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: This invention relates to a CO.sub.2 /H.sub.2 O sorbent comprised of silver oxide, a CO.sub.2 sorption promoter, and a support. Preparation of this sorbent consists of impregnating the support with a silver compound, converting the silver compound to silver carbonate or silver oxide, and further impregnating the support with a CO.sub.2 sorption promoter. Prior to use as a sorbent, the silver carbonate is converted to silver oxide via the application of heat; liberating CO.sub.2 and H.sub.2 O.

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: A technique for preparing an unsupported, high capacity CO.sub.2 sorbent. The sorbent is comprised of silver carbonate, alkali metal silicate and alkaline earth metal salt binders for structural integrity, and alkali metal carbonate for CO.sub.2 sorption promotion. The sorbent disclosed in this invention has a high silver oxide density, consumes minimum volume, exhibits high CO.sub.2 absorption rates, and resists dusting and degradation for at least 50 absorption/desorption cycles.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for separating potentially combustible and/or explosive gaseous mixtures from aqueous solutions. The method employs the concept of utilizing a liquid phase carryover as a combustible gaseous diluent and subsequently, upon separation of the gaseous and liquid phase components, incorporates the addition of a diluent gas to minimize the combustive/explosive potential of the separated gaseous phase component. In a preferred embodiment, the separating apparatus comprises a primary separator, a screen atomizer, a pressure-and-flow control system and a secondary separator.

Abstract: A process for recovering oxygen from carbon dioxide is disclosed which is an improvement over the conventional process of utilizing an iron carbide catalyst in such reclamation process. As with the conventional processes the carbon dioxide is reacted with hydrogen to form a mixture of methane and water. The methane produced is then passed over a high temperature stable glass surface heated to about 1000.degree. C.-1200.degree. C. to produce hydrogen gas and a high density carbon, i.e. having a density greater than about 2 grams per cubic centimeter. This results in lessening of the storage problem for the carbon material because of its high density. The hydrogen gas produced is also recycled back to the incoming carbon dioxide for reaction.

Abstract: A method of producing high density carbon at relatively low temperatures is described. By flowing methane gas over glass rods or tubes at flow rates of 10 to 1300 cc per minute and temperatures of 1000.degree. to 1200.degree. C., carbon having a density greater than 2 grams per cubic centimeter and hydrogen gas are produced. An inert gas such as argon can be intermittently pulsed through the system to sweep the system free of low density carbon deposits and heating preferably takes place by means of induction coil heated graphite susceptors or resistance heaters.

Abstract: Coating, particularly a method for uniformly depositing a micro thin layer of fluid upon the surface of an object such as a substrate, or the like. Flowing the coating material through a permeable and sloping surface, so as to develop a downward laminar flow of coating material on the outside of the sloping surface. The object to be coated is advanced tangentially to the flow of coating material such that the surface to be coated intersects laminar flow of coating material at the apex of the sloping surface. Meniscii of coating material are supported both at the leading edge and the trailing edge of coating material in contact with the surface to be coated. The uniform disengagement and drainage of deposited excess coating material from the coated surface are ensured by uniform meniscii and the constant downward laminar flow of coating material on the outside of the sloping surface.

Abstract: A catalyst is provided for decomposing hydrazine base monopropellants and providing multiple hydrazine-ignition restarts. The catalyst comprises a carrier material selected from the group consisting of high surface area ceramics, and 1/2 to 8% of active iridium, ruthenium, or mixtures thereof, based on the total weight of the catalyst. The active metal is deposited primarily on the exterior surface of the carrier. A second metal catalyst can be contained primarily within the interior of the carrier.The method of producing the catalyst comprises impregnating the carrier with an alcohol solution containing a salt of iridium, ruthenium, or a mixture thereof, to deposit the metal on the exterior surface only of the carrier. The precious metal is reduced to an active pure metal by contact with a fluid reducing agent selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and hydrogen-inert gas mixtures.

Abstract: A catalyst is provided for decomposing hydrazine base monopropellants and providing multiple hydrazine-ignition restarts. The catalyst comprises a carrier material selected from the group consisting of high area ceramics, and 1/2 to 8% of active iridium, ruthenium, or mixtures thereof, based on the total weight of the catalyst. The active metal is deposited primarily on the exterior surface of the carrier. A second metal catalyst can be contained primarily within the interior of the carrier.The method of producing the catalyst comprises impregnating the carrier with an alcohol solution containing a salt of iridium, ruthenium, or a mixture thereof, to deposit the metal on the exterior surface only of the carrier. The precious metal is reduced to an active pure metal by contact with a fluid reducing agent selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and hydrogen-inert gas mixtures.