Oil degradation meter and method for evaluating oil degradation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring oil/fat degradation, particularly using the acid value (AV value), are challenging due to the need for neutralization titration and lack of correlation between dielectric constant and AV value, leading to unreliable measurements influenced by conditions like moisture content, resulting in empirical replacement based on color and odor.
Innovation Solution
An oil degradation meter and method that measures the dielectric constant and calculates the AV value using a formula [AVn = AV100 × {(Dn - D0) / (D100 - D0)} based on initial and replacement time measurements, allowing for objective and reliable determination of oil/fat replacement time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple test methods (viscometry, pressure gradient, micro-electrode) are used to evaluate oil degradation, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and measurement time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple test methods (viscometry, pressure gradient, micro-electrode) into a single integrated test device that can perform all measurements simultaneously or sequentially on the same oil sample, eliminating the need for multiple separate equipment systems
Solution Approach 2:
The test device is designed with multi-functional capability to perform various oil degradation measurements (viscosity, pressure gradient, water content) using a single integrated system, making the device versatile for comprehensive oil quality assessment
2Measurement precision
If multiple test methods are used to evaluate oil degradation, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables continuous measurement of multiple oil degradation parameters without requiring sample replacement or equipment reconfiguration, maintaining continuous useful action throughout the testing process
Solution Approach 2:
By merging multiple test methods into one device, the patent allows simultaneous or rapid sequential measurements on the same sample, dramatically reducing the total time required compared to performing separate tests
3Device complexity
If conventional test devices are used, then device complexity is low, but measurement precision and reliability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs advanced measurement parameters and detection methods (pressure gradient, micro-electrode technology) that enable more reliable and sensitive oil degradation detection compared to conventional simple viscometers
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 stable and reproducible evaluation of oil/fat degradation using the AV value as an index, facilitating easy replacement time determination even under varying conditions, with objective and reliable numerical values.
Implementation Method 1
a micro-electrode for detecting a water content in the oil sample
Implementation Method 2
a viscometer for measuring a viscosity of the oil sample
Implementation Method 3
a pressure gradient detector for detecting a pressure gradient across a filter element
Data Source
Figure 1~2(b)
Figure 3
AI summary
An oil degradation meter and a method for evaluating oil degradation are provided, in which a user is enabled to arbitrarily set a degradation of oil/fat using an acid value (AV value) as an index, and capable of learning a replacement time of oil/fat easily with a stable reproducibility, even in a case where a condition such as a moisture amount in food (deep-fried food) is different. In a setup procedure, an acid value (AV0) of unused oil/fat is set to 0, a dielectric constant (D0) at that time is measured and recorded, a dielectric constant (D100) of oil/fat at a replacement time under a specific oil/fat usage condition is measured, and it is recorded along with an acid value (AV100) at that time, and in a measurement procedure, a dielectric constant (Dn) of the sample oil/fat is measured, and an acid value (AVn) of said sample oil/fat is calculated based on the dielectric constants (D0, D100) and the acid value (AV100) recorded in said steup procedure, according to a calculation formula of [AVn = AV100 × {(Dn - D0)/ (D100 - D0)}].