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U.S. Department of Energy
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Method for determining the octane rating of gasoline samples by observing corresponding acoustic resonances therein

Patent ·
OSTI ID:441853

A method is described for determining the octane rating of gasoline samples by observing corresponding acoustic resonances therein. A direct correlation between the octane rating of gasoline and the frequency of corresponding acoustic resonances therein has been experimentally observed. Therefore, the octane rating of a gasoline sample can be directly determined through speed of sound measurements instead of by the cumbersome process of quantifying the knocking quality of the gasoline. Various receptacle geometries and construction materials may be employed. Moreover, it is anticipated that the measurements can be performed on flowing samples in pipes, thereby rendering the present method useful in refineries and distilleries. 3 figs.

Research Organization:
University of California
DOE Contract Number:
W-7405-ENG-36
Assignee:
Univ. of California, Los Alamos, NM (United States)
Patent Number(s):
US 5,606,130/A/
Application Number:
PAN: 8-218,012
OSTI ID:
441853
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English