Abstract: A method for determining condition of a highly resistive fluid in transportation and industrial equipment. The method is suitable for determining the condition of a non-aqueous fluid including applying a high-frequency voltage signal between electrodes immersed in the fluid, measuring the fluid's response to the applied signal and determining a fluid property, and comparing the magnitude of the determined property, relative to the magnitude of that that property when the fluid is fresh.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the total base number of a used lubricant from an open, all loss, lubricating system. An AC voltage signal is applied between electrodes immersed in the used lubricant and a used-lubricant dependent response to the applied signal measured. The used lubricant base number is determined from the response. To allow for changes in the fresh lubricant inputted to the open lubricating system, the method and apparatus can have means for determining properties of the fresh lubricant needed to determine the total base number of used lubricant. To allow for possible contamination of the used lubricant, the method and apparatus can have means for determining the concentration of contamination and for determining properties of the contaminant needed to determine the total base number of used lubricant.

Abstract: A method for determining a fuel-dilution condition of a lubricant used in transportation and industrial equipment. The method uses apparatus that applies a high frequency and optionally a low frequency oscillating signal to electrodes immersed in the fluid and quantifies fluid response to the signals. Apparatus can further include means to control the lubricant temperature, or a temperature sensor to monitor the lubricant temperature at the electrodes. The method monitors response of the lubricant to the applied electrical signals and determines ratios of lubricant properties. The high-frequency lubricant property ratio or change of high frequency lubricant property as a function of a lubricant use-measure is compared to a predicted ratio based on lubricant use and an estimate of the lubricant's fuel dilution determined. The optional low-frequency lubricant property ratio is compared to thresholds to determine when the lubricant loses the ability to control fuel dilution.

Abstract: A method for determining condition of a highly resistive fluid in transportation and industrial equipment. The method uses apparatus that applies a high frequency oscillating voltage signals to electrodes immersed in the fluid and quantifies fluid response to the signals. Apparatus can further include means to control the temperature of the fluid, or a temperature sensor to monitor the temperature of fluid at the electrodes. The method monitors response of the fluid to the electrical signal applied by the apparatus. The frequency of the applied signal for the method is predetermined as a function of apparatus electrode geometry, fluid temperature or temperature range, and chemical composition of the fluid being monitored. The magnitude of fluid response relative to initial and the rate of change of the fluid response as a function of equipment use are used to essentially continuously determine fluid condition while in use.

Abstract: An apparatus for on-line optical monitoring of the quality and/or chemical condition of a fluid; in particular, a hydrocarbon-based fluid used in transportation and industrial applications. The apparatus includes an IR-transparent internal-reflectance-element (IRE) that has at least one essentially flat surface and at least one convex surface, and at least two IR light paths of uniquely determined central-frequency and bandwidth with light from a source entering a flat surface of the IRE, internally reflecting at least once from at least one convex surface of the IRE that can contact a fluid, exiting a flat surface of the IRE, and being received at a detector. The apparatus also includes electronics to power the source and receive output from the detector of each light path. The apparatus can be controlled to independently monitor the IR light reflected within the IRE at the uniquely determined frequency of each path, and to communicate information relevant to the IR light detected.

Abstract: A method for temperature compensating data relevant to the quality and/or condition of a fluid in use in transportation and industrial devices and/or processes. The method includes collecting and determining the temperature dependence of fluid quality and/or condition relevant data from a first fluid threshold temperature to at least a second fluid threshold temperature when change of fluid temperature is equal or greater than a preset rate, and using the determined dependence to compensate the relevant data to a standard temperature while the fluid is in use.