Capacitive sensor for engine oil deterioration measurement

Methanol showed promising results as an alternative to gasoline fuel. However, there exists a research gap for the effect of oxygenated fuel on lubricant oil deterioration along-with engine performance and emissions. This study aims the very topic. The characteristics of SI engine were evaluated for two different loads and nine different engine speeds. The lubricant oil samples were taken out from engine oil sump after 100 h of engine operations using gasoline (G) and M12 sequentially. The brake power of M12 was observed higher in comparison with G. The maximum BTE of 23.69% was observed for M12 on lower load and 2800 rpm. On average, the 6.05% and 6.31% decrease in HC emissions were observed using M12 in comparison with G at lower and higher load respectively. M12 produced 32.52% higher NOx emissions than that of G at lower load. The reduction in kinematic viscosities at 40°C of lubricant oil were found 11.61% and 18.78% for M12 and G respectively. TAN, specific gravity, flash point and ash content of lubricant oil were observed 10.23%, 0.079%, 5.81% and 0.97% higher for M12 respectively. The lubricant oil composition could be developed in future for such fuels which may prolong its life cycle.

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Recording Oil's Vital Signs

Mechanical Engineering ◽

10.1115/1.1999-may-2 ◽

1999 ◽

Vol 121 (05) ◽

pp. 54-56 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

John DeGaspari

Keyword(s):

Oil Quality ◽

Vital Signs ◽

Capacitive Sensor ◽

Engine Oil ◽

Just In Time ◽

Oil Degradation ◽

Combined Approach ◽

Maintenance System ◽

Time Frames ◽

Coolant Leak

This article focuses on efforts that are aimed at developing on-board systems to measure oil quality in real time or, at least, to base predictions on specific, observable conditions. A reliable means of monitoring the condition of engine oil will permit a new kind of just-in-time maintenance, and that, according to some forecasters, could save millions of quarts of oil a year. Although car companies schedule oil changes along conservative time frames, some experts say strictly schedule-based maintenance doesn't solve the problems of premature lubrication failure. The article also highlights that an on-board capacitive sensor developed by Kavlico assesses oil quality by measuring the oil's dielectric constant, which increases as molecules break down and additives deplete with use. It is stressed that a combination of measurements will present a truer picture of oil degradation than just one measurement. A combined approach of monitoring driving conditions and using sensors has been taken by DaimlerChrysler of Stuttgart, Germany. The company has developed a passenger car maintenance system, called Assyst, for Mercedes-Benz vehicles. The dielectric number can warn the driver that water is present in the sump or a coolant leak is occurring in the engine.

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