Engine Lubricant Particle Analysis for Corrosion Diagnosis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for diagnosing engine corrosion, such as optical atomic spectroscopy, lack repeatability and cannot analyze particles larger than 5 µm, and fail to characterize individual particles in the sample effectively.

Innovation Solution

Analyze particles in engine lubricating fluid to determine corrosion levels by comparing surface chemical compositions of particles with reference compositions, using a combination of visual inspection and particle analysis, and employing SEM and XRF detectors to generate diagnostic data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If optical atomic spectroscopy is used for lubricant analysis, then element detection capability is provided, but measurement precision and repeatability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement repeatabilityVSAvoidrepeatability among different equipment

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces optical atomic spectroscopy with a combination of SEM (scanning electron microscopy) and XRF (X-ray fluorescence) detection. This substitution enables direct imaging and chemical analysis of individual particles, providing both visual inspection capability and precise chemical composition data, thereby improving measurement repeatability and reliability across different equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the analysis process into two distinct stages: visual inspection of particles using SEM imaging, followed by chemical composition analysis using XRF spectroscopy on selected particles. This segmentation allows for targeted analysis of individual particles rather than bulk analysis, improving precision and repeatability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If optical atomic spectroscopy analyzes total oil sample, then element detection is achieved, but particle size analysis capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparticle size measurement capabilityVSAvoidability to analyze particles greater than 5 µm

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the oil sample into individual particles for analysis. Using SEM imaging, each particle is visually inspected and measured individually, enabling accurate size determination for particles of all sizes including those greater than 5 µm. The XRF analysis is then applied to selected particles to determine their chemical composition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces bulk optical spectroscopy with particle-by-particle SEM and XRF analysis. This substitution enables simultaneous measurement of particle size (through SEM imaging) and chemical composition (through XRF), providing comprehensive particle characterization that was not possible with total sample analysis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Loss of information

If total oil sample analysis is performed, then overall element composition is determined, but individual particle characterization capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation about individual particlesVSAvoidcharacterization of individual particles

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the analysis to focus on individual particles rather than the total oil sample. SEM imaging captures individual particles, and XRF analysis is performed on selected particles to determine their specific chemical composition. This approach preserves and provides detailed information about each particle's size, shape, and chemistry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces bulk sample analysis with a particle-by-particle analysis system using SEM and XRF. This substitution enables the preservation of individual particle information while providing precise characterization of each particle's properties, eliminating the information loss inherent in total sample analysis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables advanced detection and prediction of premature wear and failure mechanisms in engines, allowing for timely maintenance and improved engine performance by quantifying corrosion through particle analysis.

Implementation Method 1

employing SEM and XRF detectors to generate diagnostic data

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectScanning Electron Microscopy:

Implementation Method 2

employing SEM and XRF detectors to generate diagnostic data

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectX-ray fluorescence: X-Ray

Data Source

PatentEP3751281B1System and method for diagnosing a condition of an engine

Publication Date: 2026.02.11 PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP

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AI summary

A method (300) for diagnosing a condition of an engine (10) comprises obtaining a sample of lubricating fluid (126) from the engine (10), filtering the sample (126) to obtain a plurality of particles (124) from the lubricating fluid, determining surface chemical compositions for the plurality of particles (124), comparing the surface chemical compositions to at least one reference chemical composition associated with corrosion of the engine (10), determining a level of corrosion of the engine (10) based on the comparing, and diagnosing a condition of the engine (10) based on the level of corrosion.