Abstract: Minimum Federal Safety Standards for corrosion control on buried oil & gas pipelines stipulate that metallic pipes should be properly coated and have impressed-current cathodic protection (ICCP) systems in place to control the electrical potential field around a protected pipe. In certain examples described herein, electrically-conductive composites can be used and provide intrinsically-safe materials without the dielectric shielding issues of existing materials used with pipelines. As reacted by customary spray applications, the nanocomposite foams described herein are directly compatible with ICCP functionality wherever foam contacts the metallic pipe. Various compositions and their use with underground and/or above ground pipelines are described.

Abstract: Minimum Federal Safety Standards for corrosion control on buried oil & gas pipelines stipulate that metallic pipes should be properly coated and have impressed-current cathodic protection (ICCP) systems in place to control the electrical potential field around a protected pipe. In certain examples described herein, electrically-conductive composites can be used and provide intrinsically-safe materials without the dielectric shielding issues of existing materials used with pipelines. As reacted by customary spray applications, the nanocomposite foams described herein are directly compatible with ICCP functionality wherever foam contacts the metallic pipe. Various compositions and their use with underground and/or above ground pipelines are described.

Abstract: Minimum Federal Safety Standards for corrosion control on buried oil and natural gas pipelines stipulate that metallic pipes should be properly coated and have impressed-current cathodic protection (ICCP) systems in place to control the electrical potential field around susceptible pipes. In certain examples described herein, electrically-conductive nanocomposites can be used and provide intrinsically-safe foam materials without the dielectric shielding issues of existing materials used to physically protect and stabilize buried pipelines. As cured or formed by customary spray applications, the nanocomposite foams described herein are directly compatible with ICCP functionality wherever foam contacts the metallic pipe. Various foam compositions and their use with underground pipelines are described.

Abstract: An on-line sensing system and method for monitoring in real-time thermal-oxidative breakdown, water contamination, and/or fuel dilution conditions in operational engine lubricating oils. The method of the invention includes an electrochemical impedance analysis technique specific to the particular oil to be monitored. Sensing devices having of at least two electrodes are configured for direct installation in an existing access port, or drain port, of a lubricating oil reservoir. An AC voltage waveform is applied to the sensing device (preferably less than 100 Hz) to produce voltage and current responses between the appropriate electrodes contacting the oil. The magnitude impedance |Z| and phase angle components of the complex impedance are used to characterize the quality and/or condition of the engine oil under test. The system also provides an electrical indication indicative of the percentage remaining useful life of the oil.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a sensing system and method for detecting in real-time oil degradation, water contamination, and fuel dilution in operational engine oils for internal combustion engines. The method of the invention uses an electrochemical impedance analysis technique. The sensing system has a multi-electrode sensor element that can be immersed in the engine oil being monitored. The electrode element has at least two electrodes configured so that it can be directly mounted within the oil reservoir of an internal combustion engine. The sensor configuration with a dielectric lubricant contained between the electrodes defines an electrochemical sensor output-impedance-circuit that produces an indication of the operational oil's quality or deterioration. A sinusoidal voltage waveform is applied across the electrodes of the sensor to produce a frequency dependent current through the oil and electrode system.