Portable fluid sensing device and method

• US 20060031030A1
• Filed: 04/20/2005
• Published: 02/09/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 04/21/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Meas France
• Original Assignee: Symyx Technologies Incorporated (Dassault Systemes SA)
• Inventors: Bennett, James, Spitkovsky, Mikhail, Dales, G. Cameron, Matsiev, Leonid, Kolosov, Oleg, Low, Eric, Uhrich, Mark, Feland, John M. III, Rust, William C.
• Granted Patent: US 7,272,525 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 702/50
• CPC Class Codes: G01F 23/2967 for discrete levels
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 11/16 by measuring damping effect upon oscillatory body
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2291/02818 Density, viscosity
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2291/02836 Flow rate, liquid level
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2291/0422 Shear waves, transverse waves, horizontally polarised waves
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2291/0423 Surface waves, e.g. Rayleigh waves, Love waves
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2291/0426 Bulk waves, e.g. quartz crystal microbalance, torsional waves
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2291/0427 Flexural waves, plate waves, e.g. Lamb waves, tuning fork, cantilever
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 29/022 Fluid sensors based on microsensors, e.g. quartz crystal-microbalance [QCM], surface acoustic wave [SAW] devices, tuning forks, cantilevers, flexural plate wave [FPW] devices microdevices per se B81B
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 29/222 Constructional or flow details for analysing fluids optoacoustic fluid cells G01N29/2425
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 9/002 using variation of the resonant frequency of an element vibrating in contact with the material submitted to analysis G01N9/34 takes precedence

Abstract

Fluid monitoring methods, systems and apparatus are disclosed. Preferred embodiments comprise one or more flexural resonator sensing elements. In preferred embodiments a sensor or a sensor subassembly is ported to multiple fluidic systems.

Claims

1. A method for monitoring a property of a fluid in a fluidic system using a flexural resonator sensor, the method comprising

porting a subassembly of a sensor to a first fluidic system, the fluidic system comprising an installed flexural resonator, the ported sensor subassembly comprising a data retrieval circuit or a signal processing circuit,

interfacing the ported sensor subassembly with the first fluidic system at a first location to form an interfaced sensor, the interfaced sensor comprising the installed flexural resonator having a sensing surface positioned for contacting the fluid, the signal processing circuit in electrical communication with the flexural resonator, and the data retrieval circuit in electrical communication with the signal processing circuit,

sensing the fluid using the interfaced sensor during a first sensing period to generate data associated with one or more properties of the fluid,

storing, displaying or transmitting the data using the data retrieval circuit,

disinterfacing the ported sensor subassembly from the first location of the first fluidic system after the first sensing period,

porting the sensor subassembly away from the first location of the first fluidic system, and

subsequently thereafter, porting the sensor subassembly to one or more of (i) a second fluidic system, (ii) a second location of the first fluidic system, or (iii) the first location of the first fluidic system, in each case for interfacing therewith to monitor a property of a fluid during a second sensing period.

5. The method of each of claims 1, 3 or 4 wherein the ported sensor or ported sensor subassembly is interfaced with the fluidic system to form an interfaced sensor across a barrier defining a portion of the fluidic system.

12. The method of each of claim 1 wherein the ported sensor subassembly comprises a signal processing circuit.

13. The method of each of claim 1 wherein the ported sensor subassembly comprises a data retrieval circuit.

14. The method of claim 1 wherein the fluidic system further comprises an installed signal processing circuit for processing data originating from the flexural resonator.

15. The method of claim 1 wherein the fluidic system further comprises an installed signal conditioning circuit for processing data originating from the flexural resonator.

16. The method of claim 1 wherein the fluidic system further comprises an installed signal amplifying circuit for processing data originating from the flexural resonator.

17. The method of claim 1 wherein the fluidic system further comprises an installed signal biasing circuit for processing data originating from the flexural resonator.

18. The method of claim 1 wherein the fluidic system further comprises an installed analog-to-digital conversion circuit for processing data originating from the flexural resonator.

19. The method of claim 1 wherein the fluidic system further comprises an installed data derivation circuit for processing data originating from the flexural resonator.

20. The method of claim 1 wherein the fluidic system further comprises an installed signal detection circuit for processing data originating from the flexural resonator.

21. The method of claim 1 wherein the fluidic system further comprises an installed microprocessor configured for processing data originating from the flexural resonator in conjunction with user-defined data.

22. The method of claim 1 wherein the fluidic system further comprises an installed microprocessor configured for processing data originating from the flexural resonator in a fitting algorithm.

23. The method of claim 1 wherein the fluidic system further comprises an installed signal processing circuit for processing data originating from the flexural resonator, and a signal-processing memory accessible to the signal processing circuit for providing user-defined data thereto.

24. The method of claim 1 wherein the fluidic system further comprises an installed signal processing circuit for processing data originating from the flexural resonator, the signal processing circuit comprising a printed circuit, a programmable logic circuit, or an application specific integrated circuit for one or more of (i) providing a stimulus to the flexural resonator, (ii) conditioning a signal originating from the flexural resonator, or (iii) deriving data from a signal originating from the flexural resonator.

25. The method of claim 1 wherein the fluidic system further comprises an installed signal processing circuit for processing data originating from the flexural resonator, the signal processing circuit comprising an application specific integrated circuit for one or more of (i) providing a stimulus to the flexural resonator, said stimulus comprising an electronic output signal having a user-defined frequency or frequency range, (ii) conditioning a signal originating from the flexural resonator, said conditioning comprising one or more of amplifying, biasing or digitizing, or (iii) deriving data from a signal originating from the flexural resonator, said deriving comprising one or more of detecting an amplitude, detecting a frequency, determining a parameter using a fitting algorithm or a correlation algorithm, or determining a change in a detected frequency, a detected amplitude, or a determined parameter.

26. The method of claim 1 wherein the fluidic system further comprises an installed data storage media accessible for storing data associated with one or more properties of the fluid.

27. The method of claim 1 wherein the fluidic system further comprises an installed display device for displaying data associated with one or more properties of the fluid, or for displaying a status of the fluid or of the fluidic system, such status being based on data associated with one or more properties of the fluid.

28. The method of claim 1 wherein the fluidic system further comprises an installed graphical user interface for receiving user-defined data or for displaying data associated with one or more properties of the fluid, or for displaying a status of the fluid or of the fluidic system, such status being based on data associated with one or more properties of the fluid.

29. The method of claim 1 wherein the fluidic system further comprises an installed signal-processing memory and a data transmission circuit, the signal-processing memory comprising user-defined data and being accessible to the data transmission circuit for communicating the user-defined data from the fluidic system to the ported sensor subassembly.

30. The method of claim 1 wherein the fluidic system further comprises an installed data transmission circuit for communicating data associated with one or more properties of the fluid from the fluidic system to the ported sensor subassembly or to a remote data repository.

31. The method of claim 1 wherein the fluidic system further comprises a data storage media accessible for storing data associated with one or more properties of the fluid, and a data transmission circuit for communicating stored data from the data storage media to the ported sensor subassembly to a remote data repository, in either case using a wireless communication protocol.

32. The method of claim 1 wherein the ported sensor subassembly further comprises a signal processing circuit for processing data originating from the flexural resonator.

33. The method of claim 1 wherein the ported sensor subassembly further comprises a signal conditioning circuit for processing data originating from the flexural resonator.

34. The method of claim 1 wherein the ported sensor subassembly further comprises a signal amplifying circuit for processing data originating from the flexural resonator.

35. The method of claim 1 wherein the ported sensor subassembly further comprises a signal biasing circuit for processing data originating from the flexural resonator.

36. The method of claim 1 wherein the ported sensor subassembly further comprises an analog-to-digital conversion circuit for processing data originating from the flexural resonator.

37. The method of claim 1 wherein the ported sensor subassembly further comprises a data derivation circuit for processing data originating from the flexural resonator.

38. The method of claim 1 wherein the ported sensor subassembly further comprises a signal detection circuit for processing data originating from the flexural resonator.

39. The method of claim 1 wherein the ported sensor subassembly further comprises a microprocessor configured for processing data originating from the flexural resonator in conjunction with user-defined data.

40. The method of claim 1 wherein the ported sensor subassembly further comprises a microprocessor configured for processing data originating from the flexural resonator in a fitting algorithm.

41. The method of claim 1 wherein the ported sensor subassembly further comprises a signal processing circuit for processing data originating from the flexural resonator, and a signal-processing memory accessible to the signal processing circuit for providing user-defined data thereto.

42. The method of claim 1 wherein the ported sensor subassembly further comprises a signal processing circuit for processing data originating from the flexural resonator, the signal processing circuit comprising a printed circuit, a programmable logic circuit, or an application specific integrated circuit for one or more of (i) providing a stimulus to the flexural resonator, (ii) conditioning a signal originating from the flexural resonator, or (iii) deriving data from a signal originating from the flexural resonator.

43. The method of claim 1 wherein the ported sensor subassembly further comprises a signal processing circuit for processing data originating from the flexural resonator, the signal processing circuit comprising an application specific integrated circuit for one or more of (i) providing a stimulus to the flexural resonator, said stimulus comprising an electronic output signal having a user-defined frequency or frequency range, (ii) conditioning a signal originating from the flexural resonator, said conditioning comprising one or more of amplifying, biasing or digitizing, or (iii) deriving data from a signal originating from the flexural resonator, said deriving comprising one or more of detecting an amplitude, detecting a frequency, determining a parameter using a fitting algorithm or a correlation algorithm, or determining a change in a detected frequency, a detected amplitude, or a determined parameter.

44. The method of claim 1 wherein the ported sensor subassembly further comprises a data storage media accessible for storing data associated with one or more properties of the fluid.

45. The method of claim 1 wherein the ported sensor subassembly further comprises a display device for displaying data associated with one or more properties of the fluid, or for displaying a status of the fluid or of the fluidic system, such status being based on data associated with one or more properties of the fluid.

46. The method of claim 1 wherein the ported sensor subassembly further comprises a graphical user interface for receiving user-defined data or for displaying data associated with one or more properties of the fluid, or for displaying a status of the fluid or of the fluidic system, such status being based on data associated with one or more properties of the fluid.

47. The method of claim 1 wherein the ported sensor subassembly further comprises a signal-processing memory and a data transmission circuit, the signal-processing memory comprising user-defined data and being accessible to the data transmission circuit for communicating the user-defined data from the ported sensor subassembly to the fluidic system.

48. The method of claim 1 wherein the ported sensor subassembly further comprises a data transmission circuit for communicating data associated with one or more properties of the fluid from ported sensor subassembly to the fluidic system or to a remote data repository.

49. The method of claim 1 wherein the ported sensor subassembly further comprises a data storage media accessible for storing data associated with one or more properties of the fluid, and a data transmission circuit for communicating stored data from the data storage media to the fluidic system or to a remote data repository, in either case using a wireless communication protocol.

50. The method of each of claims 1 through 3 wherein the ported sensor or ported sensor subassembly is a hand-held sensor or a hand-held sensor subassembly.

53. The method of each of claims 1 through 4 further comprising

porting the sensor or the subassembly thereof to a second fluidic system,

interfacing the ported sensor or ported subassembly thereof with the second fluidic system to form an interfaced sensor,

sensing a fluid in the second fluidic system during the second sensing period using the interfaced sensor to generate data associated with one or more properties of the fluid in the second fluidic system, and

storing, displaying or transmitting the data associated with one or more properties of the fluid in the second fluidic system using the data retrieval circuit.

54. The method of each of claims 1 through 4 further comprising

porting the sensor or the subassembly thereof to a second location of the first fluidic system,

interfacing the ported sensor or ported subassembly thereof with the first fluidic system at the second location to form an interfaced sensor,

sensing a fluid in the first fluidic system during a second sensing period at the second location using the interfaced sensor to generate data associated with one or more properties of the fluid at the second location in the fluidic system, and

storing, displaying or transmitting the data associated with one or more properties of the fluid at the second location of the fluidic system using the data retrieval circuit.

55. The method of each of claims 1 through 4 further comprising

porting the sensor or the subassembly thereof to the first fluidic system at a later second time,

interfacing the ported sensor or ported subassembly thereof with the first location of the first fluidic system at the second time to form an interfaced sensor,

sensing a fluid in the fluidic system during the second sensing period using the interfaced sensor to generate data associated with one or more properties of the fluid at the second time in the fluidic system, and

storing, displaying or transmitting the data associated with one or more properties of the fluid at the second time in the fluidic system using the data retrieval circuit.

56. The method of each of claims 1 through 4 further comprising reading identifying indicia associated with one or more of the fluidic system, the ported sensor, the ported sensor subassembly, the interfaced sensor, or a component of any of the foregoing.

57. The method of claim 56 wherein the identifying indicia are read to identify one or more of (i) the identity of the fluidic system, (ii) the location at which the fluid is being sensed, (iii) a characteristic of the flexural resonator, or (iv) a pre-known or predetermined characteristic of the fluid.

58. The method of each of claims 1 through 4 further comprising reading identifying indicia, wherein the identifying indicia are read using the ported sensor, the ported sensor subassembly or the interfaced sensor.

59. The method of each of claims 1 through 4 further comprising reading identifying indicia, and storing, displaying or transmitting the read identifying indicia.

60. The method of each of claims 1 through 4 further comprising reading identifying indicia, and providing calibration data to the ported sensor, the ported sensor subassembly or the interfaced sensor based on the read identifying indicia.

61. The method of each of claims 1 through 4 further comprising

obtaining status data defining a status of the fluidic system, and

storing, displaying or transmitting the status data using the ported sensor, the ported sensor subassembly or the interfaced sensor.

62. The method of each of claims 1 through 4 further comprising

querying a data source associated with the fluidic system to obtain status data defining a status of the fluidic system during the first sensing period, and

storing, displaying or transmitting the status data using the ported sensor, the ported sensor subassembly or the interfaced sensor.

63. The method of each of claims 1 through 4 wherein the sensing step comprises

contacting the sensing surface of the flexural resonator with the fluid over the first sensing period,

receiving a signal from the flexural resonator during the first sensing period, and

processing the received signal in the signal processing circuit.

64. The method of claim 63 wherein the signal received from the flexural resonator is created by passive interaction of the flexural resonator with the fluid.

65. The method of claim 63 wherein the sensing step comprises

contacting the sensing surface of the flexural resonator with the fluid over the first sensing period,

providing an electronic stimulus to the flexural resonator during the sensing period,

receiving a signal from the flexural resonator during the first sensing period, and

processing the received signal in the signal processing circuit.

66. The method of each of claims 1 through 4 wherein the interfaced sensor further comprises one or more additional sensors or components thereof.

67. The method of each of claims 1 through 4 wherein the interfaced sensor further comprises a temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the fluid.

68. The method of claim 1 wherein the interfaced sensor further comprises a pressure sensor for sensing the pressure of the fluid.

69. The method of claim 1 wherein the interfaced sensor further comprises one or more additional flexural resonators.

70. The method of claim 1 further comprising sampling a portion of the fluid from the fluidic system during the first sensing period or in temporal proximity thereto.

71. The method of each of claims 1 through 4 applied for monitoring a property of a fluid in a fluidic system of one or more transportation vehicles, wherein the method further comprises receiving the vehicle at a service checkpoint, and interfacing the ported sensor or ported sensor subassembly at the service checkpoint to form the interfaced sensor.

72. The method of claim 71 wherein the vehicle comprises an installed flexural resonator having a sensing surface contacting the fluid, and the ported sensor subassembly is interfaced with the installed flexural resonator at the service station.

73. The method of each of claims 1 through 4 applied for monitoring a property of a fluid in a fluidic system comprising a thermal change fluid.

74. The method of each of claims 1 through 4 applied for monitoring a property of a fluid in a fluidic system of an engine.

75. The method of claim 74 wherein the fluid comprises a hydrocarbon or a substituted hydrocarbon.

76. The method of claim 74 wherein the fluid comprises a petroleum product or a derivative thereof.

77. The method of claim 74 wherein the fluid comprises a lubricant.

78. The method of claim 74 wherein the fluid comprises a fuel.

79. The method of claim 74 wherein the fluid comprises a refrigerant or coolant.

2. A method for monitoring a property of a fluid in a fluidic system using a flexural resonator sensor, the method comprising

porting a sensor or a subassembly thereof to a first fluidic system, the first fluidic system being defined by a manufactured boundary comprising one or more barriers,

interfacing the ported sensor or ported subassembly thereof with the first fluidic system at a first location without compromising the integrity of the fluidic system to form an interfaced sensor across a barrier defining a portion of the fluidic system, the interfaced sensor comprising a flexural resonator having a sensing surface for contacting the fluid, a signal processing circuit in electrical communication with the flexural resonator, and a data retrieval circuit in electrical communication with the signal processing circuit,

sensing the fluid using the interfaced sensor during a first sensing period to generate data associated with one or more properties of the fluid, and

storing, displaying or transmitting the data using the data retrieval circuit,

disinterfacing the ported sensor or ported subassembly thereof from the first location of the first fluidic system after the first sensing period,

porting the sensor or the subassembly thereof away from the first location of the first fluidic system, and

thereafter, porting the sensor or the subassembly thereof to one or more of (i) a second fluidic system, (ii) a second location of the first fluidic system, or (iii) the first location of the first fluidic system, in each case for interfacing therewith to monitor a property of a fluid during a second sensing period.

6. The method of claim 2 wherein the interfaced sensor is mechanically or electrically coupled across the barrier.

7. The method of claim 2 wherein the interfaced sensor is mechanically coupled across the barrier through an access port, the method further comprising engaging the ported sensor or ported sensor subassembly with the access port.

8. The method of claim 2 wherein the interfaced sensor is electrically coupled across the barrier through one or more conductive paths.

9. The method of claim 2 wherein the interfaced sensor is electrically coupled across the barrier through a wireless connection using electromagnetic radiation.

10. The method of claim 2 wherein the interfaced sensor is magnetically coupled across the barrier through a using a magnetic field.

11. The method of each of claims 2 through 4 wherein the first fluidic system comprises an installed flexural resonator, and the method comprises

porting a sensor subassembly to the first fluidic system, the ported sensor subassembly comprising a data retrieval circuit or a signal processing circuit, and interfacing the ported sensor subassembly with the first fluidic system at the first location to form the interfaced sensor.

3. A method for monitoring a property of a fluid in a fluidic system using a flexural resonator sensor, the method comprising

porting a sensor or a subassembly thereof to a first fluidic system, the ported sensor or subassembly thereof comprising a data retrieval circuit,

interfacing the ported sensor or ported subassembly thereof with the first fluidic system at a first location to form an interfaced sensor comprising a flexural resonator having a sensing surface for contacting the fluid, a signal processing circuit in electrical communication with the flexural resonator, and the data retrieval circuit, and

sensing the fluid using the interfaced sensor during a first sensing period to generate data associated with one or more properties of the fluid,

storing, displaying or transmitting the data using the data retrieval circuit, the storing, displaying or transmitting comprising communicating with the data retrieval circuit using a wireless communication protocol,

disinterfacing the ported sensor or ported sensor subassembly from the first location of the first fluidic system after the first sensing period,

porting the sensor or sensor subassembly away from the first location of the first fluidic system, and

subsequently thereafter, porting the sensor or sensor subassembly to one or more of (i) a second fluidic system, (ii) a second location of the first fluidic system, or (iii) the first location of the first fluidic system, in each case for interfacing therewith to monitor a property of a fluid during a second sensing period.

4. A method for monitoring a property of a fluid in a fluidic system using a flexural resonator sensor, the method comprising

porting a hand-held sensor or a hand-held subassembly thereof to a first fluidic system,

interfacing the ported sensor or ported subassembly thereof with the first fluidic system at a first location to form an interfaced sensor, the interfaced sensor comprising a flexural resonator having a sensing surface for contacting the fluid, a signal processing circuit in electrical communication with the flexural resonator, and a data retrieval circuit in electrical communication with the signal processing circuit,

sensing the fluid using the interfaced sensor during a first sensing period to generate data associated with one or more properties of the fluid,

storing, displaying or transmitting the data using the data retrieval circuit,

disinterfacing the hand-held sensor or hand-held sensor subassembly from the first location of the first fluidic system after the first sensing period,

porting the hand-held sensor or hand-held sensor subassembly away from the first location of the first fluidic system, and

subsequently thereafter, porting the hand-held sensor or hand-held sensor subassembly to one or more of (i) a second fluidic system, (ii) a second location of the first fluidic system, or (iii) the first location of the first fluidic system, in each case for interfacing therewith to monitor a property of a fluid during a second sensing period.

51. The method of claim 4 wherein the ported sensor or ported sensor subassembly is mechanically ported.

52. The method of claim 4 wherein the ported sensor or ported sensor subassembly is robotically ported.

80. A system for monitoring a property of a fluid in a fluidic system, the monitoring system comprising a flexural resonator sensor interfaced with the fluidic system, the interfaced sensor comprising

a flexural resonator fixedly attached to the fluidic system, the flexural resonator having a sensing surface for contacting the fluid, and

a portable sensor subassembly removably interfaced with the flexural resonator, the removable sensor subassembly comprising a signal processing circuit in electrical communication with the flexural resonator, and a data retrieval circuit in electrical communication with the signal processing circuit.

81. A system for monitoring a property of a fluid in a fluidic system, the monitoring system comprising a flexural resonator sensor interfaced with the fluidic system across a barrier defining a portion of the fluidic system, the interfaced sensor comprising

a flexural resonator having a sensing surface for contacting the fluid,

a signal processing circuit in electrical communication with the flexural resonator,

a data retrieval circuit in electrical communication with the signal processing circuit, and

a mechanical or electrical coupling adapted such that the sensor or a subassembly thereof can be removably engaged with the fluidic system without compromising the fluidic integrity thereof.

82. An apparatus for use in monitoring a property of a fluid in a fluidic system having one or more flexural resonators, the apparatus comprising a hand-held sensor subassembly comprising

a signal processing circuit adapted for electrical communication with the one or more flexural resonators, the signal processing circuit being configured for receiving an output signal from the flexural resonator during a sensing period and processing the received signal, and

a data retrieval circuit in electrical communication with the signal processing circuit.

83. An apparatus for use in monitoring a property of a fluid in a fluidic system, the apparatus comprising a hand-held sensor adapted for being removably coupled with the fluidic system, the hand-held sensor comprising

a flexural resonator having a sensing surface for contacting the fluid, and

a data retrieval circuit in electrical communication with the flexural resonator.

84. The apparatus of claim 83 wherein the hand-held sensor further comprises a signal processing circuit adapted for electrical communication with the flexural resonator, the signal processing circuit being configured for receiving an output signal from the flexural resonator during a sensing period and processing the received signal to generate data associated with one or more properties of the fluid, and the data retrieval circuit is in electrical communication with the signal processing circuit.

85. An apparatus for use in monitoring a property of a fluid in a fluidic system, the apparatus comprising

a plug adapted for removable engagement with a fluid reservoir of the fluidic system, and

a flexural resonator mounted on a first surface of the plug and having a sensing surface for contacting the fluid in the fluid reservoir,

the plug being adapted for electrical communication between the flexural resonator and one or more of a signal processing circuit, or a data retrieval circuit.

86. The apparatus of claim 85 further comprising one or more conductive paths extending through the plug and providing electrical communication between the flexural resonator and one or more contacts on a second surface of the plug, such that a portable sensor subassembly can be interfaced with the flexural resonator through the one or more contacts.

87. The apparatus of claim 86 further comprising a temperature sensor mounted on the first surface of the plug, and one or more conductive paths extending through the plug and providing electrical communication between the temperature sensor and one or more contacts on the second surface of the plug.

88. An apparatus for use in monitoring a property of a fluid in a fluidic system, the apparatus comprising

a structure supporting a fluid filter and adapted for engagement with the fluidic system, and

a flexural resonator mounted on or integrated with the support structure and having a sensing surface for contacting the fluid,

the support structure being adapted for providing electrical communication between the flexural resonator and a data retrieval circuit.

89. The apparatus of claim 88 further comprising one or more conductive paths providing electrical communication between the flexural resonator and one or more contacts on an accessible surface of the support structure, such that a portable sensor subassembly can be interfaced with the flexural resonator through the one or more contacts.

90. The apparatus of claim 88 or a claim depending therefrom further comprising a temperature sensor mounted on or integrated with the support structure, and one or more conductive paths providing electrical communication between the temperature sensor and one or more contacts the accessible surface of the support structure.