Device for detecting the specific gravity of a liquid. [Patent application]

Patent · Tue Nov 18 00:00:00 EST 1980

OSTI ID:6299712

Derouin, C R; Kerwin, W J; McCormick, J B; Bobbett, R E

A device for detecting the specific gravity of a liquid and a device for detecting the state of charge of a liquid phase electrolyte battery are described. In one embodiment of the present invention, a change in the critical angle of total internal reflection is utilized to determine the index of refraction of the liquid to be measured. It is shown that the index of refraction of the liquid is a function of the specific gravity of the liquid. In applications for measuring the state of charge of a battery, the specific gravity is proportional to the state of charge of the battery. A change in intensity of rays intersecting an interface surface indicates the critical angle which is a direct indication of the specific gravity of the liquid and the state of charge of a battery. In another embodiment, a light beam is projected through a transparent medium and then through a portion of the liquid to be measured. A change in refraction due to a change in the index of refraction of the liquid produces a deflection of the beam which is measured by a detector. The magnitude of deflection of the beam is directly proportional to the specific gravity of the liquid and the state of charge of a battery.

• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-36
• Assignee: Dept. of Energy
• OSTI ID: 6299712
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

25 ENERGY STORAGE
DENSIMETERS
DESIGN
ELECTRIC BATTERIES
CHARGE STATE
DENSITY
ELECTROLYTES
LIQUIDS
OPTICAL EQUIPMENT
REFRACTION
VISIBLE RADIATION
ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
EQUIPMENT
FLUIDS
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
RADIATIONS
250903* - Energy Storage- Batteries- Materials
Components
& Auxiliaries