Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems or apparatuses for analyzing fluids. More particularly the present invention relates to apparatuses and methods that employ impedance spectroscopy (IS) for analyzing fuels. Fuels of interest include biofuel, particularly biodiesel. Hand-held and “in-line” IS apparatuses are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems or apparatuses for analyzing fluids. More particularly the present invention relates to apparatuses and methods that employ impedance spectroscopy (IS) for analyzing fuels. Fuels of interest include biofuel, particularly biodiesel. Hand-held and “in-line” IS apparatuses are disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring and controlling the properties of fluids is disclosed. The inventive concept employs impedance spectroscopy (IS) measurements, and is suitable for real-time, in situ, monitoring and quality control operations, such as quality control during the manufacture of blended lubricants. IS data are obtained for three or more frequencies, where the lowest frequency is less than 1 Hz and the highest frequency is greater than 1 Hz. These data may be interpreted according to statistical techniques such as Principal Component Regression, analytical techniques such as equivalent circuit modeling, or by a combination thereof. The data analysis provides characteristics, or IS signatures, relating to the properties of the fluid. IS signatures for a test fluid are compared to IS signatures for calibration fluids to determine whether the properties of the test fluid fall within specified limits.

Abstract: Impedance spectroscopy is used to determine values associated with properties of a substance such as a fluid. In some embodiments, the present invention is applied to engine lubricants. A spectral matrix is constructed that comprises data taken from spectral plots. Also constructed is a result matrix comprising known quantities of a plurality of fluid constituents. A known analytic technique is performed on the spectral matrix to identify at least one principal component having significant influence on the spectral matrix. A reduced spectral matrix, wherein each column in the reduced spectral matrix is associated with a principal component having significant influence on the spectral matrix, is next created. A statistical technique uses the reduced spectral matrix and the result matrix to create at least one prediction equation. The prediction equation is used to predict at least one property in a second substance in situ.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring and controlling the properties of fluids is disclosed. The inventive concept employs impedance spectroscopy (IS) measurements, and is suitable for real-time, in situ, monitoring and quality control operations, such as quality control during the manufacture of blended lubricants. IS data are obtained for three or more frequencies, where the lowest frequency is less than 1 Hz and the highest frequency is greater than 1 Hz. These data may be interpreted according to statistical techniques such as Principal Component Regression, analytical techniques such as equivalent circuit modeling, or by a combination thereof. The data analysis provides characteristics, or IS signatures, relating to the properties of the fluid. IS signatures for a test fluid are compared to IS signatures for calibration fluids to determine whether the properties of the test fluid fall within specified limits.

Abstract: Impedance spectroscopy is used to determine values associated with properties of a substance such as a fluid. In some embodiments, the present invention is applied to engine lubricants. A spectral matrix is constructed that comprises data taken from spectral plots. Also constructed is a result matrix comprising known quantities of a plurality of fluid constituents. A known analytic technique is performed on the spectral matrix to identify at least one principal component having significant influence on the spectral matrix. A reduced spectral matrix, wherein each column in the reduced spectral matrix is associated with a principal component having significant influence on the spectral matrix, is next created. A statistical technique uses the reduced spectral matrix and the result matrix to create at least one prediction equation. The prediction equation is used to predict at least one property in a second substance in situ.