Measurement method and device, for determining degree of engine oil dilution by FAME

Abstract

For checking engine oil, especially containing rate of FAME (Fatty Acid Methyl Ester), we provide a measuring device including a cylindrical and upright analysis vessel having a reading scale with which a surface boundary is measured. In the vessel, the engine oil is mixed with reagents including alcohol(s) and a demulsifier. And the decreased volume is checked as volume of the FAME contained in the engine oil.

Claims

1. A measuring method for FAME (Fatty Acid Methyl Ester) in engine oil including a step of introducing a specified amount of engine oil up to a sample line, a first reagent, and a second reagent to an analysis vessel, a step of shaking the analysis vessel, a step of keeping the analysis vessel stand for a predetermined period of time, a step of measuring a surface boundary with a reading scale, a step of measuring decreased volume of engine oil, and a step of estimating volume of FAME, wherein the first reagent includes at least one alcohol selected from the group consisting of methanol, ethanol, propanol, and mixtures thereof, and the second reagent includes at least a demulsifier component.

2. The measuring method according to claim 1, wherein the analysis vessel is a cylindrical and upright analysis vessel, includes a transparent vessel and has a larger diameter portion which is made at upper portion for introducing the first and the second reagents, and a smaller diameter portion at lower portion for reading scale with which a surface boundary is measured.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a basic concept of the measuring method for measuring the FAME % in engine oil according to the embodiment of the present invention.

(2) FIG. 2 is a side view of an analysis vessel used in the measuring method and measuring device for measuring FAME % in engine oil according to the embodiment of the present invention.

(3) FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating states before and after the measuring method for measuring the FAME % in engine oil according to the embodiment of the present invention.

(4) FIG. 4 shows a fuel dilution test kit set for the measuring method.

(5) FIG. 5 is a side view of an analysis vessel for the measuring method.

(6) FIG. 6 is a side view of other type of analysis vessel for the measuring method.

EXPLANATION OF REFERENCE

(7) 1 measuring vessel 11 top part 12 larger diameter portion 13 reading scale 14 bottom portion

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

(8) Measurement of the FAME percentage in engine oil is described as follow.

(9) Reagent A is Methanol, ethanol or any mixture composition of methanol and ethanol. Reagent B is Parafinic oil-based demulsifier. Reagent C is Toluene, Isopropanol or any mixture composition of Toluene and Isopropanol.

(10) First, used engine oil sample are added into the measuring vessel until sample line, indicating a specified amount. Next, reagent (B) is poured into the measuring vessel followed by reagent (A). The measuring vessel is shaken moderately with lid on and is stayed for 5 to 10 minutes. As shown in FIG. 3, the FAME percentage is read from the surface boundary on the FAME scale. Thus the FAME % in engine oil is obtained. After that, vessel is washed with reagent (C) to clean up chemical and engine oil sample.

(11) Optimum Ratio for the measuring was reagent A-3 mL:reagent B-1 mL:Sample-1 mL.

(12) Measuring vessel 1 is cylindrical and upright vessel. Measuring vessel 1, as shown in FIGS. 2, and 5 has a top part 11 to be put a lid, a larger diameter portion 12, a reading scale 13 is made at a lower portion and a bottom portion 14. The bottom portion 14 is made like a sphere and is made the volume large so as to be short the height of the bottom portion. The lower portion has smaller diameter than the larger diameter portion 12.

(13) 2 ml of sample, engine oil containing FAME, introduced in the measuring vessel 1 and determined volume of alcohol is added to the sample. And the measuring vessel 1 is put a lid on the top and is shaken. The reading scale 13 is made in volume range 1 ml to 2 ml or more. After shaking of the measuring vessel 1, the surface boundary between the sample and the alcohol became lower than 2 ml. The decreased volume of the sample indicates the volume of FAME contained in the sample.

(14) FIG. 3 shows an example of measuring a sample including FAME. Sample is put into the measuring vessel up to the 0% line and Reagents A and B are added. The measuring vessel is shaken and left 5 to 10 minutes. Then the surface boundary drop and the reading scale is checked nearest the surface boundary. The surface boundary indicates 10% in FIG. 3. Thus the sample is measured as engine oil including 10% FAME.

(15) FIG. 4 shows a fuel dilution test kit set. The kit set includes one test vessel (measuring vessel), 3 of reagents A (alcohol) and B (demulsifier), 10 pipettes, one waste vessel and one sample storage.