Abstract: A spectroscopic fluid sample apparatus for the transmission and detection of radiation with the key components being a housing; a helical bore formed by the housing and extending through the housing for conducting the sample fluid through the bore to induce centripetal acceleration on the sample fluid and establish a radial composition gradient across the sample fluid in the bore; a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet each in fluid communication with the helical bore; and a spectroscopic sample interface in fluid communication with the fluid outlet has been developed.

Abstract: The concentration of the active ingredient in a rolling oil emulsion can be rapidly determined, and correction of the concentration of the active ingredient can be undertaken by measuring the measuring the amount of light reflected from the emulsion at the peak absorbing wavelength of the dye to obtain a first reflectance value and measuring the amount of light reflected from said emulsion at a wavelength other than the peak absorbing wavelength of the dye to obtain a second reflectance value for at least two different concentrations of the rolling oil in the rolling oil emulsion, establishing a calibration curve, and then monitoring the rolling oil emulsion in like manner. The results may be utilized to feed additional additive to the emulsion, or may be used to feed water into the emulsion system.

Abstract: In a first embodiment of the invention, a method for determining the hydrogen-to-carbon ratio of a liquid hydrocarbon fraction is presented. A sample of the liquid fraction is subjected to an ultra-violet absorption analysis. The results of the analysis correlate directly to the hydrogen-to-carbon ratio of the hydrocarbon fraction and, with a knowledge of this correlation, the hydrogen-to-carbon ratio of the sample under analysis may be determined. Another embodiment provides a method for monitoring the performance of a process for the preparation of olefins by the thermal cracking of a hydrocarbon feedstock. A liquid fraction is recovered from the product of the thermal cracking and subjected to an ultra-violet absorption analysis. The result of the analysis correlates directly to the hydrogen-to-carbon ratio of the product, which in turn correlates to the cracking severity being applied in the thermal cracking process.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus utilizing back scattered laser light measurement techniques for the measurement of particle size distribution in a fluid are disclosed. Such methods and apparatus are particularly suited for but not limited to the measurement of sub-micron particle size distribution in fluids such as petroleum fluids which are colored or opaque and strongly absorptive of incident light. Utilizing an optical transceiver partly immersed in the fluid, the methods and apparatus include provision for the measurement of particle size distribution while the fluid is subjected to conditions of high pressure and/or high temperature.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining a parameter of a particle in a fluid is disclosed and, in particular, an apparatus and method for determining contamination or machine wear by the measurement of contamination or wear particles in a fluid used in the machine is disclosed. In a first embodiment, a measurement cell is provided with a fluid flow path. A first hall probe is arranged adjacent to the flow path for detecting dia-magnetic, para-magnetic, ferro-magnetic particles and a second optical sensor formed of a light emitting diode and phototransistor are provided for optically detecting the particles. A correlation between the hall probes and the optical detector enables an indication of the particles to be obtained so that a parameter of those particles can be determined to provide an indication of contamination or machine wear.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the types and amounts of impurities contained in a fluid medium wherein light is projected into a fluid medium and light which is not absorbed by impurities contained in the fluid medium is transmitted to a spectrometer or photomultiplier. The relationship between the light injected into the fluid medium and the light transmitted out of the fluid medium is analyzed to determine the amounts and types of impurities contained in the fluid medium based on the percentage of light of certain wavelengths transmitted out of the fluid. The apparatus comprises a probe which preferably is slip-stream fit to a pipeline through which the fluid medium flows. The probe is coupled to a light source, such as a tunable laser, by a first fiber and to a spectrometer or photomultiplier by a second fiber. Light is transmitted along the first fiber to the probe from the light source and from the probe to a spectrometer or photomultiplier along the second fiber.

Abstract: Making a measurement device that measures the water content and oil content of the skin into a portable size such that a female beautician can put it in a bag and easily carry it.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the types and amounts of impurities contained in a flowing petroleum product wherein light is projected into the petroleum product, and light which is not absorbed by impurities contained in the petroleum product is transmitted to a spectrometer or photomultiplier. The relationship between the light injected into the petroleum product and the light transmitted out of the petroleum product is analyzed to determine the amounts and types of impurities contained in the petroleum product based on the percentage of light of certain wavelengths transmitted out of the petroleum product. The apparatus comprises a probe which preferably is slip-stream fit to a pipeline through which the petroleum product flows. The probe is coupled to a light source, such as a tunable laser, by a first fiber and to a spectrometer or photomultiplier by a second fiber.

Abstract: An instrument and a method are provided for determining the concentration of at least one species in a substance. The instrument and method can be used to identify and distinguish among various degrees of contamination of motor oil, diesel fuel, and hydraulic fluid by water, ethylene glycol, wear particles, and loss of anti-oxidants. The instrument includes a broad band light source, such as a tungsten filament incandescent lamp, which is very inexpensive and reliable. A fiber optic link is provided to a detector that receives and discriminates among optical spectral transmissions through the fiber optic. Discrimination circuitry is provided for evaluating the transmission and providing a readout that indicates the quality of the fluid. The instrument is suitable for in situ determination of oil quality.

Abstract: A method of determining the content of insolubles in oils using (a) a relation for measuring either absorbance or transmittance from the intensity of transmitted light, (b) a calibration curve for determining the content of insolubles on calibration curve in an oil sample of interest from a measured intensity of scattered light as obtained with a standard sample, (c) the first correlationship for determining the first coefficient of quantification for correcting the effects of the color intensity of the oil sample and the content of insolubles in it, and (d) the second correlationship for determining the second coefficient of quantification for correcting the effects of the particle size distribution of the insolubles and an apparatus for determining the content of insolubles in oils including basically a light source, an interference filter, a sample cell, a measuring device for the intensities of scattered and transmitted components from a sample, a computing unit for performing processing operations based

Abstract: A method and a device for determination of the stability or storability of oil, wherein the stability of oil is determined by measuring the intensity of light scattering from the oil surface, when an asphalteneflocculating liquid is added to the oil sample for determining the stability of the oil. In an advantageous embodiment of the method the intensity of scattered light is directed onto the surface of the oil sample by using a suitable prism. The invention allows implementation of a fully automatically operating analyzer for determining the stability of oil. A closed measuring system is brought about that solves the explosion protection problem which is important in oil refining.

Abstract: A device is provided which passes light of preselected wavelengths through a fluid, gas or vapor to be tested. The light is detected after it has passed through the fluid, gas or vapor. Upon detection, a voltage is created which is proportional in amplitude to the detected light strength for each wavelength of light. These voltages are compared to produce a ratio which represents the condition of the fluid, gas or vapor which is tested or the presence of an analyte of interest. When the ratio is outside of preselected boundaries, control signals are generated which may trigger alarms or otherwise respond to the condition. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the presence of carbon gases such as carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide is detected in gases or vapors.

Abstract: A device and method is provided for determining the degradation of oil after use of the same in an engine or the like. A test sample material is placed in a transparent container and various intensities of light are passed therethrough. A photovoltaic sensor senses the light polarized by the transparent container and the test sample and generates a first set of signals responsive thereto. The methodology is repeated with a sample of used automotive engine oil. The first and second set of signals are compared, and oil degradation is determined therefrom. Where the sensor detects and generates a signal only when the light intensity is equal to or less than the saturation intensity of the sensor, that is from the instant the light is first detected up until saturation of the sensor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting the degree of deterioration in lubricating oil including a grid-like capacitive sensor, that uses the lubricating oil as a dielectric medium, and a magnetic field imposed upon the oil to attract ferromagnetic wear particles into the vicinity of the sensor. Preferably, the magnetic field is generated by a permanent magnet and an electromagnet aligned such that the magnetic field produced by each magnet acts upon the oil along the same axis. A plurality of capacitance measurements are taken at periodic intervals for one type of classification and analysis. Magnetically induced particle concentrations are analyzed visually under the aid of periodic magnetic flux reorientation and optical magnification.

Abstract: In a method and an apparatus for determining a content of an aliphatic hydrocarbon insoluble matter in a residual fuel oil, the method includes the steps of: (a) measuring absorbances of a sample solution having an aliphatic hydrocarbon insoluble matter suspended in the sample solution at two spaced wavelengths of light in a wavelength range from 500 nm to 1,000 nm; and (b) performing an operation to determine the content of the aliphatic hydrocarbon insoluble matter in the sample solution by inserting the measured absorbances into the specific correlations. The contents of the insoluble matter in aliphatic hydrocarbons and asphaltene in the residual fuel oil can be determined in a precise and rapid manner even if the oil contains the particles of aromatic hydrocarbons such as toluene.

Abstract: An acoustic-wave sensor apparatus and method. The apparatus for analyzing a normally liquid petroleum-based composition includes at least one acoustic-wave device in contact with the petroleum-based composition for sensing or detecting the presence of constituents (e.g. paraffins or petroleum waxes) therein which solidify upon cooling of the petroleum-based composition below a cloud-point temperature. The acoustic-wave device can be a thickness-shear-mode device (also termed a quartz crystal mircrobalance), a surface-acoustic-wave device, an acoustic-plate-mode device or a flexural plate-wave device. Embodiments of the present invention can be used for measuring a cloud point, a pour point and/or a freeze point of the petroleum-based composition, and for determining a temperature characteristic of each point.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting the degree of deterioration in lubricating oil including a grid-like capacitive sensor, that uses the lubricating oil as a dielectric medium, and a magnetic field imposed upon the oil to attract ferromagnetic wear particles into the vicinity of the sensor. Preferably, the magnetic field is generated by a permanent magnet and an electromagnet aligned such that the magnetic field produced by each magnet acts upon the oil along the same axis. A plurality of capacitance measurements are taken at periodic intervals for one type of classification and analysis. Magnetically induced particle concentrations are analyzed visually under the aid of periodic magnetic flux reorientation and optical magnification.

Abstract: An analytical system for analyzing a liquid sample includes structure defining an analysis region with an inlet and an outlet, a polychromator system disposed in sensing relation to the analysis region, structure defining a sample inlet port, and structure connecting the sample inlet port to the inlet of the analysis region. The analysis region includes sample excitation apparatus with a pair of spaced metal electrodes, one of the electrodes having an upper surface in spaced juxtaposition to the other electrode and passage structure connected to the inlet of the analysis region. The one metal electrode is disposed with the passage structure extending to an outlet port in the upper surface, and structure in the upper surface defines a plurality of channels extending away from the outlet port of the passage structure for discharge of excess quantities of a liquid sample to be analyzed flowed through the passage structure.

Abstract: Diamond anvil cell for spectroscopic investigation of materials at high temperature, high pressure and shear. A cell is described which, in combination with Fourier transform IR spectroscopy, permits the spectroscopic investigation of boundary layers under conditions of high temperature, high pressure and shear.

Abstract: An optical scheme for in situ identification of particulates in fluid such s engine oil, in which a portion of the fluid flow is tapped, fed via a conduit to a pair of optically transparent opposed plates, imaged through the plates, and the fluid returned to the main flow. Imaging is preferably done with a laser and photodetector array, and the output fed to a computer for image processing. Separation between the plates ensures that all the oil therebetween will be in the imaging system's near field.Preferably, the computer counts the number of particles in the oil, and classifies their shape, by scanning the image until it hits an object (i.e. hits an opaque pixel), using known chain code to trace the object's outline, determining the object's aspect ratio, and repeating for each object in the image.One embodiment uses a planar rotary member which is scalloped about its periphery. The scallops act to push oil continuously against an outer casing.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting the concentration of particles in a liquid includes a light-emitting portion for emitting examination light which is totally reflected-by a boundary surface contiguous to the liquid to be examined, a photosensor for receiving the totally-reflected light, a reference sensor for directly receiving the examination light, and a judgment portion for finding the reflectance from outputs of the two sensors to compute the particle concentration. In case that the liquid to be examined is lubricating oil of an engine, the concentration of carbon particles is calculated, thereby judging the deterioration of the lubricating oil.

Abstract: A portable sonic testing device for the testing of waxy and emulsified fluids, utilizing variations in sound wave propogation, light propogation, and changes in electrical resistance in the liquid, all over a range of temperatures and chemical treatment conditions. The patent also discloses equations used to derive additional information from the output of the device.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method to remove and collect ferrous particles from a fluid for ferrous particle analysis. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a holder chamber and a removable examination slide within the chamber. A magnet induces a magnetic field at the examination slide. A portion of the fluid is passed over the slide in order for the magnetic field to retain ferrous particles on the slide. Thereafter, the slide can be removed from the holder chamber for ferrographic analysis.

Abstract: The on-site analyzer (10) includes a housing (14). The housing (14) contains an infrared spectrometer (18) and an optical emission spectrometer (24) for testing a sample (12) of oil. A conduit (32) by operation of a pump (40) draws the sample (12) into the conduit (32), and controllably moves the sample (12) to an infrared spectrometer (18) for testing, and subsequently to an optical emission spectrometer (24) for testing. The pump (40) and spectrometers (18, 24) are controlled by a computer (50) for complete automation of testing. The computer (50) performs analysis and diagnosis of the test results from the spectrometers (18, 24) based on sets of known and standard information.

Abstract: An analytical system for analyzing a liquid sample that includes structure defining an analysis region with an inlet and an outlet, a spectrometer system disposed in sensing relation to the analysis region, structure defining a sample inlet port, and structure connecting the sample inlet port to the inlet of the analysis region. The analysis region includes sample excitation apparatus with a pair of spaced metal electrodes, one of the electrodes having an upper surface in spaced juxtaposition to the other electrode and passage structure connected to the inlet of the analysis region, and the other electrode having a lower surface of annular configuration in spaced juxtaposition to the upper surface of the one electrode.

Abstract: The on-site analyzer (10) includes a housing (14). The housing (14) contains an infrared spectrometer (18) and an optical emission spectrometer (24) for testing a sample (12) of oil. A conduit (32) by operation of a pump (40) draws the sample (12) into the conduit (32), and controllably moves the sample (12) to an infrared spectrometer (18) for testing, and subsequently to an optical emission spectrometer (24) for testing. The pump (40) and spectrometers (18, 24) are controlled by a computer (50) for complete automation of testing. The computer (50) performs analysis and diagnosis of the test results from the spectrometers (18, 24) based on sets of known and standard information. The computer (50) may communicate with a central, remote computer (70). Remote computer (70) accumulates results from a plurality of on-site analyzers (10) to obtain trend and wear evaluations, and to update the standard information in each of the on-site analyzers (10).

Abstract: An apparatus for analyzing particles collected from a fluid and deposited on a substrate along a given direction, the apparatus including holding structure for supporting the substrate; a radiation source for directing radiation toward the particles on the substrate; and a radiation detector for receiving radiation incident upon the particles on the substrate and for providing an output based on the concentration of the particles, the radiation detector being cooperative with the radiation source to output substantially continuous profile data indicative of the concentration of said particles along the given direction.

Abstract: A system for providing total fluid exchange for an automatic transmission which interconnects with the transmission's opened cooling circuit to deliver new, fresh fluid to the transmission while simultaneously extracting the spent, used fluid. The system provides a means of quick and random interconnection to an opened cooling circuit and means of identifying and aligning direction of flow in such cooling circuit. The system can accurately calibrate and regulate the rate that fresh fluid will flow into the transmission to be the same as that at which the used fluid is extracted, both of which are regulated to flow at the same rate that fluid normally circulates at in the cooling circuit when it is closed under similar operating conditions.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for optimizing the extraction of aromatics from waxy distillates and the dewaxing of waxy raffinates in the manufacture of lubricating oils.

Abstract: A set of standard materials, which comprises at least two kinds of standard materials, for calibration of a photoelectric colorimeter used for the instrumental measurement of petroleum products for their ASTM color, comprising at least two kinds of standard materials each of which is a mixed solution having a color corresponding to an ASTM color and comprises (a) at least five members selected from the group consisting of seven specific colorants such as 3-methyl-1-phenyl-4-(phenylazo)-pyrazol-5-ol, 1-(phenylazo)-2-naphthalenol and 1-[[4-[(dimethylphenyl)azo]dimethylphenyl]azo]-2-naphthalenol, (b) 1-phenyl-1-xylylethane as a solvent for said colorants, and (c) dodecane as a diluent; and a method for instrumental measurement of petroleum products for their ASTM color by a photoelectric colorimeter, which comprises calibrating the photoelectric colorimeter by the use of said at least two kinds of standard materials.

Abstract: A fiber optic refractometer is disclosed for use in on-line measurement of the refractive index of a process fluid. The refractometer does not require light to pass through the process fluid and is hence unaffected by the presence of light diffusing particulate matter in the process fluid. A particular application for which the refractometer is well-suited is the on-line measurement of the hydrogenation state of edible oils (which correlates with refractive index) during the partial hydrogenation process.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for determining the concentration of optically attenuating materials in fluids, such as soot in diesel engine lubricating oils. An optical cell is employed in the form of a very thin tapered sample volume which is inserted into a light beam. The attenuation of the beam is measured at a plurality of locations along the varying thickness of the sample.

Abstract: A device is provided which passes light of preselected wavelengths through a fluid or vapor to be tested. The light is detected after it has passed through the fluid or vapor. Upon detection, a voltage is created which is proportional in amplitude to the detected light strength for each wavelength of light. These voltages are compared to produce a ratio which represents the condition of the fluid or vapor which is tested. When the ratio is outside of preselected boundaries, control signals are generated which may trigger alarms or otherwise respond to the condition.

Abstract: Methods for distinguishing among oil samples, and more particularly between a fluid containing oil base mud and formation oil samples are described. The methods all rely on the discovery that the optical absorption spectrum of all crude oils in the visible and near infrared spectra can be described according to the equation OD=ae.sup.Eb, where (OD) is a measured optical density, (b) is a value between 0.37 and 0.55 chosen according to the wavenumber (E) and can be chosen as a constant equal to 4.6.times.10.sup.-4 cm, and (a) is an unknown which classifies the crude oil. By making measurements and solving for (a), a crude oil can be classified. In a flow stream which has a changing oil content, such as may be obtained by a borehole tool which obtains fluid samples from the formation, by monitoring the unknown (a), a determination may be made as to when a formation oil is being obtained as opposed to a mud filtrate.

Abstract: A fuel contamination detection system for use in testing the contamination level of a fuel sample, wherein the system is selectively operable in a first mode as a particulate detector and in a second mode as a free water detector. A filter support slide includes two apertures and is adapted to support different sizes of filter elements over the apertures. In the particulate detector mode, the slide carries a pair of filter elements through which a fuel sample has been passed, wherein one filter element bears particulates from the sample. A particulate detection circuit includes an incandescent light and a photocell, between which the slide is moved to introduce one filter element and then the other, whereby a differential reading of their respective opacities is obtained and displayed. In the free water detector mode, only one aperture of the slide is used to carry a chemically treated water filter pad.

Abstract: An optical liquid sensor comprises an optical fiber folded back in two, a light-emitting element disposed at one end of the optical fiber, a light-receiving element disposed at the other end, and a detection means comprising a pair of units of a rod lens and/or large-diameter glass optical fiber with a narrow gap interposed therebetween in a linear segment of a folded-back portion of the optical fiber, the folded-back portion being hermetically sealed except at an aperture portion for admitting a liquid into the narrow gap. In this sensor, the loss of light at the narrow gap is minimized. In the manufacture of the sensor, a special jig is used for insuring that a rod lens or the like is accommodated in a metal sheath in such a manner that its forward end is flush with the end face of the sheath or projects slightly beyond the end face.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus employing optical spectrometry techniques to measure metallic wear debris contamination in used motor oil, even in the presence of carbon particulates. Measurement results based on optical spectrometry as disclosed herein correlate closely with results of laboratory analysis based on atomic spectrometry. Variation in transmittance of a sample of oil as a function of wavelength within the approximate range of 300 nm (violet) to 1300 nm (near-infrared) is measured as an indicator of metallic wear debris contamination. Conveniently, measurements may be taken at just two wavelengths within the range, for example 565 nm (green) and 660 nm (red). The ratio of transmittance at the shorter of the two wavelengths to transmittance at the longer of the two wavelengths is determined as an indication of the amount of metallic wear debris contamination, decreases in the ratio from a ratio of unity indicating increasing levels of contamination.

Abstract: A standard sample for use in an instrumental measurement of ASTM color of a petroleum product with a photoelectric colorimeter, which comprises a mixed solution 3-methyl-1-phenyl-4-(phenylazo)-pyrazol-5-ol, 1-(phenylazo)-2-naphthalenol, 1-[[4-[(dimethylphenyl)azo]dimethylphenyl]azo]-2-naphthalenol, 1,5(or 1,8)-bis[(4-methylphenyl)amino]-9,10-anthracenedione, 1-hydroxy-4-[(4-methylphenyl)amino]-9,10-anthracenedione, 1,4-bis(butylamino)-9,10-anthracenedione and 1,4-bis[(4-butylphenyl)amino]-5,8-dihydroxy-9,10-anthracenedione each as a colorant, 1-phenyl-1-xylylethane as a solvent for said colorants and dodecane as a diluent, and a method of instrumental measurement of ASTM color with the standard sample.

Abstract: A standard sample for use in an instrumental measurement of Saybolt color of a petroleum product with a photoelectric colorimeter, which comprises a mixed solution of 1-(phenylazo)-2-naphthalenol, 3-methyl-1-phenyl-4-(phenylazo)-pyrazol-5-ol and 1,4-bis(butylamino)-9,10-anthracenedione each as a colorant, 1-phenyl-1-xylylethane as a solvent for said colorants and dodecene as a diluent, and a method of instrumental measurement of Saybolt color of a petroleum product, which comprises calibrating a photoelectric colorimeter with the standard sample.

Abstract: A lubricant condition sensing unit for the lower unit of a marine propulsion drive. Light is transmitted through the lubricant and the condition and level of the lubricant is sensed by comparing the light signal transmitted with a predetermined value.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting the deterioration of an engine oil including a ceramic heater radiating infrared light including infrared radiation having a wavelength of 6.1 micron meters which is equal to the specific infrared absorption peak of ester of nitric acid contained in the engine oil. The infrared light is made incident upon a photodetector via a band pass filter having a center wavelength of 6.1 micron meters to detect an amount of the ester of nitric acid contained in the engine oil. It has been experimentally confirmed that an amount of the ester of nitric acid is proportional to the total acid value which is a measure of the deterioration of the engine oil, so that by suitably processing an output signal of the photodetector, it is possible to detect the deterioration of the engine oil. The thus detected deterioration may be displayed on a display device provided on a front pedal of a car.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a process and a device for determining the cloud point of a diesel oil, comprising a light source and, aligned on a single axis, a diaphragm comprising a central hole on the said axis, an objective forming the image of the hole on a light trap, and behind the screen, a wide-diameter photoelectric detector intended to deliver an electric current when it receives a light flux, and, disposed between the objective and the screen, a cell containing a diesel oil sample to be analyzed, means for controlling the temperature of this sample being associated to the said cell.

Abstract: A device for detecting a transmissivity of a substance utilizing a transmitted light value, which comprises a light emitting element and a photo detecting element. The light emitting element and the photo detecting element are spaced from each other at a predetermined distance so that a transmitted light value of a substance passing through the space is detected as an amount of light transmitted therethrough. The photo detecting element further comprises a photo oscillator circuit including the photo detecting element as one component thereof and outputs a signal having characteristics selected from a cycle and a frequency corresponding to the transmitted light value, and when the condition of a substance exceeds a predetermined reference level, such information is displayed at a display unit.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring the formation of crystals in a flowing liquid using a flow way that receives a flow of the liquid therethrough; wherein, the flow way includes an optical means and access for illuminating the liquid with a beam of polarized light and then imaging the illuminated liquid to qualitatively ascertain the rate and type of crystal formation within the liquid.

Abstract: A method for assaying incompatible sediment in a blended heavy fuel oil is provided. The method is based on measuring total light absorption at 1600 nanometers wavelength, for example, of two or more samples blended to different viscosities, at least one such sample being at specification viscosity. The method may be used to control visbreaker severity so as to reduce the large ERT safety margin commonly used by refiners.

Abstract: The invention disclosed is a method of determining gum content and performing quality control in the production of a gasoline to minimize the gum content in the produced gasoline. A representative sample of the gasoline is subjected to UV spectrophotometric analysis and the peak heights representing absorption in the range of 310 to 600 nm are integrated to determine a total absorption quantity which relates to the actual and potential quantity of gum in the gasoline. Use of this quality control technique will result in a refiner having more control over gum content at a hydrocarbon processing unit, such as a catalytic reformer.

Abstract: In a lubricant contamination measuring device, an optical path gap is provided between a light source window at a light source side and a light receiving window at a light receiving element side. A lubricant having an amount of contaminant to be measured in accordance with a light transmittance is present in the optical path gap and the length of the optical path gap is selected to be shorter than a predetermined length. At least one of the light source and light receiving windows has a convex shape, and the center of the convex window is in contact with a surface of the other window. Thus, the amount of contaminant in the lubricant can be measured up to a high contamination range.

Abstract: An instrument for measuring opacity of oil mist for lubrication purposes is set forth. In the preferred and illustrated embodiment, the apparatus is preferably installed in a pipe cross, opposing legs of the cross conduct oil mist past the opposite two legs supporting an opacity measuring system. Utilizing a bridge voltage supply to power an amplifier forming a reference voltage for reference diodes, a first photo cell is provided with a reference light from LED created light directed to the reference. A second LED directs light through the oil mist. The quantity of light is measured by a second photo cell reflecting the light absorbence of the sample, and the output of the two measuring devices is determined in a differential amplifier, driving a meter movement. The direct current signal is at a safe current range for use of the transmitter in a hazardous environment and is inversely proportional to the percent transmission of the signal.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for infrared qualitative analysis of a fluid independent of the temperature of the fluid. A first signal is generated in response to detected infrared energy passing through the fluid, and a second datum signal is provided for comparison with the first signal, wherein the second signal indicates a non-radiating state. The energy difference between the two signals is provided to a microprocessor control system for computing the fluid quality as a function of the energy difference independent of the temperature of the fluid.

Abstract: A simple and sensitive arrangement for determining the presence of specific substances in a liquid is provided for determining the presence of oil in water. The arrangement comprises a light source which emits diffused UV light through the liquid to be tested, a detector which receives the UV light, and a processing circuit which is driven with a measured signal from the detector. The processing circuit generates an alarm signal if the measurement signal which increases with intensity of the detected UV light becomes smaller than the predetermined value.