Sensor with ultraviolet light monitors and detects hydrocarbon oil contaminants present in fluid lines. The light causes the oil particles to fluoresce. This light emitted by the oil particle is detected by a photocell which is relatively insensitive to ultraviolet radiation

Roth, B.

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February 1966	 Brief 66-10068 
NASA TECH BRIEF	
-I& 
NASA Tech Briefs are issued to summarize specific innovations derived from the U. S. space 
program and to encourage their commercial application. Copies are available to the public from 
the Clearinghouse for Federal Scientific and Technical Information, Springfield, Virginia 22151. 
Sensor Detects Hydrocarbon Oil Contaminants in Fluid Lines 
The problem: 
To design a system that will continuously monitor 
and instantaneously detect hydrocarbon oil contami-
nants that may be present in a fluid line. Present 
procedures for checking a process fluid for oil contami-
nation require frequent sampling of the fluid and time-
consuming laboratory testing. 
The solution: 
A system incorporating an ultraviolet light which 
causes the hydrocarbon oil particles that may be car-
ried in the fluid stream to fluoresce. The light emitted 
by the oil particles is detected by a photocell which is 
relatively insensitive to ultraviolet radiation. 
How it's done: 
A beam of ultraviolet light is directed through a 
window into the pipeline carrying the fluid. The fluo-
rescence from any hydrocarbon oil particles is de-
tected by a photocell positioned at another window in 
the line. The photocell may be connected to a readout 
circuit, an alarm, or an electromechanical shutoff valve.
Notes: 
1. This system, which is based on the principle that 
common petroleum-base oils fluoresce under 
ultraviolet light, has not been reduced to practice. 
2. A related innovation is described in NASA Tech 
Brief B63-l0311, April 1964. Inquiries may also 
be directed to: 
Technology Utilization Officer 
Marshall Space Flight Center 
Huntsville, Alabama, 35812 
Reference: B66-10068 
Patent status: 
No patent action is contemplated by NASA. 
Source: Benjamin Roth
of North American Aviation, Inc.,
under contract to
Marshall Space Flight Center
(M-FS-522) 
Ah	 Category 01 
MW
This document was prepared under the sponsorship of the National	 Government assumes any liability resulting from the use of the 
Aeronautics and Space Administration. Neither the United States 	 information contained in this document, or warrants that such use 
Government nor any person acting on behalf of the United States	 will be free from privately owned rights.
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Sensor detects hydrocarbon oil contaminants in fluid lines

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