value If FullnessInspCountl >= 4 then ifGSDVal <ValEstFullMinl then ValEstFullMinl =GSD Val update value is it is smaller ValEstFullAvgl = (ValEstFullFirstl + ValEstFullMinl) / 2 — calculates average If ValEstFullFirstl + ValEstFullMinl =0 then ValEstFullAvgl 0 if value is zero, it has no data If ValEstFullFirstl = 0 then ValEstFullAvgl = 0----if value is zero, it has no data If ValEstFullMinl = 0 then ValEstFullAvgl = 0 — if value is zero, it has no data —current sensor value data value vs 2nd previous If ResetCount = 1 then FullnessInspCount2 =0 —if Rate of Change Counter reset button is pressed, reset counter to zero IfdV / DT2 <0 then InspCount2 = FullnesslhspCount2 - 2 -- if rate is negative, subtract 2 from count else if dV / DT2 <Delta then InspCount2 = FullnessInspCount2 + 1 — if rate is between 0 and Delta add 1 to count else InspCount2 = FullnessInspCount2 0 — if rate is above Delta add 0 to count FullnessInspCount2 = InspCount2 If FullnessInspCount2 >6 then FullnessInspCount2=6 — limit the value to max 6 If FullnessInspCount2 <0 then FullnessInspCount2=0 — limit the value to min 0 If FullnessInspCount2 = 0 then TimeLeftEst2 = 4x Timelnt zero count assumes more than 4 times Timerinterval If FullnesslnspCount2 = 1 then TimeLeftEst2 = 3 x Timelnt - one count assumes 3 times Timerinterval until needs inspection If FullnessInspCount2= 2 then TimeLeftEst2 = 3 x Timelnt two count assumes 2 times Timerinterval until needs inspection If FullnessInspCount2 = 3 then TimeLeftEst2 = 1 x Timelnt three count assumes 1 times Timerinterval until needs inspection If FullnessInspCount2 >= 4 then TimeLeftEst2 = Ox Timelnt - four count assumes 0 times Timerinterval until needs inspection If FullnessInspCount2 >= 4 then TimeLeftEst2 = 0 x Timelnt four+ count assumes 0 times Timerinterval until needs inspection If FullnesslnspCount2 >= 4 then ifValEstFullFirst2 = 0 then ValEstFullFirst2=GSDVal-only take the first value If FullnessInspCount2 >= 4 then ifValEstFullMin2 = 0 then ValEstFullMin2 =GSDVal -take a value If FullnessInspCount2 >= 4 then if GSDVal <ValEstFullMin2 then ValEstFullMin2 GSDV'al update value is it is smaller ValEstFullAvg2 = (ValEstFullFirst2 + Va!EstFullMin2) 2 — calculates average IfValEstFullFirst2 + ValEstFullMin2 =0 then ValEstFullAvg2 = 0 -if value is zero, it has no data IfValEstFullFirst2 = 0 then ValEstFullAvg2 = 0----if value is zero, it has no data If ValEstFuUMin2 = 0 then ValEstFullAvg2 = 0 — if value is zero, it has no data —averaged rate of changes If ResetCount = 1 then FullnessInspCountAvg =0 —if Rate of Change Counter reset button is pressed, reset counter to zero If dV / DTAvg <0then InspCount2 = FullnessInspCountAvg -2 — if rate is negative, subtract 2 from count else if dV / DTAvg <Delta then InspCountAvg = FullnessInspCountAvg 1 — if rate is between 0 and Delta add 1 to count else InspCountAvg = FullnessInspCountAvg + 0 — if rate is above Delta add 0 to count FullnessInspCountAvg = InspCountAvg If FullnessInspCountAvg >6 then FullnessInspCountAvg 6 — limit the value to max 6 If FullnessInspCountAvg <0 then FullnessInspCount2=0 — limit the value to min 0 If FullnessInspCountAvg = 0 then TimeLeftEstAvg = 4 x Timelnt zero count assumes more than 4 times Timerinterval If FullnessInspCountAvg = 1 then TimeLeftEstAvg = 3 x Timelnt one count assumes 3 times Timerinterval until needs inspection If FullnessInspCountAvg 2 then TimeLeftEstAvg = 3 x Timelnt - two count assumes 2 times Timerinterval until needs inspection If FullnessInspCountAvg = 3 then TimeLeftEstAvg = 1 x Timelnt three count assumes 1 times Timerinterval until needs inspection If FullnessInspCountAvg >= 4 then TimeLeftEstAvg = 0 x Timelnt four count assumes 0 times Timerinterval until needs inspection If FullnessInspCountAvg >= 4 then TimeLeftEstAvg = 0 x Timelnt four+ count assumes 0 times Timerinterval until needs inspection If FullnessInspCountAvg >= 4 then ifValEstFullFirstAvg = 0 then VulEstFullFirstAvgGSDVulonly take the first value If FullnessInspCountAvg >= 4 then if ValEstFullMinAvg = 0 then ValEstFullMinAvg =GSDVal take a value If FullnessInspCountAvg >= 4 then if GSDVal <ValEstFullMinAvg then ValEstFullMinAvg =GSDVul update value is it is smaller ValEstFullAvgAvg = (VulEstFullFirstAvg + ValEstFullMinAvg) 2 — calculates average IfValEstFullFirstAvg + ValEstFullMinAvg =0 then ValEstFullAvgAvg 0 if value is zero, it has no data If VulEstFullFirstAvg = 0 then VulEstFullAvgAvg = 0---if value is zero, it has no data If VulEstFullMinAvg = 0 then VulEstFullAvgAvg = 0 — if value is zero, it has no data — rate of change Delta If VulEstFullAvgAvg =0, then RoCDVal= VulEstFullFirstAvg —if an avgedrate trigger average not found, use one timestep avg Else RoCDVal= ValEstFullAvgAvg— if an avged rate trigger average not found, use it IfValEstFullFirstAvg =0, then RoCDVal = ValEstFullFirstl — if an onetime step avge rate trigger not found, use first noted If ValEstFullFirstl =0, then RoCDVal = 0 — if an one lime step first noted rate trigger not found, use 0 Else RoCDVal = ValEstFullMinl If ValEstFullMinAvg =0, then RoCDVal = ValEstFullMinl If ValEstFullMinl =0, then RoCDVal = 0 Else RoCDVal = ValEstFullMinl If GSDVal <RoCDVal then FullRateofChangeLED = 1 (inspection status LED for Rate of Change Fullness turns on). else FullRateofChangeLED = 0 (inspection status LED for Rate of Change Fullness turns off). if flu — ixJ f I Uixly 1 kJ kLJlJl 1\\J Rate of change Inspection check (fullness) If DipSwitch4=0 —using sensor values for fullness split linearly then GSDFullnessLinSplit = (GSDMaxVal - RoCDVal) / 9- split range into 9parts IfGSDVal <RoCDVal +9 * GSDFullnessLinSplit then SettingLinFullness9LEDs = 1- 1 fullness LED’s on IfGSDVal <RoCDVal 8 * GSDFullnessLinSplit then SettingLinFullness9LEDs = 2 - 2 fullness LED’s on IfGSDVal <RoCDVal + 7 * GSDFullnessLinSplit then SettingLinFullness9LEDs = 3 - 3 fullness LED's on IfGSDVal <RoCDVal +6 * GSDFullnessLinSplit then SettingLinFullness9LEDs = 4 4 fullness LED’s on IfGSDVal <RoCDVal +5 * GSDFullnessLinSplit then SettingLinFullness9LEDs = 5 5 fullness LED’s on If GSDVal <RoCDVal +4 * GSDFullnessLinSplit thenSettingLinFullness9LEDs = 6- 6 fullness LED's on IfGSDVal <RoCDVal 3 * GSDFullnessLinSplit then SettingLinFullness9LEDs = 7 - 7 fullness LED’s on IfGSDVal <RoCDVal +2 * GSDFullnessLinSplit then SettingLinFullness9LEDs = 8 8 fullness LED's on IfGSDVal <RoCDVal +1 * GSDFullnessLinSplit then SettingLinFullness9LEDs = 9- 9 fullness LED’s on —using sensor values split non-linearly GSDFullnessNonLinSplit = (GSDMaxVal RoCDVal) / 512 split range into 512parts IfGSDVal <RoCDVal +512 * GSDFullnessNonLinSplit then SettingNonLinFullness9LEDs = 1 1 fullness LED’s on If GSDVal <RoCDVal +256 * GSDFullnessNonLinSplit — then SettingNonLinFullness9LEDs = 22 fullness LED’s on If GSDVal <RoCDVal +128 * GSDFullnessNonLinSplit then SettingNonLinFullness9LEDs = 3 3 fullness LED’s on If GSDVal <RoCDVal 64 * GSDFullnessNonLinSplit then SettingNonLinFullness9LEDs = 44 fullness LED’s on If GSDVal <RoCDVal +32 * GSDFullnessNonLinSplit then SettingNonLinFullness9LEDs = 55 fullness LED’s on If GSDVal <RoCDVal +16 * GSDFullnessNonLinSplit then SettingNonLinFullness9LEDs = 66 fullness LED’s on If GSDVal <RoCDVal +8 * GSDFullnessNonLinSplit then SettingNonLinFullness9LEDs = 77 fullness LED’s on If GSDVal <RoCDVal +4 * GSDFullnessNonLinSplit then SettingNonLinFullness9LEDs = 8 8 fullness LED's on If GSDVal <RoCDVal +2 * GSDFullnessNonLinSplit then SettingNonLinFullness9LEDs = 9 9 fullness LED’s on —using sensor values - smoothing attempt SettingFullness9LEDs = (SettingNonLinFullness9LEDs+ SettingLinFullness9LEDs) / 2 If SettingFullness9LEDs=9 then SettingFullness9LEDs =9 - rounding down if not fill integer If SettingFullness9LEDs<9 then SettingFullness9LEDs =8 — rounding down if not full integer If SettingFullness9LEDs<8 then SettingFullness9LEDs =7 — rounding down if not full integer If Setting Fullness9LEDs<7 then SettingFullness9LEDs =6 — rounding down if not full integer If SettingFullness9LEDs<6 then SettingFullness9LEDs =5 — rounding down if not full integer If SettingFuHness9LEDs<5 then SettingFullness9LEDs =4 — rounding down if not full integer If SettingFullness9LEDs<4 then SettingFullness9LEDs =3 — rounding down if not full integer If SettingFullness9LEDs<3 then SettingFullness9LEDs =2 — rounding down if not full integer If SettingFullness9LEDs<2 then SettingFullness9LEDs =1 — rounding down if not full integer If SettingFullness9LEDs<l then SettingFullness9LEDs =1 shouldn’t happen Else — DipSwitch4 1 —using sensor values for fullness - split linearly GSDFullnessLinSplit = (GSDMaxVal RoCDVal) 9 split range into 9parts If GSDVal <RoCDVal +9 * GSDFullnessLinSplit then SettingLinFullness9LEDs = 1 1 fullness LED’s on If GSDVal <RoCDVal +8 * GSDFullnessLinSplit then SettingLinFullness9LEDs = 2 - 2 fullness LED's on If GSDVal <RoCDVal +7 * GSDFullnessLinSplit then SettingLinFullness9LEDs = 3 3 fullness LED’s on If GSDVal <RoCDVal +6 * GSDFullnessLinSplit then SettingLinFullness9LEDs = 4 4 fullness LED’s on If GSDVal <RoCDVal +5 * GSDFullnessLinSplit then SettingLinFullness9LEDs = 5 - 5 fullness LED's on If GSDVal <RoCDVal +4 * GSDFullnessLinSplit then SettingLinFullness9LEDs = 6 6 fullness LED’s on If GSDVal <RoCDVal 3 * GSDFullnessLinSplit then SettingLinFullness9LEDs = 7 - 7 fullness LED’s on If GSDVal <RoCDVal +2 * GSDFullnessLinSplit then SettingLinFullness9LEDs = 8 8 fullness LED’s on If GSDVal <RoCDVal +1 * GSDFullnessLinSplit then SettingLinFullness9LEDs = 9 9 fullness LED’s on —using sensor values split non-linearly GSDFullnessNonLinSplit = (GSDMaxVal RoCDVal) 512 split range into 512parts If GSDVal <RoCDVal +512 * GSDFullnessNonLinSplit then SettingNonLinFullness9LEDs = 11 fullness LED’s on If GSDVal <RoCDVal +256 * GSDFullnessNonLinSplit — then SettingNonLinFullness9LEDs = 2 2 fullness LED’s on If GSDVal <RoCDVal +128 * GSDFullnessNonLinSplit then SettingNonLinFullness9LEDs = 3-3 fullness LED’s on If GSDVal <RoCDVal + 64 * GSDFullnessNonLinSplit then SettingNonLinFullness9LEDs = 44 fullness LED’s on If GSDVal <RoCDVal +32 * GSDFullnessNonLinSplit then SettingNonLinFullness9LEDs = 55 fullness LED’s on If GSDVal <RoCDVal +16 * GSDFullnessNonLinSplit then SettingNonLinFullness9LEDs = 66 fullness LED’s on If GSDVal <RoCDVal +8 * GSDFullnessNonLinSplit then SettingNonLinFullness9LEDs = 7 7 fullness LED's on If GSDVal <RoCDVal +4 * GSDFullnessNonLinSplit then SettingNonLinFullness9LEDs = 8-8 fullness LED’s on If GSDVal <RoCDVal +2 * GSDFullnessNonLinSplit then SettingNonLinFullness9LEDs = 9 9 fullness LED’s on —using sensor values- smoothing attempt SettingFullness9LEDs = (SettingNonLinFullness9LEDs+ SettingLinFullness9LEDs) / 2 If SettingFullness9LEDs=9 then SettingFullness9LEDs =9 — rounding down if not full integer If SettingFullness9LEDs<9 then SettingFullness9LEDs =8 — rounding down if not full integer If Setting Fullness9LEDs<8 then SettingFullness9LEDs =7 — rounding down if not full integer If SettingFullness9LEDs<7 then SettingFullness9LEDs =6 — rounding down if not full integer IfSetting Fullness9LEDs<6 then SettingFullness9LEDs =5 — rounding down if not full integer If SettingFullness9LEDs<5 then SettingFullness9LEDs =4 — rounding down if not full integer If SettingFullness9LEDs<4 then SettingFullness9LEDs =3 — rounding down if not full integer If SettingFullness9LEDs<3 then SettingFullness9LEDs =2 — rounding down if not full integer If SettingFullness9LEDs<2 then SettingFullness9LEDs =1 — rounding down if not full integer If SettingFullness9LEDs<l then SettingFullness9LEDs =1 - shouldn '1 happen End - RETURN TO CODING If DipSwitch4=0 then — using sensor values If else Else (DipSwitch4=l) - using rate of changes If else End - RETURN TO CODING —call Go NoGo check —call Go / NoGo check —call Go / NoGo check —call Go / NoGo check —call Go / NoGo check —call Go / NoGo check From the above example of coding, it will be clear that alternative versions of coding to achieve a similar set of data and results and means of displaying the results is encompassed. The resulting values may be stored accordingly in Look Up Tables (or similar means of data storage) including the ability to store how the values change over time to create results specific to specific applications or a range(s) of applications. Such values could be used to possibly overwrite some or all the initial start values as desired to enhance the performance of the system.

Claims

1. A sensor device for a magnetic filter comprising:a force measurement circuit having at least one force responsive sensor configured to be responsive to a change in magnetic field strength at the device, the measurement circuit configured to output an analogue electrical signal;a microcontroller to convert the analogue electrical signal output from the measurement circuit to a filter status indication, the microcontroller having a microcontroller board, a microprocessor chip, at least one input / output circuit and a reference data library having reference electrical signal data and correlated filter status data;the microcontroller configured to receive the measured analogue electrical signal and output a generated filter status indication via interrogation of the reference data library.

2. The device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the filter status data is a set of data values associated with capture of magnetically susceptible particles within the chamber in a range at or between a first value corresponding to when the device is empty or clean of magnetically susceptible particles and a second value corresponding to a value when the device is at or close to complete saturation or capture of magnetically susceptible particles.

3. The device as claimed in claims 1 or 2 further comprising:a temperature sensor; andwherein the microcontroller further comprises temperature reference calibration data, the microcontroller configured to calibrate the output filter status indication via interrogation of the temperature reference calibration data.

4. The device as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising a visual, audible, tactile or digital output component.

5. The device as claimed in claim 4 wherein the visual output component comprises any one or a combination of:• a user interface• a display screen• at least one LED• a set of LEDs• a set of LEDs comprising different coloured LEDs.

6. The device as claimed in claim 4 wherein the digital output component comprises any one or a combination of:• a port to connect an electronic component or connector;• a wired or wireless communication electronic component to output a digital signal.

7. The device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the microcontroller further comprises any one or a combination of:• RAM;• a programmable logic circuit data reference library containing programmable logic circuit specific data;• at least one software program;• long term data storage medium• at least one programmable logic circuit control software program.

8. The device as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising:a plurality of reference data libraries, each library containing the reference electrical signal data and the correlated filter status data being specific to a particular magnetic filter.

9. The device as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising a user interface module to enable a user to interact and / or control operation of the microcontroller.

10. The device as claimed in claim 9 wherein the user input module comprises any one or a combination of:• an electronic port;• a wired or wireless communication moduleto connect an auxiliary computer entity to the device and enable a user to interact and / or control operation of the microcontroller and / or the sensor device.

11. The device as claimed in claims 9 or 10 wherein the user input module comprises any one or a combination of:• a microphone• a touch sensitive screen• at least one button• a touch sensitive pad.

12. The device as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising an external housing to contain the force measurement circuit and the microcontroller.

13. The device as claimed in claim 12 further comprising the mount to removably attach the device to an external region of the magnetic filter.

14. The device as claimed in claim 13 wherein the mount comprising any one or a combination of:a collar, a screw, a clip, a strap, a belt, a tie, a band, a hook, a projection or another method to secure the device to an external region of the housing.

15. The device as claimed in claim 13 wherein the mount comprises any one or a combination of an adhesive patch, layer, tab or foot to secure the device to an external region of the magnetic filter.

16. The device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the force responsive sensor comprises any one or a combination of:• a load sensor• a weight sensor• a tension sensor• a compression sensor• a pressure sensor• a strain gauge• a torque gauge or sensor• a capacitor;• an inductor;• Piezo-electric generator;• Magneto-Resistive Sensor.

17. The device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15 wherein the force responsive sensor comprises:a force sensing resistor having a resistance characteristic being responsive to a change in force or mechanical load at the sensor due to a change in magnetic field strength within at least a region of the magnetic filter; and / ora sensor magnet or a ferrous body / component configured to create a force at the sensor that is proportional and / or responsive to entrapment of contaminant material at the magnetic filter.

18. The device as claimed in claim 17 wherein the force sensing resistor comprises any one or a combination of• a patch force sensing resistor• a pad force sensing resistor• a multilayer assembly.

19. The device as claimed in claim 18 wherein the multilayer assembly comprisesa plurality of flexible layers; anda first and second body or first and second electrode forming part of the multilayerassembly.

20. The device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15 wherein the force responsive sensor comprises a Piezoelectric force sensor or an ink-printed flexible Piezoelectric forcesensor.

21. A magnetic filter to filter magnetically susceptible contaminant material from a fluid comprising:a housing defining an internal chamber through which a fluid is capable of flowing between an inlet and an outlet of the device;an elongate magnetic core comprising a plurality of magnets extending axially within the chamber such that a magnetic field generated by the magnetic core is created in a fluid flow path to entrap the contaminant material at the magnetic core;a sensor device as claimed in any preceding claim positioned within the magnetic field.

22. The filter as claimed in claim 21 wherein the sensor device is mounted at any one or a combination of positions and / or status including:• at an external surface of the housing• is detachably mounted at the device• is mounted at an inside surface of the housing• is mounted at the magnetic core.

23. The filter as claimed in claim 22 wherein the sensor device is mounted at the magnetic core at a region between a plurality of magnets and a containment sleeve that defines an external surface of the core.

24. A method of monitoring capture of magnetically susceptible particles by a magnetic core within a magnetic filter, the method comprising:creating a magnetic field within a filtration chamber;allowing a fluid to flow through the chamber within the magnetic field and capturing magnetically susceptible particles within the chamber;providing a force responsive sensor within the magnetic field, the sensor being responsive to a change in a strength of the magnetic field due to the capture of the magnetically susceptible particles;converting a change in force experienced by the sensor to an analogue electrical signal using a measurement circuit;outputting a filter status indication using a microprocessor to receive the analogue electrical signal and generate a filter status indication.

25. The method as claimed in claim 24 comprising: recording a plurality of readings taken by the force responsive sensor and determining a rate of change based on the readings.

26. The method as claimed in claim 25 wherein the plurality of readings are recorded at time intervals.

27. The method as claimed in claims 25 and 26 further comprising:• providing a reference threshold rate of change; and• comparing at least one recorded rate of change reading with the threshold rate of change; and• outputting a generated filter status indication when the recorded rate of change is equal to, is above or is below the threshold rate of change.

28. The method as claimed in any one of claim 24 to 27 wherein the rate of change comprises any one or a combination of:• a rate of change of the analogue electrical signal;• a rate of change of a digital electrical signal;• a rate of change of the force experienced by the sensor;• a rate of change of the filter status indication.

29. The method as claimed in claim 28 wherein the analogue electrical signal comprises any one or a combination of current, voltage and resistance at the measurement circuit.

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