Patent ID: 6827484
Filing Date: 2004-12-07
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
A cloud point monitoring device, for determining formation of wax crystals in diesel fuel, comprising:a thermal conductive surface; a thermal device to change thermal conditions of said thermal conductive surface; a detection volume which is an open area embedded inside said thermal conductive surface, said detection volume includes a ramp which leads from an upper surface of said thermal conductive surface down to a bottom of said open area of said detection volume; a temperature sensor to sense temperature of the diesel fuel in said detection volume; a light source which directs light into said detection volume; a light detector to detect a change in light level from said light source in said detection volume, said change in light vel being relative to the positioning of said light source in relation to said light detector; and a data acquisition and control unit to monitor light level from said light detector and monitor diesel fuel temperature from said temperature sensor.