Electrochemical sensors for motor oils and other lubricants
First Claim
1. A method of detecting electroactive components in a nonconductive environment which comprises:
- a) providing an electrochemical sensor having at least two electrodes and a conductive liquid or gel interphase covering each of said at least two electrodes, said liquid or gel interphase is positioned between said at least two electrodes and a nonconductive environment containing electroactive components;
b) contacting the conductive liquid or gel interphase with said nonconductive environment containing electroactive components;
c) allowing said electroactive components in said nonconductive environment to pass through the conductive liquid or gel interphase of the electrochemical cell; and
d) utilizing the electrochemical cell to measure the concentration of said electroactive components in the conductive interphase.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A sensitive and rapid electrochemical sensor monitors motor oil deterioration, particularly antioxidation property, by determining the antioxidant and antiwear agent level remaining in an oil formulation. The electrochemical sensor is a two- or three-electrode electrochemical cell having a conductive electrolyte liquid or gel-like interphase over the electrode surfaces. The degree of deterioration of a motor oil in service is monitored by measurements of antioxidation or antiwear capacity of the oil. The electrochemical sensor can be used for monitoring other lubricants and hydrocarbons which contain electroactive additives. The electrochemical sensor allows measurements to be performed in-situ, without any chemical or physical pretreatment of the oil.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method of detecting electroactive components in a nonconductive environment which comprises:
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a) providing an electrochemical sensor having at least two electrodes and a conductive liquid or gel interphase covering each of said at least two electrodes, said liquid or gel interphase is positioned between said at least two electrodes and a nonconductive environment containing electroactive components; b) contacting the conductive liquid or gel interphase with said nonconductive environment containing electroactive components; c) allowing said electroactive components in said nonconductive environment to pass through the conductive liquid or gel interphase of the electrochemical cell; and d) utilizing the electrochemical cell to measure the concentration of said electroactive components in the conductive interphase. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 18, 19, 20)
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13. A sensor for detecting electroactive components in a nonconductive environment which comprises:
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at least two electrodes; and a liquid conductive or gel conductive interphase covering said at least two electrodes, said conductive liquid or gel conductive interphase comprising an electrolyte solution which is selectively permeable to electroactive components of a nonconducting environment. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17)
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Specification