Method for monitoring agents in hydrocarbon fluids
First Claim
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1. An apparatus for monitoring at least one electroactive antioxidant or antiwear agent in a hydrocarbon fluid comprising:
- a) a source of hydrocarbon fluid;
b) a low pressure and low pulsation pump;
c) a reservoir in communication with the pump for storing a carrier mobile phase capable of dissolving or emulsifying the hydrocarbon fluid;
d) an injector located between the pump and the detector for injecting the hydrocarbon fluid into the carrier; and
e) an electrochemical detector downstream of the injector which senses at least one of said agents in the hydrocarbon fluid.
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Abstract
A method and apparatus uses a flow injection technique for rapidly and accurately determining the level of one or more additives such as antioxidants and/or antiwear agents in a hydrocarbon fluid such as an engine oil. The hydrocarbon fluid is injected into a mobile phase using a microemulsion or organic solvent as the mobile phase and pumped through an electrochemical detection sensor. The electrochemical detention sensor accurately and quickly provides a sharp signal identifying the electroactive species in the hydrocarbon fluid.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. An apparatus for monitoring at least one electroactive antioxidant or antiwear agent in a hydrocarbon fluid comprising:
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a) a source of hydrocarbon fluid;
b) a low pressure and low pulsation pump;
c) a reservoir in communication with the pump for storing a carrier mobile phase capable of dissolving or emulsifying the hydrocarbon fluid;
d) an injector located between the pump and the detector for injecting the hydrocarbon fluid into the carrier; and
e) an electrochemical detector downstream of the injector which senses at least one of said agents in the hydrocarbon fluid. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A method of monitoring for the presence of at least one electroactive antioxidant or antiwear agents in a hydrocarbon fluid comprising the steps of:
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a. providing a hydrocarbon fluid containing at least one electroactive antioxidant or antiwear agents;
b. providing a carrier mobile phase capable of dissolving or micro-emulsifying the hydrocarbon fluid containing the said agents to be detected. c. injecting the hydrocarbon fluid into the mobile phase which then passes through an electrochemical detector; and
d. sensing the mobile phase using the electrochemical detector to monitor for the presence or absence of said at least one agent and providing an indication of such presence or absence. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification