Abstract: A fluid level monitoring system for a container defining a chamber includes first and second flexible interdigital capacitive sensors located at first and second ends of the chamber and disposed about a longitudinal axis of the chamber. The first and second flexible interdigital capacitive sensors are configured to be immersed, at least in part, within a fluid contained in the chamber. The fluid level monitoring system further includes a controller disposed in operative communication with the first and second flexible interdigital capacitive sensors, to determine a level of the fluid in the chamber based, at least in part, on an average of measure of parameters received from the first and second flexible interdigital capacitive sensors.

Abstract: A fluid level monitoring system for a container defining a chamber includes first and second flexible interdigital capacitive sensors located at first and second ends of the chamber and disposed about a longitudinal axis of the chamber. The first and second flexible interdigital capacitive sensors are configured to be immersed, at least in part, within a fluid contained in the chamber. The fluid level monitoring system further includes a controller disposed in operative communication with the first and second flexible interdigital capacitive sensors, to determine a level of the fluid in the chamber based, at least in part, on an average of measure of parameters received from the first and second flexible interdigital capacitive sensors.

Abstract: A method for quality testing a tube bundle is provided. The tube bundle includes a plurality of tubes. The method includes providing a collimated light source and a receiving screen at a first end and a second end of the tube bundle respectively. The second end of the tube bundle is distal from the first end of the tube bundle. The method further includes directing a light beam through the tube bundle, wherein the light beam enters the tube bundle at an incident light intensity. The method includes passing the light beam through each of the plurality of tubes. The method also includes measuring, on the receiving screen, a received light intensity of the light beam exiting each of the plurality of tubes. The method further includes comparing the received light intensity with the incident light intensity, and determining a quality of the tube bundle based on the comparison.

Abstract: A dual fuel engine system is provided. The dual fuel engine system includes a dual fuel engine. The dual fuel engine system also includes a turbocharger connected to the dual fuel engine having a turbine portion and a compressor portion. The dual fuel engine system further includes a methane reduction module positioned downstream of the turbocharger. The methane reduction module is configured to receive a flow of exhaust gas from the turbine portion of the turbocharger. The methane reduction module includes a combustor. The methane reduction module is adapted to increase a temperature of the exhaust gas flow received from the turbine portion of the turbocharger. The methane reduction module is also adapted to combust methane constituents present in the exhaust gas based on the increase in the temperature.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to sulfur sensors that utilize sensing materials that can be used to detect a wide range of concentrations including ultra low concentrations of sulfur in liquids, such as below even 15 ppm. The sulfur sensors comprise a sensing electrode having a material that contributes an electronic output to the analysis and a material that contributes an ionic output to the analysis.

Abstract: A sulfur concentration detection system for detecting a sulfur concentration in a liquid includes a sensor having a conductive metal substrate and zinc oxide microstructures deposited on and protruding from the conductive metal substrate, a current source, and a voltage detector. An electrical resistivity of the zinc oxide microstructures is configured to change as a function of an amount of sulfur in the liquid available to react with zinc in the zinc oxide microstructures. The current source and the voltage detector are connected to the conductive metal substrate and configured to detect a change in the electrical resistivity of the zinc oxide microstructures.

Abstract: An ultraviolet sensor arrangement detects the amount of sulfur in a fuel of an internal combustion engine by emitting an ultraviolet light field in the presence of the fuel. A detector is disposed to detect a responsive amount of fluorescent light and provide a sensing signal indicative of the amount of sulfur in the fuel. A filter (or filters) receives the sensing signal and provides a filtered sensing signal to a sensing circuit.

Abstract: An inspection system for integral seals includes an ultrasonic transducer configured to ultrasonically scan an integral seal having a rubber sealing member attached to a seal carrier, and a transducer positioning mechanism defining a plurality of translational degrees of freedom and a rotational degree of freedom. An electronic control unit is coupled with the ultrasonic transducer, and may be configured to store data indicative of a defect in the integral seal responsive to a reflection pattern defined by ultrasound reflected by the rubber sealing member and the seal carrier. Related methodology is also disclosed.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to sulfur sensors that utilize sensing materials that can be used to detect a wide range of concentrations including ultra low concentrations of sulfur in liquids, such as below even 15 ppm. The sulfur sensors comprise a sensing electrode having a material that contributes an electronic output to the analysis and a material that contributes an ionic output to the analysis.

Abstract: Sulfur sensors are formed by coating a conductive substrate with ZnO microstructures that are reactive with sulfur in liquids, such as fuel, using MOCVD. The ZnO is changed to ZnS over time and causes the voltage across the sensors to change under a constant current by at least about 25%. The time required for such saturation to occur can then be correlated to a sulfur concentration in the liquid.

Abstract: A method for cleaning a diesel particulate filter includes a step of coupling an acoustic generator directly to the diesel particulate filter via a support fixture. Ash deposited within the diesel particulate filter is dislodged with acoustic energy deposited by the acoustic generator. The ash may fall clear of the diesel particulate filter under the action of gravity and/or via pressurized air flow.

Abstract: An on-machine inspection method for detecting whether a shaft of a transmission system has failed uses a test probe from flaw detection apparatus to discover echo signals with known peaks corresponding to defined weakened portions in the shaft. The test probe is then moved to prescribed angular distances about an end face of the shaft to obtain the echo signals.

Abstract: A system for determining acceptability of torsional dampers for service in a machine system includes a fixture, an ultrasonic scanner and an indicating device configured to indicate at least one of acceptability and unacceptability of a torsional damper based upon receipt of a signal from the scanner. A nondestructive testing method for a torsional vibration damper includes scanning a torsional vibration damper with ultrasonic energy, and determining a test value for the damper indicative of a viscosity of fluid sealed within a housing of the damper based on receiving transmitted ultrasonic energy. Receipt of ultrasonic energy may be used to determine the flow rate of fluid within the damper by indicating a time for fluid to flow to fill a void within the damper. The system and method may be implemented in a remanufacturing or salvaging process for torsional vibration dampers.

Abstract: A method of detecting an internal flaw in a particulate filter includes a step of coupling ultrasonic transducer with the particulate filter. The method also includes a step of moving at least one of the ultrasonic transducer and the particulate filter relative to the other. Consistent coupling of the ultrasonic transducer with the particulate filter is maintained during the moving step. Ultrasonic energy is transmitted from the ultrasonic transducer through a majority of a volume of the particulate filter. The method also includes a step of determining if the particulate filter includes an internal flaw using the ultrasonic energy.

Abstract: An ultraviolet sensor arrangement detects the amount of sulfur in a fuel of an internal combustion engine by emitting an ultraviolet light field in the presence of the fuel. A detector is disposed to detect a responsive amount of fluorescent light and provide a sensing signal indicative of the amount of sulfur in the fuel. A filter (or filters) receives the sensing signal and provides a filtered sensing signal to a sensing circuit.

Abstract: An on-machine inspection method for detecting whether a shaft of a transmission system has failed uses a test probe from flaw detection apparatus to discover echo signals with known peaks corresponding to defined weakened portions in the shaft. The test probe is then moved to prescribed angular distances about an end face of the shaft to obtain the echo signals.

Abstract: A sorting apparatus includes a nozzle, a light source, and a light receiver. The nozzle is positioned with respect to the light source and the light receiver such that light from the light source travels through holes defined by the nozzle and onto the light receiver, thereby to create a light pattern. The light pattern may be analyzed to sort the nozzle into one of several categories. A corresponding method is also provided.

Abstract: A method of detecting an internal flaw in a particulate filter includes a step of coupling ultrasonic transducer with the particulate filter. The method also includes a step of moving at least one of the ultrasonic transducer and the particulate filter relative to the other. Consistent coupling of the ultrasonic transducer with the particulate filter is maintained during the moving step. Ultrasonic energy is transmitted from the ultrasonic transducer through a majority of a volume of the particulate filter. The method also includes a step of determining if the particulate filter includes an internal flaw using the ultrasonic energy.

Abstract: A method for cleaning a diesel particulate filter includes a step of coupling an acoustic generator directly to the diesel particulate filter via a support fixture. Ash deposited within the diesel particulate filter is dislodged with acoustic energy deposited by the acoustic generator. The ash may fall clear of the diesel particulate filter under the action of gravity and/or via pressurized air flow.

Abstract: A system for determining acceptability of torsional dampers for service in a machine system includes a fixture, an ultrasonic scanner and an indicating device configured to indicate at least one of acceptability and unacceptability of a torsional damper based upon receipt of a signal from the scanner. A nondestructive testing method for a torsional vibration damper includes scanning a torsional vibration damper with ultrasonic energy, and determining a test value for the damper indicative of a viscosity of fluid sealed within a housing of the damper based on receiving transmitted ultrasonic energy. Receipt of ultrasonic energy may be used to determine the flow rate of fluid within the damper by indicating a time for fluid to flow to fill a void within the damper. The system and method may be implemented in a remanufacturing or salvaging process for torsional vibration dampers.