Patent AT 523471 A1: Method for Viscosity Correction in Density Measurement
Instruments: eradens X, eradens xs, eravisc X, eradens X density module in eravap and eraspec
This patent outlines a method for correcting viscosity-related measurement errors when determining the density of a liquid using a U-tube oscillator. Because a liquid’s viscosity dampens the resonance frequency of the oscillator, it can cause inaccuracies, especially in highly viscous liquids. The method works by measuring the oscillation’s damping during the thermal equilibration of the sample and to determine their temperature-dependent slope. Using a predetermined damping saturation function, this slope helps determine a unique, unambiguous viscosity value, which is then used to find and correct the precise measurement error correction without requiring multiple frequency measurements.
Patent AT 517082 B1: Measuring Device for the Investigation of Fluid Samples
Instruments: eradens X, eradens xs, eravisc X, eradens X density module in eravap and eraspec
This patent addresses the problem of mechanical stress altering the resonance frequency in U-tube oscillators. Typically, connecting fluid hoses applies pressure to the fragile glass measuring tubes, causing tension that impacts measurement accuracy and requires recalibration after temperature changes. The invention solves this by adding an independent holding device near the fluid inlet and outlet sections. This support absorbs the forces introduced by the hoses, decoupling the sensitive oscillating tube from mechanical stress and significantly improving density measurement precision.
Patent AT 522940 A1: Method for Determining a Measurement Error Caused by a Filling Error
Instruments: eradens X, eradens xs, eravisc X, eradens X density module in eravap and eraspec
This patent describes a method to quantitatively detect and correct filling errors, such as the presence of gas or air bubbles, in a U-tube density meter. Traditional methods could only qualitatively detect bubbles, whereas this method calculates the exact measurement error they cause. The process involves measuring the fluid’s density at two or more different applied pressures. By subtracting the densities to find a pressure-dependent density difference, the device can use a specific mathematical formula to calculate the exact error caused by the bubbles, saving time by avoiding visual inspections or complete sample reloading.
Patent AT 518658 A4: Viscometer for Determining Dynamic and Kinematic Viscosity
Instrument: eravisc X
This patent presents a method for simultaneously determining both the dynamic and kinematic viscosity of an incompressible fluid using a single measurement cycle in a capillary viscometer. The method tracks the fluid’s volume decrease over time under either a constant or a decreasing pressure difference. By plotting these data points on a coordinate system (volume flow versus pressure difference), the dynamic viscosity is calculated from the slope of the resulting line, and the kinematic viscosity is derived from the intercept where the pressure difference is zero.
Patent AT 523446 B1: Impurity Analyzer
Instrument: erajet fame
This patent details a device for determining the concentration of specific substances (such as FAME/biodiesel impurities in aviation fuel) using infrared (IR) spectroscopy. To prevent signal overlaps from molecules with similar functional groups, the device uses two solid-phase extraction (SPE) cartridges with different sorbents. The first cartridge filters out all polar molecules to create a reference signal, while the second cartridge selectively allows specific molecules (like esters) to pass while trapping highly polar molecules. By comparing the IR signals after the sample passes through each cartridge, the device achieves high separation sharpness and accurate concentration measurements.
Patent AT 503 665 B1: Method for Measuring the Concentration of Hydrocarbons in Samples
Instruments: eracheck eco, eracheck X
This patent describes an environmentally friendly method for measuring hydrocarbon concentrations in water and soil samples. Instead of using ozone-depleting halogenated solvents, the method uses a solvent from the cycloalkane class (such as cyclopentane or cyclohexane) that lacks CH3 groups to extract the hydrocarbons. The concentration is then quantified by measuring the IR or NIR absorption at specific wavenumbers (e.g., 1375 cm-1 and 1470 cm-1 ) where the CH3 groups of the hydrocarbons absorb radiation, but the solvent remains completely transparent. This enables highly accurate, rapid field measurements without the need for expensive gas chromatography equipment.
Patent AT 505 305 B1: Drive Device for the Movable Mirror of an FTIR Spectrometer
Instruments: eraspec, eraspec X
This invention provides a highly precise and robust drive mechanism for the movable mirror in an FTIR spectrometer, designed specifically for portable field devices. It utilizes a linear motor which moves the mirror via a lever with a fixed pivot point against the force of a return spring. The lever arm is significantly shorter on the mirror side than on the motor side, stepping down the motor’s movement to achieve extremely precise, nanoscale linear displacement of the mirror.
Patent AT 510 043 B1: Temperature Control Element for Heating and Rapid Cooling of Measurement Samples
Instruments: eraflash, eraflash X, eraflash s10
This patent covers a temperature control element used in devices like flash point testers, which require both high heating and rapid cooling. The system features a first heating element and a second heating/cooling element (like a Peltier element). To prevent thermal damage to the Peltier element when reaching high temperatures (above 100 °C), the system mechanically separates the two elements to eliminate heat conduction. For rapid cooling after a test, the cooling element is moved back into close proximity or into intermittent mechanical contact with the first heating element, significantly reducing cooling times compared to natural convection.
Patent AT 517 969 B1: Vapor Pressure Measuring Device / Fluid Control System
Instruments: eravap, eravap online
This patent describes a fluid control system featuring a self-cleaning valve mechanism for vapor pressure measuring devices. To prevent fluid residues and deposits from cross-contaminating consecutive tests, the system uses a control unit and a coil to excite the valve’s closure into a vibrating oscillation via a variable actuating force. This vibration loosens internal deposits while a cleaning fluid or the next sample fluid flushes them out. This dramatically reduces the number of flush cycles required, saving time and reducing the waste of expensive sample fluids.