Method for evaluating the remaining useful life of a lubricant
First Claim
1. A method for measuring the remaining useful life of a lubricant containing at least one antioxidant species, comprising the steps of:
- mixing a lubricant sample with a solvent, organic base, and an electrolyte to produce an analysis sample;
placing said analysis sample into an electrolytic cell;
applying an electric potential of a first value to said analysis sample to produce an electric current therethrough;
varying said potential from said first value to a second value to produce an oxidation reaction of said antioxidant species within said cell;
varying said potential from said second value to said first value to produce a reduction reaction of an oxidized product of said antioxidant species within said cell; and
measuring and recording said current during at least said reduction reaction.
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Abstract
A method is disclosed for measuring the remaining useful life of an ester-based lubricant containing at least one antioxidant species. A lubricant sample is mixed with a solvent, an organic base and an electrolyte to produce an analysis sample. The analysis sample is placed into an electrolytic cell and subjected to a cyclic voltammetric analysis, whereby a varying electric current is produced within the cell. The current during the cyclic voltammetric analysis is measured and recorded. Remaining useful life for the lubricant is then determined from the average maximum reduction current wave height produced.
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Citations
27 Claims
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1. A method for measuring the remaining useful life of a lubricant containing at least one antioxidant species, comprising the steps of:
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mixing a lubricant sample with a solvent, organic base, and an electrolyte to produce an analysis sample; placing said analysis sample into an electrolytic cell; applying an electric potential of a first value to said analysis sample to produce an electric current therethrough; varying said potential from said first value to a second value to produce an oxidation reaction of said antioxidant species within said cell; varying said potential from said second value to said first value to produce a reduction reaction of an oxidized product of said antioxidant species within said cell; and measuring and recording said current during at least said reduction reaction. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
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24. A method for measuring the remaining useful life of an ester-based lubricant containing at least one antioxidant species, comprising the steps of:
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mixing a lubricant sample with a solvent, an organic base and an electrolyte to produce an analysis sample; placing said analysis sample into an electrolytic cell; subjecting said analysis sample to a cyclic voltammetric analysis comprising a plurality of cycles, whereby a varying electric current is produced within said cell; and measuring and recording said current during said cyclic voltammetric analysis. - View Dependent Claims (25, 26, 27)
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Specification