Abstract: An apparatus and methods for analysis of a petroleum product, specifically determining the viscosity of a sample, are disclose. The apparatus includes a sample reservoir for receiving a liquid sample and a pressure regulator for applying hyperbaric pressure to a sample within the reservoir. When pressure is applied to the sample reservoir, the sample is forced through a passageway and a pressure sensor monitors the pressure in the sample reservoir. A drop in the pressure can be used to determine when the reservoir is empty and sample viscosity can be calculated based on the time required to empty the reservoir.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for analysis of a petroleum product, specifically determining the viscosity of a sample, are disclose. The apparatus includes a sample reservoir for receiving a liquid sample and a pressure regulator for applying hyperbaric pressure to a sample within the reservoir. When pressure is applied to the sample reservoir, the sample is forced through a passageway and a pressure sensor monitors the pressure in the sample reservoir. A drop in the pressure can be used to determine when the reservoir is empty and sample viscosity can be calculated based on the time required to empty the reservoir.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for spectroscopic analysis of a petroleum product, including detecting and quantifying fuel dilution in an oil sample are disclose. The apparatus includes a sample reservoir for receiving a liquid sample of a petroleum product, a heater for heating a sample in the sample reservoir, a vapor collector for collecting vapors released by heating the liquid sample, and a spectrometer for analyzing the released vapors.

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).

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for analyzing lubricant oils and functional fluids includes an optical emission spectrometer (OES) (26) having a substantially continuously valued wavelength versus intensity output (140). The OES (26) analyzes light captured from a spark emission stand (58) through which the fluid sample is flowed. An expert system (160-172) operates according to a set of Rules, and generates diagnostic text (174) for an operator based on the information about the fluid sample provided by the OES (26) and other measurement devices. The apparatus (10) is reduce in size, weight and cost.

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: 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).