WO2021015701A1

WO2021015701A1 - A triboelectrostatic sensor allowing instantaneous state of oils to be monitored and oil remaining lifetime detection method therefore

Info

Publication number: WO2021015701A1
Application number: PCT/TR2020/050634
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hasan Tarik Baytekin; Bilge Baytekin
Original assignee: Hasan Tarik Baytekin; Bilge Baytekin
Priority date: 2019-07-19
Filing date: 2020-07-20
Publication date: 2021-01-28
Also published as: TR201910799A2; EP3999840A4; EP3999840A1

Abstract

Invention relates to a triboelectrostatic sensor (1) that enables the detection of the instantaneous state and remaining life of oils (41) by using in the moving and stationary systems. More specifically, the present invention relates to a triboelectrostatic sensor (1) that can be mounted on moving and stationary systems, enables the detection of remaining life of oils (41) by allowing monitoring of instantaneous state of the oils (41) that are used or in usage, thus with a clear determination of the time to change the oil (41), allows the user to notice any damage that may arise from the decrease in oil (41) performance (lubricating property) in moving systems before they occur.

Description

A TRIBOELECTROSTATIC SENSOR ALLOWING INSTANTANEOUS STATE OF OILS TO BE MONITORED AND OIL REMAINING LIFETIME DETECTION METHOD THEREFORE

Technical Field

Invention relates to a triboelectrostatic sensor that enables the detection of the instantaneous state and remaining life of oils by using in the moving and stationary systems.

More specifically, the present invention relates to a triboelectrostatic sensor that can be mounted on moving and stationary systems, enables the detection of remaining life of oils by allowing monitoring of instantaneous state of the oils that were used or are in usage, thus with a clear determination of the time to change the oil, allows the user to notice any damage that may arise from the decrease in oil performance (lubricating property) in moving systems before they occur.

Prior Art

Chemical reactions such as free radical formation, oxidation, chain degradation catalyzed by metals that occur over time as a result of friction and heat in oils used in moving systems, cause the depletion (reduction) of protective additives added to the oils and cause the oils to lose their properties over time. In order to keep the conditions of the machines using lubricants at the highest level, the conditions (state) of the lubricants used therein should be also kept above the critical level by monitoring their conditions. The decrease in the performance of the oils causes the corrosion (wear, abrasion) in the system to increase. For this reason, oils used in moving systems such as internal combustion engines or wind turbines must be renewed in certain periods. If the renewal operation is not carried out in time, irreversible damages causing the replacement of the system parts or the whole system may occur by occurring of corrosion in rubbing parts. In motor vehicles, it is calculated when the oil change will be made again based on the distance (kilometers) taken by the vehicle. Such calculations can often cause unnecessary (early) oil changes as well as causing material damage due to sudden changes (for example, mixing of engine coolant within the oil of a running internal combustion engine) that is not detected immediately.

In the systems that do not involve movement, oils decompose (degradate) by oxidizing as a result of heating and thus the properties of the oil change. For example, reusage of the frying oils used in the kitchens and heating them continuously although they should be renewed, causes serious health problems by causing free radicals to be formed by oxidizing of the oil. Today, there is no any sensor or device that can monitor the condition of the oil on-site and provide instant information. Physical and chemical oil analyzes providing information about conditions of the oils are performed in the laboratory environment with the oil samples taken from moving or stationary systems. These methods require expensive devices and systems such as spectroscopy and chromatography as well as being very time consuming. A portable and practical device that can operate based on the methods used in the laboratory has not yet found any application field due to both technical difficulties and economic reasons. However, some sensors operating according to similar physical, chemical and optical principles have been developed. These sensors provide information about the conditions of the oils by following the changes in the insoluble residue formed depending on the usage in the oils and the changes in the acoustic, conductivity, magnetic, thermal heat conductivity, ultrasound, magnetic susceptibility, capacitance, inductance and optical propertied of oils. In the article titled‘Evaluation of Sensors for On-Board Diesel Oil Condition Monitoring of U.S. Army Ground Equipment’ and published on April 1 1 , 2005 in SEA International by J. Schmitigal and S. Moyer, it is mentioned about a sensor that works according to the principle of changing in the dielectric constant of the oil due to the changes occurring in the oil and therefore, of the changing in the capacitance between the two poles. In this sensor, it was provided that the oil oxidation is instantly monitored the correlation between by making correlation between the oxidation of the oils and their dielectric properties. Tan Delta System company has developed a sensor that can measure water contamination and oil oxidation in oils. In the article titled ‘Multiwall carbon nanotube sensor for monitoring engine oil degradation’ and published in 2006 in the academic journal named Electrochemical and Solid-State Letters by S. Moon et al., it is mentioned a sensor that is based on the correlation between the changes in the electrical conductivity of oils and the oil oxidation and total acid number. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) is used as a standard method to analyze chemical degradation in oils at the molecular level. However, FTIR spectra are complex due to signals that can overlap on each other. IK4-Tekniker company has produced an optical sensor prototype that operates in the visible region-near infrared region (400-1100nm) and observes the total acid number, base number, water amount, viscosity and insoluble matter amount of oils. Although in the market there are sensor samples that can detect oil status, there is no any sensor that can be installed in moving and stationary systems, allows monitoring of the instantaneous status of oils that were used or are in usage and thus, can determines the remaining lifetime of oils.

This situation put forward the require for a sensor that enables monitoring of the instantaneous state of the oil by allowing the state of the oil to be monitored on-site in moving and stationary systems, thus saves oil by eliminating unnecessary renewal of oil and, prevents material damages that may occur by ensuring the user to be informed of the sudden changes that may occur in the oil. In the patent document US20090026090A1 , a sensor has been developed that can detect the difference between contaminated and uncontaminated states of the substances which are in liquid form with poor electrolytic properties such as hydrocarbon fluids or oils, undergo chemical changes depending on their chemical properties. The measuring system is a two-electrode system and is based on the principle of measuring the electric potential or electric current in the electrodes while the electrodes are in the liquid. The triboelectrostatic sensor which is the subject of the present patent application, is a very different system in the terms of both its working principle and its dynamic structure. The triboelectrostatic sensor has a dynamic structure and self-cleaning feature. The residue accumulation in the static systems that have been built or proposed so far and problems that may occur as a result of this accumulation, are prevented. In addition, it does not require an external energy source for the measurement of the information on oils because triboelectricity provides this automatically due to the sensor dynamic structure.

In the patent document US5089780A, by measuring AC alternating current by using an electrochemical cell, the knowledge of that contaminants such as acid or base that accumulate in oils change the electrical conductivity of the oil is obtained. Oil containing sulfuric acid or water has more electrical conductivity than uncontaminated oil. The conductivity of the oil filling between two nested electrodes in the system is proportional to the amount of the pollutant in the oil, and the system will be able to operate in a way that it can give a warning when the electrical conductivity reaches an unacceptable level. In this way, a sensor that can provide engine oil to be changed only when necessary has been made. The triboelectrostatic sensor which is the subject of the patent, is very different system in terms of both its triboelectrostatic working principle and its moving structure.

As a result, the require for a solution that enables monitoring of the instantaneous state of the oil by allowing the state of the oil to be monitored on-site in moving and stationary systems, thus saves oil by eliminating unnecessary renewal of oil and, prevents material damages that may occur by ensuring the user to be informed of the sudden changes that may occur in the oil, caused the present innovative solution to emerge out.

Objectives and Short Description of the Invention

Aim of the invention is to present a triboelectrostatic sensor that enables monitoring of the instantaneous state of the oil by allowing the state of the oil to be monitored on-site in moving and stationary systems, thus saves oil by eliminating unnecessary renewal of oil and, prevents material damages that may occur by ensuring the user to be informed of the sudden changes that may occur in the oil. Another aim of the invention is to ensure that oil analysis which has not become widespread until now and can be made in laboratory environments or on-site can be monitored instantaneously thanks to the present innovative sensor which can be used by mounting on moving and stationary systems where oils are used.

Another aim of the invention is to provide fast and precise information about the current state of the engine oil.

Another aim of the invention is to prevent oil change in unnecessary situations by making an accurate determination about the oil change times, thus gaining economic and environmental benefits.

Another aim of the invention is to ensure that any damage that may occur due to the loss of lubrication feature in a moving system is detected and prevented before it occurs by allowing the understanding of the time to change the oil.

Another aim of the invention is to allow the usage of the present innovative product to be widespread thanks to that it is made from the materials which are easily available and low in cost.

Invention is a triboelectrostatic sensor that enables monitoring of the instantaneous state of the oil by allowing the state of the oil to be monitored on-site in moving and stationary systems, thus saves oil by eliminating unnecessary renewal of oil, prevents material damages that may occur by ensuring the user to be informed of the sudden changes that may occur in the oil and, comprises the following components

at least one electrode,

a motion generator providing the movement of said electrode,

at least one dielectric material or insulating material that is electrified by touch or friction, at least one measuring instrument enabling to measure the triboelectricity formed

In the preferred embodiment of the present innovative triboelectrostatic sensor, according to the need of the application, any electric motor, hydraulic motor, pneumatic motor, solenoid actuator electromagnet that provides forward-backward or rotating motion, parts that are currently in the moving system and moves at a certain frequency and etc. can be used as a motion generator.

Invention is a lifetime detection method that enables monitoring of the instantaneous state of the oil by allowing the state of the oil to be monitored on-site in moving and stationary systems, thus saves oil by eliminating unnecessary renewal of oil, prevents material damages that may occur by ensuring the user to be informed of the sudden changes that may occur in the oil and, comprises the following steps: occurring electrification on the surfaces during successive leaving-touching, friction or both leaving-touching and friction events, generating electric potential and electric current by inducing the metal electrode (10) as a result of this electrification, transmitting the generated electrical signals to the measuring instrument (50) via conductive wires (51), determining how much oil (41) in usage has oxidized as of moment of measurement or how long it can continue to be used by placing the generated friction and touching signals to the previously prepared time-based oxidation-electrification calibration graphs or their equations.

Description of the Figures

In Figure 1 a, a cross-sectional view of the position where touching and electrified surfaces in the single electrode configuration of the present innovative triboelectrostatic sensor leave from each other is given.

In Figure 1 b, a cross-sectional view of the position where electrified surfaces in the single electrode configuration of the present innovative triboelectrostatic sensor touch each other is given.

In Figure 2a, a cross-sectional view of the position where touching and electrified surfaces in the two- electrode configuration of the present innovative triboelectrostatic sensor leave from each other is given.

In Figure 2b, a cross-sectional view of the position where electrified surfaces in the two-electrode configuration of the present innovative triboelectrostatic sensor touch each other is given.

In Figure 3a, a cross-sectional view of the forward position of the inner cylinder that moves back and forth in the nested frictional two-electrode configuration of the present innovative triboelectrostatic sensor is given.

In Figure 3b, a cross-sectional view of the backward position of the inner cylinder that moves back and forth in the nested frictional two-electrode configuration of the present innovative triboelectrostatic sensor is given.

In Figure 4a, a cross-sectional view of the touching position of the contacting structures on both the outer cylinder and the rotating inner cylinder in the single electrode nested configuration of the present innovative triboelectrostatic sensor is given.

In Figure 4b, a cross-sectional view of the leaving position of the contacting structures on both the outer cylinder and the rotating inner cylinder in the single electrode nested configuration of the present innovative triboelectrostatic sensor is given. In Figure 4c, a cross-sectional view of the touching position of the contacting structures on both the outer cylinder and the rotating inner cylinder in the two-electrode nested configuration of the present innovative triboelectrostatic sensor is given.

In Figure 5a, a cross-sectional view of touching and friction state in four-electrode configuration of the present innovative triboelectrostatic sensor is given.

In Figure 5b, a cross-sectional view of touching and leaving state in four-electrode configuration of the present innovative triboelectrostatic sensor is given.

In Figure 6a, a cross-sectional view of leaving state of the present innovative triboelectrostatic sensor’s two-electrode configuration which make touching-leaving motion and is used for oil absorbed surface is given.

In Figure 6b, a cross-sectional view of touching state of the present innovative triboelectrostatic sensor’s two-electrode configuration which make touching-leaving motion and is used for oil absorbed surface is given.

In Figure 7, the measured electrification values at first moment and after being heated (oxidized) at 200 degrees Celsius respectively for 30 minutes, 390 minutes, 13.5 hours and 20 hours, of the unused oil sample in which the triboelectrostatic sensor is placed are shown.

In Figure 8a, a calibration graph showing the electrification values measured at certain times, of the engine oil oxidized at 200 degrees Celsius is given.

In Figure 8b, a calibration graph showing the electrification values measured at certain times, of same engine oil oxidized at 150 degrees Celsius is given.

In Figure 8c, a calibration graph showing the electrification values measured at certain times, of another engine oil oxidized at 150 degrees Celsius is given.

In Figure 9a, view of a configuration of the invention, which is based on the principle of measuring the triboelectric load (charge) created on the inner wall of the tube by the flowing oil via electrodes surrounding the outer part of the tube with certain intervals is given.

In Figure 9b, view of a configuration of the invention, which is based on the principle of measuring the electrification formed within the flowing oil via the electrode within the tube is given. Reference Numbers

1. Triboelectrostatic sensor

10. Electrode

20. Dielectric material

21. Plastic holding apparatus

30. Motor

31. Shaft

40. Oil reservoir

41. Oil

42. Oil absorbed surface

50. Measuring instrument

51. Conductive wire

60. Grounded base

61. Fixed base

70. Tube pipe

71. Oil inlet

72. Oil outlet

Detailed Description of the Invention

The invention presents a triboelectrostatic sensor (1) that enables monitoring of the instantaneous state of the oil (41) by allowing the state of the oil (41) to be monitored on-site in moving and stationary systems, thus saves oil (41) by eliminating unnecessary renewal of oil (41) and, prevents material damages that may occur by ensuring the user to be informed of the sudden changes that may occur in the oil (41).

Generation of electric charge and electric potential on the surfaces by the objects rubbing/touching and leaving from each other is known as triboelectrification (static electrification, contact (touch) electrification). For occuring of triboelectrification, the surfaces must physically touch each other then leave from each other, or rub with each other. The amount of the surface electric potential or charge obtained as a result of triboelectrification depends on the properties of the material and especially the ambient conditions (for example; depends on humidity of the air when the ambient is air). In the present innovative solution, the triboelectrification is carried out in the oil (41) environment. The degradation of oils (41) used in moving or stationary systems by oxidizing under high temperature and pressure changes the chemical and physical structure of the oil (41) environment. The magnitude of the obtained triboelectrification signal is directly affected by the change in the physical (viscosity) and chemical (oxidation, contamination, reduction of additive) properties of the oils (41). Oils (41) oxidize as they are used. Oils (41) become more polar with the oxidation reaction and as a result of this, the dielectric permeability of the oil (41) increases. Electrification of the contacting surfaces within the oil (41) environment is inversely proportional to the dielectric permeability of the oil (41). The dielectric permeability of the medium is determinant for both the amplitude (peak) values of the electrification signals and the decay (damping) time of the electrical charges accumulated on an electrified surface. In an environment with high dielectric permeability, damping of the surface charges is faster.

In the cases of successive touching and leaving electrification, time-based variations of electrical potential values, which is caused by touching and leaving events in clean (unused) and used oil are given below respectively for touching and leaving events (by normalizing at peak values).

A - Increasing of touching electrification over time

B - Damping of touching electrification over time

As given below, in the measurement taken with two-electrode system, oil absorbed cellulose and PVC polymer generate leaving electrification. For comparison, the peak values of both unused and oxidized oil electrifications were normalized. The real value of the leaving electrification before normalization is also shown on the same graph.

Oils become more polar with the oxidation reaction and as a result of this, the dielectric permeability of the oil increase. The dielectric permeability of the medium is effective in both the electrification peak value and the damping of the electrical charges accumulated on an electrified surface over time. In an environment with high dielectric permeability, damping of the surface charges is faster.

In the measurement taken with two-electrode system, leaving electrification is generated between oil absorbed cellulose and polymer. For unused and oxidized oil samples, there is a considerable difference in both the rising rate and damping rate of electrification signal. Rising and damping of the electrification signals over time occurs faster for the used oil sample. When the decay time of a used oil is measured by using the decay times or half-life times of the electrical signal belong to oils oxidized by the heat applied for different durations, it is possible to obtain information on the oxidation of the oil and thus, to determine the performance status of the used oil.

According to the data obtained, while the electrification signal is at the highest value in unused oils (41), the electrification signals gradually begin to decrease with the usage of the oil. Based on the measurement made, a correlation was established between the lifetime of the oil (41) and the generated electrification signals. The present innovative triboelectrostatic sensor (1), which is developed by using this feature, enables these changes to be tracked as an electrical signal with a portable device and remaining lifetime of the oil (41) to be determined.

Different alternative embodiments of the invention are given with the figures 1a - 6b, 9a and 9b. As seen from the figures, it is possible to provide the triboelectric signal with different touching/friction geometries. The invention includes components that provide mechanical touching/leaving or friction movement and, units that measure/display electrical signals via electrical connections.

The innovative triboelectrostatic sensor (1) comprises at least one electrode (10), a motion generator providing the movement of said electrode (10), at least one dielectric material (20) or insulating material that is electrified by touch or friction, at least one measuring instrument (50) enabling to measure the triboelectricity formed.

Measurements are made by placing the present invention within any oil reservoir (40) containing oil (41). It is possible to provide the movement of the electrode (10) with any type motor (30) such as electric motor, hydraulic motor, pneumatic motor etc. The connection between the motor (30) and electrode (10) can be provided by means of a shaft (31) or, also by means of connection elements such as compressed air hoses etc. depending on the type of motor (30) used. In addition, it is possible to use motor (30) providing forward and backward movement (reciprocating motion), as well as to use the motor (30) providing rotational movement in a preferred embodiments of the invention. As a result of the forward-backward or rotational movement of the motor (30), touching or friction occurs between the electrode (10) and dielectric material (20). Triboelectrification signals obtained from touching-leaving or friction events can be measured by means of measuring instruments (59) such as voltmeter, ampermeter, coulomb etc. via conductive wire or probe-like conductive wires (51).

In the cases where the pneumatic motor (30) is used, the compressed air is turned on and off by means of a valve by using manuel or electrical switching and, the arm of the pneumatic motor (30) is moved forth and back thanks to this on-off. Thanks to this forward and backward movement, touching and leaving occur between surfaces and as a result of this, electrification signals occur. In other configurations of the invention, it is also possible to provide this reciprocating motion (forward and backward movement) by using a solenoid actuator electromagnet. Moreover, in the other preferred configurations of the invention, touching-leaving or friction electrification signal can be generated by providing forward and backward movement with a force taken from the parts that are currently in the moving system and moves at a certain frequency. Although there is no limitation in touching frequency, 1 Hertz (Hz) is preferred as an optimum frequency. The present innovative triboelectric sensor (1) can operate without the need of an external power source except for providing mechanical touching-leaving or friction events. Based on the correlation established between the lifetime of the oil (41) and the magnitude of the electrification signal, electrical data which is obtained as a result of touching-leaving or friction events provided by using different materials, allows the instant condition of the oil (41) to be monitored and the remaining lifetime of oil (41) to be determined.

The most durable and long-lasting design among different touching or friction geometries is contacting of the electrified materials with each other face to face. The configurations of mentioned designs are shown between Figure 1a - Figure 2b and are expressed as touching-leaving mode. These designs can be with one or two electrodes (10). In addition to the touching-leaving mode, there is also a friction mode and in this mode, materials with different geometries contact each other. Figure 3a and 3b are given as an example for friction mode. Here, the friction of smooth surfaces and contacts of the nested cylindrical surfaces which may be hollow or solid are shown.

Different electrode (10) connection and different surface contact modes are available for the face to face contact based design. These different modes used in the present innovative triboeelectrostatic sensor (1) can single electrode (10) mode, double electrode (10) mode, multiple electrode (10) mode depending on the electrode (10) connection.

The surfaces in contact with each other within the oil (41) can be insulator, conductor, semiconductor (dielectric) and combinations of them. Triboelectric signals giving the highest signal to noise ratio among the material pairs touched each other within the oil (41) are obtained by the contact of an insulating material and a conductive material to each other. The present invention is not limited with the following exemplary configurations, material pairs/groups and geometries. Also, material selection for the sensor is made according to the application. In the places where high temperatures are required, heat resistant polymer, other dielectric materials (20) or semiconducting materials can be used.

The views of a single electrode (10) configuration of the present invention are given in Figure 1 a and Figure 1 b. Figure 1a shows the leaving state of the parts producing electrification, while Figure 1 b shows the touching state of the parts producing electrification. In the single electrode (10) embodiments, one of the surfaces touching each other is dielectric material (20) and, the electrification signal is received from the conductive material contacting with the dielectric material (20) or from an electrode (10) contacting with the dielectric material (20). Said electrode (10) is positioned at the end of a shaft (31) connected to a motor (30) that provides reciprocating motion. There is no electrical connection between the shaft (31) and the electrode (10). Said dielectric material (20) is located on the other surface of the electrode (10). Other electrode (10) is grounded with a grounded base (60) to provide obtaining higher triboelectrification signals. During successive leaving and touching events, electrification occurs on surfaces that touch each other thus, electric potential and electric current are generated by that this electrification induces the metal electrode (10). Mentioned touching and leaving operations are performed within an oil reservoir (40) filled with oil (41). The electrical signals generated as a result of these operations are transmitted to the measuring instrument (50) via conductive wires (51). The present innovative sensor generates both touching and leaving signals separately for each touching and leaving event. The generated signals can be measured as electric potential by an oscilloscope that can display and record precisely in volt units or measured as electric charge by means of a sensitive electrometer. The generated current can be measured with a current amplifier. In addition, ampermeter displaying current or voltmeter displaying potential can be used for displaying electrical signals, capturing data and recording data.

While the leaving state of the present sensor system configuration using two electrodes (10) is given in Figure 2a, its touching state is given in Figure 2b. Electrostatic signals showing the amount of current induced (accumulated charge or generated electric potential) to the electrodes (10) during leaving and touching event change over time according to the instantaneous conditions of the oils (41).

Cross-sectional view of the forward position of the inner cylinder in the nested (for example; cylindrical) frictional two-electrode configuration of the present invention is given in Figure 3a while cross-sectional view of the backward position of this inner cylinder is given in Figure 3b.

In the embodiments of the invention shown in Figures 4a, 4b and 4c, the inner cylinder moves in a rotating manner within the oil (41). There are one or more electrodes (10) in the form of fin and shape of strip (rectangular or square) extending longitudinally from inner cylinder axis. There is an outer cylinder in which the inner cylinder is located. Outer cylinder contains materials which correspond to the electrode/electrodes (10) on the outer surface of the inner cylinder on its inner surface and can provide electrification when they touch each other. The inner cylinder makes its rotational movement within oil (41) inside the outer cylinder. Magnitude of electrification varies according to the usage state and instant condition of the oil (41). The inner cylindrical structure of the nested two cylindrical structures moves rotating manner within the oil (41) thanks to the electric motor (30). While the touching state of the single electrode (10) sample of said configuration is given in Figure 4a, its leaving state is given in Figure 4b. In Figure 4c, the touching state of the two-electrode (10) sample of said configuration is given. In the both embodiments (single electrode and multi electrode), it is possible to increase the total electrification signal by using more than one fin shaped electrode (10). The materials of cylinders and contacting parts can be selected from conductive and insulating materials according to the application area. In its preferred embodiments, one of the contacting surfaces is flexible for providing magnitude of the electrification signals to be higher and lifetime of the sensor to be longer.

In Figure 5a and 5b, cross-sectional views of the present invention’s configuration capable of performing both touching-leaving and friction movements are given. The inner moving part of this sensor located within the oil (41) generates both the friction and touching electrification signals by making its forward and backward movement through the cylindrical bearing. Thus, by placing the generated friction and touching electrification signals into the time-based oxidation-electrification calibration graphs (equations) prepared before, it can be predicted how much oil (41) in usage has oxidized as of moment of measurement or how long it can continue to be used.

The embodiments of the invention are not limited to the above. It emerges as a portable solution based on the principle of that the intensity of the generated electrification signal depends on the instant condition and usage state of the oils (41).

In Figures 6a and 6b, leaving and touching states of a different embodiment of the present innovative sensor subject are given respectively. In this embodiment, the same electrification principle is applied and firstly, the sample of the oil (41) desired to be measured is absorbed on a material capable of absorbing oil (41) by dropping, dipping or spreading. For this, preferably pure cellulose paper is used. Natural or synthetic materials in fiber structure can also be used for oil absorbing and electrification. The electrification of the oil absorbed surface (42) (for example oil absorbed cellulose paper) can be measured by using the present innovative triboelectrostatic sensor (1) with a single electrode (10) or two electrodes (10). The oil absorbed surface (42) is placed on an electrode (10) connected to the fixed base (61) and is held via the plastic holding apparatus (21). The electrification values of the oil (41) absorbed cellulose are placed into the previously prepared electrification and oxidation graph or the equation of the graphs and thus, the oxidation or remaining lifetime of the oil (41) is determined.

In Figure 7, the triboelectrification signals which are generated by the present innovative triboelectrostatic sensor (1 ) and are formed by touching and leaving of the electrodes (10) at different times, are given. The graph A is belong to the unused oil (41) sample. The graph B shows the signals received as a result of heating said oil (41) at 200 degrees Celsius for 30 minutes. The graph C shows the signals received as a result of heating said oil (41) at 200 degrees Celsius for 390 minutes. The graph D shows the signals received as a result of heating said oil (41) at 200 degrees Celsius for 13.5 hours. The graph E shows the signals received as a result of heating said oil (41) at 200 degrees Celsius for 20 hours. As understood from the graphs, the magnitude of the electrification signals in the oil (41) that is oxidized with heat decreases as the heating time increases.

Time-based electrification values and calibration graphs of the samples belonging to the same motor oil (41) oxidized at 200 and 150 degrees Celsius are given respectively in Figure 8a and Figure 8b. In Figure 8c, time-based electrification value and calibration graph of the sample of the another engine oil (41) oxidized at 150 degrees Celsius is given.

Similar to the electrification created by the surfaces that come into contact each other by touching leaving or rubbing; as a result of the friction formed by the liquid flowing through a tube pipe (70) by contacting the inner surface of the tube pipe (70) that contains an oil inlet (71) and oil outlet (72), electrification occurs on the inner walls of the tube pipe (70) and within the flowing fluid. Such a configuration (by providing oil flow in a tube), it is also possible to made a triboelectrostatic sensor (1) that determines the lifetime of the oils (41). In Figures 9a and 9b, examples of invention’s other embodiments that use the triboelectrification generated by the fluids moving in tube pipe (70) are given. In these embodiments of the triboelectrostatic sensor (1), by inducing the electrostatic charge generated on the inner wall of the tube pipe (70) to the metal electrodes (10) that are placed at certain intervals on the tube’s outer or inner surface, the electrical signal generated between two electrodes (10) (or between electrode and ground connection) can be tracked (as electrical potential difference, current, electrostatic charge). In the embodiment in Figure 9a, the electrodes (10) surrounding the outer part of the tube pipe (70) sense the loads inside the tube pipe (70) thanks to the induction. Here, it is also possible to use the ground base (60) connection instead of the second electrode (10). In the embodiment given in Figure 9b, the electrification formed within the flowing oil (41) is measured by the electrode (70) located in the tube pipe (70). Briefly here, by establishing a correlation between the oxidation occurred in the oil (41) over time and the electrical signal generated at the electrodes (10), the sensor based on the principle of flow electrification is formed. In addition, information about the instant condition of the oil (41) can be obtained by measuring the electrostatic charges accumulated within the oil (41) electrified due to the flow. Moreover, this embodiment of the invention provides ease of assembly and compatibility since it is in the cylindrical form (that is tube).

Also, as the oil (41) ages, the concentration of the ZDDP additive (the substance used for preventing oxidation) within oil (41) decreases. Thanks to the present innovative sensor, it is possible to determine the amount of ZDDP remaining within the aging oil (41) by comparing the triboelectric signals obtained from the aging and oxidized oils (41) with the data obtained from the previous calibration.

Claims

1. A triboelectrostatic sensor (1) that enables monitoring of the instantaneous state of the oil (41) by allowing the state of the oil (41) to be monitored on-site in moving and stationary systems, characterized by; comprising at least one electrode (10),

a motion generator providing the movement of said electrode (10),

at least one dielectric material (20) or insulating material that is electrified by touch or friction,

at least one measuring instrument (50) enabling to measure the triboelectricity formed.

2. A triboelectrostatic sensor (1) according to claim 1 , and characterized in that; it comprises any electric motor, hydraulic motor, pneumatic motor, solenoid actuator electromagnet that provides forward-backward or rotating motion, parts that are currently in the moving system and moves at a certain frequency as a motion generator according to the need of the application.

3. A lifetime detection method that enables monitoring of the instantaneous state of the oil (41) by allowing the state of the oil (41) to be monitored on-site in moving and stationary systems, thus saves oil (41) by eliminating unnecessary renewal of oil (41), prevents material damages that may occur by ensuring the user to be informed of the sudden changes that may occur in the oil (41), characterized by; comprising the following steps: occurring electrification on the surfaces during successive leaving-touching, friction or both leaving-touching and friction events,

generating electric potential and electric current by inducing the metal electrode (10) as a result of this electrification,

transmitting the generated electrical signals to the measuring instrument (50) via conductive wires (51),

determining how much oil (41) in usage has oxidized as of moment of measurement or how long it can continue to be used by placing the generated friction and touching signals to the previously prepared time-based oxidation-electrification calibration graphs or their equations.

4. A triboelectrostatic sensor (1) that enables monitoring of the instantaneous state of the oil (41) by allowing the state of the oil (41) to be monitored on-site in moving and stationary systems, characterized by; comprising

a tube pipe (70) containing oil inlet (71) and oil outlet (72), through which oil (41) flow is allowed,

at least one electrode (10) placed inside said tube pipe (70) to measure the electrification formed in the flowing oil (41) or at least two electrodes (10) placed on the outer wall of the tube pipe (70) at certain interval to measure the electrification created on the inner wall of the tube pipe (70) by the flowing oil (41),

at least one measuring instrument (50) that enables to measure the triboelectrification formed.

5. A triboelectrostatic sensor (1) according to claim 4, and characterized in that one of electrodes (10) placed on the outer wall of the tube pipe (70) at certain interval to measure the electrification created on the inner wall of the tube pipe (70) by the flowing oil (41) comprises ground connection.