A method of assigning an octane number to a sample fuel based on the knock intensities obtained from a plurality of reference fuels each having a different assigned octane number while operating an engine at an established compression ratio. The knock intensities obtained from the plurality of reference fuels are plotted relative to the assigned octane numbers of the fuels. A line is fit to the plotted knock intensities. The octane number for a sample fuel is assigned based on the knock intensity obtained for the sample fuel, the knock intensity obtained from a prototype fuel having an assigned octane number, and the fitted line. In embodiments, an R squared value is obtained for the fitted line and compared with a minimum acceptable R squared value and the fitted line is validated if the R squared value is at least the minimum acceptable R squared value.

A detonation pickup testing system, comprising: (i) apparatus for coupling to at least one terminal of a detonation pickup; and (ii) a computational system, for communicating with the pickup via with the apparatus, to test at least one characteristic, excluding or in addition to DC resistance, of the detonation pickup.

The present disclosure relates to a miniaturized fuel laboratory system that makes use of a housing, a processor housed within the housing, and a fuel inlet port supported from the housing for receiving a quantity of fuel to be used as a fuel test sample. The system may also have at least one fuel sensor housed in the housing in communication with the fuel inlet port for receiving the fuel test sample and carrying out combustion thereof. An electronic component may be housed in the housing, which enables communication with an external remote subsystem. A database may be incorporated which contains at least one of stored fuel characteristics or stored fuel analysis models, accessible by the processor. The processor may use fuel oxidation information generated by the fuel sensor, and at least one of the stored fuel characteristics or stored combustion models, to determine at least one fuel characteristic of the fuel test sample.

A fuel quality rating testing system and related methodology. The system comprises a data acquisition system, comprising: (i) circuitry for receiving a time-varying signal from a pickup, the pickup for coupling to a test engine; and (ii) circuitry for determining a fuel rating in response to the time-varying signal. The fuel quality rating testing system also comprises a communications path coupled to the fuel quality rating testing system and a calibrator.

A fuel quality rating testing system and related methodology. The system comprises a data acquisition system, comprising: (i) circuitry for receiving a time-varying signal from a pickup, the pickup for coupling to a test engine; and (ii) circuitry for determining a fuel rating in response to the time-varying signal. The fuel quality rating testing system also comprises a communications path coupled to the fuel quality rating testing system and a calibrator.

A detonation pickup testing system, comprising: (i) apparatus for coupling to at least one terminal of a detonation pickup; and (ii) a computational system, for communicating with the pickup via with the apparatus, to test at least one characteristic, excluding or in addition to DC resistance, of the detonation pickup.

A fuel testing device includes a combustion chamber having an optical access port; a visualization system that acquires images of a flame inside the combustion chamber, the images being acquired through the optical access port; and a vortex generator that perturbs a flow of a fuel inside the combustion chamber. The images are used to determine a propensity of the fuel to thermoacoustic instabilities, and the combustion chamber has a length less than 2 m.

A working fluid monitoring system for monitoring a working fluid of working fluid system of a piece of equipment is provided. The working fluid monitoring system can include a filter member having an inlet, an outlet, and a filter media disposed between the inlet and the outlet. The filter member can be configured to permit fluid communication of the working fluid of the working fluid system from the inlet, through the filter media, and out the outlet of the filter member. A sensor is in operable communication with the working fluid within the filter member and is configured to monitor in situ a parameter of the working fluid and/or the working fluid system.

Elevated temperature liquid testing apparatus and methodology in which a thin film of test liquid and a reactant/control gas are provided about the top of a depositor member that is surrounded by a special mantle, for example, a substantially cylindrically walled glass mantle. As an oxidative engine oil test, it may mimic turbocharger conditions of a modern internal combustion engine. For example, employing moist air, the apparatus can test a thin film of engine oil for oxidation deposits at a predetermined temperature, say, 285 C., 290 C., or cycled between 285 C. or 290 C. and 320 C. or 330 C.

The present disclosure relates to a miniaturized fuel laboratory system that makes use of a housing, a processor housed within the housing, and a fuel inlet port supported from the housing for receiving a quantity of fuel to be used as a fuel test sample. The system may also have at least one fuel sensor housed in the housing in communication with the fuel inlet port for receiving the fuel test sample and carrying out combustion thereof. An electronic component may be housed in the housing, which enables communication with an external remote subsystem. A database may be incorporated which contains at least one of stored fuel characteristics or stored fuel analysis models, accessible by the processor. The processor may use fuel oxidation information generated by the fuel sensor, and at least one of the stored fuel characteristics or stored combustion models, to determine at least one fuel characteristic of the fuel test sample.