Abstract: A metal hydride storage system for a portable intrinsically safe (IS), flame ionization detector (FID) device includes a portable intrinsically safe FID device and a metal hydride storage vessel is coupled to the FID device configured to store a predetermined amount of compressed hydrogen at a predetermined low pressure and deliver the hydrogen gas to the FID device.

Abstract: As previous processing of measurement in which gas to be measured containing, as gas components, carbon dioxide 13CO2 and carbon dioxide 12CO2, is introduced into a cell, and in which the intensities of transmitted lights having wavelengths suitable for measurement of the respective gas components, are measured and then data-processed to measure the concentrations of the gas components, the air having a predetermined volume Va is sucked by a gas injection device 21, a gas exhaust valve V6 of a cell 11 is closed and the air stored in the gas injection device 21 is transferred to the cell 11 filled with the air at an atmospheric pressure, thereby to pressurize the cell inside. The pressure thus pressurized is measured as P. The cell volume Vc is subtracted from the product obtained by multiplying the sum.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for providing a reactor having a heater, a passage for transporting a reactant, and a chamber containing a gas sample and being coupled to the passage for receiving the reactant and mixing the reactant with the gas sample. The reactor further includes a connector leading from the chamber to the heater for transporting a mixture of the reactant and gas sample, and wherein the heater heats the mixture of the reactant and gas sample.

Abstract: An analyzer includes a reforming unit which reforms fuel containing an organic compound which contains carbon and hydrogen into a reformed gas containing hydrogen, a flame ionization detector which is connected to the reforming unit, and detects an ion generated by combusting the reformed gas supplied from the reforming unit and a sample gas, or ionizing a sample gas by reaction with the reformed gas supplied from the reforming unit, and outputs an output signal representing the ionic amount, and an analysis controller which analyzes the output signal from the flame ionization detector, and provides data capable of identifying a component contained in the sample gas.

Abstract: A field flame ionisation gas chromatograph for the analysis of a hydrocarbon gas mixture found in particular in mud from oil drilling and sampled by a gas carrier, which is characterised by the fact that it includes a first and a second analysis unit working in parallel simultaneously, the first analysis unit being dedicated exclusively to the analysis of methane and ethane.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and apparatus for performing microanalytic and microsynthetic analyses and procedures. The invention provides a microsystem platform and a micromanipulation device for manipulating the platform that utilizes the centripetal force resulting from rotation of the platform to motivate fluid movement through microchannels. The microsystem platforms of the invention are provided having arrays of thermal control regions, wherein fluid applied to the platform can be placed at a temperature and maintained at that temperature for a time that is dependent on the path length of the channel in the region, the cross-section dimension of the channel, and the rotational speed of the platform. Methods specific for the apparatus of the invention for performing any of a wide variety of microanalytical or microsynthetic processes are provided.

Abstract: An igniter assembly for a pulsed flame photometric detector having a filament comprising a resistive heating wire between about 0.08 millimeter and about 0.40 millimeter in diameter wound into a coil having an inner diameter between about 0.40 millimeter and about 3.2 millimeters. The filament has an applied protective coating of an alloy of gold and palladium. The filament is detachably connected to a cable and connector assembly that connects the filament to a source of power in the pulsed flame photometric detector.

Abstract: A thermal sensor has a substrate defining a reaction chamber. The reaction chamber has an inlet for conducting sample into the reaction chamber, a reaction surface and an orifice adjacent the reaction surface defining an outlet from the reaction chamber. The reaction surface is coated with a sorbant for binding agents in the sample. A heat transducer in the substrate and in proximity to the reaction surface is configured for heating the reaction surface.

Abstract: An electrostatic air cleaning device includes an array of electrodes. The electrodes include corona electrodes connected to a suitable source of high voltage so as to generate a corona discharge. Laterally displaced collecting electrodes include one or more bulges that have aerodynamic frontal “upwind” surfaces and airflow disrupting tailing edges downwind that create quite zones for the collection of particulates removed from the air. The bulges may be formed as rounded leading edges on the collecting electrodes and/or as ramped surfaces located, for example, along a midsection of the electrodes. Repelling electrodes positioned between pairs of the collecting electrodes may include similar bulges such as cylindrical or semi-cylindrical leading and/or trailing edges.

Abstract: In order to determine the total sulfur content of a sample (1), the sample is uniformly combusted with a flame (8). The combustion product sulfur dioxide is fed to a gas chromatograph (15) in which it is separated from other combustion products (9) and is then fed to a detector (17), which is situated downstream and which is provided for determining sulfur dioxide concentration. The combustion of the sample (1) is preferably effected in a flame ionization detector (19), with whose measurement signal (21) the detector signal (20) generated by the detector (17) is freed from signal contents based on non-uniformities of the combustion process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the manipulation of colloidal particulates and biomolecules at the interface between an insulating electrode such as silicon oxide and an electrolyte solution. Light-controlled elektrokinetic assembly of particles near surfaces relies on the combination of three functional elements, the AC electric field-induced assembly of planar aggregates; the patterning of the electrolyte/silicon oxide/silicon interface to exert spatial control over the assembly process; and the real-time control of the assembly process via external illumination. The present invention provides a set of fundamental operations enabling interactive control over the creation and placement of planar arrays of several types of particles and biomolecules and the manipulation of array shape and size. The present invention enables sample preparation and handling for diagnostic assays and biochemical analysis in an array format, and the functional integration of these operations.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for providing a reactor having a heater, a passage for transporting a reactant, and a chamber containing a gas sample and being coupled to the passage for receiving the reactant and mixing the reactant with the gas sample. The reactor further includes a connector leading from the chamber to the heater for transporting a mixture of the reactant and gas sample, and wherein the heater heats the mixture of the reactant and gas sample.

Abstract: A hydrogen-flame photometric analyzer for a thin-layer chromatograph, comprising

Abstract: A field flame ionisation gas chromatograph for the analysis of a hydrocarbon gas mixture found in particular in mud from oil drilling and sampled by a gas carrier, which is characterised by the fact that it includes a first and a second analysis unit working in parallel simultaneously, the first analysis unit being dedicated exclusively to the analysis of methane and ethane.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flame-monitoring device in which an a.c. input voltage (U1) is limited to a voltage limit (U2) by means of a voltage limiter (4). Said voltage limit (U2) is applied to a flame sensing device (7) which operates by means of the rectifying effect of a flame, and through which a current (i) flows, especially when a flame (6) is present. An asymmetric voltage limit (U2) can be defined by said voltage limiter (4), said limit being then applied to the sensing device (7).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the concentration of at least one gaseous component and/or vaporous component of a gaseous mixture in which a controlled sensor flame is introduced into the gaseous mixture and at least one narrow spectral band in the controlled sensor flame is optically measured. The concentration of the gaseous component using a result obtained from the optical measuring of the at least one narrow spectral band is then calculated. The method of this invention is particularly suitable for substantially real-time control of combustion processes.

Abstract: A method for measuring volatile organic compounds (VOCs) of a material produced in a process system is disclosed. The method involves an enclosed bag into which a sample of material is placed, after which the bag is stored at a predetermined temperature such that the contents reach equilibrium. The storage temperature is the mean exit temperature of the effluent from the process system for which a VOC measurement is required. Samples from the headspace in the bag are inputted into a flame ionization detector to provide the VOC level. A kit for using the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: An ICP analyzer has a nebulizer for nebulizing a sample fluid for the purpose of analyzing microscopic impurities within the sample fluid, a plasma torch for introducing nebulized spray into a plasma, and a spray chamber disposed between the nebulizer and the plasma torch for separating spray comprised of microscopic particles from the nebulized spray prior to introduction thereof into the plasma torch. A heating section is provided at a central portion of the spray chamber and a cooling section is provided at a peripheral section of the spray chamber, and the spray is passed between the heating section and the cooling section to improve the efficiency sample introduction into the plasma to enable highly sensitive analysis by suppressing the proportion of a solvent component that reaches the plasma torch.

Abstract: In order to determine the total sulfur content of a sample (1), the sample is uniformly combusted with a flame (8). The combustion product sulfur dioxide is fed to a gas chromatograph (15) in which it is separated from other combustion products (9) and is then fed to a detector (17), which is situated downstream and which is provided for determining sulfur dioxide concentration. The combustion of the sample (1) is preferably effected in a flame ionization detector (19), with whose measurement signal (21) the detector signal (20) generated by the detector (17) is freed from signal contents based on non-uniformities of the combustion process.

Abstract: The present invention describes novel methods for making a substrate for selective cell patterning, and the substrates themselves, wherein the method comprises contacting reactive hydroxyl groups on the surface of a substrate with a hydroxyl-reactive bifunctional molecule to form a monolayer, and using stencils to deposit cell repulsive or cell adhesive moieties in controlled locations on the cell culture substrate. Methods comprising selective differentiation of stem cells to create tissue specific and organ-specific cell substrates, as well as the cell substrates themselves are also provided.

Abstract: A self-adjusting, free-flowing pneumatic nebulizer interface is described for coupling fluid phase separation apparatus such as capillary electrophoresis apparatus or fluid-phase analyte delivery apparatus such as flow-injection analysis apparatus to gas phase, post-separation detection apparatus such as mass spectrometers, chemiluminescence detectors, or other similar gas phase detection apparatus. The interface combines the analytes with only the needed amount of sheath fluid to produce a combined flow whose magnitude automatically matches the self-aspiration rate of the pneumatic nebulizer interface, and which is combined with a gas flow to produce an aerosol. The resulting aerosol can then be either deposited directly on a surface, forwarded directly to a detection system or forwarded first to a conversion apparatus such as an oxidizer and the oxidized sample components are then forwarded to a detector.

Abstract: A combustion cell for flame ionization detectors consists of a housing having an interior defining a combustion chamber that is in communication with a source of an oxygen containing gas. Two or more burner nozzles are located in the combustion chamber and each of the burner nozzles communicate with a common source of a sample gas. One or more collectors are disposed in the for the sensing of a electrical current created by the combustion and ionization of a sought for substance. In operation two or more burner nozzles are used for combustion of the sample/fuel mixture to enhance the sensitivity and linearity of the output signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the concentration of at least one gaseous component and/or vaporous component of a gaseous mixture in which a controlled sensor flame is introduced into the gaseous mixture and at least one narrow spectral band in the controlled sensor flame is optically measured. The concentration of the gaseous component using a result obtained from the optical measuring of the at least one narrow spectral band is then calculated. The method of this invention is particularly suitable for substantially real-time control of combustion processes.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting the flame occurring during a flashback condition in the fuel nozzle of a lean premix combustion system is presented. The sensor comprises an electrically isolated flashback detection electrode and a guard electrode, both of which generate electrical fields extending to the walls of the combustion chamber and to the walls of the fuel nozzle. The sensor is positioned on the fuel nozzle center body at a location proximate the entrance to the combustion chamber of the gas turbine combustion system. The sensor provides 360° detection of a flashback inside the fuel nozzle, by detecting the current conducted by the flame within a time frame that will prevent damage to the gas turbine combustion system caused by the flashback condition.

Abstract: A combustible gas sensor diode including a SiC semiconductor substrate, on top of which an AlN layer and a catalytic metal “gate” electrode are deposited is disclosed. The combustible gas sensor diode can be operated in either a D.C. forward conduction mode or an A.C. reverse bias mode. Methods of detecting combustibles in both D.C. and A.C. modes are further disclosed.

Abstract: A device for methane-free hydrocarbon measurement in combustion exhaust gases using the flame ionization technique. In order to refine the device, in such a way that optimum oxidation is possible even when the composition of the gas to be measured experiences fluctuations and, in addition, equipment outlay is minimized, extra oxygen and/or extra hydrogen is supplied to the gas to be measured before the oxidation catalysis.

Abstract: In an ICP analyzer, a spray chamber is provided to improve the efficiency of introducing a sample fluid into a plasma, and that is capable of performing analysis with high sensitivity by suppressing the proportion of a solvent component that reaches a plasma torch.

Abstract: A regulating device (15) for a burner regulates the air-gas ratio by way of an ionization electrode (16). In the event of dynamic changes in output preliminary control is implemented in accordance with the invention with two or more stored characteristics.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the manipulation of colloidal particles and biomolecules at the interface between an insulating electrode such as silicon oxide and an electrolyte solution. Light-controlled electrokinetic assembly of particles near surfaces relies on the combination of three functional elements: the AC electric field-induced assembly of planar aggregates; the patterning of the electrolyte/silicon oxide/silicon interface to exert spatial control over the assembly process; and the real-time control of the assembly process via external illumination. The present invention provides a set of fundamental operations enabling interactive control over the creation and placement of planar arrays of several types of particles and biomolecules and the manipulation of array shape and size. The present invention enables sample preparation and handling for diagnostic assays and biochemical analysis in an array format, and the functional integration of these operations.

Abstract: A flame ionization detector burner, includes a housing having a generally cylindrical flame cavity therein extending along a generally longitudinal axis of the housing and a housing exterior with intake passageways communicating between the housing exterior and the flame cavity for passing fuel, air and sample flows into the flame cavity and an exhaust passage communicating between the housing exterior and the flame cavity for passing exhaust gasses out of the flame cavity. A burner carried in the housing cavity receiving the fuel, air, and sample flow generates a flame to ionize the sample. An ion collector plate spaced away from the burner carried in the time cavity collects sample ions and provides an electrical output representative of the sample ions to the housing exterior via an electrical feedthrough between the flame cavity and the housing exterior. The housing includes at least two cylindrical sidewalls removably joined together along the general longitudinal axis of the housing.

Abstract: The invention provides a water electrolyzer device for generating a premixed hydrogen and oxygen gas mixture and for directing said gas mixture into a flame ionization detector, the device including a water container for performing water electrolysis; an electrode for passing electrolysis current in the water; and a water mist and vapor pressure management system for the elimination of water mist and reduction of the water relative humidity below the saturation point, the system being located between the water electrolyzer and the flame ionization detector. A method based on water electrolysis for the provision of a combustible gas mixture for the operation of a flame ionization detector is also provided.

Abstract: A device for determining at least one petroleum characteristic of a geologic sediment sample placed in a boat, said device including a first heater heating said sample in a non-oxidizing atmosphere, a measuring component determining hydrocarbon-containing products released after feeding the sample into said first heater, a second subsequent heater heating said sample in an oxidizing atmosphere, a measuring component determining the amount of CO.sub.2 contained in effluents discharged from the two heaters, said CO.sub.2 measuring means include a cell for measuring continuously CO.sub.2 throughout heating of the first and second heaters and a measuring component determining the amount of CO contained in the effluents discharged from the two heaters, and thereby allowing determination of said petroleum characteristic.

Abstract: A device for delivering one of a plurality of gases to an apparatus includes at least two valves. Each valve includes a first conduit permanently connected by one end thereof to an associated sampling line and, by another end thereof, to an associated purge line. Each valve includes a second conduit and an actuator which can be switched between bringing the first conduit into communication with the second conduit and a position for isolating the first conduit from the second conduit. At least the second conduit is free of flow-stagnation volumes. The second conduits of the valves are placed in series in a common gas delivery line for delivering gas to the apparatus. The end of the common gas delivery line opposite the apparatus emerges in an associated purge line. Each purge line passes through an element for creating a pressure drop. A use of the device is as a feed for trace impurities analyzer an atmospheric pressure ionization mass spectrometer or a particles analyzer.

Abstract: Method for the analysis of one or more analytes present in a sample carried in a first fluid. The first fluid is combined with a first detector fluid and a second detector fluid to provide a fluid mixture which flows across the surface of an igniter. The analytes are ionized by means of an ionization process. The ion current is collected and measured at a collector electrode adjacent to the igniter. The flow of at least one of the first detector fluid and second detector fluid is modulated during an ignition sequence according to predetermined criteria so as to facilitate flame ignition.

Abstract: A flash point measuring apparatus including a sample vessel 11 made of an electrically conductive material, a heating device 17 for heating a sample S contained in the sample vessel 11, an igniting heat source 13 arranged above the sample vessel and made of an electrically conductive material, a temperature detecting device 12 for detecting a temperature of the sample S contained in the sample vessel 11, and a current amplifier 15 connected to the sample vessel 11 serving as a cathode and the igniting heat source 13 serving as an anode. Each time a temperature of the sample S is increased by 2.degree. C., the igniting heat source is moved in a horizontal plane above the sample surface at a predetermined speed. When a mixture of a vapor of the sample S and an air is ignited, a flame ion current flows between the sample vessel 11 and the igniting heat source 13. A flash point of the sample S is measured as a temperature of the sample at which the flame ion current is detected by the current amplifier 15.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining at least one petroleum characteristic of a geologic sediment sample heated in a non-oxidizing atmosphere and an oxidizing atmosphere. The sample is heated to a first temperature value below 200.degree. C. for a predetermined period of time and then to a second temperature value ranging between 600 and 850.degree. C. according to a temperature gradient between 0.2.degree. C. and 50.degree. C./min. Carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide are continuously measured during the temperature stages in order to determine at least one petroleum characteristic, wherein said petroleum characteristic comprises a quantity of organic oxygen, inorganic oxygen, total organic carbon, or inorganic carbon.

Abstract: A method of evaluating at least on type of pollution characteristic in a soil sample contaminated by hydrocarbon compounds, a method wherein the soil sample is first heated in a non-oxidizing atmosphere, then in an oxidizing atmosphere. The method comprises several temperature rise stages from which at least five quantities Q.sub.0, Q.sub.1, Q.sub.2, Q.sub.3 and Q.sub.4 are measured, wherein the quantities represent concentrations of hydrocarbon compounds in the soil sample. At least one type of pollution characteristic of the sample is determined from quantities Q.sub.0, Q.sub.1, Q.sub.2, Q.sub.3 and Q.sub.4.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the analysis of one or more analytes present in a sample carried in a first fluid. The first fluid is combined with a first detector fluid and a second detector fluid to provide a fluid mixture which flows across the surface of an igniter. The analytes are ionized by means of an ionization process. The ion current is collected and measured at a collector electrode adjacent to the igniter. The flow of at least one of the first detector fluid and second detector fluid is modulated during an ignition sequence according to predetermined criteria so as to facilitate flame ignition.

Abstract: A halogenated hydrocarbon (HHC) detector is formed from a silent discharge (also called a dielectric barrier discharge) plasma generator. A silent discharge plasma device receives a gas sample that may contain one or more HHCs and produces free radicals and excited electrons for oxidizing the HHCs in the gas sample to produce water, carbon dioxide, and an acid including halogens in the HHCs. A detector is used to sensitively detect the presence of the acid. A conductivity cell detector combines the oxidation products with a solvent where dissociation of the acid increases the conductivity of the solvent. The conductivity cell output signal is then functionally related to the presence of HHCs in the gas sample. Other detectors include electrochemical cells, infrared spectrometers, and negative ion mobility spectrometers.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices for amplifying a preselected polynucleotide in a sample by conducting a polynucleotide amplification reaction. The devices are provided with a substrate microfabricated to include a polynucleotide amplification reaction chamber, having at least one cross-sectional dimension of about 0.1 to 1000 .mu.m. The device also includes at least one port in fluid communication with the reaction chamber, for introducing a sample to the chamber, for venting the chamber when necessary, and, optionally, for removing products or waste material from the device. The reaction chamber may be provided with reagents required for amplification of a preselected polynucleotide. The device also may include means for thermally regulating the contents of the reaction chamber, to amplify a preselected polynucleotide. Preferably, the reaction chamber is fabricated with a high surface to volume ratio, to facilitate thermal regulation.

Abstract: A photoionization detector (PID) and an improved halogen specific detector are disclosed, for direct connection of the PID outlet to the halogen specific detector inlet. The tandem detector is used for detection of volatile organic compounds and the like. A jet assembly and seal between the PID and halogen specific detector provide a leak free and upswept dead volume-free connection between the two detectors.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the thermionic ionization detection of one or more particular constituent components of a sample that is present in a fluid mixture. The fluid mixture flows across the interior surface of a central bore in a heated and appropriately sensitized "flow-through" thermionic source. The constituent components are ionized by an ionization process in which electrical charge is transferred from the thermionic source and converted into gas phase ion species. The current of gaseous ions is collected and measured at a collector electrode adjacent to the thermionic source.

Abstract: A method of detecting a concentration of contaminants in an air sample. The method includes the steps of combining a first portion of the air sample with a fuel to produce a sample/fuel mixture, igniting the sample/fuel mixture in a combustion chamber to produce a flame, and supplying a second portion of the air sample to the combustion chamber so that at least some of the contaminants contained in the second portion are ionized by the flame.

Abstract: A portable (handheld) volatile organic compound monitoring system for monitoring, for fugitive emissions, a device that includes a coded identification tag. The system includes a housing, a tag reader, analysis chamber structure, a sample probe coupled to the analysis chamber, and pump structure for drawing a gas sample to be analyzed through the sample probe into the analysis chamber. Ionization apparatus is coupled to the analysis chamber for ionizing a gas sample drawn into the analysis chamber from the device being monitored, and a sensor responsive to ionized gas in the chamber produces an output signal as a function of an ionization characteristic of the ionized gas. First storage stores a plurality of response factors as a function of various types of volatile organic compounds to be monitored, second storage stores tag information read by the tag reader, and circuitry responsive to tag information stored in the second storage selects a response factor from the first storage.

Abstract: An ionization fire detector of the type including a measuring chamber and a reference chamber having a common electrode which is connected to the gate terminal of a field-effect transistor by a profile piece of conductive caoutchouc having one end contacting the gate terminal and another end contacting the common electrode.

Abstract: A methane analyzer system having a cutter for preparing a sample gas prior to submission to a hydrogen flame ionization detector includes a source dilution gas that is connected to the hydrogen flame ionization detector, and a flow restrictor line for directing a portion of the dilution gas to the cutter for mixing with the sample gas prior to introduction into the ionization detector. A source of fuel, such as hydrogen, which is connected to the ionization detector, is also metered in measured quantities to the cutter to stabilize the oxidation of the sample gas.

Abstract: A dual-column, dual-detector gas detector and analyzer employs both a photo-ionization detector and a flame-ionization detector. In a survey mode, samples of ambient air are driven through both detectors, and the outputs of both detectors are used to determine the presence of one or more gasses. In analysis mode, fixed-volume samples of ambient air are driven through two elution columns having different properties. The output of each elution column is fed to one of the detectors. The arrival times of gas peaks at the two detectors are employed to develop two lists of candidate gasses. The lists are cross-checked for the presence of each candidate on both lists. Candidates identified from their presence on both lists are identified. A further check attempts to identify candidates which are identifiable from their presence on one of the lists, and not on the other. Components identified in this way are added to the final list.

Abstract: A flame ionization detector comprises a housing forming a flame chamber for burning a mixture of hydrogen, oxidant and a sample gas. The flame chamber includes: a nozzle in which the sample gas and hydrogen are intimately mixed prior to injection, an igniter for igniting the gas emitted from the nozzle, inlets for hydrogen and oxidant, and an exhaust outlet through which the burnt gases are removed. A collector electrode is electrically insulated from the housing of the flame chamber. The nozzle and flame chamber housing are electrically grounded, and the collector electrode is maintained at a predetermined potential relative to ground. A pre-chamber is disposed adjacent to the flame chamber to provide a substantially constant pressure input of the sample gas to the nozzle.

Abstract: A flame detector comprising a ceramic flame jet for use in a high temperature gas chromatography system is disclosed. The interior volume of the flame jet is fabricated of a highly inert ceramic material so that sample eluting from the end of a gas chromatography column located within the interior volume of the flame jet does not contact any metallic surface en route to the flame. By avoiding sample contact with metallic surfaces, interferences which are prone to occur at high temperature, such as peak tailing, are avoided. In a further aspect the flame detector is treated with a silylating reagent to further passivate the surfaces which may affect the sample.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously measuring the hydrocarbon concentration in a gas flow includes at least one flame ionization detector with a combustion chamber housing electrodes between which a current flows due to ionization in the area of a burner flame. The combustion chamber of the flame ionization detector is connected to a suction pump in form of a venturi tube for applying an underpressure in the combustion chamber so as to allow especially sample gas but also burner gas and oxidizer to be drawn into the combustion chamber.