Abstract: A coalescer element for determining water separation characteristics of hydrocarbon fluids includes a first body portion with a fluid conduit having an inlet and outlet, and a second body portion with a corresponding fluid conduit. A filter separator pad is disposed between the outlet of the second body portion and the inlet of the first body portion. The first body portion includes a cylindrical wall with an open top and closed bottom, receiving the second body portion in a fluid-tight relationship secured by an O-ring seal. The filter separator pad includes stacked fiberglass discs with scrim reinforcement. In operation, a water/fuel emulsion passes through the aligned fluid conduits and coalescer discs, enabling measurement of water separability as an indicator of surfactant presence in the fuel. The apparatus provides simplified testing methods while reducing operator skill requirements for evaluating water separation effectiveness in transient fuel samples.

Abstract: A device for measuring hydroxyl-containing compounds in hydrocarbon samples combines near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy and electrochemical impedance (EI) spectroscopy to accurately identify and quantify compounds like ethanol, methanol, and water. The portable device includes a sample inlet, NIR spectrometer for compound identification, EI spectrometer for compound differentiation, and a controller that processes signals to determine presence and amounts of hydroxyl-containing compounds. The device incorporates temperature control, a custom syringe pump system, and a quartz-tungsten-halogen light source with analog feedback control. A rechargeable lithium-ion battery provides extended field operation. The controller uses machine learning algorithms to perform real-time chemometrics, achieving measurement accuracy within 0.1% by mass.

Abstract: Ways of detecting an aqueous solution in a glycol ether are provided, including detecting an aqueous solution, such as diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) in fuel system icing inhibitor (FSII). A metal salt and the glycol ether are combined, and the glycol ether is identified as including the aqueous solution when the combined metal salt and the glycol ether result in a color change. The presence of the aqueous solution, including the presence of ammonia derived from urea, can indicate contamination of FSII with water and/or DEF and identify the container or reservoir of FSII as unsuitable for addition to aviation fuel.

Abstract: A device and method of use are provided for measuring the concentration of fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) in jet fuel to a limit of detection of 1 ppm. The device measures concentration of FAME in jet fuel via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) with a spectral resolution of 1 cm?1. The device can use an infrared light emitting diode (IR LED) and mercury cadmium telluride (MCT) detector in which the spectral output of the IR LED and the spectral response of the MCT detector is centered on the spectral absorbance of an ester bond, a defining spectral characteristic of FAME. Other IR LEDs with differing spectral outputs can be used to measure the presence and/or concentration of different analytes in different fluids.

Abstract: A device and method of use are provided for measuring the concentration of fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) in jet fuel to a limit of detection of 1 ppm. The device measures concentration of FAME in jet fuel via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) with a spectral resolution of 1 cm?1. The device can use an infrared light emitting diode (IR LED) and mercury cadmium telluride (MCT) detector in which the spectral output of the IR LED and the spectral response of the MCT detector is centered on the spectral absorbance of an ester bond, a defining spectral characteristic of FAME. Other IR LEDs with differing spectral outputs can be used to measure the presence and/or concentration of different analytes in different fluids.

Abstract: A device and method of use are provided for measuring the concentration of fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) in jet fuel to a limit of detection of 1 ppm. The device measures concentration of FAME in jet fuel via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) with a spectral resolution of 1 cm?1. The device can use an infrared light emitting diode (IR LED) and mercury cadmium telluride (MCT) detector in which the spectral output of the IR LED and the spectral response of the MCT detector is centered on the spectral absorbance of an ester bond, a defining spectral characteristic of FAME. Other IR LEDs with differing spectral outputs can be used to measure the presence and/or concentration of different analytes in different fluids.

Abstract: A device and method of use are provided for measuring the concentration of fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) in jet fuel to a limit of detection of 1 ppm. The device measures concentration of FAME in jet fuel via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) with a spectral resolution of 1 cm?1. The device can use an infrared light emitting diode (IR LED) and mercury cadmium telluride (MCT) detector in which the spectral output of the IR LED and the spectral response of the MCT detector is centered on the spectral absorbance of an ester bond, a defining spectral characteristic of FAME. Other IR LEDs with differing spectral outputs can be used to measure the presence and/or concentration of different analytes in different fluids.