QUARTZ RESONATOR VISCOSITY AND DENSITY MONITORING The Microsensor Research and Development Department at Sandia National Laboratories has developed and patented technology for measuring the viscosity and density of fluids. The technique utilizes an AT-cut quartz crystal operating in the thickness-shear mode that entrains liquids at the crystal surface. Crystal resonant frequency and resonance damping are shifted proportionally with the viscous properties of the contacting fluid. Sensing systems use a specially-designed oscillator circuit to operate the quartz crystal in high viscosity liquids and to indicate resonance conditions in real-time. The small size and low cost of components make the sensor an excellent choice for in situ measurements. This technology has many applications and prototype systems have been demonstrated for measuring density and viscosity of liquids, monitoring the physical properties of simulated slurries, detecting degradation of jet fuels, determining the cloud point of crude oil samples, indicating the condition of engine lubricating oil, measuring the state-of-charge of lead-acid batteries, and monitoring the cleaning of machined parts and electronic printed wiring assemblies. Sandia is seeking partners interested in completing development and commercializing this technology. The primary goal of the partnership is to ensure the Department of Energy an instrumentation source for viscosity and density monitoring in mixed-waste underground storage tanks. These tanks are located at several DOE sites throughout the country and many are in the process of being remediated and closed. As part of an on-going project, Sandia is working with these customers to demonstrate the application of the quartz resonator technology. Partner companies would participate in the final phases of this project. Because the tank mixed-waste monitoring application is closely connected to other, more commercially-attractive applications, partners will have the opportunity to use the technology in other markets. Several fields-of-use have been identified through previous prototype demonstrations, and partners should explore options of their own. Technology licenses will be necessary for many of these fields-of-use. To respond to this opportunity please contact Joanne Trujillo by mail or fax at: Sandia National Laboratories, P.O. Box 5800, MS 1380, Albuquerque, NM 87185-1380. FAX (505) 843-4175. Please respond no later than April 30, 1997. All responding companies will be contacted to investigate their exact technological interests and to determine the desired avenue for partnering with Sandia. E-MAIL: Joanne Trujillo, jmtruji@sandia.gov.

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