Fluid monitoring
Inventors
Khonsari, Michael M. • Koottaparambil, Lijesh
Assignees
Bd Of Supervisors Of La St Univ & A&mcollege • Louisiana State University
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Publication Number
US-12000821-B2
Publication Date
2024-06-04
Expiration Date
Abstract
Methods of evaluating mixing are disclosed relating to the preparation and mixing of materials. Materials prepared may transition from heterogeneous mixtures to homogenous mixtures while the current of a motor is monitored. Quantities relating to the rate of change of power or the rate of change of entropy may be calculated in evaluating the sufficiency of mixing. Methods of evaluating lubricant degradation are also disclosed.
Core Innovation
The invention evaluates mixing by using motor-current data to derive a rate variable and identify a threshold associated with a homogeneous mixture. The method also describes cumulative working as a further measure for evaluating the mixture. The supplied content identifies applications in grease production and liquid mixing, but does not include the background section that describes the problem being solved.
The invention also evaluates lubricant degradation by relating motor current, power, or entropy to grease grade and time. A comparison variable is fitted to a time-dependent equation, and a current associated with a lower grease grade is used to evaluate a threshold time. The supplied content does not include the background section, so the problem identified there is not explicitly described in patent.
Claims Coverage
The claims recite two inventive features across two independent claims, each directed to an evaluation method.
Motor-current-based evaluation of mixing
The method works an initially non-homogeneous mixture with a motor-driven implement, records motor-current data, calculates a rate variable from that data, and turns off the motor when the rate variable reaches a threshold. Dependent claims add a cumulative variable and a second threshold, and specify materials, an implement, temperature data, and a consistency-grade range.
Motor-current-based evaluation of lubricant degradation
The method compares motor-current data associated with a lower-grade grease to measurements collected while a higher-grade grease is worked. It curve-fits a comparison variable to a time-dependent equation and uses the value associated with the lower-grade grease to evaluate a threshold time. Dependent claims identify current, power, or entropy as comparison variables.
The independent claims cover threshold-based evaluation of mixture homogeneity and equation-based evaluation of lubricant degradation. Their dependent claims specify additional measurements, variables, materials, and operating conditions.
Stated Advantages
The monitoring unit is presented as a practical alternative to torque-sensor-based monitoring.
Documented Applications
Monitoring mixing in grease production and liquid mixing.
Monitoring grease degradation in bearing lubrication.
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