Abstract: Methods for determining maximum oil saturation and possible oil zone location use natural oil inclusions in rock grains of granular rock samples. A first technique involves quantitatively determining the total number of grains in the sample and, of those grains, the number that include oil within them, thereby yielding a ratio (GOI); and correlating that ratio against standard rock samples to yield the maximum oil saturation.

Abstract: A scanning system (10) for inspecting a surface (16) including a light source (30) which generates a beam of light (32) that is reflected, scattered or causes fluorescence at the surface to be inspected. An optical interface (14) receives the beam of light and directs it along a predetermined path extending to and from the surface. An acousto-optic tunable filter (34) tuned to pass light having a wavelength corresponding to a known optical property of a predetermined material is positioned within the path of light. A detector (42) is positioned to receive light emanating from the surface and is configured to monitor the intensity of light at each predetermined wavelength being monitored and generate a corrsponding signal. The system is preferably attached to a scan board (90) thereby enabling the system to be used in scanning a surface. The system also includes a signal processor (22) which processes the signal generated by the detector. The resulting data is displayed by an output device (26).

Abstract: The on-site analyzer (10) includes a housing (14). The housing (14) contains an infrared spectrometer (18) and an optical emission spectrometer (24) for testing a sample (12) of oil. A conduit (32) by operation of a pump (40) draws the sample (12) into the conduit (32), and controllably moves the sample (12) to an infrared spectrometer (18) for testing, and subsequently to an optical emission spectrometer (24) for testing. The pump (40) and spectrometers (18, 24) are controlled by a computer (50) for complete automation of testing. The computer (50) performs analysis and diagnosis of the test results from the spectrometers (18, 24) based on sets of known and standard information.

Abstract: The on-site analyzer (10) includes a housing (14). The housing (14) contains an infrared spectrometer (18) and an optical emission spectrometer (24) for testing a sample (12) of oil. A conduit (32) by operation of a pump (40) draws the sample (12) into the conduit (32), and controllably moves the sample (12) to an infrared spectrometer (18) for testing, and subsequently to an optical emission spectrometer (24) for testing. The pump (40) and spectrometers (18, 24) are controlled by a computer (50) for complete automation of testing. The computer (50) performs analysis and diagnosis of the test results from the spectrometers (18, 24) based on sets of known and standard information. The computer (50) may communicate with a central, remote computer (70). Remote computer (70) accumulates results from a plurality of on-site analyzers (10) to obtain trend and wear evaluations, and to update the standard information in each of the on-site analyzers (10).

Abstract: An apparatus for analyzing particles collected from a fluid and deposited on a substrate along a given direction, the apparatus including holding structure for supporting the substrate; a radiation source for directing radiation toward the particles on the substrate; and a radiation detector for receiving radiation incident upon the particles on the substrate and for providing an output based on the concentration of the particles, the radiation detector being cooperative with the radiation source to output substantially continuous profile data indicative of the concentration of said particles along the given direction.

Abstract: A sensor for the reliable detection of oil spills using fluorescence techniques. An ultraviolet (UV) light source is located around an optical column with which selected wavelengths of fluorescing hydrocarbons or other substances can be detected. The source of UV light is held at a constant level and special techniques are employed to remove background optical noise from the various detected wavelength signals. Short and long term running averages are generated to detect oil spills. A special buoy is employed to allow the sensor to be oriented at a cavity in the buoy to reliable detect oil spills on waterways. The buoy has windows to enable surface water to freely pass through into the cavity while preventing turbulence from open water waves and wind. The buoy has a low center of gravity well below the water line with a large submerged segment to reduce heaving motions and provide a stable platform for the detection of fluorescing substances.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the effective leak detection of refrigerants by the addition of dyes from the general chemical class of naphthalimide fluorescent dyes in a refrigeration system where said refrigeration system employs alone, or in combination, a refrigerant in a hermetic system such as, but not limited to, chlorofluorocarbons (CFC), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFC), hydrofluorocarbons (HFC) and any hydrogen, halogenated or ether derivatives of the methane, hydrogen, halogenated, ether or cyclic derivatives of either ethane, propane, butane, pentane, mixtures of HCFC, HFC, hydrocarbons, carbon dioxide and ammonia.Leakage is determined by inspection of the sealed system using a lamp having an emission wavelength from 300 to 480 nanometers providing an indication of any system leakage.

Abstract: A system and process for obtaining near real time, non-destructive inspection and characterization of surfaces. The system includes an infrared light source which is directed on a surface to be inspected. A portion of the reflected light is gathered and directed through an optical filter arrangement which separates the light into a plurality of sets of wavelengths which correspond to particular physical properties of the thin film, such as absorbance. The intensity of each set of wavelengths is detected by optical detectors and the resulting signals analyzed to characterize the surface.

Abstract: A method to determine the amount of oil, including dispersed oil, in water at low levels wherein a surfactant is first mixed with water which may contain dispersed oil, the surfactant comprising a non-aromatic surfactant able to solubilize into water the particular oil being tested for, and comparing the emission fluorescence of the surfactant/water mixture to previous correlations drawn between known amounts of oil in water and their emission fluorescence under similar conditions.

Abstract: Refrigerant leakage in heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems employing hydrofluorocarbon refrigerants is determined by adding a mixture of predetermined amounts of a naphthalamide optical brightener with an appropriate lubricant to the system. Inspection of the system under ultraviolet light provides an indication of any leakage occurring in the system of liquid and/or gas.

Abstract: An in-hole oil-drilling probe is mountable in a drill string to measure hydrocarbon concentrations in drilling fluid flowing around the drill string. The probe consists of a drill collar which is mountable in the drill string. A solvent, in which hydrocarbons are soluble, circulates within the drill collar through a hydrocarbon detection chamber. A membrane in the drill collar has an outer surface positioned to contact flowing drilling fluid and an inner surface positioned to contact circulating solvent within the drill collar. The membrane allows hydrocarbons to permeate from the drilling fluid into the solvent and into the hydrocarbon detection chamber with the solvent. A radiant energy source directs radiant ultra-violet energy into the hydrocarbon detection chamber. A sensor apparatus measures fluorescent energy radiating from the hydrocarbon detection chamber to determine solvent hydrocarbon concentration.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring the presence of a corrosive constituent in a petroleum product. [The invention detects the reflected] Reflected radiation is detected from a metal standard in the petroleum product which indicates the presence of the corrosivity constituent.

Abstract: Methods for quantifying the oil and water fractions of a fluid stream. A first method broadly includes making optical density (OD) measurements of the fluid stream by detecting photons of a first predetermined energy where the oil and water absorption characteristics are substantially identical (e.g., 1710 nm wavelength), and determining the oil and water fractions f.sub.o and f.sub.w according to OD.perspectiveto.f.sub.w .alpha..sub.w l+f.sub.o .alpha..sub.o l where .alpha..sub.w and .alpha..sub.o are related to the absorption coefficients of the oil and water at the predetermined energy, l is the path width of the fluid stream, and f.sub.w +f.sub.o =1. A second method which eliminates scattering effects utilizes the photons at the first predetermined energy and further utilizes photons of a second predetermined energy which is sufficiently close to the first predetermined energy such that the oil fraction is a linear function of the OD over the energy range.

Abstract: A method for determining the suitability of a distillate fuel for use after storage by measuring the absorption of ultraviolet light by the fuel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for remote detection of an oil slick at or near the surface of the water using a combination of two or more ultraviolet lasers and comparing the relative magnitude of the received Raman backscattering signal magnitudes to determine the existence of the oil slick. The use of two different laser frequencies provides for elimination of atmospheric transmission variations and wave modulation.

Abstract: Methods for distinguishing among oil samples, and more particularly between a fluid containing oil base mud and formation oil samples are described. The methods all rely on the discovery that the optical absorption spectrum of all crude oils in the visible and near infrared spectra can be described according to the equation OD=ae.sup.Eb, where (OD) is a measured optical density, (b) is a value between 0.37 and 0.55 chosen according to the wavenumber (E) and can be chosen as a constant equal to 4.6.times.10.sup.-4 cm, and (a) is an unknown which classifies the crude oil. By making measurements and solving for (a), a crude oil can be classified. In a flow stream which has a changing oil content, such as may be obtained by a borehole tool which obtains fluid samples from the formation, by monitoring the unknown (a), a determination may be made as to when a formation oil is being obtained as opposed to a mud filtrate.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for detecting and/or monitoring the presence of hydrocarbons in a fluid medium at a remote location, by sensing the presence of hydrocarbon-based fluid in the fluid medium in the remote location, generating a signal indicative of the sensed fluid, and transmitting the signal to monitoring means for indication of hydrocarbon contamination. The apparatus has multiple sensors at different vertical levels for sensing the fluid medium at a plurality of levels within the fluid.

Abstract: A rock specimen is selected from many rock specimens based on composition of released fluid inclusion volatiles being indicative of a selected class of fluid inclusions therein. Compositions of selected classes of inclusions or of selected individual fluid inclusions in the selected rock specimen are further characterized and the resulting information used in exploring for oil and gas.

Abstract: A method and apparatus particularly for monitoring leakage of a fluid contained within a double-walled tank into its interstitial space is disclosed. The sensor includes an element which is subject to physical change upon exposure to the material contained in the tank. The condition of the element is remotely monitored to determine leakage. In the case of an underground tank or oceangoing vessel, a second similar sensor sensitive to water may be employed to differentiate leakage into the interstitial space of the material in the tank from ground or sea water.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting leakage of a particular fluid into an area to be monitored, such as an interstitial space of a double-walled tank or pipeline, comprises first and second fiber optics. A first end of the first fiber optic is disposed to a source of light and a first end of the second fiber optic is disposed to a detector of light. The second ends of the fiber optics are axially aligned with one another. Under normal circumstances light is transmitted from the source to the first fiber optic across the gap into the second fiber optic, and is detected by the detector. The fiber optics are arranged such that when the sensor is exposed to a material to be monitored, effective light-transmission between the second ends of the fiber optics is prevented, preventing light from being transmitted from the source to the detector. This provides a simple and fool-proof method of detecting leakage of the fluid to be monitored into the area to be monitored.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for determining accumulated film thickness at the inside diameter of a main stream conduit conducting a main stream of a flowing fluid by employing:a transparent shunt conduit to shunt from the main stream a sample stream of the process fluid,a reference light emitter and light detector at a reference section of the shunt where any appreciable film is removed, an upstream sample light emitter and detector opposed thereto,a common source of light so that respective emitters emit light beams of the same intensity, and means for determining concurrently analogs of light received by the detectors, whereby film thickness may be determined for the sample.

Abstract: Mid-distillate hydrocarbon fuels, preferably having initial boiling points above 350.degree. F., are separated e.g. by prep-HPLC into non-aromatic and aromatic fractions which are used to set 0% aromatics (the non-aromatics) and 100% aromatics (the aromatics) on an NIR spectrophotometer. From NIR aromatic band absorbances of unknown samples, their percent aromatics is determined using this two-point calibration and the Beer-Lambert equation. Preferred NIR bands of 1650-1700 and 2120-2256 exhibit excellent correlation with aromatics content.

Abstract: A process for spectroscopically measuring the content of a component in a liquid mixture involves passing a single optical beam through the mixture without the use of a reference beam and measuring the intensities of transmitted light in two different wavelength bands by means of two adjacent detectors responsive to light in the two wavelength bands respectively. The component being measured absorbs light within one of the wavelength bands. The ratio of the detector outputs can then be related to the component concentration. The principal use of the invention is for in-situ measurement of methanol in gasoline for motor vehicles.

Abstract: It has been determined that the symmetric stretching frequency of water at concentrations of 10 ppm and more in liquid hydrocarbons is effectively independent of the nature of the hydrocarbon. On this basis one can rapidly, accurately, and precisely measure such water concentrations by comparing the transmittance of a narrow band of infrared frequencies within the symmetric stretching band of a wet sample with the transmittance at a frequency in the 3770-4000 cm.sup.-1 range, performing a second comparison with a dried sample, and forming the ratio of the two comparative measurements as a measure of dissolved water content.

Abstract: A monitoring device for determining presence of native hydrocarbons downward along a drilled borehole by analyzing upcoming drilling mud returning to the reserve pit. The device includes a short pulse laser of selected output wavelength disposed at a remote location to couple output light into a fiber optic cable that leads to a position at the reserve pit viewing the returning drill mud. The device employs optical coupling to project any hydrocarbon fluorescence light for return along the fiber optic cable to the remote position for reflection through a monochromator, and the fluorescence light is processed through a photomultiplier tube and data acquisition system to derive charcteristic decay lifetime signatures to distinguish between native hydrocarbons and any lighter oils contained in the drilling mud.

Abstract: A device and method for determining the depth of contaminant of petroleum based products in a subsurface, such as after an oil spill. The device is implemented either as a manual probe or as attachment to excavating equipment. The device has an ultraviolet radiation source for irradiating waves into the subsurface, and a visible-light detector for receiving fluorescence, which is induced by the contaminant when the contaminant is exposed to the ultraviolet radiation.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for precise oil correlation using oil-filled fluid inclusions to form signature plots of fluorescence excitation versus emission versus intensity data. The apparatus uses a tunable light source energized periodically through a given series of wavelengths as directed through a microscope to a fluid inclusion to excite fluorescence. Subsequent fluorescence emission is detected by a monochromator/photomultiplier combination for input to a data acquisition system that processes the data and provides requisite fluorescence output plots indicating more particularly the nature of the fluid inclusion matter, i.e., 3-D fluorescence spectra indicative of the oil. The quality of the oil in terms of API.degree. gravity can also be determined by time-resolution fluorescence spectroscopy to determine fluorescence lifetimes.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting the deterioration of an engine oil including a ceramic heater radiating infrared light including infrared radiation having a wavelength of 6.1 micron meters which is equal to the specific infrared absorption peak of ester of nitric acid contained in the engine oil. The infrared light is made incident upon a photodetector via a band pass filter having a center wavelength of 6.1 micron meters to detect an amount of the ester of nitric acid contained in the engine oil. It has been experimentally confirmed that an amount of the ester of nitric acid is proportional to the total acid value which is a measure of the deterioration of the engine oil, so that by suitably processing an output signal of the photodetector, it is possible to detect the deterioration of the engine oil. The thus detected deterioration may be displayed on a display device provided on a front pedal of a car.

Abstract: A fluid level monitor for sensing the level of fluid in a reservoir such as for sensing an oil level in an internal combustion engine crankcase containing a quantity of oil, the monitor includes a light source for generating a light beam having a frequency which causes fluorescence in the fluid and a fiber optic cable for transmitting the light beam to the reservoir for exciting the fluid in the reservoir to generate fluorescent radiation and for receiving the fluorescent radiation emitted by the fluid as a result of the excitation. The monitor also includes a photodetector for receiving the fluorescent radiation and for generating a signal which is a function of the intensity of the received fluorescent radiation and a display for receiving the signal to indicate the level of fluid in the reservoir.

Abstract: A method and system determines the density of a liquid, such as aircraft fuel, by measuring the amplitude of the reflections of ultrasonic pulses from the faces of the walls of a reference material. A transducer is used to transmit an ultrasonic interrogation pulse through a liquid to the reference material. The density of the reference material is known, and its boundaries are well defined. The interrogation pulse is reflected from the faces of the reference material boundaries to provide first, second and third return pulses that can be used to determine the density of the liquid. The density determination is accomplished by determining characteristic impedances, reflection coefficients and transmission coefficients as a function of the returned pulse amplitudes.

Abstract: A sample of a hydrocarbon oil containing asphaltenes is chromatographically analyzed by forming a mixture of the oil with a weak solvent. The mixture is passed in contact with a column of a stationary phase of fine solid particles of fully functionalized material, followed by a weak solvent. The solvent, after recovery from the column, is analyzed for aromatics by UV-absorption of UV radiation in the range 200 to 400 nm. The absorbance of the UV light by the irradiated eluents across the UV wavelength range is monitored and the integral of absorbance is derived as a function of photon energy across the wavelength range. The magnitude of the derived integral in at least one time interval corresponding with aromatics in the eluent from the stationary phase is measured as an indication of the level of aromatics in the oil sample. The weak solvent may be followed by a strong solvent which, in turn, may be followed by a strong solvent which is modified by the addition of a hydrogen bonding solvent.

Abstract: The invention is a method of evaluating a sample of an underground formation to determine the hydrocarbon content of any hydrocarbons present in the formation. It involves the steps of solvating a known volume of a sample in a known volume of a solvent which will solvate hydrocarbons, quantitatively measuring with a fluorometer the emission fluorescence below about 400 nanometers of the solvated sample at an excitation wavelength at which most petroleum compounds fluorescence, and determining the hydrocarbon content of any hydrocarbon present in the sample by comparing the emission fluorescence of said solvated sample to previous correlations. The previous correlations are drawn between known hydrocarbon contents of samples and the emission fluorescence of the known samples in said solvent.

Abstract: A system for determining the thicknesses of thin films of materials exhibiting fluorescence in response to exposure to excitation energy from a suitable source of such energy. A section of film is illuminated with a fixed level of excitation energy from a source such as an argon ion laser emitting blue-green light. The amount of fluorescent light produced by the film over a limited area within the section so illuminated is then measured using a detector such as a photomultiplier tube. Since the amount of fluorescent light produced is a function of the thicknesses of thin films, the thickness of a specific film can be determined by comparing the intensity of fluorescent light produced by this film with the intensity of light produced by similar films of known thicknesses in response to the same amount of excitation energy.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the detection of hydrocarbons dissolved in bodies of water and for the determination of their concentration in the water wherein a water sample is introduced into a sealed system in which the hydrocarbons are driven out of solution into a gas phase by heating the sample or exposing it to low pressure, or both, a laser beam of a wavelength or a frequency which provides for at least partial overlapping with the absorption lines of the hydrocarbons is directed through the gaseous phase, a correction laser beam of a wavelength such that it is not subjected to absorption by hydrocarbons is also directed through the gaseous phase to determine the influence of gases other than hydrocarbons and the amount of hydrocarbons in the water iscalculated from the amount of light energy absorbed in the gas phase by any hydrocarbons therein and a correction as determined by the correction laser beam.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring the presence in a liquid of a material which is at lest partially immiscible in the liquid are disclosed. The apparatus includes a container and an overflow outlet for allowing a surface layer of the liquid to flow out of the container. A slick of the material forms in the container on a surface of the liquid. The container includes a settling portion with an adjustably angled baffle and a second, fixed baffle located therein, a concentrating portion for concentrating the slick downstream of the settling portion, and an intermediate constricting portion for gradually constricting the surface of the liquid. An ultraviolet light source and visible light detector are provided for detecting the fluorescent radiation produced by irradiating the surface of the liquid and the material.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for detecting whether contaminants are on or have migrated into the body of a plastic reusable food or beverage container. The invention uses a sensor attached to the inside of the container which changes optical density when it is exposed to certain contaminants. The change in optical density is detected by illuminating the sensor with ultraviolet light and then measuring the effect that the sensor has on the ultraviolet light.

Abstract: A leak detector for monitoring, in an area being investigated, the presence of a liquid having a characteristic fluorescence spectrum. The leak detector includes a radiation source, with the radiation provided to the area being investigated. The detector also includes a collector for collecting radiation, in the fluorescence emission band of the liquid being monitored, emitted from the area being investigated. The presence of this liquid is sensed by detection of a threshold level of collected radiation. The size of a stain of the liquid relative to the size of the field of view of the collector is then determined.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for determining oil saturation in sponge coring using solvents which dissolve substantially all of the oil but none of the sponge. Two classes of such solvents are specified. One is aprotic, and the resultant concentration of oil in it is measured by proton NMR spectroscopy. The other has no C--H bonds, and the resultant concentration of oil in it is measured by infrared spectroscopy.

Abstract: A sample of a hdyrocarbon oil containing asphaltenes is chromatographically analyzed by forming a mixture of the oil with a weak solvent. The mixture is passed in contact with a column of a stationary phase of find solid particles of fully functionalized material, followed by a weak solvent. The solvent, after recovery from the column, is analyzed for aromatics by UV-absorption of UV radiation in the range 200 to 400 nm. The absorbance of the UV light by the irradiated eluents across the UV wavelength range is monitored and the integral of absorbance is derived as a function of photon energy across the wavelength range. The magnitude of the derived integral in at least one time interval corresponding with at least aromatics in the eluent from the stationary phase is measured as an indication of the level of aromatics in the oil sample. The weak solvent may be followed by a strong solvent which, in turn, may be followed by a strong solvent which is modified by the addition of a hydrogen bonding solvent.

Abstract: Water washable substantially biodegradable compositions having excellent sensitivity and high stability, for use in non-destructive testing of objects for contaminant detection and identification. The contaminant identifier composition consists essentially of a fluorescent dye and a suitable carrier. The developer composition consists essentially of an organic dye or combination of dyes, preferably fluorescent dyes, and a carrier or solvent therefore, in the form of certain ethoxylated linear alcohols, particularly the biodegradable nonionic surfactants comprised of ethoxylates of a mixture of secondary alcohols having linear alkyl chains of from 10 to 17 carbon atoms. In the method of application the contaminant identifier is first applied to the surface of an object to be tested to detect the presence of the contaminant. Excess identifier is removed and the developer composition applied for a time sufficient to dye the contaminant.

Abstract: In a stimulable phosphor sheet comprising a support, a phosphor layer containing a stimulable phosphor and a binder, and a protective film superposed in this order,the improvement in which at least the front end of the phosphor sheet is provided with a stiff reinforcing member extending along said end: orthe improvement in which at least a portion on the back surface adjoining the front end of the phosphor sheet is provided with a stiff reinforcing member extending in the width direction.

Abstract: An ultraviolet (UV) fluorescence microspectrophotometry process for measuring fluorescence spectra of oils in individual micro-sized inclusions. Interpretation of UV fluorescence of oil inclusions in an unknown sample is made by comparison to fluorescence spectra of oils of known composition. This method is a non-destructive process which allows the quality of oils in the undrilled basin to be determined by analyzing outcrop samples containing oil-bearing inclusions. By comparing the fluorescence properties of inclusion oils and reservoir oils, the history of oil migration in petroleum basins can be reconstructed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for analysing a fluid, especially an oil/water/gas mixture of unknown composition flowing in a pipeline (10). The apparatus can operate remotely, for example on the sea bed. A gamma-ray source (12) and a diametrically arranged scintillator (20) enable the density to be determined; while a fast neutron source (14) and a diametrically arranged germanium gamma spectrometer (22) cooled by a cryo-cooler (26) enable the concentrations of the elements present to be determined. The apparatus also includes a pulsed fast neutron source and a gamma detector to determine the flow velocity of the fluid. The apparatus enables the weight fractions of oil, water and gas to be derived.

Abstract: Production of pertroleum deposits in which water is mixed with the hydrocarbons. The quality of separation is controlled by incorporating within a packer (200) a regulated valve (100) which receives the flow of reinjection water after its separation in a unit (7), the water passing into a fluorescence analyzer (4). The results of the measurement are transmitted to a microprocessor unit (12) which produces a signal which actuates a hydraulic pump (9), which in its turn, actuates the valve (100). Separation of water from the hydrocarbons at the bottom of the well and control of the quality of the separation are effected before the reinjection of the water in a subterranean deposit zone (3).

Abstract: A non-destructive and non-invasive method of detecting underground tank leaks using three phase testing. A plurality of boreholes are drilled around the tank with the boreholes preferably extending below the tank. In the first phase of testing gas vapor analyzer is used to determine which borehole contains volatile organic material. In the second phase, a neutron back scatter gauge is lowered into those boreholes indicating presence of volatile organic material, and readings are taken at intervals along the length of the borehole. All of the readings are correlated. A sharp increase in reading, over a base reading, detects a probable "leaking" organic material beyond that present in the ambient soil. The third phase of the testing is to identify the probably "leaking" organic material and confirm if it is the same as that contained in the underground tank.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a procedure for measuring the contents of hydrocarbons in liquids containing such. The liquid to be measured is conducted to a transparent measuring cuvette or equivalent and the measuring cuvette is irradiated with infrared radiation from a radiation source, and the hydrocarbon content present in the liquid is determined on the basis of the difference in absorption between the liquid together with the hydrocarbon in it and the liquid itself. In the procedure is measured the infrared absorption spectrum of the liquid containing hydrocarbons in a preselected, comparatively wide wavelength range (.lambda..sub.beginning,.lambda..sub.end) having a width exceeding that on which the absorption of the hydrocarbon being examined has an effect.

Abstract: A method for measuring cell counts or methane producing activity of Methanogens in an object for examination containing therein Methanogens, in which excited light of a particular wavelength region is irradiated onto the object for examination, and intensity of fluorescence of a particular wavelength region, which the object for examination radiates, is measured. Since, according to this invention, intensity of fluorescence specific to Methanogens is measured, it is possible to measure with high precision the cell counts or the methane producing activity of Methanogens existing in a multitude of microorganism groups and foreign substances such as digested sludge, etc. in a methane fermentation tank, etc. of a sewage treatment system, in particular.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for infrared qualitative analysis of a fluid independent of the temperature of the fluid. A first signal is generated in response to detected infrared energy passing through the fluid, and a second datum signal is provided for comparison with the first signal, wherein the second signal indicates a non-radiating state. The energy difference between the two signals is provided to a microprocessor control system for computing the fluid quality as a function of the energy difference independent of the temperature of the fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the concentration of oil in another liquid has an oil extracting apparatus for mixing a sample of oil containing liquid and an oil-extracting solvent, a source of solvent, a solvent pump having the intake side connected to the source of solvent and the discharge side connected to the oil extracting apparatus for pumping oil extracting solvent from the source of solvent along a solvent flow path into the oil extracting apparatus, a water pump for pumping a liquid containing oil therein into the oil extracting apparatus, a separator for receiving the mixture of oil, water and solvent from the oil extracting apparatus and separating the oil-containing solvent therefrom, and an analyzer for analyzing the oil-containing solvent for oil content.

Abstract: A simple and sensitive arrangement for determining the presence of specific substances in a liquid is provided for determining the presence of oil in water. The arrangement comprises a light source which emits diffused UV light through the liquid to be tested, a detector which receives the UV light, and a processing circuit which is driven with a measured signal from the detector. The processing circuit generates an alarm signal if the measurement signal which increases with intensity of the detected UV light becomes smaller than the predetermined value.