The present invention is a device for analyzing sensitivity to deposit formation in a fuel notably used in aircraft, comprising a tank (10) for the fuel to be analysed, at least one test section (18) with a heated tube (46) along which the fuel flows and a filter (66) associated with a deposit measurement system (68). According to the invention, the device comprises at least two identical test sections (18.sub.1 to 18.sub.6) arranged in parallel and a control unit (72) independently controlling at least one of the operating conditions of at least one of the two test sections.

Described herein are systems and methods for evaluating and mitigating the fouling potential of a given crude oil. The system and methods enable the refiner to rapidly and readily identify the particular mechanisms by which a crude oil may foul, and to select the optimal chemical treatment and/or crude blend to mitigate fouling potential.

Provided are methods of characterizing and/or predicting risk associated with a biological sample using thermal stability profiles. The methods include obtaining a thermal stability profile of the sample, using a sensor which detects heat capacity values, applying a classification algorithm to the thermal stability profile, and comparing the results thermal stability data in the database to characterize and/or predict risk of the condition. The methods may additionally include a classification algorithm selected from one or more of logistic regression, support vector machines, Fisher's linear discriminant analysis, modified version of Fisher's linear discriminant analysis (MLDA), and partial least squares.

A method of evaluating formation of fouling material in a petroleum feed involves illuminating a sample with cross-polarized light while subjecting the sample to temperature and pressure conditions relevant to an industrial process to induce chemical and/or physical changes; collecting images of the treated sample; and analyzing the images to evaluate fouling formation based on heterogeneity of the images in terms of brightness and/or color, where an increase in heterogeneity is indicative of initiation of fouling formation. The method is conducted using a cross-polarized microscopy system including a hot stage reactor assembly capable of withstanding operation within a temperature between about 20 C. to 450 C. or higher, and a pressure between about 0.1 MPa to 16 MPa or higher.

The present invention relates to a method for continuously monitoring the degree of progress of oxidation of a fuel, comprising at least the following steps: determining at least one indicator for the progress of the oxidation reaction to be monitored, measuring the content of said indicator for the progress of the oxidation reaction in said fuel, classifying the degree of progress of oxidation of said fuel, determining the measures to be taken as a function of said classification.

An electric vehicle test chamber device for electric vehicle fluid oxidation testing. The device is incorporated into a system that includes a shaft implement such as a pump as well as a variable electric input mechanism with capacity to impart a variety of different types of electrical fields to the fluid. The fields may be induced by direct current, alternating current or an electromagnetic current. The system includes an acquisition unit for collection of oxidation data as well as capacity to account for a variety of other parameters applied to the fluid in order to attained enhanced accuracy of oxidation data analysis.

A significantly improved version of the ASTM D942 Test Method, with apparatus employable to effect the same, is provided. This is useful in measurement of grease oxidation.

A sensor assembly for monitoring an internal condition of a transformer. The assembly includes: a body for location outside a tank of the transformer, the body housing an electronics assembly including body sensors coupled to a processor; a probe extending from the body for insertion into a tank of the transformer; a number of probe sensors coupled to the processor disposed at or toward a remote end of the probe for sensing conditions within the tank. The processor is configured to process signals from the probe sensors and the body sensors to produce signals for assessing one or more of: transformer core temperature; transformer insulation state; partial discharge; mechanical state of transformer; chemical state of transformer.

An electric vehicle test chamber device for electric vehicle fluid oxidation testing. The device is incorporated into a system that includes a shaft implement such as a pump as well as a variable electric input mechanism with capacity to impart a variety of different types of electrical fields to the fluid. The fields may be induced by direct current, alternating current or an electromagnetic current. The system includes an acquisition unit for collection of oxidation data as well as capacity to account for a variety of other parameters applied to the fluid in order to attained enhanced accuracy of oxidation data analysis.

Embodiments herein relate to systems and methods for varnish detection and/or monitoring in hydrocarbon fluids. In various embodiments, a system for monitoring varnish compounds in fluids is included herein including a control circuit in communication with a fluid property sensor. The system can measure one or more fluid properties (such as dielectric constant, density, resistivity, viscosity and the like) with the fluid property sensor, monitor the same over a time period, and identify an occurrence of a rate of change in the measured property indicating a presence of the varnish compounds. In various embodiments, a system herein can be configured to measure a fluid property of a fluid with a fluid property sensor, monitor the fluid property value over a time period, and predict a time of the onset of varnish compound formation based on the trend of the fluid property value over time. Other embodiments are also included herein.