In-line Testing of Fuel&Lube Oil

The US Navy is seeking to reduce the man-hours, sampling errors, and time delays associated with oil monitoring by implementing real-time, in-line oil monitors. The primary concerns that should be addressed by an in-line sensor are particulate, water, and microbial contamination. However, there is also a desire for the sensor to monitor other physical properties like viscosity, specific gravity, and flash point. METSS is proposing to address this need by augmenting commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) equipment that is already well-developed and available for purchase. Specifically, under previous efforts, METSS developed an in-line hydraulic fluid multi-sensor for the US Air Force that performs many of the key functions desired for this program. METSS will use this system as a platform for the current program efforts, adapting its use for fuels and oils of greatest interest to the Navy. METSS will also research and evaluate third-party sensors designed to measure physical properties of oils that could be incorporated into the multi-sensor platform.