System and method for identifying fluids and monitoring fluid quality in a vessel
US8746045B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 14, 2011 |
| Grant date | Jun 10, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 5, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N22/04
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Methods and systems are disclosed for using time domain reflectometry to determine the identity of a fluid in a vessel, and to determine whether the quality of a fluid in a vessel is within acceptable parameters. Methods include identifying a fluid by comparing a derived characteristic of a fluid to a reference characteristic, determining the quality of a fluid by determining if a derived characteristic is within an acceptable quality range, monitoring a fluid for a dynamic change in quality or state, and identifying a fluid by comparing a transition reflection waveform to a reference signature transition. The methods are implemented in systems for identifying a fluid layer in a vessel, such as fuel, free liquid water or ice, detecting misfueling or fuel contamination, and detecting fluid state changes, such as the formation of ice.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.