Abstract: Described are CO sensors, methods for making the CO sensors, and methods for using the CO sensors. An exemplary CO sensor includes a ruthenium oxide present in a form having one or more surfaces, a pair of conductive electrodes operatively connected to a surface of the ruthenium oxide, and an electrical device operatively connected to the pair of conductive electrodes. The gas mixture contacts at least one surface of the ruthenium oxide during operation of the sensor and the electrical device applies a constant potential (or current) and measures a current (or potential) between the pair of conductive electrodes, from which a resistance can be derived as the gas mixture contacts at least one surface of the ruthenium oxide. The ruthenium oxide may have varying levels of hydration. Furthermore, the sensor operates at a temperature range of from about 25° C. to about 300° C.

Abstract: A method for determining the number of drops metered with a drop frequency into a reactor, especially in a high temperature decomposition system for analyzers, wherein a gas stream is flowing through the reactor. There exists in the reactor a temperature, which is greater than the boiling temperature of the liquid, and a drop metered into the reactor transforms at least partially into the gas phase following entry into the reactor, especially due to heat transfer from contact with a surface within the reactor, especially directly after contact with the surface within the reactor. With a sampling rate, which is greater than the drop frequency, a sequence of pressure signals dependent on pressure within the reactor is registered, and, from the sequence of pressure signals or from values derived therefrom, the number of drops metered into the reactor is ascertained.

Abstract: The disclosure provides sensor for gas sensing including CO2 gas sensors comprising a porous framework sensing area for binding an analyte gas.

Abstract: Provided is a flow-through CO2 system for simultaneously measuring surface seawater pH, carbon dioxide fugacity (fCO2), and total dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC). All measurements are based on spectrophotometric determinations of solution pH at multiple wavelengths using sulfonephthalein indicators.

Abstract: Disclosed are magnetic nanosensors or transducers that permit measurement of a physical parameter in an analyte via magnetic reasonance measurements, in particular of non-agglomerative assays. More particularly, in certain embodiments, the invention relates to designs of nanoparticle reagents and responsive polymer coated magnetic nanoparticles. Additionally provided are methods of use of nanoparticle reagents and responsive polymer coated magnetic nanoparticles for the detection of a stimulus or an analyte with NMR detectors.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to a device for sulfur characterization and quantification in a sample of sedimentary rocks or of petroleum products wherein the following stages are carried out: heating said sample in a pyrolysis oven (1) in a non-oxidizing atmosphere, oxidizing part of the pyrolysis effluents and continuously measuring the amount of SO2 generated by said part after oxidation, then transferring the pyrolysis residue of said sample into an oxidation oven (1?) and continuously measuring the amount of SO2 contained in the effluents resulting from said oxidation heating.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for detecting at least one chemical compound comprising at least one carbon nanotube with several graphene layers, on which is grafted at least one molecule bearing group G1 capable of reacting with the chemical compound or a precursor of such a group G1. The uses and the method of making such a device is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for analyzing gases such as carbon dioxide, and includes passing a gas stream containing impurities into a gas adsorption means for a length of time at ambient or higher temperatures to adsorb the impurities therein, stopping the flow of the gas stream, and desorbing and analyzing the impurities using a detector.

Abstract: A system and associated methodology to directly measure the concentration of carbonate ions in seawater by ultraviolet absorbance spectroscopy. Metal ions are added to seawater and the absorbance spectra of the added ions are measured in the ultraviolet. The spectral absorbance (light attenuation) of ions such as divalent lead or copper in seawater is predominantly determined by the carbonate ion content of seawater. Through a knowledge of (1) the strength of association between carbonate and either divalent lead or divalent copper and (2) the spectral characteristics of these cations in seawater (e.g., Pb2+ complexed solely as PbCO3 and Pb2+ complexed solely in the form of chloride complexes), it is possible to directly determine seawater carbonate ion concentrations from absorbance measurements at a variety of wavelengths in the ultraviolet.

Abstract: A carbon dioxide sensor and a method of detecting carbon dioxide using the sensor are provided, the sensor includes a closed chamber having as a wall portion thereof a substantially watertight, carbon dioxide-permeable membrane, two electrodes disposed in the chamber, and a film of substantially electrolyte-free liquid disposed in the chamber capable of simultaneously contacting the membrane and both of the electrodes.

Abstract: Methods of characterizing and producing compositions with negative ?13C values are provided. Aspects of the invention include characterizing source materials and process products. Aspects of the invention also include compositions that contain carbon with negative ?13C values. Methods and techniques are provided for confirming that a given composition contains substances sequestered from a particular source e.g., fossil fuels.

Abstract: Devices, methods and systems effective to evaluate a physical or chemical property of a surfactant-treated biological fluid sample are provided.

Abstract: A high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) capable of performing as a CO2 or O2 sensor is disclosed, hi one implementation, a polymer solar cell can be connected to the HEMT for use in an infrared detection system. In a second implementation, a selective recognition layer can be provided on a gate region of the HEMT. For carbon dioxide sensing, the selective recognition layer can be, in one example, PEI/starch. For oxygen sensing, the selective recognition layer can be, in one example, indium zinc oxide (IZO). In one application, the HEMTs can be used for the detection of carbon dioxide and oxygen in exhaled breath or blood.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for measuring the percentage natural of a cleaning composition using radiocarbon dating data. The percentage natural of a cleaning composition is defined as the amount of material that comes from non-petroleum based or derived products. By using radiocarbon data for the entire composition or its individual components one can determine the percentage of materials which are from non-petroleum based or derived products, and calculate the percent Renewable Carbon Index (RCI). The percent RCI can be used to calculate the percent natural of the cleaning composition as defined by the methods of the present invention.

Abstract: A system and associated methodology to directly measure the concentration of carbonate ions in seawater by ultraviolet absorbance spectroscopy. Metal ions are added to seawater and the absorbance spectra of the added ions are measured in the ultraviolet. The spectral absorbance (light attenuation) of ions such as divalent lead or copper in seawater is predominantly determined by the carbonate ion content of seawater. Through a knowledge of (1) the strength of association between carbonate and either divalent lead or divalent copper and (2) the spectral characteristics of these cations in seawater (e.g., Pb2+ complexed solely as PbCO3 and Pb2+ complexed solely in the form of chloride complexes), it is possible to directly determine seawater carbonate ion concentrations from absorbance measurements at a variety of wavelengths in the ultraviolet.

Abstract: Provided herein are pharmaceutically acceptable sodium nitrite and pharmaceutical compositions thereof. Also provided herein are methods for determining the total non-volatile organic carbon in a sodium nitrite-containing sample. Further provided herein are methods for producing pharmaceutically acceptable sodium nitrite. Still further provided herein are methods of treatment comprising the administration of pharmaceutically acceptable sodium nitrite.

Abstract: The compositions and methods relate to an organic polymer-inorganic particle sensor material for detecting analytes. Interactions between the polymer and the particles are affected by the presence of analyte, which displaces the polymer and increases its free volume. This change in free volume can be detected, e.g., using an embedded piezoresistive microcantilever (EPM) sensor. Analytes that can be detected include noxious substances, such as hydrogen cyanide gas and carbon monoxide.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method allowing to determine at least one petroleum characteristic of a geologic sediment sample, wherein the sample is heated in an oxidizing atmosphere, its temperature being successively raised to a first, then to a second value, said first value below 200° C. being reached very quickly, then maintained substantially constant for a certain time, said second value ranging between 600° C. and 850° C. being reached with a temperature gradient ranging between 1 and 30° C./min, from said first value. According to the invention, the amount of SO2 contained by the effluent resulting from said oxidizing heating is measured continuously, every moment of the heating period of said sample.

Abstract: An assembly and method for gas analysis. The assembly comprises a catalyst compartment for catalytically reacting a component of a gas sample, producing one or more gas species as products. A product compartment receives the gas species, and a sensing element within the compartment senses the amount of one or more of the gas species. This amount is compared to the amount of the same gas species present in a reference compartment containing a non-catalyzed gas sample, providing the amount of the gas species produced by catalysis. Using this value, the content of the gas component in the gas sample is calculated based upon the stoichiometry of the catalyzed reaction. In preferred embodiments, the gas for analysis is a process gas for fuel production, and the catalyst is a high temperature shift catalyst that catalyzes the reaction of carbon monoxide and water into hydrogen and carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A photoelectrochemical assay apparatus and method for determining chemical oxygen demand (COD) of a water sample is described. The photoelectrochemical assay comprises: a) a measuring cell for holding a sample to be analysed b) a titanium dioxide nanoparticle photoelectric working electrode and a counter electrode disposed in said cell, c) a UV light source adapted to illuminate the photoelectric working electrode d) control means to control the illumination of the working electrode e) potential measuring means to measure the electrical potential at the working and counter electrodes f) analysis means to derive a measure of oxygen demand from the measurements made by the potential measuring means.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for measuring the concentrations of organic and inorganic carbon, or of other materials, in aqueous samples are described, together with related, specially adapted components and sub-assemblies and related control, operational and monitoring systems.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor device for detecting CO2 wherein the said device has (a) a support base, (b) an acid-base indicator composition that stably changes colour upon exposure to CO2; and (c) a viewer cover, and wherein least (a) and (c) is CO2 permeable and wherein (b) includes at least one acid-base indicator that has a pKln of or above 9.5 and (b) is disposed between (a) and (c) such that the colour change of (b) can be observed through (c). The sensor device of the present invention may be utilized to monitor the ripening process of fresh produces such as fruits, the fermentation or spoilage of food, and/or activity of micro-organisms such as soil and root nodule bacteria in soil.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition for measuring the gastric-emptying function and a method for measuring the gastric-emptying function effectively usable in diagnosing dyspepsia. The present invention also provides a dyspepsia diagnostic agent, a method for diagnosing dyspepsia, and a method for measuring the treatment effect on a patient suffering from gastrointestinal disorders caused by insufficiencies in the gastric-emptying function (including a pharmacotherapy). One of the main features of the composition for measuring the gastric-emptying function of the present invention is that a pyrimidine compound, which is converted to a labeled CO2 gas in the body and excreted in expired air, labeled with an isotope of C or O, is used as an active ingredient. The method of the present invention can be conducted by orally administering the composition to a subject, and measuring the amount or behavior of the labeled CO2 excreted in expired air.

Abstract: A carbon dioxide sensor and a method of detecting carbon dioxide using the sensor are provided, the sensor includes a closed chamber having as a wall portion thereof a substantially watertight, carbon dioxide-permeable membrane, two electrodes disposed in the chamber, and a film of substantially electrolyte-free liquid disposed in the chamber capable of simultaneously contacting the membrane and both of the electrodes.

Abstract: A photoelectrochemical assay apparatus for determining chemical oxygen demand (COD) of a water sample which consists of a) a measuring cell for holding a sample to be analysed b) a titanium dioxide nanoparticle photoelectric working electrode and a counter electrode disposed in said cell, c) a UV light source adapted to illuminate the photoelectric working electrode d) control means to control the illumination of the working electrode e) potential measuring means to measure the electrical potential at the working and counter electrodes f) analysis means to derive a measure of oxygen demand from the measurements made by the potential measuring means.

Abstract: Fine particles whose excitation light is not UV light or the like which has negative effects on a subject to be analyzed. The excitation light is emitted stably, and has excellent light emitting efficiency. Also a fluorescent probe including: fine particles containing a rare earth element excited by light having a wavelength in a range of 500 nm to 2000 nm and thereby emit up-conversion emission; and a specific binding substance which binds to the fine particles containing a rare earth element.

Abstract: A total amount of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in a breath sample (101) is detected by oxidizing/burning (120) the VOCs to form CO2 and H2O, and the amounts of one or both of these compounds are measured (130). CO2 and H2O molecules in the breath sample (101) are removed (110) before the VOCs are converted (120) to CO2 and H2O. Because one VOC molecule contains multiple carbon and hydrogen atoms, the number of formed CO2 and H2O molecules will be substantially larger than the original number of VOC molecules, thereby improving the sensitivity of the detection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for determining carbon dioxide in a gaseous or liquid sample, comprising: a polymer matrix and an indicator embedded in the polymer matrix, wherein the indicator comprises a pH-sensitive dye and a lipophilic, metal cation-ionophore complex, and wherein an anion of the pH-sensitive dye and the metal cation-ionophore complex form an ion-pair which is soluble in the polymer matrix.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for processing a waste high-pressure fluid, which is yielded by bringing a high-pressure fluid into contact with a processing object in a high-pressure processing vessel to make unnecessary materials on the processing object accompany it. In accordance with the present invention, a novel processing method is provided which includes the steps of draining liquid ingredients, which is obtained from a preliminarily refined waste medium-pressure fluid, having been decompressed from the waste high-pressure fluid and provided to a separating means filled with packing materials, out of a system with unnecessary materials, and refining gas ingredients, which is also obtained from the preliminarily refined waste medium-pressure fluid, in an adsorbing means including adsorbents.

Abstract: The present invention is a rapid method of determining the concentration of the major components in a chemical stream. The present invention is also a simple, low cost, device of determining the in-situ concentration of the major components in a chemical stream. In particular, the present invention provides a useful method for simultaneously determining the concentrations of sodium hydroxide, sodium sulfide and sodium carbonate in aqueous kraft pulping liquors through use of an attenuated total reflectance (ATR) tunnel flow cell or optical probe capable of producing a ultraviolet absorbency spectrum over a wavelength of 190 to 300 nm. In addition, the present invention eliminates the need for manual sampling and dilution previously required to generate analyzable samples.

Abstract: A method of determining bias in a measurement of a constituent concentration level in a sample gas is provided. The method comprises establishing a sample gas flow from an emission stream into a sample gas line of an emissions monitoring system. The method further comprises removing water from the sample gas flow and cooling the sample gas flow to a temperature below about 41° F. to produce a cooled, dried sample gas flow. The constituent concentration level is then determined for the cooled, dried sample gas flow. The method further comprises introducing a span gas having a known span gas constituent concentration level into the sample gas flow to form a combined sample and span gas flow, the span gas being introduced at a desired span gas flow rate. The method still further comprises removing water from the combined sample and span gas and cooling the combined sample and span gas to a temperature below about 41° F. to produce a cooled, dried, combined sample and span gas flow.

Abstract: A multi-analyte calibration solution having known amounts of sodium carbonate, ammonium bicarbonate, and ethyl alcohol, with pH adjusted within a range between about 7.8 and 8.4.

Abstract: A method for determining atomic isotope masses in mass spectrometry, atomic isotope ratios being determined from molecular isotope ratios measured by means of an isotope mass spectrometer—ion correction, the determination of the atomic ratios being carried out by setting up and solving a system of equations which describes relationships between the atomic and the molecular ratios, and the system of equations having to have at least as many independent equations as there are atomic ratios. The entire system of equations is linearized by means of suitable numerical methods in a first step, in particular by means of a Taylor expansion or similar method, and in which the linearized system of equations is subsequently solved as a whole without transforming the individual equations.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for measuring the concentration of a specific gas component of a gas mixture including another gas whose concentration is independently known using light absorption spectroscopy are provided. A method and an apparatus for assessing human airway inflammation by measuring the concentration of exhaled NO and CO2 present in orally exhaled breath using light absorption spectroscopy are also provided. NO concentration is determined at the time during breath sampling corresponding to a known exhaled CO2 concentration. Methods and apparatus are further provided for measuring NO concentration in orally exhaled human breath that analyze breath emanating from the lower airways and lungs, while excluding breath from the nasal cavity.

Abstract: A method for measuring an evolution rate of a gas from a sample includes equilibrating a sample with an alkaline solution and a pH indicator and permitting the alkaline solution to absorb formed carbon dioxide in an enclosed headspace. From the pH indicator at equilibrium is determined a time increment at which an increment of the alkaline solution is consumed by the CO2. Carbon dioxide evolution rate is calculated from the time increment, the volume increment, and the alkaline solution concentration. A device for performing this measurement includes a sample vial and a reaction chamber having an opening adapted for mating with a sample vial opening and an opening for receiving the solution. The reaction chamber is dimensioned for equilibrating the sample with the alkaline solution and for determining the time increment required for an increment of the alkaline solution to be consumed by CO2.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the analysis of blood or other liquids by mass spectrometry to determine the partial pressures of gases and other volatile substances dissolved in the blood or other liquid in a manner independent of the solubility of the gases in the blood or other liquid. A countercurrent membrane exchanger (CCME) is provided for equilibrating a carrier fluid with the sample of blood or other liquid, the output of which is coupled to a tubular direct insertion membrane probe (t-DIMP) type of membrane inlet mass spectrometer. The CCME preferably has complementary spiral grooves on opposing metal plates for the water carrier and sample liquids so as to induce secondary flows which greatly reduce the resistance to equilibration between the liquid sample and water carrier phases.

Abstract: A system and method for nondestructive automated headspace analysis. The system includes a container conveyor that conveys a plurality of generally optically transparent sealed test containers through a pre-inspection region, an inspection region and a post-inspection region of the container conveyor, and that conveys at least one sealed reference container, through the inspection region. Also included is a zone including a laser emitter and a sensor located in the inspection region and arranged such that the laser source emits a laser beam such that it intersects with a container movement path. The conveyor alternatingly conveys test containers and reference containers through the zone.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optochemical sensor functioning in accordance with the FRET-principle and exhibiting an acceptor (chromophore or luminophore) responsive to an analyte contained in a sample medium as well as a donor (luminophore), characterized in that acceptor and donor are located in separate chemical phases, whereby the phase containing the donor is essentially impermeable to the sample medium or to components of the sample medium affecting the luminescence characteristics of the luminophore. The invention further relates to a method for qualitative and/or quantitative determination of at least one analyte and/or component of a gaseous or liquid measuring medium according to the FRET-principle, characterized by the use of the sensor according to the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds and more particularly to compounds which are useful for the determination of bicarbonate and the delivery of bicarbonate to a non-aqueous solution. The invention further relates to an optical sensor for the determination of bicarbonate in a liquid sample.

Abstract: A method and system for determining a concentration level of NOx in an exhaust stream from a combustion source. The method comprises capturing sample gas from the exhaust stream using a sampling device. NO2 in the sample gas is converted to NO by passing the sample gas through a catalytic NO2 converter. The method also comprises removing water from the sample gas by passing the sample gas through a dryer and determining a sample gas NO concentration level. The step of converting NO2 is performed at a temperature above the dew point temperature of the sample gas.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for taking absorbance-based chemical measurements are described. In a specific embodiment, an indicator-based pCO2 (partial pressure of CO2) sensor displays sensor-to-sensor reproducibility and measurement stability. These qualities are achieved by: 1) renewing the sensing solution, 2) allowing the sensing solution to reach equilibrium with the analyte, and 3) calculating the response from a ratio of the indicator solution absorbances which are determined relative to a blank solution. Careful solution preparation, wavelength calibration, and stray light rejection also contribute to this calibration-free system. Three pCO2 sensors were calibrated and each had response curves which were essentially identical within the uncertainty of the calibration. Long-term laboratory and field studies showed the response had no drift over extended periods (months).

Abstract: The presence of biological contaminants in a liquid coating composition is determined by measuring the carbon dioxide content of the atmosphere above the liquid and comparing the measured carbon dioxide level to a baseline carbon dioxide level. A biocide can be added to the liquid when the measured carbon dioxide level reaches a predetermined value to control the level of biological contaminants in the liquid coating composition.

Abstract: A single pass analyzer includes multiple infrared sensors, a catalytic converter, a scrubber and a thermal conductivity cell all coupled in series to provide a single pass (i.e., one sample) analyzer which allows for fast analysis, allows for the speciation of hydrogen samples, requires no purging between different sample types, utilizes a single carrier gas, and eliminates molecular sieves and Shutze converters. The resultant analyzer provides improved quicker results with less plumbing (i.e., gas conduits and valving) in a single instrument.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for determining in a person's exhalation air the concentration of a specific substance in the blood by measuring the concentration of said substance and the concentration of water vapor in the exhalation air and utilizing a known relationship between these concentrations. When the method is applied the exhalation air is exhaled freely in a defined air volume having a predetermined composition, and said concentrations are measured in this air volume. The apparatus for working the method comprises a device (16) which defines a space for receiving the exhalation air, which has two mutually opposite openings through which the space communicates with the surrounding air, and means (18, 22, 23) for selective quantitative detection of said substance in the air in the defined space.

Abstract: This invention relates to a modulator for use in gas chromatographic analysis, adapted for alternatively trapping and releasing fractions of solutes in a length of a capillary column within a chromatographic oven, characterized in that it comprises at least one nozzle placed to spray at least one jet in at least one corresponding place along said capillary column length, said nozzle(s) being connected each to a source of liquid C02 via a related valve, and means for alternatively opening said valve(s) for a predetermined time, to cause a jet of liquid C02 to impinge for said predetermined time on said column place and to leave the oven atmosphere to heat said column place after said predetermined time. The modulator can be used in a conventional GC system or in a two dimensional GC system, for modulating the analytes fed to the second capillary column.

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: The rate of carbon dioxide release from a grain sample can be measured by placing the grain sample in a sealed container, and positioning a pH responsive color-change material in the container so that carbon dioxide released from the grain sample chemically reacts with a buffer incorporated into the color-change material. Carbon dioxide measurements can be used to measure actual and potential spoilage of the grain associated with fungal attack.

Abstract: Method and apparatus used to calculate the hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide loading of both rich and lean amine solutions used to remove acidic gas components from sour or production gases in order to produce a sweet or sales gas for transmission purposes. The amine solution is divided into three (3) liquid streams carrying different proportions of heat stable salts, hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide. Conductivity measurements are made on each of the streams and are converted to acid loading values for the amine. The acid loading values of the amine are used to obtain the hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide loading for the amine solution.

Abstract: An optical gas sensor for determining a gas, in particular in air, having a radiation source, a detector and a sensitive layer in the beam path of the radiation source. The sensitive layer contains at least one oligomer or polymer having at least one side chain, the side chain having at least one basic or acidic functional group.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for determination of the total concentration of organic carbon compounds in aqueous process streams utilizing a pulsed-flow technique for irradiating a water sample in a chamber (3) with UV or similar wavelength radiation.