Abstract: A system for dispensing cryogenic liquid to a use device includes a bulk storage tank providing LNG to a sump containing a meter submerged in LNG. A temperature probe is also submerged in the LNG. A dispensing line is positioned between the meter and dispensing hose and includes a dispensing valve. A drain line bypasses the dispensing valve and features a check valve so that LNG trapped in the hose after dispensing is returned to the sump due to pressurization by ambient heat. A capacitance probe is submerged in the LNG in the sump and provides a dielectric that is compared by a microprocessor with the dielectric for pure methane at the same temperature to determine the purity of the LNG. An approximate linear relation between density and dielectric may be used to determine density and mass flow for the LNG from the measured dielectric.

Abstract: In an operating liquid feed fuel cell system, fuel concentration in the fuel stream can be calculated as a function of the observed current, the temperature of the fuel stream entering the fuel cell stack and the temperature of the fuel cell stack itself, thereby eliminating the need for a separate sensor. Typically, methanol will be used as the fuel and the liquid feed fuel cell system will thus be a direct methanol fuel cell system.

Abstract: Tortuous passageways are provided in a substrate component that is retained within a holding chamber. Fuels and fuel mixtures to be comparatively tested are introduced into the holding chamber and into the tortuous passageways of the substrate component. The substrate component is controllably maintained at an elevated temperature during a specified number of defined test cycles. The substrate component is then removed and its after-test weight compared with an initial weight before the test. The tortuous passageways of the substrate component provide increased surface area subject to deposit formation and extended residence time for fuel to remain in contact with the substrate surface, thereby greatly enhancing the measured difference between tested fuels and fuel mixtures.

Abstract: An integrated microstructure sensor element is proposed for detecting thermodynamic measured variables of a fluid. To that end, a supporting body, particularly a board or a wafer having at least one microstructured heating element in contact with the fluid during operation, is provided, on which or in whose vicinity are arranged first arrangement for at least intermittently acting on the heating element with an electric alternating current of defined frequency or a defined frequency band, as well a second arrangement for detecting the amplitude of the third harmonic wave of the electric voltage applied to the heating element. The proposed microstructure sensor element in the form of a compact, integrated component is suitable in particular for determining or monitoring the thermal conductivity and/or the thermal capacity of a fluid, particularly an oil in a motor vehicle.

Abstract: A method for generating indicators relating to the condition of lubricating oil in an internal combustion engine. A set of variables relating to operation of the internal combustion engine serve as proxy variables for brake mean effective pressure developed by the internal combustion engine. Operation of an engine is monitored to develop values for the proxy variables. Soot being added to the lubricating oil from the developed values and accumulated to provide an estimate of total soot in the lubricating oil. Lubricating oil temperature is periodically monitored and a history of the lubricating oil temperature measurements is kept to allow generation therefrom of an estimate of shear of the lubricating oil. Accumulated estimate of soot is kept as a distance remaining until the lubricating oil becomes unsuitable for continued use in the internal combustion engine. Similarly, estimated shear is expressed as a distance until the lubricating oil is to be replaced.

Abstract: A wall film can form around a temperature sensor as a result of the temperature sensor being fitted in the intake port of the internal combustion engine, in such a manner that at least some of the fuel jet from the injection valve is sprayed onto it. The reduction in temperature that occurs as a result of the enthalpy of vaporization at the temperature sensor is measured and used as a criterion for determining the quality of the fuel supplied to the internal combustion engine. This information can be used to correct the change in injection time exclusively or in addition to adapting the starting quantity and/or using the lack-of-smoothness method.

Abstract: A device and a method for measuring the mass loss rate of a sample of combustible material placed on a mass-sensitive platform. The material has been formed into a block through which a heating wire has been inserted that thermally degrades the block when an electric current is passed through the embedded wire. Because the terminal ends of the embedded wire deform when heated, attachments that supply the current to these terminals exert spurious forces on the block resulting in inaccurate mass measurements. To eliminate these forces, the terminal ends of the heating wire are connected to high conductivity leads that are dipped into electrically insulated reservoirs of a conductive fluid, typically mercury, to which a power supply provides a potential difference. As the terminal ends of the heating wire deform under the resulting current, the leads are free to move in the conductive fluid without exerting any forces on the block, allowing the true mass loss rate of the sample to be measured.

Abstract: A disposable heater tube for use in a machine testing the thermal oxidation characteristics of a fuel. The heater tube has a uniform and consistent work-hardened surface finish formed by burnishing. The finish is bright, smooth, and reflective and lacks the minute scratches. A process is also provided for burnishing the surface of a disposable heater tube. A burnishing machine is provided having a plurality of equally-spaced tapered rollers that roll around and bear against the inversely tapered inside surface of a rotating mandrel. A blank or raw heater tube is inserted between the tapered rollers inside the rotating mandrel. The tapered rollers are drawn inwardly against the outer surface of the blank or raw heater tube with just enough pressure to work harden the outer surface without elongating the tube.

Abstract: A fluid filled transformer including a tank for containing at least primary and secondary windings, a radiator connected to the tank via top and bottom headers, a fluid disposed in the tank, a fluid circulation flow path including passages through the windings, radiator, headers, and at least a portion of the tank, and at least one diagnostic sensor disposed within the fluid circulation flow path for measuring properties of the fluid. By positioning the sensor within the circulation flow path, measured values are more reliable, accurate, and efficiently sensed.

Abstract: Method for determining the ice concentration in a liquid ice mixture (binary ice fluid), with the steps: separating a partial flow of the fluid and introducing and heating the partial flow into a heat exchange (16) until complete melting takes place, accompanied by the measurement of the inlet temperature tA and outlet temperature tB, further heating of the fluid flow by an external heat source and return of the partial flow through the heat exchanger (16), accompanied by the measurement of the inlet temperature tC and outlet temperature tO of the return partial flow and calculating the ice concentration according to the equation Xice=(tC−tO−tB+tA)·(cpfluid/hice), in which cpfluid is the specific heat capacity of the binary ice fluid and hice is the enthalpy of fusion of the binary ice.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for using a common frequency generator for measuring selected properties of a fluid of interest via one or more heater and/or sensor elements. The common frequency generator may sequentially and/or simultaneously provide input signals to selected heater and/or sensor elements. Application of more than one frequency component by the common frequency generator enables the determination of one or more time and/or phase lags more efficiently, especially when using an FFT analysis technique. From the time and/or phase lags, the selected fluid properties including fluid flow speed can be determined.