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Abstract

A system for analyzing fluids. In one embodiment, the system measures the water content in an oil/water emulsion. A fluid probe comprising an infrared light emitting diode and a phototransistor measures the opacity of the fluid. The signal from the phototransistor is input into a series of potentiometers which are set to correspond to different percentages of water content. The outputs of the potentiometers are displayed by a light emitting diode panel. Means for automatically recalibrating the system in response to temperature changes is included. Further, means is included for recalibrating the system to operate in fluids having different API gravities. In a second embodiment, the system analyzes a fluid to identify and differentiate different fluids in a mixture. The system can distinguish between petroleum products having different opacities; that is, the system can differentiate between crude oil, light oil and distillate. Still further, the system can differentiate between conductive fluids, such as water, and non-conductive fluids, such as oil. An infrared light emitting diode and a phototransistor in a fluid probe output a signal indicating by the voltage level the opacity of the fluid. A pair of conductive pins in the fluid probe sense the conductivity of the fluid. The signals from the phototransistor and the conductive pins are input into a series of comparators which are set to preselected levels corresponding to different opacities. The outputs of the comparators are displayed by a light emitting diode panel.

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First Claim