Hydrocarbon Fluid Quality Monitoring via Electrical Resistivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the quality of hydrocarbon fluids, such as oil in machinery, are costly and time-consuming, particularly when assessing parameters like total base number, total acid number, oxidation, and nitration, and do not provide real-time monitoring of their degradation.
Innovation Solution
A method and system using a sensor device to monitor electrical resistivity and viscosity over time, providing quality information on hydrocarbon fluids by detecting changes in resistivity and viscosity, and correlating these changes with total base number and total acid number differences, allowing for predictive maintenance and timely fluid changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If physical and chemical analysis methods are used to determine hydrocarbon fluid quality, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex physical and chemical analysis systems with an electrical measurement system. A sensor device measures electrical resistivity of the hydrocarbon fluid, and a evaluation unit processes this electrical parameter to determine fluid quality. This substitution of measurement methodology achieves rapid real-time monitoring while maintaining sufficient accuracy for predictive maintenance applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from complex chemical composition analysis to simple electrical resistivity measurement. By monitoring changes in electrical resistivity over time and correlating these with quality parameters like total base number and total acid number, the system achieves quick quality assessment without time-consuming chemical analysis.
2Measurement precision
If comprehensive physical and chemical analysis is performed, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex physical and chemical analysis systems with an electrical measurement system. A sensor device measures electrical resistivity of the hydrocarbon fluid, and a evaluation unit processes this electrical parameter to determine fluid quality. This substitution of measurement methodology achieves rapid real-time monitoring while maintaining sufficient accuracy for predictive maintenance applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The evaluation unit performs multiple functions: it stores measurement values over time, calculates rate of change of resistivity, determines quality information based on predetermined criteria, and provides quality information about multiple parameters (total base number, total acid number, oxidation, nitration) through a single integrated system.
3Productivity
If real-time monitoring is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex physical and chemical analysis systems with an electrical measurement system. A sensor device measures electrical resistivity of the hydrocarbon fluid, and a evaluation unit processes this electrical parameter to determine fluid quality. This substitution of measurement methodology achieves rapid real-time monitoring while maintaining sufficient accuracy for predictive maintenance applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The evaluation unit automatically performs all processing functions: storing resistivity measurements, calculating rate of change, comparing against predetermined criteria, and determining quality information without external intervention. The system self-monitors and self-evaluates, providing continuous real-time quality assessment.
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
This approach enables cost-effective, real-time monitoring of hydrocarbon fluid quality, predicting the end of its useful life and reducing maintenance costs by providing accurate information on oxidation and nitration levels without the need for extensive physical and chemical analysis.
Implementation Method 1
determining an electrical resistivity of the hydrocarbon fluid by means of a sensor device
Data Source
AI summary
The invention comprises a method and an analysing system for determining a quality of a hydrocarbon fluid. In an example, the electrical resistivity of the fluid is determined by means of a sensor device. The electrical resistivity is determined over time under predetermined conditions, and a change in the electrical resistivity is monitored over time. A change in fluid visocity may also be determined and monitored over time. The analysing system provides information about an absolute value of a difference of a total base number and a total acid number based on the monitored resistivity change that relates to the quality of the fluid for providing an indication of the remaining useful life of the fluid. In an example, the information about the fluid may correlate to oxidation and/or nitration of the fluid when a change in fluid visocity is below a predetermined threshold.