Optics: measuring and testing – Oil testing
Reexamination Certificate
2001-04-18
2004-02-10
Stafira, Michael P. (Department: 2877)
Optics: measuring and testing
Oil testing
C356S436000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06690452
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a monitor for detecting an absorbent within a fluid stream or stationary liquid. Moreover, the present invention relates to a low cost, easy to manufacture monitor having a polymer internal reflective element for detecting an absorbent in a fluid, such as carbon in engine oil.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The present invention makes use of radiant energy (hereinafter referred to as “light”) technology to detect an absorbent within a fluid stream or stationary liquid, such as carbon or soot (hereinafter carbon) in engine oil.
Carbon is a natural occurrence in engine oil and exhaust emissions, resulting from incomplete combustion of fuel. This is especially true of diesel engines. The presence of carbon at elevated levels in the oil can be detrimental to the continued operation of the engine. The carbon present in the engine oil is maintained in suspension by the dispersant additives of the lubricant. As carbon levels increase, the viscosity of the oil also increases, putting added stress on engine components. Engine oils with high levels of suspended carbon can become abrasive, and can result in wear in areas of high load. Also, at higher levels of suspended carbon, the carbon may exceed the capacity of the dispersant additive, causing the carbon to deposit in critical oil ways, and in the oil filter—eventually leading to clogging of the oil ways and plugging of the filter. An accurate measurement of carbon, on a regular basis, is essential for minimizing the impact of this undesirable wear, as an indicator of oil condition and as an indicator of engine performance.
Recently promulgated regulations by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) require the virtual elimination of carbon from the exhaust emissions of diesel powered vehicles. The required filtering that enables diesel exhausts to meet these requirements results in a more rapid building of carbon in the engine lubricating oil, thus further increasing the need for a regular and accurate measurement of carbon. Additionally, EPA has promulgated regulations to reduce the production of other exhaust gasses, such as NOX. The implementation of the engine controls to necessary to reduce such emissions actually increases the production of carbon, further increasing the build-up of carbon in the engine oil.
Since excessive carbon in the oil can damage the engine, frequent oil changes are often used to prevent this type of engine damage. On the other hand, diesel engines contain several gallons of expensive lubricating oil, hence it is economically desirable not to change oil before it is necessary.
Therefore, its is desired to monitor the carbon content in the engine oil in order to minimize the potential for engine damage, detect failures, and minimize the frequency of oil changes.
Over the past 30 years several tests have been proposed and adopted for the measurement of suspended carbon in used diesel engine oils.
One such method, the blotter test, involves placing a drop of oil on a sheet of filter paper, and visually assessing the spot that is produced after the oil fully impregnates the paper. While this method is inexpensive and easy to use, the interpretation of the results is completely subjective.
Another method, the total solids procedure, involves mixing a measured quantity of oil with a suitable solvent—often heptane or a mixture of heptane and a polar solvent. The insoluble material is separated by centrifuging, and the separated solids are determined by weight. The total insolubles method is non-specific and may be a poor indicator for carbon if other materials are present. Moreover, it requires the use of volatile solvents, laboratory equipment and trained personnel. Further, the results of analysis using this laboratory based procedure, may not be available to the vehicle operator for several days after the submission of a sample and can often be quite expensive on a per test basis.
The recognized standard laboratory test procedure for dispersed carbon is thermo-gravimetric analysis TGA. It involves removing the volatile organic components by heating under a stream of inert gas and then eliminating the residual carbon in a stream of oxygen. The weight loss associated with the removal of carbon is measured. TGA tends to be the standard method of choice and is the only direct measurement of carbon as elemental carbon. But, similar to the total solids procedure, the results of analysis using this laboratory based procedure may not be available to the vehicle operator for several days after the submission of a sample and can often be quite expensive on a per test basis. TGA is often used as a calibration standard for the total solids and optical methods described herein.
Optical methods, especially infrared spectrometric analysis IR/FTm, involve the measurement of the attenuation of light visible or infrared by the carbon in the oil. The greater the carbon content, the greater the level of attenuation. This in turn can be correlated with carbon content. Instruments that measure the carbon level in engine oil using infrared absorption have been available for some time. But, similar to the total solids procedure and TGA analysis, the results of analysis using this laboratory based procedure may not be available to the vehicle operator for several days after the submission of a sample and can often be quite expensive on a per test basis.
Several field based testing devices utilizing the above referenced laboratory based methods are available. These devices reduce the time necessary to obtain the required results but also require complex operating, cleaning and calibration procedures which are required for accurate measurements and that can be difficult to follow in a field based environment.
Sensors making use of the principle of attenuated total reflection described above also are being developed for direct insertion into the oil passages of diesel engines. Such prior art devices are described in U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/188,508 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,452,083 that are incorporated in their entirety herein. Such devices include a metal body having an infrared transmitting crystal, a source of infrared radiation and a detector that measures the attenuation of the radiation as it passed through the crystal in contact with the carbon containing oil. Such sensors are relatively expensive because of the costly crystal needed. Additionally, expensive machined metal parts and expensive detectors that detect the specific wavelength of carbon are required.
It is therefore desirable to have an inexpensive and easy to manufacture carbon monitor, which is capable of continuously monitoring the engine oil and can provide the operator with an instant warning when the carbon concentration has reached a dangerous level.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A detector assembly which is capable of analyzing a material, the detector assembly comprising: an internal reflection element which is formed of a polymer having internally reflecting surfaces and an optical index of refraction greater than that of the material; a base portion disposed substantially adjacent to the internal reflection element; a light source disposed within the base portion wherein it is in communication with the internal reflection element such that the light source is capable of radiating light into the internal reflection element such that it contacts the internally reflecting surfaces; and a light analyzer disposed within the base portion wherein it is in communication with the internal reflection element such that the light analyzer is capable of measuring the absorbance of the material as the light is discharged from the internal reflection element.
In order for the internal reflection element to function in the presence of oil it must have an optical index of refraction greater than that of lubricating oil which is approximately 1.4. Additionally, the internal reflection element must be capable of withstanding the operating temperature and the chemicals present in
Ohlandt Greeley Ruggiero & Perle L.L.P.
Stafira Michael P.
Valentin II Juan D
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