Abstract:
For a monitored corrosion sensor, such as a sensor based on one or more mechanical oscillators disposed in a fluid flow, one or more values are measured over time. The values can be measured at a desired frequency, such as a once per second, once per minute, or another convenient frequency. The measured data can then be analyzed as a time series. The goal of the analysis is to identify variations in the time series data that are sufficiently unexpected relative to the prior behavior of the time series within a given time window. The identified variations can then, for example, be excluded from consideration when determining a corrosion-related value for the sensor.
Abstract:
Provided is an apparatus for detecting the presence of water in a current of liquid hydrocarbons. The apparatus comprises at least one pair of electrodes for detecting the presence of water in a sample zone in the current of liquid hydrocarbons located therebetween; alternating current generating circuitry for generating an alternating current between the electrodes; measuring circuitry for measuring the electrical impedance of the current of liquid hydrocarbons between the electrodes; and a processor for collecting data from the measuring circuitry, processing the data and outputting the data for use in detecting the presence of water in the current of liquid hydrocarbons. A method is provided for detecting the presence of water in a current of liquid hydrocarbons and for quantifying the amount of free water present in a current of liquid hydrocarbons. An apparatus is provided for quantifying the amount of free water present in a current of liquid hydrocarbons.
Abstract:
The present invention describes the connecting of a corrodible material with a non-corrodible material by electron beam welding so that the corrodible material is not affected by non-corrodible material during the welding process. Employing an electron beam welding process not only minimizes unintended alloying of the corrodible element but also minimizes the width of the weld heat affected and fusion zones. This fabrication method is necessary to ensure that the corrodible element faithfully replicates the wastage of the subject metal.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a method of dispensing accurately small amounts of high viscosity lubricant components using tubeless positive-displacement liquid-handling equipment for forming lubricant blends. The method includes the steps of: providing a low void volume positive displacement pipette with a tapered tip for each lubricant component contained within a lubricant additive reservoir, and one or more lubricant blend containers; ingesting into a low void volume positive displacement pipette from a lubricant additive reservoir an ingestion volume of a lubricant component; moving the low void volume positive displacement pipette from the lubricant additive reservoir to the one or more lubricant blend containers; ejecting into the one or more lubricant blend containers an ejection volume of the lubricant component from the low void volume positive displacement pipette; returning the low void volume positive displacement pipette from the one or more lubricant blend containers to the additive reservoir; and repeating these steps for each additional lubricant component. The advantages of the method of the present invention include improved dispensing accuracy, quicker dispensing, lower shear rate during dispensing, lower temperature for dispensing, less residual additive on the tip of the device after dispensing, and the ability to real time monitor density and mass during dispensing. The method finds application in laboratory test environments, and in particular in high throughput testing environments.
Abstract:
This invention relates to a microcantilever stress sensor for detecting and quantifying low levels of contaminants in liquids and gases. The invention uses a chemical agent to impart chemical specificity to the microcantilever stress sensor. The microcantilever deflects when the chemical agent is replaced by a more strongly adsorbing chemical species. The magnitude of the deflection is then used as a measure of the quantity of contaminant present.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a method of dispensing accurately small amounts of high viscosity lubricant components using tubeless positive-displacement liquid-handling equipment for forming lubricant blends. The method includes the steps of: providing a low void volume positive displacement pipette with a tapered tip for each lubricant component contained within a lubricant additive reservoir, and one or more lubricant blend containers; ingesting into a low void volume positive displacement pipette from a lubricant additive reservoir an ingestion volume of a lubricant component; moving the low void volume positive displacement pipette from the lubricant additive reservoir to the one or more lubricant blend containers; ejecting into the one or more lubricant blend containers an ejection volume of the lubricant component from the low void volume positive displacement pipette; returning the low void volume positive displacement pipette from the one or more lubricant blend containers to the additive reservoir; and repeating these steps for each additional lubricant component. The advantages of the method of the present invention include improved dispensing accuracy, quicker dispensing, lower shear rate during dispensing, lower temperature for dispensing, less residual additive on the tip of the device after dispensing, and the ability to real time monitor density and mass during dispensing. The method finds application in laboratory test environments, and in particular in high throughput testing environments.
Abstract:
An on-line method for determining the condition of low conductivity working fluids using alternating current, electro-impedance spectroscopy is provided by making measurements over a range of frequencies at temperatures at or above 50° C.
Abstract:
This invention relates to a fuel composition comprising a base fuel having a final boiling point above 150° C. and an anti-foam, characterised in that the anti-foam comprises di-isobutylene in an amount greater than 2.5% by volume based on the total fuel composition. The addition of this anti-foam reduces the break-up time for any foam formed significantly.
Abstract:
This invention provides a fuel composition having a sulphur content of not more than 50 ppm by weight and comprising at least 50 ppm based on the total weight of the fuel composition of at least one fused polycyclic aromatic compound which comprises at least one exocyclic group containing nitrogen wherein the nitrogen is attached directly to a ring carbon atom. Specific examples of such compounds include 1-amino naphthalene, 1,8-diaminonaphthalene, or 5-aminoindole, 2-(2-aminophenyl)indole and 8-aminoquinoline. These compounds are capable of improving the antiwear and lubricity properties of a low sulphur fuel when compared with that of the same fuel in the absence of such compounds.
Abstract:
Hydrocarbon liquids obtained from the isomerization of slack wax have been found to be superior carrier fluids for additives (e.g., detergents) used in gasolines. They produce reduced amounts of engine deposit and mitigate any tendency to cause or promote valve sticking.