Abstract: Heat transfer surfaces in condensing heat exchangers are often coated with a hydrophilic coating to provide wetting and wicking. This coating is typically porous and continuously moist during operation and, therefore, a potential breeding ground for microbes. The inclusion of an antimicrobial agent, such as silver oxide, in the coating inhibits microbial growth and improves adhesion to the heat transfer surfaces.

Abstract: The combination of a culturing process, bioluminescence mediated by luciferin/luciferase, and a light measuring device allows microbial monitoring in liquids with microbial concentrations as low as 1 CFU/100 ml. All characteristics of this monitor are zero gravity compatible which makes it particularly suitable for applications such as monitoring microbial counts in water in a zero gravity, closed environment.

Abstract: Total organic carbon (TOC) and inorganic carbon (TIC) monitoring of water is useful in determining the water quality. Conventional TOC and TIC monitoring techniques are not zero gravity compatible. The addition of microporous hydrophobic bladders in combination with a non-dispersive infrared analyzer allow for a two phase, liquid and gas, zero gravity compatible TOC monitoring technique. The non-dispersive infrared analyzer determines the quantity of carbon dioxide present in an aqueous sample after addition of acid and post oxidation. The measured carbon dioxide quantities derived from the aqueous sample are related to the TIC and TOC present in the aqueous sample, respectively.

Abstract: Traditionally, volatile organic compounds are monitored using the purge and trap technique required by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. However, this technique operates in two phases, liquid and gas, requiring gravity to effect the separation of the two phases. The present invention, which can be automated, incorporates a microporous hydrophobic bladder to permit zero gravity monitoring of volatile organic compounds in an aqueous solution.

Abstract: Total carbon and organic carbon monitoring of water is useful in determining water quality. Conventional TOC monitoring techniques are not zero gravity compatible. Ion chromatography allows for a single phase zero gravity compatible TOC monitoring technique. The ion chromatograph determines the amounts of organic acids and carbonate present in an aqueous sample before and after oxidation. The quantities determined by this technique can be related to the total carbon and the total organic carbon present in the aqueous sample.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a technique for storing concentrated eluant, preparing dilute eluant, and reclaiming water used for dilution. The invention uses stored concentrated eluant which is diluted using a sample loop coupled with a dilute eluant reservoir. Water is used for dilution and is reclaimed using a mixed ion exchange bed. The use of concentrated eluant and reclaimable water significantly reduces storage needs.

Abstract: The present invention is a single phase analysis process and apparatus which is zero gravity compatible and capable of detecting trace levels of organic halogens. The process utilizes a sorbent bed, oxidation chamber, and an ion chromatograph. Current technology does not allow determination of which organic halogens are present at trace levels. Additionally, the commonly utilized technique for monitoring organic halogens is a two phase analysis which is not zero gravity compatible.