Radioactive tracer system continuously detects and monitors lubricating oil contamination in high pressure fluid lines

Roth, B.

English

NASA Technical Reports Server

Brief 66-10090 
LI 
.. March 1966
NASA TECH BRIEF
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. 
Radioactive Tracer System Detects Oil Contaminants in Fluid Lines 
40
.
The problem: 
To detect and monitor lubricating oil contamina-
tion in high-pressure fluid lines. Present practice, 
which involves periodic sampling and laboratory 
testing of the gas downstream of the compressor, is 
time consuming and does not ascertain the degree of 
contamination between tests. 
The solution: 
Use a radioactive tracer system. 
How it's done: 
A radioactive tracer in the microcurie dosage range 
is introduced into the crankcase of the compressor. A 
radiographic detector and counter installed on the 
downstream side of the line monitor the gas flow and 
actuate a solenoid-controlled shutoff valve when oil 
contamination reaches a predetermined level.
Notes: 
1. This continuous detection system is only in the 
conceptual stage. Neither a model nor a prototype 
has been built as of the date of this Tech Brief. 
2. Inquiries concerning this innovation may be di-
rected to:
Technology Utilization Officer 
Marshall Space Flight Center 
Huntsville, Alabama. 35812 
Reference: B66-10090 
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-5l2) 
to
	
Category 03 
This document was prepared under the sponsorship of the National 
Aeronautics and Space Administration. Neither the United States 
Government nor any person acting on behalf of the United States
Government assumes any liability resulting from the use of the 
information contained in this document, or warrants that such use 
will be free from privately owned rights.
https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=19660000090 2020-03-11T17:33:59+00:00Z


Radioactive tracer system detects oil contaminants in fluid lines

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