HYDROCARBON CONTAMINANT DETECTION USING POLYMER FILM

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Inventor(s)

HYDROCARBON CONTAMINANT DETECTION USING POLYMER FILM - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 20240345061 titled 'HYDROCARBON CONTAMINANT DETECTION USING POLYMER FILM

Simplified Explanation: The patent application describes a hydrocarbon contaminant detection system using a polymer film that can dissolve in the presence of a hydrocarbon, breaking an electrical circuit in the process.

The sensor assembly includes a cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) film with electrically conductive materials, capable of completing an electrical circuit.
The COC film dissolves when exposed to a hydrocarbon contaminant, causing the electrical circuit to break.
A syringe is used to carry a lubrication oil sample to be tested, contacting it with the COC film of the sensor assembly.
A controller with processors operates the syringe to flow the oil sample onto the COC film at a predetermined flow rate.

Key Features and Innovation:

Detection system using a polymer film that dissolves in the presence of hydrocarbons.
Sensor assembly with COC film and electrically conductive materials.
Syringe for carrying and testing lubrication oil samples.
Controller with processors for operating the syringe and performing operations.

Potential Applications: The technology can be used in various industries such as automotive, manufacturing, and environmental monitoring for detecting hydrocarbon contaminants in lubrication oils.

Problems Solved: The system addresses the need for a reliable and efficient method to detect hydrocarbon contaminants in lubrication oils, ensuring equipment reliability and performance.

Benefits:

Early detection of hydrocarbon contaminants.
Prevents equipment damage and malfunctions.
Improves maintenance practices and prolongs equipment lifespan.

Commercial Applications: The technology can be applied in oil analysis laboratories, industrial machinery maintenance, and environmental monitoring services to enhance equipment performance and reliability.

Questions about Hydrocarbon Contaminant Detection System: 1. How does the polymer film dissolve in the presence of hydrocarbons? 2. What are the potential implications of using this technology in environmental monitoring?

Original Abstract Submitted

a hydrocarbon contaminant detection system using a polymer film includes a sensor assembly, a syringe and a controller. the sensor assembly includes a cyclic olefin copolymer (coc) film including electrically conductive materials. the sensor assembly can complete an electrical circuit. the coc film can dissolve in a presence of a hydrocarbon contaminant to cause the electrical circuit to break. the syringe can carry a lubrication oil sample to be tested using the sensor assembly. the syringe is operable to contact the lubrication oil sample with the coc film of the sensor assembly. the controller includes one or more processors, and a computer-readable medium storing instructions which when executed by the one or more processors cause the one or more processors to perform operations including operating the syringe to flow the lubrication oil sample onto the coc film of the sensor assembly at a pre-determined flowrate.