Patent ID: 7540197
Filing Date: 2009-06-02
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
1. A sensor assembly for determining physical effects over time of a fluid in contact with the physical effects sensor, the sensor comprising: a diaphragm for contact with a fluid, the diaphragm exhibiting first and second mechanical responses to first and second actuations of the diaphragm corresponding to first and second time intervals, respectively, wherein a change in the first and second mechanical responses between at least the first and second actuations is indicative of a change of at least one physical effect on the diaphragm over time caused by corrosion, erosion, scaling and/or oxidation of the diaphragm by the fluid in contact therewith; and a mechanical response sensor operatively associated with the diaphragm which measures the change in the first and second mechanical responses so as to determine the change of the at least one physical effect on the diaphragm over time caused by corrosion, erosion, scaling and/or oxidation of the diaphragm by the fluid in contact therewith.