Abstract: A data processing arrangement (100) and method for fuzzy backup and restore of MQSeries shared queues held in coupling facility list structure (106). Periodically backups are taken of the data held in the CF list structure by backing up messages in the sequence uncommitted puts (220), committed puts (230), uncommitted gets (240) and expired messages (250), whereby all messages may be backed up in the backup means except for exceptions which are recorded in the record log. In the event of media failure of the coupling facility, data can be restored by restoring messages in the sequence restoring messages from the backup means (320), replaying messages from the record log means (340) and determining final disposition of messages from replay of the record log means (350). This provides the advantage of allowing the number of log records written to be reduced.

Abstract: A data processing system (100) and method for creating a fuzzy backup (116) only of objects older than a predetermined threshold, and restoring from the fuzzy backup and from a record log (114) replayed from a time equal to the predetermined threshold before the fuzzy backup start time.

Abstract: A chemical test kit and method for detecting the presence of impurities in an oil sample is provided. The test kit is comprised of two flexible translucent or transparent containers, each with at least one breakable capsule mounted within it. One of the flexible containers has a means for separating an aqueous layer from an oil layer. The capsules contain reagents capable of extracting the impurity to be detected from the oil into an aqueous layer and indicating the presence of a threshold concentration of the impurity. The method involves the steps of introducing an oil sample into a first flexible container, breaking the capsule within it by squeezing the flexible container in the vicinity of the capsule, transferring the aqueous layer to the second container, and breaking the capsule within the second container in the same manner. A chemical reaction occurs in the second container indicating whether the impurity is present at a given threshold concentration.

Abstract: A method for measuring the halogenated organic compound content, e.g., polychlorinated biphenyl ("PCB") content, of soil samples may effectively be carried out with an inexpensive, disposable (that is, single-use) field test kit. The method includes contacting a weighted soil sample suspected of containing PCB or some other organohalogen contaminant with a pre-mixture of water and an organic solvent in which water is slightly soluble. The water extracts any inorganic halides which may be present and would adversely affect the accuracy of the test. The organic solvent wets the moist soil sample sufficiently to extract any PCB therein. The resultant organic solvent phase is separated from the soil sample and aqueous phase, dried by passage through a moisture-adsorbent material to remove or at least greatly reduce its moisture content, and analyzed by means of a color-change titration to determine halide content, and thereby the PCB (or other organohalogen) content, of the soil sample.

Abstract: Method for dectecting the presence of impurities in an oil sample is provided. The method involves the steps of introducing an oil sample into a first flexible container, breaking the capsule within it by squeezing the flexible container in the vicinity of the capsule, transferring the aqueous layer to the second container, and breaking the capsule within the second container in the same manner. A chemical reaction occurs in the second container indicating whether the impurity is present at a given threshold concentration.

Abstract: A chemical test kit and method for detecting the presence of impurities in an oil sample is provided. The test kit is comprised of two flexible translucent or transparent containers, each with at least one breakable capsule mounted within it. One of the flexible containers has a means for separating an aqueous layer from an oil layer. The capsules contain reagents capable of extracting the impurity to be detected from the oil into an aqueous layer and indicating the presence of a threshold concentration of the impurity. The method involves the steps of introducing an oil sample into a first flexible container, breaking the capsule within it by squeezing the flexible container in the vicinity of the capsule, transferring the aqueous layer to the second container, and breaking the capsule within the second container in the same manner. A chemical reaction occurs in the second container indicating whether the impurity is present at a given threshold concentration.

Abstract: A chemical test kit and method for detecting the presence of impurities in an oil sample is provided. The test kit is comprised of two flexible translucent or transparent containers, each with at least one breakable capsule mounted within it. One of the flexible containers has a means for separating an aqueous layer from an oil layer. The capsules contain reagents capable of extracting the impurity to be detected from the oil into an aqueous layer and indicating the presence of a threshold concentration of the impurity. The method involves the steps of introducing an oil sample into a first flexible container, breaking the capsule within it by squeezing the flexible container in the vicinity of the capsule, transferring the aqueous layer to the second container, and breaking the capsule within the second container in the same manner. A chemical reaction occurs in the second container indicating whether the impurity is present at a given threshold concentration.

Abstract: Automated gas chromatographic apparatus is utilized to analyze various gases dissolved in the insulating oil of an oil-filled power transformer in an expeditious and reliable manner. A sample of the insulating oil is introduced into a sample loop via a sampling valve, from which it is propelled by an inert carrier gas into a degassing chamber comprised of a vertically oriented tube packed with spherical packing elements. The carrier gas sweeping upwardly through this tube strips the various gases out of solution for conveyance by the carrier gas in plug flow fashion to a gas chromatograph where the stripped gases are separated and individually analyzed.