Fluid Identification System and Method

Description

/ 13 “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FLUID IDENTIFICATION” Field of Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a fluid identification system and method which, using a resistive element associated with a heating control unit and in contact with a fluid in a reservoir associated with an open container, allows for the evaluation and monitoring of fluid at ambient atmospheric pressure and in small quantities, enabling its use in an optimized and portable manner, being applied in automotive vehicles, industrial installations, laboratories and / or commercial premises. Fundamentals of the Invention

[0002] Fluid identification and purity are extremely important when evaluating mixtures, whether for quality reasons or to indicate origin.

[0003] When evaluating beverage brands by merely observing the visual aspects, taste, or smell of the liquid itself, it is difficult to identify chemical details and mixtures, where competing market brands try to get as close as possible to the leading brand to gain an advantage, in a kind of parasitic competition.

[0004] In the fuel market, due to the increased use of Otto cycle engines that use both gasoline and ethanol (commonly called "flex" engines) and the wide variety of additive fuels and brands, regulatory agencies face significant difficulties in monitoring fuel adulteration.

[0005] Adulterated gasoline, popularly known as "cut gasoline," is gasoline that has undergone a process to alter its original state, commonly done using a mixture with cheaper solvents. Among the solvents is hydrated alcohol (ethanol), which is frequently used for this purpose.

[0006] In Brazil, according to the National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Brazilian National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP), a Brazilian agency whose purpose is to promote the regulation, contracting and supervision of economic activities that are part of the biofuels sector. Petition 870240109335, dated 12 / 20 / 2024, page 8 / 27 / 13: In the petroleum, natural gas, and biofuel industries, the permitted percentage of anhydrous ethanol in gasoline is up to 27%. This mixture is often not respected, and it is possible to find mixtures with a quantity well above the authorized level.

[0007] Ethanol can be adulterated in two ways. The first, and most common, is by adding more water to hydrated ethanol, exceeding the limit specified by law, and although visually imperceptible, this alteration impairs the vehicle's performance.

[0008] Another method of adulterating ethanol is by adding water to anhydrous alcohol, the same alcohol that is mandatory in gasoline. Currently, anhydrous alcohol has an orange dye precisely to make this adulteration more difficult. Therefore, fuel alcohol must be colorless. In addition to these methods, ethanol can be adulterated by adding solvents, methanol, or other substances.

[0009] For vehicles with "flex" engines, it is necessary to install a fuel sensor so that the injection system can control the fuel flow appropriately. Correctly identifying the fuel allows the engine to maintain combustion close to the stoichiometric ratio, adjusting the opening and closing of the fuel injection valves. If the fuel identification is not done properly, the engine's operation may be compromised, as well as some components. In the case of supplying more fuel than necessary, engine efficiency may decrease and the amount of polluting gases may increase. In the case of supplying less fuel than necessary, the engine may "stutter" or even stop working.

[0010] Current sensors available on the market are expensive and have low accuracy in identifying fuels.

[0011] An example of such a device is the chromatograph, commonly used in laboratories to separate, identify, and quantify the components of a complex mixture. It works by passing a liquid or gaseous sample through a stationary phase, which can be a liquid or a solid, and a mobile phase, which can be a gas or a liquid. The components of the sample interact differently. Petition 870240109335, dated 12 / 20 / 2024, page 9 / 27 / 13 with the stationary phase, resulting in different rates of movement through the chromatographic system. This allows the separation of the sample components, which can then be identified and quantified. Chromatographs are widely used in analytical chemistry, biochemistry, and many other areas of science and industry, but their complexity prevents them from being portable.

[0012] Patent document BRPI0800192-8 describes an existing ethanol sensor that uses a heating system to identify the ethanol content of fuel by measuring the heater current. Due to the heater's PTC element, the current stabilizes at different levels for each fuel, due to the thermal physical properties of each fuel. This device does not take into account the system's mobility and optimization of the amount of fuel used for analysis.

[0013] Another patent document is BRPI0701674-3, which discloses another class of ethanol sensor that uses the heating starter device to vaporize the fuel within a volume defined by the heating chamber. This document also does not take into account the mobility of the system.

[0014] Furthermore, patent document BR102022021810 presents a device that can accurately identify different types of fluids, including fuels, even when mixed with other substances, allowing for better detection and analysis. This device also fails to consider the system's mobility and optimization of the amount of fuel used for analysis, and does not provide physical possibilities for its use on test benches.

[0015] Based on this scenario, and aiming to mitigate the observed technical limitations, the present invention arises. Objectives of the Invention

[0016] Thus, the main objective of the present invention is to disclose a system and method for identifying fluids that, inside a container and by heating a resistive element associated with a control unit, allows for the evaluation and monitoring of fluid at ambient atmospheric pressure. Petition 870240109335, dated 12 / 20 / 2024, page 10 / 27 / 13

[0017] Additionally, it is an objective of the present invention to provide a fluid identification system and method that utilizes an open reservoir associated with the container where the identification is performed, providing a compact system for fluid monitoring.

[0018] Furthermore, the present invention aims to disclose a system and method for identifying fluids where its construction allows for a smaller fluid sample to be monitored and identified, reducing the energy and time required to obtain fluid identification.

[0019] Furthermore, the present invention aims to present a fluid identification system and method that optimizes the identification process with the possibility of adjusting the angle of the reservoir, reproducibility of sample monitoring, mobility (being able to be used in industrial facilities, laboratories and / or commercial premises in a portable manner) requiring only a power source, in addition to indicating the result quickly. Summary of the Invention

[0020] All the aforementioned objectives are achieved by means of the fluid identification system comprising: at least one heating control unit associated with at least one heating element, at least one container having an internal region that includes an internal volume fluidly associable with at least one fluid and at least one heating element comprised by the fact that at least one open reservoir having an internal region fluidly associable with at least one fluid and associated with the container and communicating by at least one exchanger orifice.

[0021] According to the fundamental premises of the invention in question, the fluid identification system comprises the fact that at least one temperature gauge is also associated with at least one heating control unit.

[0022] Additionally, a fluid identification system is provided comprising the fact that a sealing element is associated with at least one exchanger orifice internally to the open and internally actuated reservoir and / or Petition 870240109335, dated 12 / 20 / 2024, page 11 / 27 5 / 13 externally.

[0023] Furthermore, in the present invention, a fluid identification system is proposed comprising the fact that the exchanger orifice is composed of at least one exhaust and at least one duct.

[0024] Furthermore, according to the present invention, the fluid identification system comprises the fact that the duct connects the open reservoir with the gravitationally lower part of the container.

[0025] Additionally, in the present invention, the fluid identification system comprises the fact that the exhaust connects the open reservoir with the upper part of the container by gravity.

[0026] Also, according to the present invention, the fluid identification system comprises the fact that a sealing element is associated with the exhaust internally to the open reservoir and actuated internally and / or externally.

[0027] Additionally, the fluid identification system includes the fact that at least one support element is associated with the fluid identification system.

[0028] Furthermore, according to the present invention, the fluid identification system comprises the fact that the support element has an inclination adjustment relative to the base of the fluid identification system.

[0029] Also, the system includes the fact that the heating element comprises at least one heating element, preferably of the PTC type, in the form of a filament (coiled wire).

[0030] Furthermore, the fluid identification system includes the fact that the heating control unit is associated with at least one interface unit and / or at least one connection unit.

[0031] Furthermore, the fluid identification system also includes the fact that the interface unit comprises a visual interface and / or a sound interface. Petition 870240109335, dated 12 / 20 / 2024, page 12 / 27 / 13

[0032] Additionally, the system includes the fact that the connection unit comprises at least one physical connection interface and / or at least one wireless connection interface.

[0033] Furthermore, a fluid identification method is proposed, executed from the fluid identification system, which comprises the following steps: i. supplying fluid to the open reservoir, ii. waiting for all air and / or vapor to exit from at least one exchanger orifice and for the fluid to fill at least one container, iii. activating the heating element from the heating control unit and iv. waiting for fluid identification by means of the heating control unit.

[0034] Furthermore, the fluid identification method comprises the fact that in step ii. air and / or vapor exits from at least one vent and the fluid fills the container through at least one duct.

[0035] Additionally, the fluid identification method comprises the fact that between steps ii. and iii the sealing element associated with the leak is activated.

[0036] Also, the fluid identification method includes the fact that after step iv. the sealing element associated with the leak is deactivated.

[0037] Furthermore, the method includes the fact that in step iii. temperature measurement is also carried out by means of at least one temperature gauge by the heating control unit.

[0038] Furthermore, the fluid identification method comprises the fact that in step iv. the heating control unit acquires and processes the signals from the heating element and identifies the type of fluid.

[0039] Additionally, the fluid identification method comprises the fact that in step iv. the heating control unit reports the fluid type by at least one interface unit and / or at least one connection unit.

[0040] Finally, the fluid identification method comprises the fact that in step iv. the heating control unit acquires the signals from the heating element and sends them via at least one connection unit for external processing. Petition 870240109335, dated 12 / 20 / 2024, page 13 / 27 / 13 Brief Description of the Figures

[0041] The preferred embodiment of the invention in question is described in detail based on the listed figures, which:

[0042] Figure 1 illustrates, in cross-section, the fluid identification system that uses a heat exchanger orifice between the open reservoir and the container.

[0043] Figure 2 illustrates, in cross-section, the fluid identification system that uses an exhaust and at least one duct between the reservoir and the container.

[0044] Figure 3 illustrates the fluid identification system in block diagrams.

[0045] Figure 4 illustrates the steps of the fluid identification method. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0046] In accordance with the general objectives of the invention in question, the fluid identification system comprises: at least one heating control unit 1 associated with at least one heating element 1.1, at least one container 3 having an internal region that includes an internal volume fluidly associable with at least one fluid and at least one heating element 1.1, understood in that at least one open reservoir 4 having an internal region fluidly associable with at least one fluid is associated with the container 3 and communicating through at least one exchanger orifice 4.1.

[0047] The heating control unit 1, which is associated with the heater 1.1, is a control electronics capable of supplying electrical current to the resistor, and measuring the electrical characteristics of this resistor and the temperature sensor throughout the measurement, and with the ability to calculate, through the acquisition of these characteristics, what fluid is inside the container, comparing it with predetermined values. It has internal memory and processing capabilities, as well as interface means.

[0048] Heating element 1.1 is an electrical resistor with a PTC (“positive temperature coefficient”) effect in the form of a filament (coiled wire) that varies with temperature, which is in contact with the fluid to be detected and will heat it inside the container 3 associated with the open reservoir 4 (which allows the measurement Petition 870240109335, dated 12 / 20 / 2024, page 14 / 27 / 13 to be carried out at room temperature) through the exchanger orifice 4.1, located in the highest part gravitationally.

[0049] Additionally, the fluid identification system comprises the fact that at least one temperature gauge 2 is also associated with at least one heating control unit 1. The temperature gauge 2 is responsible for measuring the internal temperature of the container 3 and consequently that of the fluid during heating by the heating element 1.1, and may be a temperature sensor inserted inside the chamber and in contact with the fluid to be detected, such that this sensor is preferably located in the upper portion of the chamber relative to gravity. Alternatively, other temperature measurement methods may be applied, provided they monitor the internal temperature.

[0050] Figure 1 illustrates, in cross-section, the fluid identification system that uses an exchanger orifice between the open reservoir and the container. We can observe the exchanger orifice 4.1 located at the highest gravitational point of container 3, which will exchange the air contained in container 3 with the fluid inserted in the open reservoir 4. Also illustrated is the heating element 1.1 inside container 3 and associated with the heating control unit 1, as well as the temperature gauge 2 at the highest gravitational point of container 3, a sealing element 4.3 and a support element 5.

[0051] Furthermore, the fluid identification system comprises the fact that a sealing element 4.3 is associated with at least one exchanger orifice 4.1 internally to the open reservoir 4 and actuated internally and / or externally. Such sealing element 4.3, if actuated, interrupts the communication between the container 3 and the open reservoir 4.

[0052] Furthermore, the fluid identification system also includes the fact that the exchanger orifice 4.1 is composed of at least one exhaust 4.1.1 and at least one duct 4.1.2. In this way, the exhaust 4.1.1 is responsible for the exit of air from the container 3 and the duct 4.1.2 for the entry of the fluid.

[0053] Additionally, the fluid identification system is comprised of the fact that duct 4.1.2 connects the open reservoir 4 with the lower part. Petition 870240109335, dated 12 / 20 / 2024, page 15 / 27 / 13 gravitationally from container 3, thus ensuring that the “cold” fluid is inserted into the lower part of the container, guaranteeing better fluid balance during the process, in addition to being responsible for maintaining ambient pressure by communicating with the open reservoir 4.

[0054] Furthermore, the fluid identification system comprises the fact that the exhaust 4.1.1 connects the open reservoir 4 with the upper part of the container 3 by gravity, allowing the container 3 to release the gaseous part while the fluid fills through the duct 4.1.2. Additionally, the system comprises the fact that a sealing element 4.3 is associated with the exhaust 4.1.1 internally to the open reservoir 4 and is actuated internally and / or externally. When actuated, after the release of the internal gaseous part from the container 3, it limits the amount of fluid being identified and consequently improves accuracy. Depending on the mechanism, the actuation can be performed internally or externally.

[0055] Furthermore, the fluid identification system comprises the fact that at least one support element 5 is associated with the fluid identification system, providing stability to the system. Additionally, the system comprises the fact that it has an inclination adjustment relative to the base of the fluid identification system, providing inclination adjustment of the container 3 and the open reservoir 4 and thus emulate heating chambers of automotive systems, in addition to allowing reproducibility of the tests.

[0056] Also, the fluid identification system comprises the fact that the heating element 1.1 comprises at least one heating element, preferably of the PTC (“positive temperature coefficient”) type, in the form of a filament (coiled wire) that varies with temperature, allowing the type of fluid to be identified from its values.

[0057] Figure 2 illustrates, in cross-section, the fluid identification system that uses an exhaust and at least one duct between the reservoir and the container. We can observe the exhaust 4.1.1 located at the highest gravitational point of container 3, which will allow the contained air to escape, and the duct 4.1.2, which allows the entry of air. Petition 870240109335, dated 12 / 20 / 2024, p. 16 / 27 / 13 of the fluid in the lowest gravitationally charged part of container 3, in addition to allowing identification to be carried out at ambient pressure by communicating with the open reservoir 4. Also illustrated is the heating element 1.1 inside container 3 and associated with the heating control unit 1, as well as the temperature gauge 2 in the elevated gravitationally charged part of container 3, a sealing element 4.3 and the support element 5.

[0058] Additionally, the fluid identification system comprises the fact that the heating control unit 1 is associated with at least one interface unit 1.2 and / or at least one connection unit 1.3. Thus, the interface unit 1.2 can be physical controls (such as buttons), cc. The connection unit 1.3 can be a physical connection interface (such as a USB, serial, or any wired connection), and / or at least one wireless connection interface (such as a Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, LoRa, or any wireless connection).

[0059] Figure 3 illustrates in block diagram the fluid identification system, with the heating control unit 1 associated with an interface unit 1.2 and the connection unit 1.3, in addition to the temperature gauge 2, heating element 1.1. Also illustrated are the container 3, the open reservoir 4, the exhaust 4.1.1 and the duct 4.1.2, as well as the sealing element 4.3.

[0060] Furthermore, the invention proposes a method for identifying fluids, performed using a fluid identification system, which comprises the following steps: i. supplying fluid to the open reservoir 4, ii. waiting for all air and / or vapor to exit from at least one exchanger orifice 4.1 and for the fluid to fill at least one container 3, iii. activating the heating element 1.1 from the heating control unit 1, and iv. waiting for fluid identification by means of the heating control unit 1.

[0061] After performing the steps, before carrying out a new identification it is necessary to wait for all the vapor and fluid to leave container 3 and discard any remaining fluid residue.

[0062] Additionally, step ii of the fluid identification method, Petition 870240109335, dated 12 / 20 / 2024, page 17 / 27 / 13, understands that air and / or vapor exits from at least one exhaust 4.1.1 and the fluid fills container 3 through at least one duct 4.1.2. The exhaust 4.1.1, located at the highest gravitational point of container 3, will allow the contained air to exit, and the duct 4.1.2 allows the fluid to enter at the lowest gravitational point of container 3, in addition to allowing identification to be carried out at ambient pressure by communicating with the open reservoir 4.

[0063] Furthermore, the fluid identification method comprises the fact that between steps ii. and iii the sealing element 4.3 associated with the exhaust 4.1.1 is activated. As soon as all air and / or vapor exits through the exhaust 4.1.1, the activated sealing element 4.3 maintains the desired amount of fluid for identification to take place, reducing the energy and time required to obtain fluid identification.

[0064] Additionally, the fluid identification method comprises the fact that after step iv. the sealing element 4.3 associated with the exhaust 4.1.1 is deactivated, so that all the vapor exits the container 3 so that a new fluid identification can be performed.

[0065] Furthermore, the fluid identification method also includes the fact that in step iii. temperature measurement is also performed by means of at least one temperature gauge 2 by the heating control unit 1 which, from the reading of the internal temperature of the container 3, can ensure the identification of the fluid, complementing this with the reading of the resistance of the heating element 1.1.

[0066] Figure 4 illustrates the steps of the fluid identification method.

[0067] Furthermore, the fluid identification method comprises the fact that in step iv. the heating control unit 1 acquires and processes the signals from the heating element 1.1 and identifies the type of fluid.

[0068] Additionally, the fluid identification method comprises the fact that in step iv. the heating control unit 1 reports the fluid type by at least one interface unit 1.2 and / or at least one connection unit 1.3. By reporting by at least one interface 1.2, such as a graphic display screen to show information, a human-machine interface (which also allows Petition 870240109335, dated 12 / 20 / 2024, page 18 / 27 / 13 interaction and commands with the user) or simply a sound signaling interface, the method indicates the end of the test and the type of fluid. By informing through at least one connection unit 1.3, which can be a physical connection interface (such as a USB, serial, or any wired connection) or a wireless connection interface (such as a Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, LoRa, or any wireless connection), the heating control unit 1 informs the end of the identification and the type of fluid to an external device or on the international computer network (commonly called the “cloud”).

[0069] Also, the fluid identification method comprises the fact that in step iv. the heating control unit 1 acquires the signals from the heating element 1.1 and sends them via at least one connection unit 1.3 for external processing. In this way, the processing is carried out by an external processing unit or on the international computer network (commonly called the “cloud”).

[0070] A device for acquiring and validating data for fluid identification is therefore proposed, acting as a reservoir and heating chamber, allowing the monitoring of the fluid being tested. It allows the use of a smaller amount of fluid sample (less than 10ml), reducing the energy and time required to obtain fluid identification.

[0071] Furthermore, the device allows for optimization of the identification process, with variations in the angle of the measuring chamber, as well as the possibility of mounting different heating elements with different resistances and designs, ensuring the maintenance of ambient pressure during operation. This improves the robustness and reproducibility of assessments, whether in vehicles, industrial facilities, laboratories, or commercial establishments, reducing the variables involved in assembling the device.

[0072] It is important to emphasize that the description above aims solely to exemplify a particular embodiment of the invention in question. Therefore, it is clear that modifications, variations, and constructive combinations of the elements that perform the same function substantially as the invention in question are not possible. Petition 870240109335, dated 12 / 20 / 2024, page 19 / 27 / 13 same form to achieve the same results, remain within the scope of protection delimited by the attached claims. Petition 870240109335, dated 12 / 20 / 2024, page 20 / 27

Claims

1 / 3 CLAIMS 1. Fluid identification system comprising: - at least one heating control unit (1) associated with at least one heating element (1.1); - at least one container (3) having an internal region that includes an internal volume fluidly associable with at least one fluid and at least one heating element (1.1) CHARACTERIZED in that at least one open reservoir (4) having an internal region fluidly associable with at least one fluid is associated with the container (3) and communicating through at least one exchanger orifice (4.1).

2. Fluid identification system according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that at least one temperature gauge (2) is also associated with at least one heating control unit (1).

3. Fluid identification system according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that a sealing element (4.3) is associated with at least one exchanger orifice (4.1) internally to the open reservoir (4) and actuated internally and / or externally.

4. Fluid identification system, according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that the exchanger orifice (4.1) is composed of at least one outlet (4.1.1) and at least one duct (4.1.2).

5. Fluid identification system, according to claims 1 and 4, CHARACTERIZED in that the duct (4.1.2) connects the open reservoir (4) with the lower part of the container (3) by gravity.

6. Fluid identification system, according to claims 1, 4 and 5, CHARACTERIZED in that the outlet (4.1.1) connects the open reservoir (4) with the upper part of the container (3) by gravity.

7. Fluid identification system, according to claims 1, 4 and 5, CHARACTERIZED in that a sealing element (4.3) is associated with the exhaust (4.1).1) internally to the open reservoir (4) and activated internally and / or externally. Petition 870240109335, dated 12 / 20 / 2024, page 21 / 27. 2 / 3 8. Fluid identification system according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that at least one support element (5) is associated with the fluid identification system.

9. Fluid identification system according to claims 1 and 8, CHARACTERIZED in that the support element (5) has an inclination adjustment relative to the base of the fluid identification system.

10. Fluid identification system according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that the heating element (1.1) comprises at least one heating element, preferably of the PTC type, in the form of a filament (wound wire).

11. Fluid identification system according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that the heating control unit (1) is associated with at least one interface unit (1.2) and / or at least one connection unit (1.3). 12.Fluid identification system according to claims 1 and 11, CHARACTERIZED in that the interface unit (1.2) comprises a visual interface and / or an audible interface.

13. Fluid identification system according to claims 1 and 11, CHARACTERIZED in that the connection unit (1.3) comprises at least one physical connection interface and / or at least one wireless connection interface.

14. Fluid identification method, implemented from the fluid identification system, CHARACTERIZED in that it comprises the steps of: i. supplying fluid to the open reservoir (4); ii. waiting for all air and / or vapor to exit from at least one exchanger orifice (4.1) and for the fluid to fill at least one container (3); iii. activating the heating element (1.1) from the heating control unit (1); iv. waiting for fluid identification by means of the heating control unit (1). Petition 870240109335, dated 12 / 20 / 2024, pages 22 / 27.3 / 3 15. Fluid identification method according to claim 14, CHARACTERIZED in that in step ii. air and / or vapor exits from at least one exhaust (4.1.1) and the fluid fills the container (3) through at least one duct (4.1.2).

16. Fluid identification method according to claims 14 and 15, CHARACTERIZED in that between steps ii. and iii the sealing element (4.3) associated with the exhaust (4.1.1) is activated.

17. Fluid identification method according to claims 14, 15 and 16, CHARACTERIZED in that after step iv. the sealing element (4.3) associated with the exhaust (4.1.1) is deactivated.

18. Fluid identification method according to claim 14, CHARACTERIZED in that in step iii. Temperature measurement is also carried out by means of at least one temperature gauge (2) by the heating control unit (1). 19.Fluid identification method according to claim 14, CHARACTERIZED in that in step iv. the heating control unit (1) acquires and processes signals from the heating element (1.1) and identifies the fluid type.

20. Fluid identification method according to claims 14 and 19, CHARACTERIZED in that in step iv. the heating control unit (1) reports the fluid type by at least one interface unit (1.2) and / or at least one connection unit (1.3).

21. Fluid identification method according to claim 14, CHARACTERIZED in that in step iv. the heating control unit (1) acquires signals from the heating element (1.1) and sends them by means of at least one connection unit (1.3) for external processing. Petition 870240109335, dated 12 / 20 / 2024, p. 23 / 27.

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