Method and apparatus for marking and identifying liquids

摘要

A liquid can be marked for identification purposes with at least first and second miscible markers. The markers are mixed in the liquid so that the ratio of the concentration of the first marker to the concentration of the second marker is substantially equal to a predetermined value. Thus, by comparing the ratio of the measured concentration of the first marker to the measured concentration of the second marker with predetermined values the liquid can be uniquely identified. The detectors can be connected to a processor and control unit ( 22 ) for initiation of testing, for processing of detection signal from the detectors, and for display of readout information. Processor and control unit ( 22 ) can include a look up table ( 23 ) for storing information about marking patterns, a comparison element ( 35 ) for comparing measured values with values supplied by look up table ( 23 ), and a display ( 30 ).