Method and apparatus for measuring engine oil consumption using laser induced breakdown spectroscopy
Inventors
Henry, Cary • WRIGHT, Nolan • Moore, Thomas
Assignees
Southwest Research Institute SwRI
Publication Number
US-11774351-B2
Publication Date
2023-10-03
Expiration Date
2041-08-06
Interested in licensing this patent?
MTEC can help explore whether this patent might be available for licensing for your application.
Abstract
A method, apparatus and/or system for measuring engine oil consumption using laser induced breakdown spectroscopy.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a method, apparatus, and system for measuring engine oil consumption using laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). Specifically, the approach involves irradiating engine exhaust with a high-energy laser to create an ionized plasma, then detecting emission signals that correspond to specific elemental ions, such as calcium, magnesium, zinc, molybdenum, or phosphorous, which are present in engine oil. These detected ion emissions can be correlated to the rate of engine oil consumption.
The problem addressed is the complexity and limitations of existing real-time oil consumption measurement methods. Prior solutions such as sulfur detection by UV excitation and fluorescence require complex sampling systems, are costly, and have various points of failure and potential interference. Other methods, like those using radioactive tracers, face regulatory and safety hurdles. There is a need for a real-time, precise, and reliable approach that does not require sample collection, complex pretreatment, or hazardous substances.
The inventive LIBS method enables real-time measurement by directly analyzing engine exhaust for characteristic emission signals of metallic or phosphorous additives originating from engine oil. By correlating these signals, particularly at key wavelengths (such as 393.37 nm and 396.85 nm for calcium ions), with known oil flow rates, the method provides an immediate determination of engine oil consumption. The system is adaptable to different engine types and can detect oil consumption rates in the range of 0.1 g/hr to 30 g/hr.
Claims Coverage
There are three independent claims in this patent, each defining a principal inventive feature.
Method of measuring engine oil consumption using LIBS to detect multiple elemental ions
The invention includes: - Irradiating engine exhaust and detecting emission signal intensity versus wavelength using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). - Identifying one or more emission signals characteristic of an elemental ion (from calcium, magnesium, zinc, molybdenum, or phosphorous) present in the exhaust. - Correlating the intensity of the emission signal of the elemental ion with a rate of engine oil consumption. - Measurement is performed over a time period of 20 seconds to 1000 seconds for oil consumption rates from 0 g/hr to 30 g/hr.
Method of measuring engine oil consumption by detecting calcium ions using LIBS
This feature specifies: - Irradiating engine exhaust and detecting emission signal intensity versus wavelength using LIBS. - Identifying emission signals characteristic of a calcium ion in the exhaust. - Correlating the emission signal intensity of the calcium ion with the rate of engine oil consumption. - Operation covers oil consumption rates from 0 g/hr to 30 g/hr over a measurement period of 20 seconds to 1000 seconds.
System for measuring engine oil consumption in engine exhaust using LIBS apparatus
The system comprises: - A test area in the engine exhaust with optical access. - A laser light source configured to emit an optical beam with power density ≥1 GW/cm² to generate an ionized plasma in the exhaust. - A spectral detection device configured to receive optical emissions from the exhaust, detecting the presence of ions of calcium, magnesium, zinc, molybdenum, or phosphorous. - An electronic processing device that processes data from the spectral detection device to measure the oil consumption rate (ranging from 0 to 30 g/hr) over a 20 to 1000 second period.
The inventive features claim real-time, in situ measurement of engine oil consumption in exhaust using LIBS to detect elemental ions derived from oil additives, the correlation of those emissions to oil consumption rates, and an integrated system apparatus for such measurements.
Stated Advantages
Provides a more immediate and relatively early indication of engine oil consumption.
Eliminates the need for sample collection, isolation, or treatment when analyzing exhaust for oil consumption.
Allows diagnosis of mechanical or operational engine problems related to oil consumption, potentially preventing contamination of exhaust after-treatment systems.
Applicable to engines of varying sizes and types, including internal combustion, gasoline, diesel, and gas-turbine engines.
Documented Applications
Real-time measurement of engine oil consumption in internal combustion engines, such as gasoline engines, diesel engines, or gas-turbine engines, by analyzing engine exhaust.
Diagnosis of mechanical or operational problems in engines by detecting oil finding its way past seals and burning in the cylinders.
Early detection of oil consumption to help avoid contamination of exhaust after-treatment systems due to combustion of engine oil.
Interested in licensing this patent?