Contaminant analyzer for fuel
Inventors
Sprenger, Greg • Stevens, Jed • White, Michael • Hillis, Richard • Lavenberg, Jacob • Templeman, Chris
Assignees
Parker Hannifin Corp • Physical Sciences Inc
Publication Number
US-7518719-B2
Publication Date
2009-04-14
Expiration Date
2027-01-25
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Abstract
A method and apparatus for detecting contaminants in hydrocarbon fuel are disclosed, wherein a fuel analyzer includes a flow sensor to facilitate an automatic start up and shut down of a fuel analysis, and a calibration standard to facilitate an inline calibration of the fuel analyzer.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a method and apparatus for the inline detection of contaminants, specifically water and particulates, in hydrocarbon fuel during its transfer from one point to another. The apparatus includes a fuel analyzer fitted with a flow sensor that initiates fuel analysis automatically when fuel flow is detected and shuts the analysis down when flow ceases. This automatic operation removes the need for manual start-up and supervision during the analysis process.
A key feature of the apparatus is an integrated calibration standard positioned within the analyzer, which enables inline calibration without removing the instrument from service. The calibration standard can be actuated into a sensing zone intersecting an optical signal and forward scatter sensor, allowing the analyzer to generate calibration signals in place. As a result, frequent and automatic calibrations can be performed, maintaining the accuracy of contaminant detection while avoiding the operational disruption associated with removing instrumentation for calibration.
The underlying problem addressed by the invention is that existing fuel contamination analyzers require manual initiation and calibration, which is both time-consuming and disruptive, as it usually demands the physical removal of the instrumentation from the fuel line. This invention streamlines the process by automating fuel analysis and calibration, ultimately reducing operating difficulty, labor, and downtime during fuel transfer.
Claims Coverage
There is one independent claim in the patent, which introduces several inventive features related to fuel analysis and inline calibration.
Inline fuel analysis with light-based sensors
The apparatus analyzes fuel for water and particulate contamination as it is conveyed along a path, utilizing a light source to produce a beam and at least one of a forward scatter sensor or a ninety degree scatter sensor within the analyzer.
Movable calibration standard for inline calibration
A calibration standard is selectively movable to and from a sensing zone within the analyzer, where it refracts the light beam to send a portion to the forward scatter sensor and another portion to the ninety degree scatter sensor. This action creates selected scattering signals used for calibrating the fuel analyzer without removing it from service.
The independent claim covers an inline method and apparatus for fuel analysis using optical sensors and describes the integration of a movable calibration standard to facilitate automatic, inline calibration without system disruption.
Stated Advantages
Automatically detects contaminants in transient fuel without the need for an attending operator.
Commences operation simultaneously with the commencement of fuel flow, streamlining the analysis process.
Automatically calibrates the fuel analyzer without removing the apparatus from service, minimizing operational disruption.
Enables frequent inline calibration, ensuring consistent and accurate measurement results.
Documented Applications
Detecting the presence of water and particulate contaminants in hydrocarbon fuels during fuel transfer.
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