Abstract: A method of assigning an octane number to a sample fuel based on the knock intensities obtained from a plurality of reference fuels each having a different assigned octane number while operating an engine at an established compression ratio. The knock intensities obtained from the plurality of reference fuels are plotted relative to the assigned octane numbers of the fuels. A line is fit to the plotted knock intensities. The octane number for a sample fuel is assigned based on the knock intensity obtained for the sample fuel, the knock intensity obtained from a prototype fuel having an assigned octane number, and the fitted line. In embodiments, an R squared value is obtained for the fitted line and compared with a minimum acceptable R squared value and the fitted line is validated if the R squared value is at least the minimum acceptable R squared value.

Abstract: A method of assigning an octane number to a sample fuel based on the knock intensities obtained from a plurality of reference fuels each having a different assigned octane number while operating an engine at an established compression ratio. The knock intensities obtained from the plurality of reference fuels are plotted relative to the assigned octane numbers of the fuels. A line is fit to the plotted knock intensities. The octane number for a sample fuel is assigned based on the knock intensity obtained for the sample fuel, the knock intensity obtained from a prototype fuel having an assigned octane number, and the fitted line. In embodiments, an R squared value is obtained for the fitted line and compared with a minimum acceptable R squared value and the fitted line is validated if the R squared value is at least the minimum acceptable R squared value.

Abstract: The present invention is a non-intrusive method to determine the fluid level in a vessel. In a preferred embodiment, the vessel is a delayed coker drum in a refinery. Waves are generated in the vessel from an outside source. For wall vibration generated in the frequency range of 1-20,000 Hz, accelerometers on the exterior wall of the vessel measures the attenuation of the vibration modes of the vessel. The fluid level can related to the attenuation of the vibration mode. For wall vibration generated in the ultrasonic range, the wave traveling in the vessel wall are guided waves. The guided wave will leak energy into the fluid inside the vessel and will attenuate depending on the fluid level. Ultrasonic receivers on the outside of the vessel measure the attenuation. The fluid level can be related attenuation of the ultrasonic waves.

Abstract: The present invention is a non-intrusive method to determine the fluid level in a vessel. In a preferred embodiment, the vessel is a delayed coker drum in a refinery. Waves are generated in the vessel from an outside source. For wall vibration generated in the frequency range of 1-20,000 Hz, accelerometers on the exterior wall of the vessel measures the frequency of the vibration modes of the vessel. The fluid level can be related to the frequency of the vibration mode.

Abstract: The present invention is a non-intrusive method to determine the fluid level in a vessel. In a preferred embodiment, the vessel is a delayed coker drum in a refinery. Waves are generated in the vessel from an outside source. For wall vibration generated in the frequency range of 1-20,000 Hz, accelerometers on the exterior wall of the vessel measures the attenuation of the vibration modes of the vessel. The fluid level can related to the attenuation of the vibration mode. For wall vibration generated in the ultrasonic range, the wave traveling in the vessel wall are guided waves. The guided wave will leak energy into the fluid inside the vessel and will attenuate depending on the fluid level. Ultrasonic receivers on the outside of the vessel measure the attenuation. The fluid level can be related attenuation of the ultrasonic waves.

Abstract: The present invention is a non-intrusive method to determine the fluid level in a vessel. In a preferred embodiment, the vessel is a delayed coker drum in a refinery. Waves are generated in the vessel from an outside source. For wall vibration generated in the frequency range of 1-20,000 Hz, accelerometers on the exterior wall of the vessel measures the frequency of the vibration modes of the vessel. The fluid level can be related to the frequency of the vibration mode.