In-line Hydraulic Fluid Contamination Multi-Sensor

A novel three-stage optical multi-sensor for contamination of aerospace hydraulic fluid is proposed. This device will measure particulate contamination concentration and size distribution, allowing accurate alarm thresholding in accordance with existingmilitary specifications for particulates in MIL-H-83282 hydraulic fluid. Additionally, free and dissolved water and solvent concentrations will be measured using proven laser absorption spectroscopy techniques. The resulting multi-sensor will provide arobust and reliable monitoring system to be installed in-line with hydraulic fluid flow systems present in ground servicing equipment or elsewhere on the flight line. This system will allow real-time monitoring and alarm for each species of contaminant aswell as a readout of contaminant level. If the proposed project succeeds through Phases I, II, and III, then a robust new technology will be available to the military for facilitating the detection of particulate, water, and solvent contamination inhydraulic fluid. While the current proposal is aimed at the expressed Air Force need in reference to aerospace hydraulic fluid, it is likely that this technology will find widespread application to non-military hydraulic systems as well. Industrialproducers may utilize the techniques described to automate refinery operations, and the techniques may find applications that cannot yet be envisioned. These applications could include virtually any liquid process where water or solid intrusion in minutequantities constitute a serious problem.