For those interested, here is a description of a prototype
oil condition monitor developed for USAF. Might become
a commercial possibility with automotive applications in
the future (?). Quoted from AFRL Technology Horizons,
June 2000 issue. Web: www.afrlhorizons.com, click on
"Spinoffs".
===========================================
"On-Line Oil Condition Monitor
The U.S. Air Force is funding Foster-Miller, Inc., through
the Small Business Innovation Research program, to
develop an on-line oil condition monitor (OCM).
Degradation of aircraft engine lubricating oil and the
resultant degradation of engine components have serious
safety and economic implications. The sooner engine
maintenance problems are identified, the more likely
adverse consequences can be avoided. The OCM
consists of a miniaturized, rugged, infrared spectrometer
equipped with a custom-designed flow-through cell and
real-time data acquisition, reduction, and display
capability. The OCM is attached directly to jet turbine
engines to instantaneously provide information that
indicates the status of oil parameters previously selected
by the Department of Defense Joint Oil Analysis
Program. Parameters, including additive concentration,
water content, fuel dilution, and concentration of oxidative
degradation products, are measured by the OCM. The
instrument weighs 6 lbs, measures 6 in. x 3 in. x 2 in., and
costs approximately $5,000.
A prototype of the OCM was successfully tested in Foster-
Miller's laboratory and most recently at the engine test
facility in the Propulsion Directorate at Wright-Patterson
Air Force Base, OH, under the direction of Dr. Bob
Wright, Chief of the Lubrication Branch. During testing,
the prototype was coupled directly to a T63 jet turbine
engine where a small portion of the engine's lubricant was
diverted into the OCM. Researchers introduced various
types of impurities into the engine's oil that were
immediately detected and dispersed in real time. In
addition, the level of antioxidant in the oil was successfully
monitored."
============================================
Toby Maki
'73 Glacier 230
oil condition monitor developed for USAF. Might become
a commercial possibility with automotive applications in
the future (?). Quoted from AFRL Technology Horizons,
June 2000 issue. Web: www.afrlhorizons.com, click on
"Spinoffs".
===========================================
"On-Line Oil Condition Monitor
The U.S. Air Force is funding Foster-Miller, Inc., through
the Small Business Innovation Research program, to
develop an on-line oil condition monitor (OCM).
Degradation of aircraft engine lubricating oil and the
resultant degradation of engine components have serious
safety and economic implications. The sooner engine
maintenance problems are identified, the more likely
adverse consequences can be avoided. The OCM
consists of a miniaturized, rugged, infrared spectrometer
equipped with a custom-designed flow-through cell and
real-time data acquisition, reduction, and display
capability. The OCM is attached directly to jet turbine
engines to instantaneously provide information that
indicates the status of oil parameters previously selected
by the Department of Defense Joint Oil Analysis
Program. Parameters, including additive concentration,
water content, fuel dilution, and concentration of oxidative
degradation products, are measured by the OCM. The
instrument weighs 6 lbs, measures 6 in. x 3 in. x 2 in., and
costs approximately $5,000.
A prototype of the OCM was successfully tested in Foster-
Miller's laboratory and most recently at the engine test
facility in the Propulsion Directorate at Wright-Patterson
Air Force Base, OH, under the direction of Dr. Bob
Wright, Chief of the Lubrication Branch. During testing,
the prototype was coupled directly to a T63 jet turbine
engine where a small portion of the engine's lubricant was
diverted into the OCM. Researchers introduced various
types of impurities into the engine's oil that were
immediately detected and dispersed in real time. In
addition, the level of antioxidant in the oil was successfully
monitored."
============================================
Toby Maki
'73 Glacier 230
