Rapid Field Test Method(s) to Measure Additive Concentrations in Military Fuel

Detection of fuel quality and fuel additive status in petroleum at multiple points in the fuel delivery chain is highly desirable in order to prevent military vehicles from being disabled by low quality fuel. In the Phase I, Polaris Sensor Technologies investigated a large number of analytical techniques to assess the concentration of various fuel additives. After eliminating a number of techniques for lack of sensitivity, lack of specificity, or as an approach requiring instrumentation that would not ultimately be fieldable, we found several approaches to measure corrosion inhibitor and an off-the-shelf sensor for FSII. In the Phase II, Polaris will further assess the two techniques for the corrosion inhibitor, perform a downselection, and design, build, and test an integrated sensor for measurement of corrosion inhibitor and FSII. The final instrument will be portable and suitable for field testing. Polaris Sensor Technologies will partner with Southwest Research Institute, recognized authorities in Fuel quality, to develop the Portable Fuel Additive Sensor.