Lubricant, Grease, Mineral Oil, Hydrocarbon Oil Product, Or Fats Or Lipids For Oxidation (e.g., Breakdown Products Or Contamination, Etc.) Patents (Class 436/60)
  • Patent number: 7306948
    Abstract: Method for determining deposit formation tendencies for a plurality of fluid samples of different compositions is provided. Each sample includes one or more lubricating oil compositions containing at least one or more base oils of lubricating viscosity and one or more lubricating oil additives. The methods can advantageously be optimized using combinatorial chemistry, in which a database of combinations of lubricating oil compositions are generated. As market conditions vary and/or product requirements or customer specifications change, conditions suitable for forming desired products can be identified with little or no downtime.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Chevron Oronite Company LLC
    Inventor: Robert H. Wollenberg
  • Patent number: 7259017
    Abstract: The invention provides a method of diagnosing a lubricated portion which can precisely measure a metal concentration in a lubricating oil and can diagnose accurately a state of the lubricated portion on the basis of a value of measurement. In accordance with the present diagnosing method, a lubricating oil picked up from the lubricated portion is diluted by an organic solvent so as to prepare a sample oil, the sample oil is filtrated by a filter so as to separate a large-diameter metal particle having a particle diameter larger than 0.5 ?m, a metal concentration of a solution formed by dissolving the large-diameter metal particle by an acid and a metal concentration of a filtrate including a small-diameter metal particle having a particle diameter equal to or smaller than 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Tribotex Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiko Kawabata, Yoshinori Sasaki
  • Patent number: 7241621
    Abstract: A method for determining contamination in marine diesel lubricating oils. The method has been found to have particular utility in estimating residual fuel and insolubles contamination in marine diesel lubricating oils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Paul Thomas Reischman, Rafi Jalkian
  • Patent number: 7220591
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for rapidly and accurately determining the fat and oil content of a sample using microwave drying and NMR analysis is disclosed. The method and apparatus incorporate a low mass, porous, hydrophilic and lipophilic sample pad that ensures that the entire sample is subjected to NMR analysis. The method and apparatus according to the invention are suitable for rapidly determining the fat and oil content of samples collected during a production process and for process or quality control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: CEM Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Collins, Edward E. King
  • Patent number: 7183115
    Abstract: A gas analyzer system for analyzing samples of compressed or ambient gas such as breathing air within a scuba tank, SCBA or ambient air within an industrial plant and informing the user as to the results of the sample's gas purity without the gas sample having to be physically transported to an accredited laboratory. The system comprises a gas analyzer situated at a user facility for receiving the contents of a gas sample and detecting gas purity characteristics, and a server situated at a remote certified testing site and electrically coupled to the gas analysis module via data transmission, such as a wireless or a computer network connection, wherein the server, maintained by a qualified third party receives and stores the gas purity characteristics in the form of computer-readable data signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Lawrence Factor, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert M. Lauglin
  • Patent number: 7172903
    Abstract: Oil aging and particulate building in a lubricant other than one exposed to combustion products is monitored by detecting light transmitted through the lubricant at least one, and preferably, two or more preselected wavelengths over a pathlength greater than about 0.5 cm wherein one wavelength is in the near infra-red spectrum and/or one wavelength is in the visible or near infra-red spectrum. The detected light when compared to predetermined values provides an indication of the condition of the lubricant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Alan M. Schilowitz, John S. Szobota, Walter D. Vann
  • Patent number: 7163827
    Abstract: A compound represented by formula I is used as a marker for organic products. wherein Ar1 and Ar2 each independently represent a substituted or unsubstituted phenylene group or a substituted or unsubstituted naphthylene group; R1 represents a straight or branched chain alkyl group having 1 to 22 carbon atoms; R2 represents a hydrogen atom or a group of the formula C(O)R4 where R4 is a hydrogen atom or a straight or branched chain alkyl group having 1 to 22 carbon atoms; and R3 represents a hydrogen atom, a straight or branched chain alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, a straight or branched chain alkoxy group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, a hydroxyl group, or a substituted or unsubstituted phenyl group or a substituted or unsubstituted naphthyl group; and Z represents a hydrogen atom or a group of atoms that combine with Ar2 or R3 to form a lactone ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: United Color Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Smith, Bharat Desai
  • Patent number: 7153694
    Abstract: A method for quantitative determination of hydrocarbon species in a hydrocarbon sample is disclosed. The method uses Townsend Discharge Nitric Oxide Chemical Ionization Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Knox Alex Evans, Weijan Mo, Howard Peterson, Ismet Dzidic
  • Patent number: 7069203
    Abstract: A method and system of transforming a product development process to reduce time in bringing a product to market through high throughput experimentation and advanced statistics and informatics, to transform the product development to a level of higher correlation with engine tests, and to develop better commercial products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Chevron Oronite Company LLC
    Inventors: Robert H. Wollenberg, Thomas J. Balk
  • Patent number: 7037724
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for transporting blended crude oils comprising the steps of; (a) admixing a first crude oil with a second, different crude oil to form a crude oil admixture; (b) determining a first value representing the content of unprecipitated asphaltenes in the admixture; (c) holding the admixture for a period of time at standard conditions; (d) determining a second value representing the content of unprecipitated asphaltenes in the admixture; and (e) either: (i) transporting the admixture if the second value is the same as or within a predetermined range of the first value; or (ii) taking remedial action to prevent asphaltene precipitation prior to transporting if the second value is outside a predetermined range from the first value. Also disclosed is a method for estimating the storage stability of stored crude oils and crude oil admixtures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Joseph L. Stark, C. Mitch Means
  • Patent number: 7018434
    Abstract: The application relates to a method for selecting drag reducer additive (DRA) effectively removable by activated carbons and graphites to be used in fuel. The appliction also relates to effective activated carbons and graphites for removing DRA from fuel, and to a method of using effective activated carbons and graphites to remove DRA from fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventor: John Andrew Waynick
  • Patent number: 6939713
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an assay for determining the levels of sterols, stanols, steryl esters, fatty acid derivatives and combinations thereof in a starch-containing food product. The assay is particularly useful in supporting product health and/or nutritional claims in manufacturing products intended for human or animal consumption. The present invention describes a method for extracting sterols related compounds and uses as an internal standard a steryl ester, preferably cholesterol oleate. By using the present extraction technique the process enables the recovery of substantially all of the sterol related compound in the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: General Mills, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel J. Lewandowski, David W. Plank
  • Patent number: 6893874
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for transporting blended crude oils comprising the steps of; (a) admixing a first crude oil with a second, different crude oil to form a crude oil admixture; (b) determining a first value representing the content of unprecipitated asphaltenes in the admixture; (c) holding the admixture for a period of time at standard conditions; (d) determining a second value representing the content of unprecipitated asphaltenes in the admixture; and (e) either: (i) transporting the admixture if the second value is the same as or within a predetermined range of the first value; or (ii) taking remedial action to prevent asphaltene precipitation prior to transporting if the second value is outside a predetermined range from the first value. Also disclosed is a method for estimating the storage stability of stored crude oils and crude oil admixtures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Joseph L. Stark, C. Mitch Means
  • Patent number: 6881381
    Abstract: A liquid can be marked for identification purposes with at least first and second miscible markers. The markers are mixed in the liquid so that the ratio of the concentration of the first marker to the concentration of the second marker is substantially equal to a predetermined value. Thus, by comparing the ratio of the measured concentration of the first marker to the measured concentration of the second marker with predetermined values the liquid can be uniquely identified. The detectors can be connected to a processor and control unit (22) for initiation of testing, for processing of detection signal from the detectors, and for display of readout information. Processor and control unit (22) can include a look up table (23) for storing information about marking patterns, a comparison element (35) for comparing measured values with values supplied by look up table (23), and a display (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: On-Site Analysis, Inc.
    Inventors: William E. Asher, Richard H. Clarke, Mohammad S. Farahat
  • Patent number: 6803237
    Abstract: A sequential processing reactor vessel and method is disclosed for accelerated extraction and fractionation of chemical analytes from complex solid sample materials. The device and method provide for sequential extraction of elemental constituents from solid materials by sequentially contacting target samples within a single reaction vessel using a series of different reagents at temperatures as high as 150° C. and pressures up to 150 psi to accelerate reactions. The aggressive chemical treatments provided by the disclosed device and method enable the complete digestion of solid samples in liquid analyte samples that can be directly analyzed by conventional spectrometry or other suitable methods. The disclosed device and method provide for efficient sample processing and accelerated reactions to significantly reduce processing times and costs for elemental analysis of solids while improving accuracy, precision and reliability of results compared to conventional devices and methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
    Inventors: Steven J. Manganini, Kenneth W. Doherty, Terence R. Hammer, Bruce A. Lancaster
  • Publication number: 20040195179
    Abstract: A method for determination for a given oil the relative stability of a water-in-oil emulsion that will be formed by that oil with water comprises measuring for the given oil the weight fraction of the oil that is most strongly adsorbed on a silica gel column successively eluted with n-hexane, toluene and methylene chloride-methanol mixture solvents and determining whether said weight fraction is greater than about 0.05; with a value above 0.05 being determinative of an emulsion more stable than one with a value less than 0.05.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Inventor: Ramesh Varadaraj
  • Publication number: 20040197235
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for qualitatively or quantitatively determining one or more analytes in matrices such as foods, biological fluids, etc. An embodiment for determination of a single analyte comprises a sample receiving vessel, a first membrane and a reagent-containing well. The prepared sample passes through the first membrane whereby extraneous matter is removed, and a filtrate enters the reagent-containing well to provide a filtrate-reagent admixture from which the analyte may be determined. An embodiment for determination for multiple analytes includes one or more additional membranes in series with the first membrane, each such additional membrane being operative to capture one or more analytes. Each of the additional analytes may then be eluted from the membrane upon which it has been captured, into a separate reagent-containing well to provide eluant-reagent admixture from which each desired analyte may be determined. Formulations for preparation additives are also included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2004
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Applicant: Safety Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: John T. Sorensen, Michael Mittelstein, Soheila Mirhashemi, Virginia C. Gordon, Bennett W. Root, Barbara J. Peasley, John F. Elias
  • Patent number: 6787362
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for rapidly and accurately determining the fat and oil content of a sample using microwave drying and NMR analysis is disclosed. The method and apparatus incorporate a low mass, porous, hydrophilic and lipophilic sample pad that ensures that the entire sample is subjected to NMR analysis. The method and apparatus according to the invention are suitable for rapidly determining the fat and oil content of samples collected during a production process and for process or quality control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: CEM Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Collins, Edward E. King
  • Publication number: 20040137546
    Abstract: A method for determining the glycerin content of a biodiesel sample is provided which utilizes the conversion of the glycerin content of the biodiesel sample into a colored compound, preferably quinoneimine dye. The concentration of the colored compound, preferably quinoneimine dye, in the biodiesel sample may then be measured and converted to a concentration of glycerin in the biodiesel sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Applicant: Stepan Company
    Inventor: Stacey J. Greenhill
  • Patent number: 6727438
    Abstract: A method for determining the oil and grease concentration of aqueous solutions on offshore facilities without having to ship the aqueous solutions to shore-based laboratories for analysis. The method generally involves a liquid-liquid extraction procedure, where a concentration of oil and grease extracted from a known volume of aqueous solution is determined using a pair of weighing devices, which are connected to a common computer which is capable of processing synchronized data points received from the two weighing devices. The first weighing device is a control scale upon which a reference mass having a known weight is placed. The second weighing device is a sample scale upon which the extracted oil and grease will be placed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Inventor: Steve Stokes
  • Patent number: 6667178
    Abstract: A method for determining the quantity of phenol extracted into an aqueous solution of an alkali metal hydroxide uses a measurement of the pH of the solution, from which the equivalents of phenol relative to alkali metal hydroxide in solution is determined. A method for optimizing the use of an aqueous solution of an alkali metal hydroxide in a phenol recovery process uses pH measured to regulate the feed rate of the aqueous solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Sunoco, Inc. (R&M)
    Inventor: Robert W. Emblidge
  • Publication number: 20030223905
    Abstract: A weight loss system and method measures one or more metabolic parameters in a body fluid sample and correlates the level of the metabolic parameter to a change in body fat or a metabolic state. The weight loss system includes a weight loss monitor including a sampling device for yielding a sample of the body fluid sample and a test element for analyzing the body fluid sample to determine the level of the metabolic parameter. An algorithm correlates the level of the metabolic parameter to a change in body fat, the metabolic state of the user or other parameter indicative of the success of the dieting process. The weight loss monitor may also track and display a user's weight versus an objective and provide feedback and assistance with the dieting process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2003
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventor: Piet Moerman
  • Patent number: 6649412
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method and an apparatus for determining quality properties of fish on the basis of light reflection. A fish and a reflection measurement device (5) with a light emitter and a light receiver (6) are positioned in relation to each other, with the light emitter and light receiver of the device directed towards the fish's inner abdominal wall with peritoneum, so that the light emitter illuminates an area of the fish through the peritoneum and the light receiver captures the light reflected from the fish. The intensity of the reflected light is registered in three or more different wavelength bands, in the visible and near-infrared range. Measurement results registered are, after any processing, entered into an algorithm in a calculation unit, where the algorithm expresses a quality property of the fish.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Marine Harvest Norway AS
    Inventors: Claus Borggaard, Lars Bager Christensen, Knut Erik Gulbrandsen, Allan J. Rasmussen
  • Patent number: 6642056
    Abstract: A process is described for determining the stability of asphaltenes in oil fields, which comprises the following steps: a) titrations of stock tank oil are carried out; the values measured are then used, together with physico-chemical analyses of the stock tank oil, to thermodynamically characterize the asphaltenes and the heavy oil fraction; b) using the physico-chemical analyses of live oil, the experimental data relating to its phase behavior are interpolated in order to provide a better representation by means of an equation of state; c) using the equation of state thus calibrated and the characterization of the asphaltenes, the stability of the latter is verified in relation to the temperature and pressure of live oil, using the equation describing the behavior of a sterically stabilized colloid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Enitecnologie S.p.A.
    Inventors: Sebastiano Correra, Francesca Donaggio, Delfina Bersano
  • Publication number: 20030194811
    Abstract: A method for determining contamination in marine diesel lubricating oils. The method has been found to have particular utility in estimating residual fuel and insolubles contamination in marine diesel lubricating oils.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2002
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventors: Paul Thomas Reischman, Rafi Jalkian
  • Patent number: 6632677
    Abstract: An air-barrier agent for an aqueous reagent or an aqueous specimen having as an effective component a mixture of a chain hydrocarbon and a silicone oil immiscible with the aqueous reagent as well methods of using and making the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Daiichi Pure Chemicals Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiro Sekiguchi, Toshikatsu Abe, Koji Ushizawa
  • Publication number: 20030180958
    Abstract: Oil aging and particulate building in a lubricant other than one exposed to combustion products is monitored by detecting light transmitted through the lubricant at least one, and preferably, two or more preselected wavelengths over a pathlength greater than about 0.5 cm wherein one wavelength is in the near infra-red spectrum and/or one wavelength is in the visible or near infra-red spectrum. The detected light when compared to predetermined values provides an indication of the condition of the lubricant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2003
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Inventors: Alan M. Schilowitz, John S. Szobota, Walter D. Vann
  • Patent number: 6613577
    Abstract: The antioxidant power of an organic or inorganic liquid is determined by causing it to enter into competition with bathocuproine (BC) in a copper sulphate solution. Bathocuproine (BC) forms stable complexes with the monovalent Cu. Such a reaction is specific for Cu(I) and not for divalent Cu(II). Cu(II) in solution can be reduced to Cu(I) by a number of reducing compositions belonging to a class of compositions consisting prevailingly of both liposoluble and water soluble non-enzymatic antioxidants. When the reaction occurs in a bathocuproine (BC) buffer, the complex being formed is characterized by the concentration of the reducing agents and then, by good approximation, of the antioxidants present in the system. The quantitative analysis of such a reaction can be easily made by spectrophotometry at 480 nm both by macro- and micromethods with the use of a number of reducing standard compositions with known concentrations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Med. Dia SRL.
    Inventor: Giuseppe Da Cruz
  • Patent number: 6599747
    Abstract: A test for determining the bioavailable fraction of an organic pollutant present in soil comprises determining the fraction of the organic pollutant present in the soil which may be extracted by a cyclodextrin or derivative thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: University of Lancaster
    Inventors: Brian John Reid, Kirk Taylor Semple, Kevin Christopher Jones
  • Patent number: 6599337
    Abstract: A method for selecting an effective removal agent and a method of removing drag reducer additive from liquid hydrocarbon fuels, preferably gasoline or jet fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventor: John Andrew Waynick
  • Publication number: 20030124728
    Abstract: A sample for NMR measurement of moisture and fat and oil contents is disclosed. The sample includes an organic portion containing at least some fats and oils, a pad that is substantially transparent to microwave radiation and is free of atoms that would interfere with or mask the NMR response of the protons in the fats and oils in the sample, and a sheet material that is free of atoms that would interfere with or mask the NMR response of the protons in the fats and oils in the sample, with the sheet material being wrapped around the organic portion and the pad.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2002
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Applicant: CEM Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Collins, Edward E. King
  • Patent number: 6585938
    Abstract: There is provided a gas concentration-detecting device for detecting the concentration of gas in oil, which is capable of detecting the concentration of gas in oil with accuracy, irrespective of the temperature of oil, and even when oil is degraded. The gas concentration-detecting device includes two electrodes for being arranged in the oil such that the electrodes are opposed to each other and spaced from each other by a predetermined distance, and a capacitance amplifier for outputting a signal indicative of a concentration of gas in oil, the signal being dependent on a capacitance between the electrodes. The predetermined distance between the electrodes is set to a value equal to or larger than a predetermined value at which an amount of drift of the signal output from the capacitance amplifier dependent on variation in a temperature of the oil starts to gradually decrease as the distance between the electrodes is increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Honda Giken Gokyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kyoichi Machida, Nobuyuki Ohta, Katsunori Makino, Hayao Karasaki
  • Patent number: 6582661
    Abstract: An integrated lubricant analyzer apparatus. The apparatus includes a housing having a first fluid inlet port in flow communication with a chemical analysis device. A second fluid inlet port is included in the housing in flow communication with a particle analyzer. The housing also includes a third fluid inlet port in flow communication with an optical particle counting device. A syringe degassing port is attached to the housing for inverting and degassing a syringe containing a fluid sample for a particle count analysis before the fluid sample is injected into the third fluid inlet port. The apparatus includes a sample analysis sequencing procedure and a microprocessor for collection and manipulation of data from the chemical analysis device, the particle analyzer and the particle counting device. Features of the invention enable a trivector analysis of a fluid for maintaining machinery containing the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: CSI Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley D. Pardue, Raymond E. Garvey, III, Anthony J. Hayzen, Mark L. Granger
  • Publication number: 20030096419
    Abstract: A method for determining whether a fluid in an air-conditioning or refrigeration system has been altered is revealed. The method comprises preparing a non-radioactive label for a fluid used in the system, where the fluid is selected from a lubricant, a fluorescent dye and combinations thereof; adding a known quantity of the label to the fluid to form a labeled mixture of the fluid; performing an analysis of the labeled mixture to obtain a base-line profile of the labeled mixture; adding the labeled mixture to the system; providing the system to a user or customer; thereafter, performing an analysis of the fluid in the system to obtain a test profile; and determining whether the fluid in the system has been altered by comparing the base-line profile with the test profile of the fluid in the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2002
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Inventor: Phil Trigiani
  • Publication number: 20030068824
    Abstract: The corrosion sensing or detecting composition and method of the present invention preferably includes an aqueous gel that is adapted as a temporary coating for a surface of a material and that includes at least one composition that changes its appearance in response to corrosion occurring on the surface of the material. In a variation of the preferred embodiment, the at least one composition is further adapted to change color in response to a change in hydrogen ion concentration proximate to the surface of the material. The present invention is also directed to a vehicle, such as an aircraft, a spacecraft, an automotive vehicle, an amphibious vehicle, a boat, and a ship, that is prepared for corrosion inspection. The vehicle and method for inspecting the vehicle preferably include a painted material surface with the paint removed for application of a removable corrosion-detecting coating that changes its appearance in response to corrosion occurring on the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 1999
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Inventors: GERALD S. FRANKEL, RUDOPH G. BUCHHEIT, JIAN ZHANG
  • Publication number: 20030027346
    Abstract: This invention relates to methods for determining whether or not to discard a sample of oil based on the presence of polar compounds in the oil and devices to be used therewith. In a preferred embodiment a test strip comprising an adsorbent affixed to a backing is spotted with a polar indicator. A sample of oil is positioned on a heat conducting device supporting the test strip and the oil is allowed to migrate over the adsorbent material thereby displacing the polar indicator in an amount related to the amount of polar compounds in the oil. This displacement is correlated to the amount of polar compounds in the sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Fidelis C. Onwumere, Robert A. Pranis, Jack G. Truong
  • Patent number: 6503956
    Abstract: A method for analyzing the heteroatom content of solid products which spatter, boil or bump under conditions involving rapid heating, such as Fischer-Tropsch heavy products, including Fischer-Tropsch waxes, is disclosed. The heteroatom content of Fischer Tropsch heavy products can be determined by melting the sample prior to injecting into the analytical instrument used for the analysis. This provides results that are reproducible and accurate. The melting can be done, for example, prior to injection, in a syringe, or by placing the sample in a boat and melting it prior to injection. The melting can be effected by simply moving the boat slowly into the chamber which allows sufficient time for the sample to melt before it is exposed to the high temperature of the combustion zone. Nitrogen and sulfur determination are preferably carried out using a chemiluminescent detector that detects chemically-bound nitrogen and/or sulfur. Oxygen detection is preferably carried out using GC/MS.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventor: Nga Maleksadeh
  • Patent number: 6482651
    Abstract: A compound represented by formula I is used as a marker for organic products, wherein Ar1 and Ar2 each independently represent a substituted or unsubstituted phenylene group or a substituted or unsubstituted naphthylene group; R1 represents a straight or branched chain alkyl group having 1 to 22 carbon atoms; R2 represents a hydrogen atom or a group of the formula C(O)R4 where R4 is a hydrogen atom or a straight or branched chain alkyl group having 1 to 22 carbon atoms; and R3 represents a hydrogen atom, a straight or branched chain alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, a straight or branched chain alkoxy group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, a hydroxyl group, or a substituted or unsubstituted phenyl group or a substituted or unsubstituted naphthyl group; and Z represents a hydrogen atom or a group of atoms that combine with Ar2 or R3 to form a lactone ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: United Color Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Smith, Bharat Desai
  • Publication number: 20020146833
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for rapidly and accurately determining the fat and oil content of a sample using microwave drying and NMR analysis is disclosed. The method and apparatus incorporate a low mass, porous, hydrophilic and lipophilic sample pad that ensures that the entire sample is subjected to NMR analysis. The method and apparatus according to the invention are suitable for rapidly determining the fat and oil content of samples collected during a production process and for process or quality control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Publication date: October 10, 2002
    Inventor: Michael J. Collins
  • Patent number: 6452500
    Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring presence of hydrocarbon-based fluid is disclosed. It includes a body and a sensing cable mounted on the body in a wave-like shape, thus forming a plurality of sensing sections for detecting a layer of hydrocarbon on water. When contacting hydrocarbon, each of the sensing sections generates a signal and the signals add up before transmission to a signal receiver through a signal line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Hycom Instruments Corp.
    Inventor: Hsu-Chen Chuang
  • Publication number: 20020119575
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for rapidly and accurately determining the fat and oil content of a sample using microwave drying and NMR analysis is disclosed. The method and apparatus incorporate a low mass, porous, hydrophilic and lipophilic sample pad that ensures that the entire sample is subjected to NMR analysis. The method and apparatus according to the invention are suitable for rapidly determining the fat and oil content of samples collected during a production process and for process or quality control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2001
    Publication date: August 29, 2002
    Inventor: Michael J. Collins
  • Patent number: 6440746
    Abstract: An apparatus for pyrolysis of a bituminous paving mix is provided, comprising an oven having a bottom wall, a top wall, and side walls defining a combustion chamber, a sample support within the combustion chamber, an infrared heater mounted within the oven and arranged for emitting infrared radiation towards the sample holder so as to heat a sample of paving mix by means of radiation heat transfer, an air inlet positioned for emitting air into the combustion chamber, and an outlet positioned to provide for the circulation of air and combustion gases through the combustion chamber. The apparatus may further include a blower located on the downstream side of the outlet for inducing flow into the combustion chamber by the inlet and out of the combustion chamber by the outlet. A variable speed blower controller may be used to vary the blower speed during paralysis of the paving mix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Troxler Electronic Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Ernest Troxler, William Finch Troxler, Sr., Wewage Linus Dep
  • Publication number: 20020090727
    Abstract: A method for analyzing the heteroatom content of solid products which spatter, boil or bump under conditions involving rapid heating, such as Fischer-Tropsch heavy products, including Fischer-Tropsch waxes, is disclosed. The heteroatom content of Fischer Tropsch heavy products can be determined by melting the sample prior to injecting into the analytical instrument used for the analysis. This provides results that are reproducible and accurate. The melting can be done, for example, prior to injection, in a syringe, or by placing the sample in a boat and melting it prior to injection. The melting can be effected by simply moving the boat slowly into the chamber which allows sufficient time for the sample to melt before it is exposed to the high temperature of the combustion zone. Nitrogen and sulfur determination are preferably carried out using a chemiluminescent detector that detects chemically-bound nitrogen and/or sulfur. Oxygen detection is preferably carried out using GC/MS.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2001
    Publication date: July 11, 2002
    Inventor: Nga Maleksadeh
  • Publication number: 20020081742
    Abstract: A method of determining the composition of a sample including heavy oil or bitumen and water using low-field NMR. The NMR spectrum of the sample is taken at relatively low and high temperatures and the oil or water content is determined from the spectra and differential spectrum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2001
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventors: Konstantin Mirotchnik, Kevin Allsopp, Apostolos Kantzas, Daniel Marentette
  • Patent number: 6387705
    Abstract: An alkylation process that employs a refractive index analyzer to monitor, control, and/or determine acid catalyst strength before, during, or after the alkylation reaction. In a preferred embodiment, the invention relates to the alkylation of an olefinic feedstock with a sulfuric acid catalyst. The acid typically enters the alkylation reactor train at between from about 92 to about 98 weight percent strength. The concentration of acid is controlled and maintained by monitoring the refractive index of the acid in the product mixture comprising alkylate, mineral acid, water, and red oil. At least one online analyzer using a refractometer prism sensor producing real-time measurements of the refractive index of the solution may be compared to the results of manual laboratory tests on the acid strength of the catalyst using manual sample analyses or titration methods. Periodically, after calibration of the system, samples may be taken to verify the precision of the online analyzer, if desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Equilone Enterprises, LLC
    Inventors: Terry Valdene Claibourn, Phillip Jack Hamilton
  • Patent number: 6376250
    Abstract: A visual indicating paste composition for detecting of aqueous solutions in hydrocarbons by changes in color. The paste is utilized by placing on a probe and inserting the probe in a storage device for fuel. Said paste comprising: a) a liquid carrier selected from high molecular weight polyols; b) a caustic powder selected from alkaline earth oxides; c) a gelling agent; d) a surfactant consisting of ethoxylated nonylphenol with 9 moles of ethylene oxide; e) a filler material. f) a water scavenger consisting of aluminum isopropoxide; g) an indicator dye; and h) a neutral dye; wherein the paste of the present invention will change color upon contact with an aqueous solution in the pH range of about between 7 and 11.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Inventor: Nabil J. Mohtadi
  • Patent number: 6365413
    Abstract: Thin film thermal oxidative engine oil or other oleaginous liquid deposit device has an oleaginous test liquid placement volume; a heatable depositor surface in liquid communication with the volume; a supply for at least one of an oxidant and another substance which can adversely affect the test liquid; and a relatively thin film forming unit which delivers the test liquid to the depositor surface in a relatively thin film. Thin film thermal oxidative engine oil or other oleaginous fluid deposit method is also provided, which includes providing an oleaginous test liquid in an oleaginous test liquid placement volume; providing a depositor surface and heating said surface; delivering the test liquid as a relatively thin film to the heated depositor surface; providing to the test liquid an oxidizing and/or other substance which can adversely affect the test liquid; and observing any deposits or other activity thereabout. The invention is useful in oil testing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Savant, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard H. Hall, David A. Dalman, Theodore W. Selby, Jennifer J. Richardson
  • Patent number: 6344331
    Abstract: A biphase immunoassay method is provided in which a water immiscible liquid is qualitatively or quantitatively measured by mixing a sample of the water immiscible liquid with an aqueous solution containing a specific binding partner of the analyte. Binding occurs at or across the interface between the respective liquids and the degree of association of the analyte with its binding partner is dependent upon the concentration ratio rather than absolute quantities. The degree of association may be determined and used to determine the presence and/or concentration of analyte in the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2002
    Assignee: Molecular Light Technology Research Limited
    Inventors: Raymond Lathan Ball, Jeremy Paul Aston, Jennifer Cryer, Ian Weeks
  • Publication number: 20020006667
    Abstract: The invention is a method to improve the prediction of the corrosivity of organic acids in petroleum crudes, feedstocks and distillation fractions by providing a more accurate, repeatable, and rapid means of determining the TAN from the IR spectrum of the material. The method can be easily practiced in refinery, terminal, and assay laboratories. It can be used in conjunction with models and hardware to optimize the usage and improve the valuation of corrosive feed stocks. The invention can be implemented on-line for blending optimization. It comprises the steps of irradiating a heated petroleum sample with IR radiation to produce its IR absorption spectrum, and predicting the TAN from the spectrum using a linear, multivariate regression model. The IR TAN value is then used as input to blending, valuation, and corrosion models.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2001
    Publication date: January 17, 2002
    Inventors: Robert J.L. Chimenti, Gerald M. Halpern, Patricia H. Kalamaras, Michael P. Anderson, Maureen Iannucci
  • Patent number: H2142
    Abstract: A bodymaker coolant in an aluminum drawing-and-ironing operation often is a slurry in water of a predominantly organic “neat lube” that includes a boron-amine complex as one of its constituents. The neat lube is consumed during use and therefore needs to be replenished in the bodymaker coolant, but chemical analysis of the neat lube in bodymaker coolant has proved to be difficult in practice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Inventors: Edward Elizondo, George J. Beyer, Andrew M. Hatch