JP2008538411A - Rapid analysis of functional fluids - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for analyzing the state of a functional fluid, the method comprising: (1) obtaining a sample of spent fluid; (2) placing the sample of fluid on a test medium; (3) Reacting the fluid with an indicator in the test medium; (4) visually analyzing the results of the reaction to determine the state of the fluid. Further disclosed is an apparatus for analyzing a functional fluid in the form of a test medium, the test medium comprising an absorbent material or a non-absorbable material treated with a chemical indicator, marker substance or developing or detecting agent. On this test medium, a sample of the fluid to be tested is placed. The component in the treated test medium reacts with the component in the test fluid to provide a visual indicator, eg, color, to determine the condition of the fluid, the presence of marker material or another parameter. This functional fluid may be a lubricant, fuel or other functional fluid of myriad sources.

Description

(Field of Invention)
The present invention relates to functional fluid analysis and includes methods and apparatus for functional fluid analysis. In particular, the functional fluids that are analyzed include lubricating fluids and fuels (eg, those used in automobiles, trucks, engines, turbines, pumps, transmissions, differential gears, etc.).

(Background of the Invention)
There are methods for the analysis of functional fluids, including lubricants. In particular, methods and devices for testing fluid status or type include chromatography and chemical analysis. These methods generally require controlled conditions and special training.

  Other methods and devices for assessing spent fluid quality include placing a measured amount of fluid on the absorbent material, heating the sample, and waiting for the sample to disperse. . The amount of undispersed sample can then be measured and scored quantitatively. These methods and devices require fairly controlled conditions (measuring the volume of the fluid sample), the use of templates, to measure and score the amount of undispersed sample. In addition, these methods can include heating the sample and awaiting dispersion of the sample. Another method for analyzing oil is disclosed in US Pat. No. 6,057,097 to Hergruth et al., Which includes obtaining a sample of oil, placing the sample on a medium, and placing the medium in a spot visible. Maintaining the desired position for an effective time to become, visually comparing the spotted test media with a comparative visual indicator representing various states of the lubricant, and spotting the test sample Selecting a comparative example that is most similar to the test medium. There is no chemical reaction between the medium and the fluid, only a visual observation of how the oil looks compared to the standard.

  A marker is used to identify the fluid. Proton-accepting chemicals, at a solution concentration of less than about 50 milligrams per liter, do not color organic solvents significantly or not at all, especially as a marker (or taggant) for petroleum-derived fuels Has been advocated. This marker is detected by dissolving in the liquid to be identified and subsequently performing a chemical test on the marked liquid. Markers are sometimes used by government agencies to ensure that appropriate taxes are paid for certain grades of fuel. Oil companies also mark their products to help identify diluted or replaced products. These companies often make sure that their branded petroleum products are compatible with specific uses (eg, volatile and octane numbers), as well as effective additive packages ( Use a lot of money to provide cleaning and other ingredients. Consumers rely on trade names and quality labels to ensure that the products they purchase are of the desired quality. It is therefore important to be able to identify markers in petroleum products.

  Traditionally, the presence of a marker substance is detected by extracting the fuel with a miscible or fairly aqueous solution of an acid substance, and quantified as necessary, but the exact nature of this acid substance is Can vary according to material characteristics. The acid reacts with the basic compound to produce a cation that is easily visible and colored with some intensity, and this cation dissolves in the aqueous acid phase. This method is disclosed in Patent Document 2. Further, a method in which an acidic substance is applied to a test strip is disclosed in US Pat. The test strip is immersed in oil and the diazo-based marker reacts with the acidic material in the test strip and changes color.

The amount of marker substance in the extract can also be measured, for example, by visible light absorption spectroscopy, and the result is then compared to a reference standard to determine the original concentration of the basic marker in the fluid. Can be determined. For the purpose of complete quantification, it may be necessary to perform repeated (typically 2 or 3) extractions of the fluid in order to recover the total amount of marker originally present. Furthermore, the extracted and separated phases are classified as hazardous waste and present a safe and legal disposal problem, especially when the tests are performed "in the field". Furthermore, the fluid used for testing may be contaminated, making it undesirable to return to its original source and presents further problems with waste disposal.
US Pat. No. 5,313,824 US Pat. No. 5,145,573 International Publication No. 03/078551 Pamphlet

  There is a need for a simple and quick method of chemically analyzing fluid samples based on quality to determine status, origin or other useful properties. The present invention provides functional fluids (e.g., lubricating oil, engine oil, transmission fluid, grease, gear oil, hydraulic fluid, metalworking fluid, antifreeze, coating system fluid, cooling system fluid, farm tractor fluid, transformer fluid. The state of the fuel (eg diesel, gasoline, biofuel, emulsified fuel, etc.) is quickly indicated in the field. Many owners / operators of equipment that rely on these functional fluids now have standard guidelines (eg, to determine the appropriate interval (end of useful life) to replace that functional fluid) , Time or mileage). In addition, today, it relies on laboratories to determine special identification of fluids, where tools that allow field identification speed up warranty resolution. Finally, since various absorbent materials (wipes, store towels, paper towels, and napkins) are typically used to identify these functional fluids, the present invention provides the necessary usefulness of these absorbent materials. It is believed that sex is combined with a diagnostic function that provides additional benefits.

(Summary of the Invention)
It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for testing the quality or identification of functional fluids quickly and outdoors in the field, without precise measurements. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method for rapidly analyzing functional fluids in the field. A further object of the present invention is to provide a test kit for the rapid analysis of functional fluids in the field. Finally, since a variety of absorbent materials (wipes, store towels, paper towels, and napkins) are commonly used to identify these functional fluids, the present invention provides the necessary utility of these absorbent materials. Can be combined with a diagnostic function that provides additional benefits.

  These and other objects of the present invention are achieved by providing methods and devices for testing functional fluids. The device comprises a test medium treated with a chemical indicator or a developing agent, an accompanying description, and instructions on which a fluid is placed.

The present invention provides a method for analyzing the state of a functional fluid, the method comprising:
(1) obtaining a functional fluid sample;
(2) placing a sample of the functional fluid on the test medium;
(3) reacting the fluid with an indicator or developing agent on the test medium; and (4) analyzing the results of the reaction to determine the state of the fluid;
Is included.

  At a minimum, the visual indicator indicates an indication of acceptable fluid and when the fluid is unacceptable, or an indication of marked and unmarked fluid. The wider range of conditions indicated by the visual indicator allows the test sample to be closer to the comparative example by the kit user.

  The present invention further provides a test kit for the analysis of functional fluid, the test kit comprising a visual indicator that indicates a chemically treated test medium and a functional fluid disposed on the test medium. Prepare. The present invention further provides printed instructions summarizing the steps for use of this kit, these steps generally corresponding to the method descriptions given below. include.

  The present invention further provides a new and improved method for detecting marker substances. Methods for analyzing the quality of functional fluids (eg, lubricants) are effective but simple, and quick and easy to use by untrained personnel in uncontrolled conditions Has the advantage. The present invention provides a method for analyzing a functional fluid, which includes lubricating oil, engine oil, transmission fluid, grease, gear oil, hydraulic oil, metalworking fluid, antifreeze, cooling system. Fluid, coating system fluid, farm tractor fluid, transformer fluid, fuel (eg, diesel, gasoline, biofuel, emulsified fuel) and the like.

  Many of the above aspects and attendant advantages of the present invention will be more readily appreciated when the present invention is better understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

(Detailed description of the invention)
The present invention provides methods and devices (eg, kits) for analyzing functional fluid status. Functional fluid is obtained from a myriad of sources, including internal combustion engines, turbines, transmissions, differential gears, pumps, metalworking operations, cooling systems, and the like. Functional fluids include organic solvent based, aqueous based, and combinations thereof. Functional fluids include lubricating oil, engine oil, gear oil, transmission fluid, hydraulic fluid, metalworking fluid, antifreeze, cooling system fluid, coating system fluid, farm tractor fluid, transformer fluid, grease, fuel (e.g. Diesel, gasoline, biofuel, emulsified fuel) and the like.

  FIG. 1 is a plan view showing application of a test sample 2 from an engine to a test medium 1 using a dipstick 3.

  FIG. 2 shows four fluids (new engine oil A; good engine oil B; engine oil C that is acceptable within the normal average for typical engine oils; and oil change required. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the dispersion of the lubricating oil sample 2 on the test medium 1 for an engine oil D) at the useful life limit. Different shades in the different figures represent the progress of the color change of the indicator from different samples of oil. Application of fresh oil to the treated test medium (A) results in a dramatic color change 4 of the indicator. Applying good oil (B) results in a slightly less dramatic color change 5 with a small amount of sludge 6 in the center of the spot. Oil C in an acceptable state gives a faint but discernable color change 7 with a larger sludge spot 8. Finally, spot D formed from unacceptable oil has no obvious color change of the indicator (9).

(Test medium)
The functional fluid to be tested is placed on a suitable test medium. The test medium can consist of an absorbent material, a non-absorbent material, and combinations thereof. Test media include paper, cellulosic materials (eg, cellulose, cellulose nitrate, cellulose acetate), wood, chromatography paper, filter paper, polymer fibers, natural fibers, fine woven fabrics, metals, glass, fine glass fibers, Examples include sintered glass, silica and / or alumina coated surfaces (eg, thin layer chromatography plates), plastics, plastic laminates, composites, and combinations thereof. The test medium must be capable of receiving a sample of functional fluid. The test medium should be compatible with the indicator and / or developing agent. Other absorbent / adsorbent materials having the general physical properties and characteristics of chromatographic paper are also acceptable.

  In one embodiment, preferred test media include “Whatman” white chromatography paper or filter paper, in a form that is easy to use for removal and wiping. In one embodiment, absorbent paper (eg, chromatographic paper) is particularly preferred for lubricating oil samples. Light colored chromatographic paper provides a consistent background that contrasts well with functional fluids, provides more noticeable color changes, and has an appropriate adsorption affinity for the various components of the oil. For example, the coloring of the indicator becomes significant with time at the outer edge of the sample spot on the paper. This is because the colored portion of the mixture is flowed with the mobile phase (oil and solvent) faster than the darker components (eg, sludge) of the spent oil. This is due to the difference in adsorption affinity for paper. This difference in affinity becomes important. This is because the concentration of sludge in the oil sample increases over the lifetime.

  Depending on the type of fluid being analyzed and the specific functional purpose of the fluid (for example, for engines powered by gasoline or vice versa, testing) The medium may need to be changed regardless of whether it is chromatographic paper, other types of paper, polymer fiber material or non-absorbing material (such as glass, plastic or metal) That is understood. Test media can vary in their adsorption affinity for various components, porosity, density, wicking ability, or other physical characteristics (such as color) in a particular fluid.

  The shape of the test medium is not critical as long as it is large enough to allow functional fluid dispersion but small enough to be economical and limit waste. The test medium can be provided in a hermetically sealed envelope or package made from plastic or any other suitable material. This package is held with one hand and opened on one side to expose the treated test medium for convenient use and still protect the user's hand from contacting the test fluid or indicator system However, it can be designed to add the convenience of this unit. In addition, the test media can be provided in a multi-unit dispenser tab for high volume applications, such as, for example, in an automobile service station.

(Indicating reagent / Developing agent)
Indicator reagents for the purposes of the present invention are substances that allow the state of a chemical system to be characterized. Examples of the indicator include various acid / base indicators, metal indicators, redox indicators, dyes, absorption indicators and the like. A combination of indicators can be used.

  The selection of the indicator may depend on the type of fluid being tested and / or the parameters to be determined (for example, acid component or basic component concentration, presence or concentration of metal, oxidation / reduction potential, identification marker or Depending on the presence of certain components). In addition, "key and keyhole" type indicators are also mentioned, where "keyholes" (substances that are soluble in the fluid and stable to the conditions of use) are added to the fluid and the indicator (ie, " The key ") is selected to specifically detect the keyhole. This concept can also take the form in which the determined functional additive present in the fluid is targeted for performance reasons and the “key” is selected to indicate the presence of this “keyhole”.

  Indicators function by a variety of mechanisms, both in how specific parameters are determined and how the indicator responds. Examples of indicator responses include color changes seen by visual colorimetry, photometry, fluorescence, chemiluminescence and the like. A combination of indicator responses can be used.

  The color of the indicator is selected depending on the type of fluid being tested and / or the level of fluid degradation. The particular color contrasts strongly with the useful color of the preferred fluid. The selection of the appropriate color can be determined by the particular application. For example, an automatic transmission fluid for a passenger car is colored red for identification purposes. It is not appropriate to use an indicator that turns red to indicate an unacceptable state of the fluid.

  Acid / base (pH) indicators include malachite green, brilliant green, methyl green, picric acid, cresol red, crystal violet, methanil yellow, m-cresol purple, thymol blue, p-xylenol blue, thymol blue sodium salt, quinaldine Red, tropeoline OO, 2,6-dinitrophenol, phloxine B, 2,4-dinitrophenol, 4-dimethylaminoazobenzene, bromochlorophenol blue, bromophenol blue, bromophenol blue sodium salt, congo red, methyl orange, 2 , 5-dinitrophenol, 1-naphthyl red, bromocresol green, bromocresol green sodium salt, alizarin S, methyl red, methyl red na Lium salt, bromophenol red, chlorophenol red, hematoxylin, litmus, bromocresol purple, 4-nitrophenol, bromoxylenol blue, alizarin, bromothymol blue, bromothymol blue sodium salt, nitrazine yellow, phenol red, phenol red sodium Salt, cresol red, 3-nitrophenol, neutral red, 1-naphtholphthalein, o-cresolphthalein, phenolphthalein, thymolphthalein, alizarin yellow GG, alkali blue, epsilon blue, indigo carmine, Nile blue A and Examples include acid fuchsin. Combinations can be used.

  Absorption indicators include fluorescein, eosin, phloxine, rose bengal and rhodamine 6G. Combinations can be used.

  Metal indicators include alizarin complexone, alizarin S, arsenazo III, aurintricarboxylic acid, 2,2'-bipyridine, bromopyrogallol red, chalcone (eriochrome blue black R), chalcone carboxylic acid , Chromazurol S, chromotropic acid, disodium salt, cuprizone, 5- (4-dimethylaminobenzylidene) rhodamine, dimethylglyoxime, 1,5-diphenylcarbazide, dithizone, Eriochrome Black T, Eriochrome Blue SE , Eriochrome Blue Black B, Eriochrome Cyanine R, Fluorescein Complexone, Glyoxal Bis (2-hydroxylanil), Hematoxylin, 8-Hydroxyquinoline, 2-Mercaptobenzothia , Methylthymol blue, murexide, 1-nitroso-2-naphthol, 2-nitroso-1-naphthol, nitroso-R-salt, 1,10-phenanthroline, phenylfluorone, phthalein purple, 1- (2- Pyridylazo) -naphthol, 4- (2-pyridylazo) resorcinol, pyrogallol red, sulfoneazo III, 5-sulfosalicylic acid, 4- (2-thiazolylazo) resorcinol, thrin, thymolthalexon, Tyrone, Tolurrr-3,4 -Dithiol, Xylenol orange, Zincon and the like. Combinations can be used.

  Redox indicators include neutral red, safranin T, safranin O, indigo carmine, methylene blue, thionine, thymol indophenol, 2,6-dichlorophenol indophenol, galocyanine, nile blue, variamin blue, difailamine, diphenylamine-4 -Sulfonic acid, barium salt, tris (2,2-bipyridyl) iron (II) sulfate, N-phenylanthranilic acid, ferroin, nitroferroin, 5,6-dimethylferroin, 4-amino-4'-methyl Examples include diphenylamine, diphenylbenzoindine disulfate, o-dianisidine, 3,3′-dimethylnaphthyridine, 3,3′-dimethylnaphthidine disulfate, and the like. Combinations can be used.

  Marker substances include diazo dyes, anthraquinone dyes, metals, metal salts, metal oxides, metal coordination complexes, etc., or other substances that are compatible with lubricants. While it may be advantageous for the marker material to be stable to the conditions of use of the fluid, it is not essential. In general, marker materials are used to identify new fluids. However, in some cases, fluid identification may be useful, for example, to confirm for warranty requirements. In this case, the marker remains after experiencing typical operating conditions of the fluid and needs to be detectable. Combinations of these materials can be used.

  A developing agent is a substance that makes the presence or absence of a marker substance noticeable. Examples of the developing agent may include basic substances such as mineral acids or organic acids, oxidizing agents, reducing agents, chelating agents, and the like. A combination of spreading agents can be used.

  In one embodiment, the preferred indicator for the lubricating oil is alizarin.

  In one embodiment, the present invention may use a combination of indicator reagents, a combination of developing agents, and mixtures thereof.

(Visual index)
Analysis (especially qualitative analysis of the reacted test sample) is accomplished by visual inspection of the reacted test sample using the visual indicator (provided) as a guide. The analysis is performed after sufficient time to allow a reaction between the fluid components and the indicator. Generally, the time for the reaction is from about 1 second to about 30 minutes, in another embodiment from about 1 minute to about 15 minutes, and in another embodiment from about 1 minute to about 5 minutes. is there. Examples of visual indicators include artistic interpretation, reproduction of functional fluid photographs in various states, and color keys. A combination of visual indicators can be used. A visual indicator generally includes one representation, two representations, and more than two representations of a functional fluid disposed on a test medium. In one embodiment, preferred visual indicators are one unacceptable state, one acceptable state, or marked and unmarked fluids.

  In one embodiment, a visual indicator as shown in FIG. 2 is preferred. In FIG. 2, the engine oil is in good condition engine oil; good condition oil, oil acceptable within the normal range for typical engine oils; and useful life limits that require oil replacement. It has the characteristics of engine oil. Instructions corresponding to each of these examples can be provided in the kit.

  In one embodiment, the visual indicators shown are distributed on the same or similar media provided in the kit, and the user of the kit produces a sample to be tested under similar conditions It is preferable to ensure that It should be understood that a different number of indicators may be provided than those shown in FIG.

(solvent)
The test medium may be dry or wet. In one embodiment where the test medium is wet, this is due to the use of a solvent on the test medium. Suitable solvents include aliphatic hydrocarbons, unsaturated hydrocarbons, aromatic hydrocarbons, alcohols, glycols, glycol ethers, lower alcohols (eg, methanol, ethanol and propanol), ethers, esters, amides, water, and the like. It is done. A combination of solvents can be used. The solvent is used in the range of about 1% to about 99.9% of the indicator solution, in one embodiment about 5% to about 98%, and in another embodiment about 1% to about 95.5%. Is done. The solvent used depends on the type of fluid being tested. Combinations of solvents are also useful if the indicator or developing agent is insoluble in the fluid, depending on the desired analytical application and type. In particular, the solvent or combination of solvents may be of a characteristic (including good solubility power and miscibility with fluids and indicators or markers or developing agents, low vapor pressure at ambient temperature, high flash point, etc.) Provide the desired combination.

(Method)
The method comprises (a) obtaining a sample of a functional fluid, (b) placing the sample on a test medium, (c) allowing a reaction between the components of the fluid and an indicator or developer. Waiting for sufficient time, (d) as a guide for qualitative determination, using printed instructions and / or comparative visual indicators showing functional fluids in various states as visual indicators of the test medium The process of making a physical decision.

  In order to obtain a representative sample of functional fluid, it is not necessary that the sample be taken during actual operation of the engine or other equipment. The sample of functional fluid may be taken at any time before, during or after engine or equipment operation. The functional fluid sample may be new, used, or a combination thereof.

  The device consists of a package that can be sealed, containing the chemically treated test medium, either wet or dry, and placed on the written instructions and the test medium. A set of visual indicia (with descriptive text) printed in color on the package showing a sample of fluid. In one embodiment, the visual indicator should indicate a representation of fluid in an acceptable state and a representation of fluid in an unacceptable state, or a representation of fluid that includes a marker material and a fluid that does not include a marker material. is there.

  For the analysis of the state of a functional fluid (eg engine oil), under the present invention essentially relies on the reaction of components in the oil with a suitable indicator. As engine oil is used, it is contaminated with acidic byproducts from oxidation, acidic components from fuel combustion, and sludge components. Chemically basic additives (including detergents) that are added to the oil to neutralize these acidic components are consumed over time. During the lifetime of the lubricant, a point is reached when these basic components fall below the lowest acceptable level, making the oil unacceptable for further use. Subsequent use of unacceptable oil is prone to engine damage. When a sample of used oil is obtained and this sample is placed on a properly treated test medium, the basic additives in the oil will react with the indicator if they are not consumed. , Change its color. The presence or absence of a color change and the relative intensity of the color provide a means for qualitative analysis of the test sample.

  In one embodiment, the functional fluid is engine oil. A sample of engine oil under normal conditions may be obtained using a dipstick provided as part of the engine, transmission or other equipment to be lubricated. The user can draw a certain amount of oil with the dipstick and then the dipstick can be wiped with the test medium or the oil that collects in droplets at the end of the dipstick will be deposited on the test medium. Can be placed. Typically, less than 1 milliliter of oil is required for this analysis. Once the oil test sample is placed on the test medium, it begins to react. The user waits for an effective time to allow a reaction between the fluid components and the indicator. The user then determines whether a color change has occurred and refers to the visual indicator as a guide. The user may examine the legend accompanying the selected example to determine the status of the functional fluid.

(Specific examples)
Example 1 This example tests the quality of passenger car engine oil and ethanol or isopropanol (90% w / w), lauryl alcohol (10% w / w), and pH indicator (0.1% w / W) of Whatman filter paper test medium. The pH indicator used is alizarin (1,2-dihydroxyanthraquinone).

  A sample of spent oil is placed on a moist filter paper, and the basic additive of this oil (typically measured by ASTM D4739, quantified as TBN or total base number) is added to a pH indicator (above With the listed indicators) to induce a color change from yellow to purple to a degree that depends on the level of TBN. The intensity of the color change decreases as the TBN decreases over the useful life of the oil until the purple color disappears, indicating that the fluid has reached its maximum life (see Table 1). .

  (Table 1-Effect of TBN on color change)

表１の結果は、油が、その油の質を示す視覚指標によって分析され得ることを実証し、６０００マイルにおいて紫色のない褐色が、この油の状態を示す。

The results in Table 1 demonstrate that the oil can be analyzed by a visual indicator that indicates the quality of the oil, and a brown color that is not purple at 6000 miles indicates the state of the oil.

  While the invention has been illustrated and described, it will be appreciated that various changes can be made in the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing application of a test sample from an engine to a test medium using a dipstick. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the dispersion of the lubricant sample on the test medium for the four fluids.

Claims (20)

A method for analyzing the state of a functional fluid, the method comprising:
(1) obtaining a sample of the functional fluid;
(2) placing a sample of the functional fluid on a test medium;
(3) reacting the functional fluid with an indicator in the test medium; and (4) visually analyzing the results of the reaction;
And determining the state of the functional fluid.   Determining a state of the functional fluid, the step of determining the state of the functional fluid comprising a set of comparative visual indicators representing the functional fluid in at least two different states with the test medium as a guide The method of claim 1 selected from the group consisting of: visually comparing; using printed instructions as a guide; and combinations thereof.   The method of claim 1, wherein the test medium comprises paper, cellulosic material, polymer fiber, polypropylene woven fabric, non-woven fabric, metal, glass, plastic, composite material, or combinations thereof.   The test medium is paper, cellulose material, cellulose nitrate, cellulose acetate, wood, chromatography paper, filter paper, polymer fiber, natural fiber, fine woven fabric, metal, glass, fine glass fiber, sintered glass, silica 4. The method of claim 3, comprising a coated surface, an alumina coated surface, a thin layer chromatography plate, a plastic, a plastic laminate, a composite material, or a combination thereof.   The method of claim 1, wherein the test medium has a property selected from the group consisting of porosity, density, penetration capacity, and combinations thereof to provide rapid dispersion of the functional fluid.   The method according to claim 1, wherein the indicator is selected from the group consisting of an acid indicator, a base indicator, a pH indicator, a metal indicator, a redox indicator, an organic indicator, an inorganic salt indicator, an absorption indicator, a dye, and combinations thereof.   The indicator is malachite green, brilliant green, methyl green, picric acid, cresol red, crystal violet, methanyl yellow, cresol red, crystal violet, methanil yellow, mp cresol purple, thymol blue, p-xylenol blue, thymol blue sodium salt, quinal Gin red, tropeoline OO, 2,6-dinitrophenol, dimethylaminoazobenzene, bromochlorophenol blue, bromophenol blue, bromophenol blue sodium salt, Congo red, methyl orange, 2,5-dinitrophenol, 1-naphthyl, bromo Cresol green, bromocresol green sodium salt, alizarin S, methyl red, methyl red sodium salt, Lomophenol red, chlorophenol red, hematoxylin litmus, bromocresol purple, nitrophenol, bromoxylenol blue, alizarin, bromothymol blue, bromothymol blue sodium salt, nitrazine yellow, phenol red, phenol red sodium salt, cresol red, 3 Nitrophenol, neutral red, 1-naphtholphthalein, o-cresolphthalein, phenolphthalein, thymolphthalein, alizarin yellow, alkali blue, epsilon blue, indigo carmine, nile blue, acid fuchsin, fluorescein, eosin, phloxine 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the method is selected from the group consisting of: Rose Bengal, Rhodamine, and combinations thereof.   The indicator is alizarin complexone, alizarin S, arsenazo III, aurintricarboxylic acid, 2,2′-bipyridine, bromopyrogallol red, chalcone (eriochrome blue black R), chalcone carboxylic acid, chrome azurol S, chromotropic acid , Disodium salt, cuprizone, 5- (4-dimethylaminobenzylidene) rhodamine, dimethylglyoxime, 1,5-diphenylcarbazide, dithizone, eriochrome black T, eriochrome blue SE, eriochrome blue black B, eriochrome Cyanine R, fluorescein complexone, glyoxal bis (2-hydroxyanil), hematoxylin, 8-hydroxyquinoline, 2-mercaptobenzothiazole, methylthymol blue, murexide 1-nitroso-2-naphthol, 2-nitroso-1-naphthol, nitroso-R-salt, 1,10-phenanthroline, phenylfluorone, phthalein purple, 1- (2-pyridylazo) -naphthol, 4- (2 -From pyridylazo) resorcinol, pyrogallol red, sulfonazo III, 5-sulfosalicylic acid, 4- (2-thiazolylazo) resorcinol, torin, thymol talexone, tyrone, Tolurr-3,4-dithiol, xylenol orange, ginsone and combinations thereof 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the method is selected from the group consisting of:   The indicator is neutral red, safranin T, safranin O, indigo carmine, methylene blue, thionine, thymol indophenol, 2,6-dichlorophenol indophenol, galocyanine, nile blue, variamin blue, diphenylamine, diphenylamine-4-sulfonic acid , Barium salt, tris (2,2-dipyridyl) iron (II) sulfate, N-phenylanthranilic acid, ferroin, nitroferroin, 5,6-dimethylferroin, 4-amino-4'-methyldiphenylamine, diphenyl 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the method is selected from the group consisting of benzoindine disulfonic acid, o-dianisidine, 3,3′-dimethylnaphthidine, 3,3′-dimethylnaphthidine disulfate, and combinations thereof.   The test medium includes a marker material, the marker material is compatible with a lubricant, and the marker is a metal, metal salt, metal oxide, metal coordination complex, other material, and combinations thereof The method of claim 1, wherein the method is selected from the group consisting of:   The method of claim 1, comprising a developing agent, wherein the developing agent is selected from the group consisting of basic substances, such as mineral acids or organic acids, oxidizing agents, reducing agents, chelating agents, and combinations thereof.   12. The method of claim 11, wherein the test medium is treated with a developing or detecting agent for the purpose of reacting with a marker substance to cause a color change, chemiluminescence, phosphorescence, fluorescence or a combination thereof.   The method of claim 1, wherein the test medium comprises a solvent.   The solvent is selected from the group consisting of aliphatic hydrocarbons, aromatic hydrocarbons, alcohols, glycols, glycol ethers, lower alcohols (eg, methanol, ethanol and propanol), ethers, esters, water, and combinations thereof; The method of claim 13.   The functional fluid is lubricating oil, engine oil, transmission fluid, grease, gear oil, hydraulic fluid, metalwork fluid, antifreeze, coating system fluid, cooling system fluid, farm tractor fluid, transformer fluid, fuel, diesel The method of claim 1, which is gasoline, biofuel, emulsified fuel, or a mixture thereof.   A test kit for the analysis of functional fuel, the test kit comprising a chemically treated test medium and means for determining the quality of the state of the fluid, the means comprising instructions A kit selected from the group consisting of a book, a picture, a figure, a photograph, and combinations thereof.   Further comprising a set of comparative visual indicators comprising two representations of functional fluids disposed on the same test media, similar test media or different test media, wherein one of the indicators is in an unacceptable state, The kit according to claim 16.   17. A test according to claim 16, wherein the test medium is treated with a developer or detection agent for the purpose of reacting with a marker substance to cause a color change, chemiluminescence, phosphorescence, fluorescence or a combination thereof. kit.   The kit of claim 16, wherein the test medium is treated with an acidic substance, a basic substance, or a combination thereof. A test kit for analysis of functional fluid, the test kit comprising:
A sealed package containing cellulosic test media, wherein the cellulosic test media is dissolved in a mixture of about 90 wt% isopropyl alcohol and about 10 wt% laurel alcohol, at least about 0.1. A package that is treated with a solution of weight% alizarin and is capable of absorbing the functional fluid;
A plurality of comparative visual indicators indicative of at least two different states of the functional fluid disposed on the test medium; and descriptive text corresponding to the comparative visual indicators;
A kit comprising:

Images