Abstract: A particle sensor is provided having a first temperature sensing device having a sensing surface exposed to particles contained within a fluid. The sensing surface is at least partially coated with a catalyst for promoting an exothermic reaction with at least a portion of the particles. The particle sensor also has a second temperature sensing device positioned at a location substantially thermally isolated from thermal energy generated by the exothermic reaction.

Abstract: A biosensor system determines analyte concentration from an output signal generated by an oxidation/reduction reaction of the analyte. The biosensor system adjusts a correlation for determining analyte concentrations from output signals at one temperature to determining analyte concentrations from output signals at other temperatures. The temperature-adjusted correlation between analyte concentrations and output signals at a reference temperature may be used to determine analyte concentrations from output signals at a sample temperature.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are described that achieve independent and simultaneous processing of a plurality of substrate-supported biological samples. In one embodiment, substrate holders arranged in a minor arc are independently moveable between a processing position and an access position, and reagents are delivered to substrates held in the substrate holders through a nozzle plate that moves along the arc of substrate holders. The disclosed apparatus and method are particularly suited for implementation of lean processing of biological samples.

Abstract: A microfluidic device allowing for multiple discrete reactions sites and allowing for sequential reactions and sample analysis along with methods for device fabrication and use is provided. The microfluidic device provides a micro-total analysis system on a single substrate and has multiple reaction sites allowing for cascade reactions and analysis on a single chip using micro-quantities of sample and reagents. The microfluidic device provides discrete sites for immobilization of cognitive agents including enzymes, binding proteins, nucleic acids and the like as well as methods for quantitative analysis. The invention also provides methods for the fabrication of the device.

Abstract: A one- or two-dimensional arrangement of flow cells is provided, as part of an array of sample compartments, with at least one inlet and outlet for each sample compartment, formed by a base plate and a body, with an arrangement of spatial recesses corresponding to the (geometrical) arrangement of the sample compartments, combined with the base plate. The arrangement allows for supplying to or removing from the sample compartments, which can be arranged at a high quantity on a small base area, even very small amounts of samples or reagents.

Abstract: The present invention provides microfluidic devices and methods for using the same. In particular, microfluidic devices of the present invention are useful in conducting a variety of assays and high throughput screening. Microfluidic devices of the present invention include elastomeric components and comprise a main flow channel; a plurality of branch flow channels; a plurality of control channels; and a plurality of valves. Preferably, each of the valves comprises one of the control channels and an elastomeric segment that is deflectable into or retractable from the main or branch flow channel upon which the valve operates in response to an actuation force applied to the control channel.

Abstract: A micro-fluidic device (1) including a two-dimensional array of a plurality of components (2) for processing a fluid and/or for sensing properties of the fluid is suggested. Each component (2) is coupled to at least one control terminal (9,10) enabling an active matrix to change the state of each component individually. The components comprise at least one heater element (13). The active matrix includes a two-dimensional array of electronic components (12) realized in thin film technology. The active matrix provides a high versatility of the device. The thin film technology ensures a very cost efficient manufacturing also of large devices.

Abstract: A urea concentration identification device comprising a concentration identification sensor unit (2) and a support unit (4) attached at the bottom end thereof with this sensor unit and provided at the top end thereof with a mounting unit (4a) to a urea solution tank opening. The concentration identification sensor unit (2) has an indirectly-heated concentration detector and liquid temperature detector provided with metal fins (21c),(22c), respectively, for heat-exchanging with urea solution. The concentration identification sensor unit (2) is provided with a cover member (2d) that forms an opposite-ends-opened urea solution induction passage so as to surround the metal fins (21c),(22c), and an enclosure (2e) that forms communication holes (26),(27) in the top and bottom end plate thereof (2e1),(2e2).

Abstract: The invention relates to a neutralization process in which at least one ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid is neutralized at least partly with a base and at least one stream of the neutralization is determined continuously, and also to an apparatus for carrying out the process.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for testing the hydrogen-gas compatibilities, hydrogen-gas embrittlement susceptibilities, hydrogen-gas containment performances, and/or the hydrogen-gas pressure-cycling durabilities, of hollow enclosures (“test specimens”), with single-layer, double-layer, or multi-layer walls, composed of various barrier materials, are disclosed. Barrier materials include but are not limited to: carbon steel, stainless steel, copper, aluminum, a polymeric material (e.g., high-density polyethylene), and a liquid material (e.g., water, or an aqueous solution). The test gas is either high-purity hydrogen or a hydrogen-bearing gas mixture (e.g., hydrogen gas mixed with methane/natural gas and/or biomethane). A key piece of the testing equipment is an enclosure that surrounds the test specimen. Fabricated from high-strength, porous solid material (e.g.

Abstract: An automated MicroSampling dissolution testing system that is constructed of a base; a plurality of vessels mounted on an invertible, temperature controlled bath manifold; a cleaning manifold; a stirring and sampling assembly for each vessel; an integrated image capture device, a plurality of hydrodynamic, nonresident sampling probes; a non-resident dispensing manifold; a novel fluid handling system; a MicroSampler; a sample transfer mechanism; and a sample and filter storage apparatus.

Abstract: A microfluidic processing device includes a substrate defining a microfluidic network. The substrate is in thermal communication with a plurality of N independently controllable components and a plurality of input output contacts for connecting the substrate to an external controller. Each component has at least two terminals. Each terminal is in electrical communication with at least one contact. The number of contacts required to independently control the N components is substantially less than the total number of terminals. Upon actuation, the components typically heat a portion of the microfluidic network and/or sense a temperature thereof.

Abstract: A method for screening of compounds for binding differentiation at various drug target binding sites is used with a device measuring the enthalpy of reaction for the binding. The method includes merging test ligand with target compound and merging test ligand with target compound in the presence of at least one blocking agent. A first heat of reaction is detected for the merged test ligand and target compound solution and a second heat of reaction is detected for the merged test ligand and target compound solution in the presence of a blocking agent. The two heats of reaction are compared to determine whether a reaction has occurred.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for high-throughput screening assay sample preparation and testing for the identification of binding between drug targets and library compounds, for use with a calorimetric device measuring the enthalpy of reaction for the binding. The method includes mixing a library compound with a specified solvent and mixing a target compound solution with a second specified solvent on a calorimetric device. The library compound/solvent is merged with the target compound/solvent solution and the library compound/solvent solution is also merged with a third solvent solution on the calorimetric device. The heats of reaction are detected for both merged solutions and are compared.

Abstract: The present invention relates to soot sensors based on one-piece strip conductor structures, to methods for measuring soot, and to the use of heat conductor chips for soot measurement. For this purpose, the invention is based on the sensitivity of intensive variables, especially substance-specific variables. According to the invention, an electric soot sensor is provided, in which at least one chip is provided with at least one one-piece strip conductor having, in particular, two terminal panels, and the soot sensor has a soot determination facility that is adapted to determine an intensive or specific change of a surface. The inventive method is characterized by soot deposits causing a change of an intensive variable, especially of a thermospecific or electrical parameter of a chip, and by determination of said variable.

Abstract: A system and method for transformation of at least one harmful analyte that is difficult to detect to a substance or substances that are more readily detectable by a detector unit and includes parts and steps for detection and quantification of a target analyte or a plurality of analytes. The system includes a transformer having a reagent that transforms the at least one harmful analyte to a specific substance that is capable of being detected by an available sensing device. The system includes an end of service life indicator. Information relating to the transformer may be included on a housing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a process for locating and for measuring variations in temperature and/or in degree of fouling over the internal suface of equipment.

Abstract: A liquid state detecting sensor for detecting a state of a liquid including a liquid concentration detecting element, a holder member, and an enclosing member as defined herein, wherein the holder member has a configuration in which respective portions of a lower end surface facing the enclosed region are located higher than or at a same height as a lowest hole periphery at the rim of the element holding hole from which the detecting element protrudes, and at least one of circulation holes formed in the enclosing member is a bubble-discharging hole which has an upper end located higher than the lowest hole periphery and a lower end located lower than a surface peripheral edge of the lower end surface.

Abstract: A flow-through monitor for detecting molecular contamination (MC) within a fluid flow. The monitor has a diffusion chamber having an inlet port and an outlet port, and a structure for supporting a fluid flow from the inlet port to the outlet port. The structure includes a flow gap causing a diffusion of molecular contaminants into the diffusion chamber, while substantially preventing, for a rate of the fluid flow above a predetermined magnitude, particulate contaminants within the fluid from entering the diffusion chamber. A SAW device detects molecular contamination interior to the diffusion chamber. Fluid input to the flow-through monitor may be diluted by a pure fluid for extended monitor life. A system for aggregate sampling connects an ensemble manifold upstream of the flow-through monitor. A system for triggered sampling connects a sample preconcentrator downstream of the flow-through monitor. A chemically selective membrane may be located between the flow gap and the SAW.

Abstract: A fuel reforming system comprises a reforming catalyst section (4) performing reformate reactions on supplied fuel gas, a membrane hydrogen separator (5) extracting hydrogen from the reformate gas, a supply device (8–14) supplying combustion gas for heating the membrane reactor (2), a sensor (16) for detecting the temperature of the membrane hydrogen separator (5) and a controller. The supply device supplies combustion gas to the membrane reactor (2) before the reforming catalyst section starts reformate reactions during startup of the membrane reactor (2). Furthermore the supply device stops supply of combustion gas to the membrane reactor (2) when the temperature of the membrane hydrogen separator (5) is greater than or equal to a target temperature. Thereafter the fuel supply device supplies fuel to the fuel reforming catalyst section (4). In this manner, hydrogen embrittlement in the membrane hydrogen separator can be avoided.

Abstract: An improved thermal history sensor having multiple glass ceramic substrates with unique compositions is disclosed. By positioning the sensor adjacent to a component subject to thermal stressors, each of the glass ceramic substrates react with a different rate of nucleation and crystal growth and thus yield a specific measure of opacity. By comparing these values representing the opacity for each glass ceramic substrate, or thermal history fingerprint, to baseline data, information about the expected remaining useful lifetime of the component may be obtained.

Abstract: Method intended for continuous detection and control of hydrate formation at any point of a pipe carrying multiphase petroleum fluids. The method uses a compositional code allowing to simulate the circulation modes and conditions at any point of the pipe, considering that the fluid mixture is substantially continuously at equilibrium, that the composition of the multiphase mixture is variable all along the pipe and that the mass of each constituent of the mixture is globally defined by a mass conservation equation regardless of its phase state. The thermodynamic hydrate formation conditions are detected after a particular stage of grouping the petroleum fluids into pseudo-components so as to isolate the hydrate forming components, with definition for each one of a mass fraction and of a certain number of characteristic physical quantities, and the data relative to these particular fractions are applied to the modules so as to determine at any point the hydrate dissociation temperature (Td).

Abstract: An irreversible temperature indicating paint comprises 29 wt % to 37 wt % cobalt chromite spinel, alumina, gold purple and frit, 35 wt % to 45 wt % acrylic resin and 20 wt % to 30 wt % silicone resin excluding solvent. The solvent comprises a mixture of 80% 1-methoxy-2-propanol and 20% dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether. A particular irreversible temperature indicating paint comprises 34.9 wt % cobalt chromite spinel, alumina, gold purple and frit, 42.5 wt % acrylic resin and 22.6 wt % silicone resin excluding solvent. The irreversible temperature indicating paint has four or more colour changes in the temperature range 500° C. to 900° C. The irreversible temperature indicating paint is used to determine the temperatures to which various parts of turbine blades, turbine vanes or other component are subjected in operation of a gas turbine engine.

Abstract: An irreversible temperature indicating paint comprises 29 wt % to 37 wt % cobalt aluminium spinel and glass, 35 wt % to 45 wt % acrylic resin and 20 wt % to 30 wt % silicone resin excluding solvent. The solvent comprises a mixture of 80% 1-methoxy-2-propanol and 20% dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether. A particular irreversible temperature indicating paint comprises 34.9 wt % cobalt aluminium spinel and glass, 42.5 wt % acrylic resin and 22.6 wt % silicone resin excluding solvent. The irreversible temperature indicating paint has four or more colour changes in the temperature range 500° C. to 900° C. The irreversible temperature indicating paint is used to determine the temperatures to which various parts of turbine blades, turbine vanes or other components are subjected in operation of the gas turbine engine.

Abstract: An irreversible temperature indicating paint comprises 29 wt % to 37 wt % cobalt zinc silicon blue phenacite and a frit, 35 wt % to 45 wt % acrylic resin and 20 wt % to 30 wt % silicone resin excluding solvent. The solvent comprises a mixture of 80% 1-methoxy-2-propanol and 20% dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether. A particular irreversible temperature indicating paint comprises 34.9 wt % cobalt zinc silicon blue phenacite and a frit, 42.5 wt % acrylic resin and 22.6 wt % silicone resin excluding solvent. The irreversible temperature indicating paint is used to determine the temperatures to which various parts of turbine blades, turbine vanes or other components are subjected in operation of a gas turbine engine.

Abstract: A method of screening a test agent for its ability to cause a thermodynamic change in a cell-free sample, comprising the steps of: i) measuring the temperature of said sample using electrothermometry; ii) contacting the sample with said test agent; iii) measuring the temperature of the sample resulting from step (ii) using electrothermometry; and iv) comparing the temperature obtained in step (i) with the temperature obtained in step (iii), wherein temperature measurement steps (i) and (iii) are conducted using a non-invasive electro thermometric method.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for performing calorimetry. The apparatus include optical devices for detecting thermal processes and multiwell sample plates for supporting samples for use with such optical devices. The methods include measurement strategies and data processing techniques for reducing noise in measurements of thermal processes. The apparatus and methods may be particularly suitable for extracting thermal data from small differential measurements made using an infrared camera and for monitoring chemical and physiological processes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a screening system comprising at least one array with a sensing means and a control unit comprising a first transceiving means and a data acquisition system which comprises a second transceiving means, wherein the first and second transceiving means interact through a wireless link.

Abstract: A “folded leg” thermal detector microcantilever constructed of a substrate with at least one leg interposed between a fixed end and a deflective end, each leg having at least three essentially parallel leg segments interconnected on alternate opposing ends and aligned in a serpentine pattern with only the first leg segment attached to the fixed end and only the last leg segment attached to the deflective end. Alternate leg segment are coated on the pentalever with coating applied to the top of the first, third, and fifth leg segments of each leg and to the bottom of the second and fourth leg segments of each leg.

Abstract: A method for measuring the hemoglobin concentration in the blood in a circuit of a dialysis machine includes directing electromagnetic waves against one section of the circuit, measuring values of the electromagnetic waves transmitted through the section, and determining values of absorption of electromagnetic waves by the blood along the section from the measured values of transmitted electromagnetic waves. The values of absorption are correlated with the values of the hemoglobin concentration. The method also includes measuring the values of at least one physical quantity of the blood, wherein the at least one physical quantity is selected from blood pressure and blood temperature, and calculating the values of hemoglobin concentration as a function of the values of absorption and the at least one physical quantity.

Abstract: The invention relates to new systems, methods and products for analyzing polymers and in particular new systems, methods and products useful for obtaining sequence information from polymers. The invention has numerous advantages over prior art systems and methods used to obtain sequence-related information. Using the methods of the invention the entire human genome could be analyzed several orders of magnitude faster than could be accomplished using conventional technology. In addition to obtaining sequencing information for the entire genome, the systems, methods and products of the invention can be used to create comprehensive and multiple expression maps for developmental and disease processes. The ability to analyze an individual's genome and to generate multiple expression maps will greatly enhance the ability to determine the genetic basis of any phenotypic trait or disease process.

Abstract: A multiple parallel catalytic reactor assembly has been developed. The assembly has (1) a plurality of vessels for containing catalyst, each vessel having an open end and a fluid permeable end; (2) a plurality of bottoms, each bottom having an open end and a closed end with the plurality being supported by a single first support plurality of vessels positioned within the plurality of bottoms; (3) a plurality of tops supported by a single second support with the plurality of tops engaged with the plurality of bottoms to form a plurality of sealed independent reaction chambers; (4) a plurality of first fluid conduits in fluid communication with the reaction chambers; (5) a plurality of second fluid conduits in fluid communication with the reaction chambers; and (6) a plurality of microporous structures in alignment with the open ends of said vessels.

Abstract: A multiple parallel processing assembly has been developed. The assembly has (1) a plurality of vessels for containing material, each vessel having an open end and a fluid permeable end (2) a plurality of bottoms, each bottom having an open end and a closed end with the plurality being supported by a single first support plurality of vessels positioned within the plurality of bottoms; (3) a plurality of tops supported by a single second support with the plurality of tops engaged with the plurality of bottoms to form a plurality of sealed independent chambers; and (4) a plurality of fluid conduits in fluid communication with the chambers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for determining a concentration of a component in an unknown mixture. The method includes the steps of preparing a reactant having a specified pH level and a specified temperature and combining the unknown mixture with the reactant. The method further includes varying the pH level and temperature of the combination of the reactant and the unknown mixture to facilitate converting at least one selected component. Upon varying the pH level and temperature, the method will release volatiles from the selected component(s). Based on these released volatiles, which indicate the concentration of the selected component(s), the method detects the indication. The apparatus for determining a concentration of a component in an unknown mixture includes a container having a specified volume, a reactant chamber, and a sample chamber. The receptacle contains a reactant, placed within the reactant chamber, having a predetermined pH level and a predetermined volume.

Abstract: Reflectance based methods and devices are provided for determining the concentration of an analyte in a fluid sample. In practicing the subject methods, a fluid sample is applied to a matrix impregnated with a signal producing system. The signal producing system produces a detectable product in an amount proportional to the amount of analyte in the sample. A surface of the matrix is then illuminated and a reflectance measurement is obtained therefrom, generally following a predetermined incubation period. An optical component, preferably the illumination or light detection means, is also employed to obtain a temperature value corresponding to the ambient temperature of the matrix. The analyte concentration of the sample is then obtained from the reflectance measurement using an algorithm that employs the optical component derived temperature value.

Abstract: The invention concerns the study of the effect of a supercritical fluid on the transitions of a material, which consists in varying continuously or by stages according to a predetermined programme, a first parameter value selected among the super-critical fluid pressure, the temperature of a cell containing the material sample and said sample volume, while maintaining a second of said parameters at a value selected, so as to induce the transition; and in recording the variation of the first parameter, that of the third parameter and the heat flow rate in the cell; in comparing said recordings with those obtained by replacing the supercritical fluid with a neutral fluid. The figure shows a diagram of the device for carrying out said study. The invention is in particular useful for studying a polymer material transitions.

Abstract: A novel apparatus for generating temperature gradients is described. The apparatus includes a semiconductive wafer and electrical connectors attached to, preferably, one of the edges of the wafer. Methods for transferring the temperature gradients to strata are described. The temperature gradients on the strata can be used for analyses of molecules, particularly biological macromolecules. The present invention also includes improved methods for determining the thermal stability of binding complexes.

Abstract: A pH measurement system automatically measures the pH of samples in purge and trap sample concentrators, autosamplers or other sample delivery devices. The pH measurement system includes a pH sensor that is positioned in a pH sample reservoir. The pH sample reservoir may be automatically filled with sample from a sparge vessel, calibrated using liquid having known pH, or rinsed. A controller enables and disables the valves and pump to transmit the liquid to the pH sample reservoir.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for wafer-scale microwave digestion of layers or structures from a large-scale semiconductor substrate include a digestion vessel with a chamber which is configured to receive a whole large-scale semiconductor substrate, such as a silicon wafer. The digestion vessel may be configured to be placed within a containment apparatus, which structurally supports the digestion vessel. A digestion method includes placing at least one large-scale semiconductor substrate within the digestion vessel with a polar solvent, placing the digestion vessel within the containment apparatus, placing the containment apparatus in a microwave oven or other microwave source, and heating the polar solvent and substrate with microwaves. The heated polar solvent dissolves one or more desired layers or structures and may be subsequently analyzed to evaluate the amounts of one or more materials of such layers or structures.

Abstract: To provide a hydrogen generation system with which thermal efficiency increases, the CO level in a reformed gas stabilizes, and a supply amount of the reformed gas stabilizes, and a fuel cell system having the same.

Abstract: Pollution caused by chemical pollutants can be estimated automatically. A chemical pollutants detecting unit 60 installed in a duct 33 includes a supporting shaft 61, which is inserted into a sidewall 11a of a housing, for supporting the chemical pollutants detecting unit 60, a quartz crystal microbalance 62 for detecting organic matters in a clean air 53 passing through the duct 33, an oscillating circuit 63 for oscillating the quartz crystal microbalance 62, an oscillation frequency detecting block 64, a chemical pollutants calculating block 65, a controller 66, an output unit 67, a heater 68 for heating the quartz crystal microbalance 62, and a thermo-hygrometer 70. A chemical filter is examined automatically whether an ability of removing the chemical pollutants thereby is degraded or not. If the ability is found to have been degraded, efficiency in an IC manufacturing method can be prevented from being degraded by issuing an alarming signal beforehand.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sensing a flammable vapor are described herein. Initially, a first thermal conductivity of a vapor at a first temperature and a second thermal conductivity of the vapor at a second temperature can be determined. Thereafter, a ratio of the first thermal conductivity signal to that of the second thermal conductivity can be calculated to obtain a primary “vapor” signal. The “vapor” ratio can then be compared to an “air” ratio of air without the vapor at the first temperature and the second temperature to obtain a secondary signal thereof. Such a secondary signal can then be compared to an alarm set-point value to thereby determine whether the vapor comprises a flammable vapor and a risk-reducing action thereof be taken.

Abstract: A reactive test strip having a pre-exposure color is used to measure and indicate the concentration of copper ions in brake fluid in terms of a readily visible color change. The strip is immersed in the fluid within a brake fluid container and any resulting color change is compared to a color chart and a known test standard representative of the maximum metal concentration determined empirically to correspond to a boiling point considered safe for normal operation. If the color change indicates a higher copper concentration than the known test standard, then the fluid is considered inadequate for safe operation and thus recommended for replacement without any further tests. Similar copper or metal strips can also be used in a similar test to determine iron or zinc concentration within the brake fluid so as to also determine suitability of the brake fluid for ensuring safe operation.

Abstract: A multiple parallel processing assembly has been developed. The assembly has (1) a plurality of vessels for containing material, each vessel having an open end and a fluid permeable end (2) a plurality of bottoms, each bottom having an open end and a closed end with the plurality being supported by a single first support plurality of vessels positioned within the plurality of bottoms; (3) a plurality of tops supported by a single second support with the plurality of tops engaged with the plurality of bottoms to form a plurality of sealed independent chambers; and (4) a plurality of fluid conduits in fluid communication with the chambers.

Abstract: An instrument is disclosed for carrying out controlled microwave assisted chemical processes, and that is particularly useful for handling relatively small samples. The instrument includes a microwave-transparent reaction vessel with an open mouth, a pressure-resistant seal on the mouth of the vessel, and a needle, portions of which penetrate the seal with a first end of the needle and provide fluid communication into the vessel. A pressure transducer is at the opposite end of the needle and in fluid communication with the interior of the vessel through the needle. The instrument defines a pressure control flow path from a portion of the needle outside of the vessel to a fluid port, the flow path being in communication with the needle, the interior of the vessel and the transducer. A controllable pressure release valve for the flow path is-associated with the port.

Abstract: A combinatorial chemistry reactor system for the parallel processing of reaction mixtures. The system comprises a frame, a head mounted in fixed position on the frame, and a reactor block having a plurality of wells therein for containing reaction mixtures. The reactor block is movable with respect to the head between a first position in which the reactor block and head are assembled for conducting reactions in the wells and a second position in which the reactor block is removed from the head for providing access to the vessels. Gaps in the reactor block between the wells serve to thermally isolate the wells from one another. Other features relating to pressure relief, reactor block temperature control, and sensor mounting are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method is provided for multiple target screening for drug assays utilizing a nanocalorimeter. The method includes depositing a drop containing a plurality of drug targets and another drop containing a plurality of drug candidates upon a test substrate. The drops are merged and a determination is made as to whether a reaction has occurred between the drops. If such a reaction has occurred, the reacting drug targets and drug candidates are tested individually.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for performing drug lead profiling assays for drug discovery utilizing a nanocalorimeter. The method includes depositing not less than one drop containing a profile molecule solution to be screened and not less than one drop containing a drug library compound on a test substrate. After the drops are merged, a determination is made as to whether a reaction has occurred.

Abstract: An NMR experiment is carried out with a probe having an inlet tubing connected to a flow cell and a twisted-pair wire is tightly wrapped around the inlet tubing in a helical manner to serve as a heater. As a sample liquid flows from a sample source into the flow cell, it is preheated such that the time taken for it to reach thermal equilibrium is reduced. The use of a twisted-pair wire as a heater minimizes the effect of induced magnetic field. A control device includes a temperature sensor for sensing the temperature at the inlet tubing to control the electric current for the heater to maintain the preheating temperature at a selected level.

Abstract: A method of measuring the effective temperature inside a sealed container having a headspace is provided. A liquid solvent is added to the container, and a solid compound is added to the liquid solvent to create a saturated solution. Vapor of the saturated solution is allowed to equilibrate in the headspace of the sealed container, and a volume thereof is transferred to a chromatographic column, where chromatographic readings of the equilibrated vapor are taken. A temperature within the sealed container is then calculated based upon the chromatographic readings of the equilibrated vapor, wherein the temperature calculation is based upon the concentrations of the liquid solvent and the solid compound in the equilibrated vapor.