Abstract: An engine oil consumption measuring system includes a multi-cylinder engine with an exhaust system positioned in a test cell. A sampling probe has an end positioned in the exhaust system to receive exhaust. A sample transfer apparatus includes a first end fluidly connected to the sampling probe and a segment positioned in an interior of a furnace. A mass spectrometer includes a specimen probe with an inlet positioned in the segment of the sample transfer apparatus. A particulate filter is positioned in the segment of the sample transfer apparatus upstream from the inlet of the specimen probe. The sample transfer apparatus and the furnace are maintained at temperatures above an oil condensation temperature during testing.

Abstract: An engine oil consumption measuring system includes a multi-cylinder engine with an exhaust system positioned in a test cell. A sampling probe has an end positioned in the exhaust system to receive exhaust. A sample transfer apparatus includes a first end fluidly connected to the sampling probe and a segment positioned in an interior of a furnace. A mass spectrometer includes a specimen probe with an inlet positioned in the segment of the sample transfer apparatus. A particulate filter is positioned in the segment of the sample transfer apparatus upstream from the inlet of the specimen probe. The sample transfer apparatus and the furnace are maintained at temperatures above an oil condensation temperature during testing.

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: A sensor is disclosed for determining a sulfur concentration in a liquid, such as a liquid fuel. The sensor includes a substrate that is at least partially coated with zinc oxide and, more specifically, zinc oxide microstructures. The zinc oxide microstructures have a crystal lattice structure that is oriented in the (002) plane, are oxygen-deficient and have a rod-like microstructure. If the substrate is conductive, it may be connected directly to a working electrode which is connected to a potentiometer which, in turn, is connected to a reference electrode. If the substrate is non-conductive, the conductive layer can be deposited on the substrate prior to deposition of the zinc oxide to form a working electrode. An application of a constant current (or voltage) to either electrode will result in a voltage across (or current flow between) the working and reference electrodes.

Abstract: A measurement system is disclosed for determining a sulfur concentration in a liquid, such as a liquid fuel. The measurement system includes a first electrode that is at least partially coated with zinc oxide and, more specifically, zinc oxide microstructures. The zinc oxide microstructures have a crystal lattice structure that is oriented in the (002) plane. The first electrode may be connected to an electrometer which, in turn, may be connected to a second electrode. The second electrode may be disposed on a common substrate with the first electrode or may be in the form of a plate disposed substantially parallel to the first electrode.

Abstract: A sensor is disclosed for determining a sulfur concentration in a liquid, such as a liquid fuel. The sensor includes a substrate that is at least partially coated with zinc oxide and, more specifically, zinc oxide microstructures. The zinc oxide microstructures have a crystal lattice structure that is oriented in the (002) plane, are oxygen-deficient and have a rod-like microstructure. If the substrate is conductive, it may be connected directly to a working electrode which is connected to a potentiometer which, in turn, is connected to a reference electrode. If the substrate is non-conductive, the conductive layer can be deposited on the substrate prior to deposition of the zinc oxide to form a working electrode. An application of a constant current (or voltage) to either electrode will result in a voltage across (or current flow between) the working and reference electrodes.

Abstract: A measurement system is disclosed for determining a sulfur concentration in a liquid, such as a liquid fuel. The measurement system includes a first electrode that is at least partially coated with zinc oxide and, more specifically, zinc oxide microstructures. The zinc oxide microstructures have a crystal lattice structure that is oriented in the (002) plane. The first electrode may be connected to an electrometer which, in turn, may be connected to a second electrode. The second electrode may be disposed on a common substrate with the first electrode or may be in the form of a plate disposed substantially parallel to the first electrode.

Abstract: A carbon deposit simulation bench for evaluating effects of an engine system liquid on an engine surface that experiences an engine pressure and an engine temperature includes a test chamber having a high surface area test specimen positioned therein. The carbon deposit simulation bench also includes an air supply system including an air supply conduit fluidly connecting an air supply source with the test chamber, and a liquid circulation loop configured to circulate the engine system liquid through the test chamber. A temperature control subsystem simulates the engine temperature within the test chamber, and a pressure control subsystem simulates the engine pressure within the test chamber.

Abstract: A fluid injector for use in an exhaust treatment system is disclosed. The fluid injector may have a nozzle portion, a heater associated with the nozzle portion, and a controller in communication with the heater. The controller may be configured to recognize a condition triggering a purge event of the fluid injector. The controller may also be configured to activate the heater to purge the fluid injector in response to the recognized condition.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for a fluid handling system is disclosed. The heat exchanger may have an inlet configured to receive a fluid at a first temperature, and an outlet configured to discharge the fluid at a second temperature lower than the first. The heat exchanger may also have at least one fluid passageway disposed to conduct the fluid from the inlet to the outlet. The at least one fluid passageway may have a first section fabricated from a first material, and a second section fabricated from a dissimilar second material. At least one of the first and second materials may include a thermally conductive polymer.

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: Certain embodiments are unique coatings. Other embodiments include apparatuses, articles, and components including such coatings and, systems and methods for providing such coatings. Further embodiments, forms, objects, features, advantages, aspects, and benefits shall become apparent from the following description and drawings.

Abstract: A filter for engine exhaust gases includes a housing coupled to an engine to receive engine exhaust gases, and a filter media which is located in the housing. The filter media includes a plurality of filter passages, and a plurality of particles of a transition metal deposited on at least a portion of the filter media. The size of the particles are approximately thirty nanometers or less.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for removing carbon deposits from pistons of internal combustion engines with water are disclosed that avoid disassembly or overhauling the engines. In one aspect, a manifold having at least one water inlet and an internal passageway network is connected to a water source for delivering water to the cylinders through the manifold. The disclosed cleaning apparatus may be installed on a vehicle or provided as original vehicle equipment and used during normal engine operations. A method for cleaning carbon deposits in an internal combustion engine and a modified manifold for delivering water to the cylinders of an engine are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method is provided for applying a coating over a substrate surface of an engine component. The method includes inserting the engine component within a deposition chamber, heating the deposition chamber to a temperature between 325° C. and 500° C., supplying one or more precursors to the heated deposition chamber, subjecting the engine component to the one or more precursors for about five hours to form an inert oxide layer over the substrate surface of the engine component having a thickness of approximately 1-5 microns.

Abstract: An oxygen separation system for an engine is disclosed. The oxygen separation system may include a cathode exposed to inlet air, an anode configured to direct a flow of substantially pure oxygen to a combustion chamber of the engine, and a thin film electrolyte located between the anode and the cathode.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for a fluid handling system is disclosed. The heat exchanger may have an inlet configured to receive a fluid at a first temperature, and an outlet configured to discharge the fluid at a second temperature lower than the first. The heat exchanger may also have at least one fluid passageway disposed to conduct the fluid from the inlet to the outlet. The at least one fluid passageway may have a first section fabricated from a first material, and a second section fabricated from a dissimilar second material. At least one of the first and second materials may include a thermally conductive polymer.

Abstract: A method for a method for calibrating a system configured to analyze exhaust gas produced by a fluid consuming source is disclosed. The method includes directing a first flow of exhaust gas toward an analyzer that is configured to measure at least one component. The method also includes establishing a first value indicative of a measurement of the at least one component within the first flow of exhaust gas. The method also includes removing a first quantity of fluid from the fluid consuming source and delivering a second quantity of fluid into the first flow of exhaust gas. The second quantity of fluid is a portion of the first quantity of fluid. The method also includes at least partially combusting the first flow of exhaust gas and the first quantity of fluid upstream of the analyzer and establishing a second value indicative of a measurement of the at least one component within the exhaust gas and the at least a portion of the first quantity of fluid.

Abstract: A fluid injector for use in an exhaust treatment system is disclosed. The fluid injector may have a nozzle portion, a heater associated with the nozzle portion, and a controller in communication with the heater. The controller may be configured to recognize a condition triggering a purge event of the fluid injector. The controller may also be configured to activate the heater to purge the fluid injector in response to the recognized condition.

Abstract: A method for a method for calibrating a system configured to analyze exhaust gas produced by a fluid consuming source is disclosed. The method includes directing a first flow of exhaust gas toward an analyzer that is configured to measure at least one component. The method also includes establishing a first value indicative of a measurement of the at least one component within the first flow of exhaust gas. The method also includes removing a first quantity of fluid from the fluid consuming source and delivering a second quantity of fluid into the first flow of exhaust gas. The second quantity of fluid is a portion of the first quantity of fluid. The method also includes at least partially combusting the first flow of exhaust gas and the first quantity of fluid upstream of the analyzer and establishing a second value indicative of a measurement of the at least one component within the exhaust gas and the at least a portion of the first quantity of fluid.