Abstract: An apparatus to automatically determine on-line, the shive content and shive size distribution of a wood pulp: The apparatus includes a line having an inlet and outlet, and a plug for closing the line. A motor and gear displaces the line with respect to the plug for defining a gap. A transducer measures the size of the gap. A sensor monitors impedances in the line caused by the accumulation of oversized shives at the gap. Responsive to the sensor, is a device for releasing the impedance by rapidly enlarging the gap, each release during a time period being registered by a counter. A controller correlates each of the counts with the corresponding size of gap to establish the content and size distribution of the shives.

Abstract: The method enabling the quick determination of non-dissolved or free gas in a liquid sample. Involves measuring the density of a liquid sample in a closed vessel, subjecting this sample to a reduced pressure and thereby expanding the "free" gas in the liquid sample. After this expansion has taken place, but before allowing dissolved gas to come out of solution, the volume is fixed and a second density measurement is taken. An apparatus therefor is also disclosed. The apparatus comprises: a chamber wherein a liquid sample is subjected to a reduced pressure and an increased volume, and a means for density measurements of the said liquid sample. Also disclosed are means to transfer into the chamber a liquid sample while avoiding the entrapment of gas bubbles. Preferably the chamber has a flexible wall coupled to a suspended weight to enable quick expansion of the chamber while minimizing friction losses and liquid leakage. Once the "free" gas has expanded, the volume is fixed and a density measurement is taken.