Apparatus for determining the thermal stability of fluids
This patent describes an apparatus for testing thermal oxidation stability of a fluid such as a hydrocarbon. It comprises a non-circuitous fluid flow conduit system with an input and an output, the conduit system capable of conducting and containing the fluid; means for inserting an amount of the fluid into the conduit system at the input of the conduit system; means for creating and maintaining an incremental flow of the fluid through the conduit system, the incremental flow being maintained at a regulated pressure and being from the input towards the output of the conduit system; means for controllably heating the fluid in at least one location within the conduit system, the heating means having a surface in contact with the fluid upon which may be deposited suspended solids formed by the heating of the fluid; means for increasing a total residence time of the fluid within the conduit system at a location between the heating means and the output of the conduit system; filter means in at least one location within the conduit system between the heating means and the output of the conduit system for trapping the suspended solids formed by the heating of the fluid; pressure differential measuring means located in conjunction with the filter means for determining a differential pressure across the filter means, the differential pressure being indicative of a degree of the suspended solids deposited on the filter means; and the filter means and the surface of the heating means being so situated within the conduit system as to be monitored for a build up of the suspended solids thereon, the build up of the suspended solids being indicative of the thermal oxidative stability of the fluid.
- Assignee:
- Alcor, Inc., San Antonio, TX (United States)
- Patent Number(s):
- A; US 5101658
- Application Number:
- PPN: US 7-711120
- OSTI ID:
- 5152707
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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