1. Advancements in Fuel and Lube Oil Inspection Technology
Using Shape Recognition Capacity of Dynamic Imaging to Achieve a More Accurate Analysis of Fluids
Paul Obrien & Justin Halbach
JM Canty Inc.

2. Dynamic Imaging Fundamentals
High Speed, High Resolution and High Magnification images result in particle count and categorization capability in one measurement.
LED advancements have improved particle detections due to brighter, more consistent lighting fields, as well as the ability to analyze high speed flows.
Shape parameters allow software to discern between solid particles, water droplets and air bubbles revealing the true condition of the analyzed fluid.
Shape parameters also enable engineers to assess the type of particles present according to their shape, and to perhaps determine a source of the contamination.

3. Canty Technology Advantages
LED Strobed Technology (2 µs Pulsewidth) allows for flowrates through analyzer up to 15 fps.
Transmitted light microscopy visible to NIR.
2.1 Mega-Pixel CMOS Imaging Sensor (45 FPS)
Measurement capability to 1µm
Calibration verification using NIST Traceable Polystyrene Microspheres.
High speed software with easy to use graphical user interface.

4. Solid Particle and Water Droplet in Fuel
Based on index of refraction; solid particles, water droplets and gas bubbles can all be distinguished by CantyVision Software.
Solid Particle
Gas
Water Droplet
Shape Parameter
Value
Circularity
.70
Aspect Ratio
2.23
% Holes Area 0%
Shape Parameter
Value
Circularity
.33
Aspect Ratio
1.0
% Holes Area
25.5%
Shape Parameter
Value
Circularity
.13
Aspect Ratio
1.0
% Holes Area
92.5%

5. CantyVision Software
CantyVision Software is able to process images at high speed real time.
Software provides graphical trends in charts with statistical data for particles and water.
Individual ISO4406 data charts and outputs.
Customized reporting feature for excel data output.

6. Canty Vision Software – Graphs & Charts

7. CantyVision Software – Excel Output Reports

8. FUELS Primary Concerns:
Solid Particles – clog filters and injection ports, pump failure.
Water Droplets – can freeze at altitude clogging lines and filters, reduce combustion efficiency of fuel.
Air Bubbles – cause error for in-line measurements mostly resulting in inaccurate fuel analysis.
Microbial Growth – Increased fuel consumption, reduced engine RPM, increased emissions.
Aside from the worst case scenarios, which are equipment downtime and human safety, fuel contamination can prove to be very costly.
U.S. Air Force photo/Josh Plueger

9. Technology Trend
Inspection throughout the supply chain is required, right up to the point of vehicle load which is the critical point where fuel must be clean and dry. This is currently not the case on a widespread basis.
Rapid, near real time analysis is required to make field applications feasible. Toward that end, the following improvements have come on line:
Rapid frame analysis – traditional CMOS camera technology can process frames up to 45 per second at a reasonable cost. Current software can analyze up to 20 frames per second.
Camera resolution continues to improve
LED technology is now advanced enough to provide bright illumination and consistent field lighting. Timed, pulse lighting controls thermal generation enabling very long life cycle.

10. Field Testing - Norfolk
Testing was conducted shipboard to search for contamination source in the vehicle fuel supply chain. Canty / TARDEC were present for the testing.
Fuel was tested on-line and off line.
At the fueling hose (after filtration) and prior to filtration (around ship.
Canty instrument tested both ways. Off line test was compared to a Parker ACM20 unit.

11. Field Testing Off Line – Norfolk
Off-line testing was preformed prior to secondary fuel filtration.
Bottle Sample Preparation
Samples were gathered from various points around the ships refueling system and presented to the analyzer in glass sample containers containing ~500 – 750mL each. Using the hand shaking method, each bottle was agitated vigorously for 60 seconds to redistribute any particles present.
Water concentration was found in
multiple samples tested.

12. Field Testing On-Line - Norfolk
On-Line testing was preformed using JM Canty 2” Inflow directly in- line on outlet from secondary filtration.
A large number of gas bubbles were seen in the analysis which could cause false readings in other instruments. CantyVision Software was able to accurately detect these gas bubbles and remove them from detection.

13. Samples Tested Both Instruments
Sample 6A
Service Pump Discharge
Sample 6B
Service Pump Discharge
Sample 414-1
Service F/S Outlet
Sample 414-2
Service F/S Outlet
ISO 4406 Code (Canty)
17, 17, 15
ISO 4406 Code (Canty)
15, 14, 12
ISO 4406 Code (Canty)
14, 13, 7
ISO 4406 Code (Canty)
13, 12, 11
Water PPM (Canty)
4.76 PPM
Water PPM (Canty)
1.06 PPM
Water PPM (Canty)
0.00 PPM
Water PPM (Canty)
.01 PPM
ISO 4406 Code (Parker)
19, 18, 14
ISO 4406 Code (Parker)
18, 16, 11
ISO 4406 Code (Parker)
15, 14, 10
ISO 4406 Code (Parker)
15, 13, 10
It can be seen from the data above that the widest discrepancy in ISO4406 codes from Canty Analyzer to the
Parker ACM20 was seen in samples with some water concentration, indicating that the ACM20 is not able to distinguish between water and solids resulting in higher ISO4406 numbers.

14. Lubricating Oils Require similar capabilities and performance
Flexibility of imaging allows for count by equivalent diameter, but classification by actual particle measurements – minor/major diameter, aspect ratio, circularity etc.… in order to determine particle shape.
Shape classifications are dealt with broadly in ASTM D7596.
Cutting Wear – elongated, curved Sliding Wear – longer than wide, straight edges
Fatigue – As long as wide with jagged edges Fibers – very long, partially transparent
Nonmetallic – partially transparent
Condensing into mathematical formulae will create differences among manufacturers.

15. Lubricating Oils Primary Concerns:
Water – Related Bearing Damage
Primary Concerns:
Solids indicate system wear; cause wear as long as they remain suspended in the oil (Vehicles, Machinery etc.…)
Identifying source of wear is important in order to address any degrading issues within the equipment’s engine or propulsion.
Water Contamination – The incompressibility of water relative to oil can result in a loss of the hydrodynamic oil film that in turn leads to excessive wear.

16. Lubricating Oils & Fuels Conclusion
Advancements in imaging technology as well as continued testing and R&D have significantly improved the quality of measurement for fuels and lubricating oils.
High resolution images allow for software to easily distinguish between many different particle types including water and gas in real time. This is currently not a capability of many industry standard light obscuration/laser systems on the market today.
The ability to measure accurate water concentration along with particle concentrations down to 1µm is currently available in Canty laboratory and online particle analysis equipment.

17. Thank You. JM Canty Inc.