CONTAMINANT ANALYZER FOR FUEL

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.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above objects and advantages of the invention will become readily apparent to one skilled in the art from reading the following description of an embodiment of the invention when considered in the light of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a system utilizing the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an optical sensor and calibration standard incorporated in the analyzer of the system of FIG. 1.

Claims

1. A method of inline contamination analysis of transient fuel comprising the steps of: providing a source of fuel to be analyzed;causing the fuel to flow from the source to a point remote therefrom;commencing an analysis of the transient fuel for contamination upon the commencement of the fuel flow; andproducing a signal upon sensing the presence of contamination in the transient fuel.

2. The method for inline contamination analysis defined in claim 1, wherein a flow sensor is used for commencing the analysis of the transient fuel for contamination.

3. The method for inline contamination analysis defined in claim 1, further comprising the step of concluding the analysis of the transient fuel for contamination upon the ceasing of the fuel flow.

4. The method for inline contamination analysis defined in claim 1, further comprising the step of calibrating a means for analysis of the transient fuel for contamination.

5. The method for inline contamination analysis defined in claim 4, wherein the calibrating the means for analysis of the transient fuel for contamination is commenced upon a predetermined amount of time.

6. The method for inline contamination analysis defined in claim 4, wherein the calibrating means for analysis of the transient fuel for contamination is commenced upon a predetermined number of analysis cycles.

7. The method for inline contamination analysis defined in claim 1, wherein commencing the analysis of the transient fuel for contamination is delayed for a period of time after the commencement of the fuel flow.

8. The method for inline contamination analysis defined in claim 1, further comprising the step of transmitting analysis data to a data gathering device.

9. Apparatus for analyzing fuel comprising: a source of fuel to be analyzed;means for conveying fuel from the source to a position remote from the source;a sensor for sensing the flow of fuel; anda means for analyzing the fuel for at least one of water contamination and particulate contamination in the transient fuel.

10. Apparatus defined in claim 9, further comprising a means for calibrating the means for analyzing the fuel.

11. Apparatus defined in claim 10, wherein the means for calibrating is disposed within the means for conveying fuel.

12. Apparatus defined in claim 11 wherein the means for calibrating functions upon at least one of a predetermined amount of time and a predetermined number of analysis cycles.

13. Apparatus defined in claim 10, wherein the sensor is disposed within the means for conveying fuel.

14. Apparatus defined in claim 10, wherein the means for analyzing the fuel includes an optical signal and at least one of a forward scatter sensor and a ninety degree scatter sensor.

15. Apparatus for analyzing fuel comprising: a source of fuel to be analyzed;means for conveying fuel from the source to a position remote from the source;a means for analyzing the fuel for at least one of water contamination and particulate contamination in the transient fuel; anda means for calibrating the means for analyzing the fuel.

16. Apparatus defined in claim 15, further comprising a sensor for sensing the flow of fuel.

17. Apparatus defined in claim 16, wherein the sensor is disposed within the means for conveying fuel.

18. Apparatus defined in claim 15, wherein the means for calibrating is disposed within the means for conveying fuel.

19. Apparatus defined in claim 15, wherein the means for calibrating functions upon at least one of a predetermined amount of time and a predetermined number of analysis cycles.

20. Apparatus defined in claim 15, further comprising a means for transmitting analysis data to a data gathering device.

21. Apparatus defined in claim 15, wherein the means for analyzing the fuel includes an optical signal and at least one of a forward scatter sensor and a ninety degree scatter sensor.