Method and apparatus for on-line monitoring of quality and/or condition of highly resistive fluids
US6577112B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 9, 2001 |
| Grant date | Jun 10, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 9, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N27/026
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An apparatus and method for monitoring a highly electrically-resistive fluid. The method includes applying across the fluid an AC signal that includes at least two different AC electrical potentials, with at least one AC electrical potential having a non-zero DC offset, measuring the fluid's electrical response at each applied potential, and analyzing the fluid quality and/or condition using the applied AC signal and the corresponding measured electrical responses. The invention finds application in conjunction with the on-line (i.e., while in use) monitoring a highly resistive fluids such as, e.g., lubricants, natural and/or synthetic motor oils optionally including standard additives and/or adjuncts, combustion engine fuels, other hydrocarbon-based fluids used in transportation and industrial applications, and the like.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.