Sensor device for monitoring the condition of a fluid and a method of using the same

• US 20040060344A1
• Filed: 09/30/2002
• Published: 04/01/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 09/30/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: University of Dayton
• Original Assignee: University of Dayton
• Inventors: Kauffman, Robert E., Wolf, James D.
• Granted Patent: US 7,043,967 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 73/53.01
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 33/28 Oils , i.e. hydrocarbon liquidsgaseous fuels G01N33/225; edible oils or edible fats G01N33/03
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 33/2835 specific substances contained in the oil or fuel
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 33/2847 Water in oil basic sediment and water G01N33/2823; oil in water G01N33/1833
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 33/2888 Lubricating oil characteristics, e.g. deterioration lubricating properties G01N33/30

Abstract

The present invention is a compact apparatus and method that provides an efficient manner for monitoring the condition and level of a functional fluid directly in operating equipment. A sensor device is provided that includes a plurality of liquid sensors and a plurality of vapor sensors that when used in conjunction with one another at different temperatures, can provide a thorough evaluation of the oxidative degradation, liquid contamination and solid contamination of the fluid to detect the end of the useful life of the fluid. By providing liquid sensors and vapor sensors on the same device, the present invention allows for a compact, efficient, and economically feasible manner to monitor the condition of fluid as well as detecting abnormal operating conditions prior to further component damage and eventual equipment failure.

Claims

1. A sensor device for monitoring the condition of a fluid comprising:

a member;

a plurality of liquid sensors for measuring liquid parameters of the fluid coupled to said member; and

a plurality of vapor sensors for measuring vapor parameters of the fluid coupled to said member, wherein said plurality of liquid sensors and plurality of vapor sensors are positioned a distance from one another so that said plurality of vapor sensors do not contact the liquid.

2. A sensor device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said member is a dipstick.

3. A sensor device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said plurality of liquid sensors and said plurality of vapor sensors operate simultaneously.

4. A sensor device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said plurality of liquid sensors comprise at least one wire sensor.

5. A sensor device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said plurality of liquid sensors comprise at least two wires.

6. A sensor device as claimed in claim 5, wherein said at least two wires are spaced between about 0.1 mm and about 100 mm apart.

7. A sensor device as claimed in claim 5, wherein said at least two wires are coupled to said member such that said at least two wires are immersed in liquid at separate depths.

8. A sensor device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said plurality of liquid sensors comprise at least one sensor array.

9. A sensor device as claimed in claim 8, wherein said at least one sensor array comprises sensors that are spaced between about 0.001 mm to about 1 mm apart.

10. A sensor device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said plurality of vapor sensors comprise at least two wires.

11. A sensor device as claimed in claim 10, wherein said at least two wires are spaced between about 0.1 mm and about 50 mm apart.

12. A sensor device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said plurality of vapor sensors comprise at least one sensor array.

13. A sensor device as claimed in claim 12, wherein said at least one sensor array comprises sensors that are spaced between about 0.001 mm to about 1 mm apart.

14. A sensor device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said plurality of liquid sensors are formed from a conductive material selected from the group consisting of glassy carbon, platinum, gold, copper, copper alloys, nickel alloys, stainless steel, and combinations thereof.

15. A sensor device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said plurality of vapor sensors are formed from a conductive material selected from the group consisting of glassy carbon, platinum, gold, copper, copper alloys, nickel alloys, stainless steel, and combinations thereof.

16. A sensor device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said sensor device is adapted to measure fluid level, viscosity, temperature, electrical conductivity, electrochemical activity, water contamination, wear metals, soot buildup, coolant contamination, fluid level, and combinations thereof.

17. A sensor device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said member is coupled to a fluid is selected from the group consisting of lubricating oils, transmission fluids, hydraulic fluids, transformer oils, metal working fluids, cooking oils, and combinations thereof.

18. A sensor device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said sensor device further comprises a magnet positioned behind at least one of said plurality of liquid sensors.

19. A sensor device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said plurality of liquid sensor comprise at least one magnetized line.

20. A sensor device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said sensor device further comprises a display system.

21. A sensor device as claimed in claim 20, wherein said electronic system comprises electronics for said plurality of liquid sensors and said plurality of vapor sensors, a readout display, and a reset button.

22. A sensor device for monitoring the condition of a fluid comprising:

a member;

a plurality of liquid sensors for measuring liquid parameters of the fluid coupled to said member;

a plurality of vapor sensors for measuring vapor parameters of the fluid coupled to said member, wherein said plurality of liquid sensors and plurality of vapor sensors are positioned a distance from one another so that said plurality of vapor sensors do not contact said liquid; and

an electronic system coupled to said member.

23. A sensor device as claimed in claim 22, wherein said electronic system comprises electronics for said plurality of liquid sensors and said plurality of vapor sensors, a readout display, and a reset button.

24. A method for monitoring the condition of a fluid comprising:

providing a sensor device having a plurality of liquid sensors and a plurality of vapor sensors on a member;

placing said member in a fluid such that said plurality of liquid sensors are immersed in said fluid and said plurality of vapor sensors do not come in contact with said fluid;

measuring at least one parameter of said fluid;

analyzing measurements of said fluid; and

detecting the condition of said fluid.

25. A method as claimed in claim 24, wherein said method further comprises using an algorithm based on said measurements of said plurality of liquid sensors and said plurality of vapor sensors.

26. A method as claimed in claim 24, wherein said method further comprises applying a square waveform to said fluid.

27. A method as claimed in claim 24, wherein said method further comprises applying a triangular waveform to said fluid.

28. A method as claimed in claim 24, wherein said method further comprises applying a sine waveform to said fluid.

29. A method as claimed in claim 24, wherein said method further comprises varying the temperature of the fluid.

30. A method as claimed in claim 24, further comprises displaying condition of said fluid.