SOLID-STATE MICROSENSORS FOR LUBRICANT CONDITION MONITORING .1. FUEL DILUTION METER

Solid-state microelectronic devices offer many advantages as sensors f or engine condition monitoring, including small size, low cost, high s ensitivity, low maintenance and an electrical output that can be inter faced with a computer information network to improve the efficiency an d reduce the cost of engine maintenance. Because of their unique prope rties, solid-state chemical microsensors have potential for use as rea l-time, on-site monitors for engine lubricant condition. This paper sp ecifically discusses surface acoustic wave (SAW) microsensors and thei r use as monitors for fuel contamination in diesel engine lubricants. The design and construction of the SAW-based fuel dilution meter is de scribed. Laboratory data and the results of shipboard evaluation are p resented and discussed.