Device and method for detecting deposit formations on sensor surfaces where lubricants cause the formations

US6774645B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V. · DE

Inventors

• Anton Leidl · Munich, DE
• Peter Langer · Munich, DE
• Ulrich Virnich · Dresden, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 9, 2002
• Grant date: Aug 10, 2004
• Expiry date: Oct 9, 2022

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01N33/2858
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A device for determining whether a lubricant to be examined effects the formation of a deposit on a sensor element has a sensor element for detecting values of at least one physical parameter of the lubricant. The sensor element is in contact with the lubricant. Furthermore, there is provided a potential difference source for applying a potential difference between the sensor element and the lubricant. Moreover, there is provided an evaluator for evaluating at least two values of the physical parameter which are detected at different potential states between the sensor element and the lubricant in order to thus determine whether the lubricant causes a deposit formation on the sensor element.