Abstract: An apparatus and method to capture aerosols and vapors on substrates from a large variety of sources and matrices for analysis using paper spray mass spectrometry (PS-MS) is disclosed. A holder for a PS cartridge has better direct sampling efficiency, direct capture on substrate, and lower limits of detection thereby improving the collection and analysis of aerosols and vapors. An apparatus and method for aerosol and vapor collection, from both anthropogenic and environmental sources, for example, that is compact and compatible with hand held devices and unmanned vehicles is also disclosed.

Abstract: Measurement apparatuses and methods are disclosed for generating high-precision and -accuracy gas concentration maps that can be overlaid with 3D topographic images by rapidly scanning one or several modulated laser beams with a spatially-encoded transmitter over a scene to build-up imagery. Independent measurements of the topographic target distance and path-integrated gas concentration are combined to yield a map of the path-averaged concentration between the sensor and each point in the image. This type of image is particularly useful for finding localized regions of elevated (or anomalous) gas concentration making it ideal for large-area leak detection and quantification applications including: oil and gas pipeline monitoring, chemical processing facility monitoring, and environmental monitoring.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for determining the effectiveness of one or more asphaltene dispersant additives for inhibiting or preventing asphaltene precipitation in a hydrocarbon-containing material subjected to elevated temperature and pressure conditions.

Abstract: A replaceable spectroscopic detector used in volatile organic compounds testing devices, such as a portable breath testing device for roadside drug testing or a testing device for any air handling systems, such as those used for indoor agriculture, which reversibly sorb compounds and prepare a concentrated sample in a single gas cell configured for performing spectroscopy of the contents within the cell. The disclosed invention comprising; one or more check valves, a source of electromagnetic radiation and an electromagnetic receiver that releasably connects to a volatile organic compounds testing device such that it is replaceable and is configured for performing spectroscopy and passing exhaled breath and/or airflow through a disposable and replaceable reversibly engaging cartridge comprising a reversible sorbent and a gas cell configured for spectroscopy.

Abstract: A fuel injection pressure at a timing at which an NOx concentration (combustion temperature) indicates a maximum value under the condition that a fuel injection timing is fixed to a first injection timing is recorded as a first NOx peak injection pressure. Similarly, a second NOx peak injection pressure is recorded under the condition that the fuel injection timing is fixed to a second injection timing. A cetane number and distillation property of fuel are determined on the basis of these NOx peak injection pressures.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for diagnosing, monitoring or prognosing Alzheimer's disease using at least one sensor comprising carbon nanotubes coated with cyclodextrin or derivatives thereof and/or at least one sensor comprising metal nanoparticles coated with various organic coatings in conjunction with a learning and pattern recognition algorithm.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for diagnosing, monitoring, prognosing or staging Parkinson's disease using at least one sensor comprising carbon nanotubes coated with cyclodextrin or derivatives thereof or metal nanoparticles coated with various organic coatings in conjunction with a learning and pattern recognition algorithm.

Abstract: The inventive technology may involve, in particular embodiments, novel use of a non-porous, high surface energy stationary phase to adsorb, in reversible fashion, the most polar component of a resins fraction of an input hydrocarbon when a mobile phase is passed over the stationary phase. Such reversible adsorption prevents irreversibly adsorption of such components on active stationary phase(s) downflow of the non-porous, high surface energy stationary phase, thereby conserving stationary phase costs and increasing resolution of resins elutions, and accuracy of hydrocarbon component results. Aspects of the inventive technology may also involve a novel combination of a solubility based asphaltene component fractionating and analysis method and an adsorption chromatography method for separating and/or analyzing saturate, aromatics and resins components of an input hydrocarbon.

Abstract: A method for recognizing sensor poisonings in portable gas-measuring devices with a test station having a main unit with a control and analysis unit and test modules connected with the main unit for data exchange with an connected device. The test station recognizes device model and/or gas sensor model of the connected device. The main unit has gas inlets for different test gases and there is a first gas feed line for sending test gas to the test modules and a second gas feed line for sending purging gas to the test modules and a gas drain line to return gas from the test modules to the main unit. The method includes detection of a first measured value and of a second measured value and determination of sensor poisoning on the basis of the two values. The test station control and analysis unit carries out the method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to gas sensors using doped ferroelectric materials. The sensors can be fabricated as an array where different portions of the array can operate at different independently controlled temperatures to detect different gas phase components of a gas sample. Preferred embodiments can be used for the diagnosis of conditions, such as, diabetes.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for sensing an analyte in a fluid.

Abstract: A method that identifies the compounds contributing to a sweet odor from an air conditioner, reproduces the sweet odor, and prepares a corresponding sweet odor composition. Through the analysis method of the present invention, the compounds contributing to the sweet odor from an air conditioner are identified and quantified. The sweet odor is reproduced from a combination of the compounds identified by the analysis method of the present invention. The reproduced sweet odor provides significant data required for development of an apparatus and a method for removing specific odor.

Abstract: A method comprising (a) obtaining one or more biological samples from a subject wherein the subject has undergone an organ transplant; (b) determining the amount and type of one or more volatile organic compounds in the biological sample; and (c) correlating the amount of volatile organic compounds to a degree of transplant rejection. A device comprising a plurality of sensors configured to detect a plurality of volatile organic compounds in a biological sample of a subject having undergone an organ transplant.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to systems and methods for sample analysis. In certain embodiments, the invention provides a system for analyzing a sample that includes a probe including a material connected to a high voltage source, a device for generating a heated gas, and a mass analyzer.

Abstract: The invention provides a mechanism for semi-quantitatively measuring individual isotopomer species of a molecule using gas chromatograph mass spectrometry. The method allows for semi-quantitatively tracking the movement of ions by measuring the individual isotopomer species of a molecule.

Abstract: The present invention includes a sensing device and method detecting the presence of a chemical analyte, comprising: a surface; a continuous or discontinuous terbium(III)-triphenylphosphine oxide coordination polymer layer deposited on the surface, wherein the polymer layer is porous; and a luminescence detector, wherein one or more analytes that interact with the polymer layer luminesce at distinct wavelengths unique to each analyte.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing a gas sample for analysis includes a separation unit configured to separate the gas sample into one or more component samples. A thermal conductivity detector detects the output of the one or more component sample from the separation unit. At least one component sample is collected in a component sample collection unit having a sample collector.

Abstract: Porous sol-gel material essentially consisting of units of one or more first polyalkoxysilanes chosen from the following compounds: (chloromethyl)triethoxysilane; 1,3-dimethyltetramethoxydisiloxane; ethyl trimethoxysilane; triethoxy(ethyl)silane; triethoxymethylsilane; triethoxy(vinyl)silane; trimethoxymethylsilane; trimethoxy(vinyl)silane; tetraethoxysilane or tetramethoxysilane (TMOS) and of units of one or more second polyalkoxysilanes chosen from the following compounds: (N-(3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl)ethylenediamine; 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) and 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane, in a first polyalkoxysilane/second polyalkoxysilane molar ratio of 1/0.01 to 1/1, optionally comprising a probe molecule, method of preparation and applications in the trapping of monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and other pollutants or in their detection.

Abstract: Methane gas in a ruminant exhalation may be oxidized to reduce the amount of methane gas output by the ruminant.

Abstract: Method for detecting a basic target species in a fuel composition, involving (i) contacting the composition with a solid (for example paper) substrate carrying a spectroscopically active indicator which is capable of reacting with the target species, and (ii) detecting the spectroscopic response of the indicator on or following its contact with the fuel composition. The target species may be a detergent or dispersant additive or a constituent thereof, for example in an automotive fuel. The spectroscopic response may be a colour change, and the indicator may for example be a phenolphthalein indicator such as tetrabromophenolphthalein ethyl ester (HTBPE). Also provided is a test kit for use in the invented method, which may comprise a reference, such as a colour chart, with which to compare the spectroscopic response of the indicator. The indicator-carrying substrate is suitably packaged in a protective atmosphere.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method involving the steps of (a) precipitating an amount of asphaltenes from a liquid sample of a first hydrocarbon-containing feedstock having solvated asphaltenes therein with one or more first solvents in a column; (b) determining one or more solubility characteristics of the precipitated asphaltenes; (c) analyzing the one or more solubility characteristics of the precipitated asphaltenes; and (d) correlating a measurement of feedstock reactivity for the first hydrocarbon-containing feedstock sample with a mathematical parameter derived from the results of analyzing the one or more solubility characteristics of the precipitated asphaltenes. Determined parameters and processabilities for a plurality of feedstocks can be used to generate a mathematical relationship between parameter and processability; this relationship can be used to estimate the processability for hydroprocessing for a feedstock of unknown processability.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to systems and methods for sample analysis. In certain embodiments, the invention provides a system for analyzing a sample that includes a probe including a material connected to a high voltage source, a device for generating a heated gas, and a mass analyzer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (10) for detection of harmful substances with a measurement unit (28) for measuring at least one harmful substance and an evaluation unit (30) for determining the concentration of the at least one harmful substance. The invention also relates to a method for detecting harmful substances in a gas mixture. It is hereby provided that the gas mixture is tested for a gaseous harmful substance or simultaneously for several gaseous harmful substances, wherein the gaseous harmful substance or the gaseous harmful substances is/are measured with different sensor means, and the gaseous harmful substances are optionally chemically modified such that a measurement is performed with the existing sensor means.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method involving the steps of (a) precipitating an amount of asphaltenes from a liquid sample of a first hydrocarbon-containing feedstock having solvated asphaltenes therein with one or more first solvents in a column; (b) determining one or more solubility characteristics of the precipitated asphaltenes; (c) analyzing the one or more solubility characteristics of the precipitated asphaltenes; and (d) correlating a measurement of feedstock reactivity for the first hydrocarbon-containing feedstock sample with a mathematical parameter derived from the results of analyzing the one or more solubility characteristics of the precipitated asphaltenes.

Abstract: In order to provide a device for detection of a partial pressure of a measurement gas contained in a surrounding gas, comprising a measurement space with at least one inlet opening to admit surrounding gas into the measurement space and at least one outlet opening to discharge surrounding gas from the measurement space, a quantity that characterizes the partial pressure of the measurement gas in the measurement gas sensor sensitive to the measurement gas to measure a quantity that characterizes the partial pressure of the measurement gas in the measurement space, as well as readout device to read out the measurement gas sensor as well as a method for its operation, which permit metrological detection of the partial pressure of a measurement gas contained in a surrounding gas with improved chronological and spatial resolution, it is proposed that means to determine a response characteristic of device be provided.

Abstract: A method for marking a petroleum hydrocarbon, biodiesel fuel or ethanol fuel by adding to the petroleum hydrocarbon, biodiesel fuel or ethanol fuel at least one compound having formula (I) wherein R1 and R2 independently represent at least one substituent selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C1-C12 alkyl, C1-C12 alkoxy and nitro; and R3 and R4 independently represent hydrogen, methyl or ethyl.

Abstract: A method of measuring the concentration of a halogen in a gas stream using measurement means unsuitable for the direct measurement of halogens in a gas stream includes the step of passing a gaseous conversion compound to the halogen containing gas stream to convert the halogen to a detectable gaseous compound.

Abstract: The present invention relates to gas sensors using doped ferroelectric materials. The sensors can be fabricated as an array where different portions of the array can operate at different independently controlled temperatures to detect different gas phase components of a gas sample. Preferred embodiments can be used for the diagnosis of conditions, such as, diabetes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for diagnosing, monitoring or prognosing Multiple Sclerosis at different stages as well as affording the prediction of disease activity and response to a treatment regimen, using at least one sensor comprising carbon nanotubes or metal nanoparticles, each coated with various organic coatings in conjunction with a pattern recognition algorithm.

Abstract: A chemochromic sensor for detecting a combustible gas, such as hydrogen, includes a chemochromic pigment mechanically mixed with a polymer and molded into a rigid or pliable shape. In a preferred embodiment, the chemochromic detector is within the material which is molded into a manufactured part, said part becoming the detector itself. The detector is robust and easily modifiable for a variety of applications and environmental conditions, such as atmospheres of inert gas, hydrogen gas, or mixtures of gases, or in environments that have variable temperature, including high temperatures such as above 100° C. and low temperatures such as below ?196° C.

Abstract: Method for predicting amounts of biogenic gas generated by biological conversion of organic matter deposited in sediments on the geological time scale. Bioreactive structural units having formulae CxHyOvSzNw with x>6, y>x, v<6, z<6 and w<6 are considered. A sample of a rock of the sedimentary series is then taken at a depth close to the surface, such that said rock has not been subjected to any biodegradation, and amounts of each bioreactive structural unit present in this sample are determined. A reaction scheme is defined in which the bioreactive structural units react in parallel with electron acceptors, and each of the bioreactive structural units reacts sequentially with these electron acceptors. Finally, the amount of biogenic gas produced by biodegradation of the bioreactive structural units is determined by means of the reaction scheme and the amounts of each structural unit present in the sample.

Abstract: Provided is a microfluidic device including: a sample chamber; at least one analyzing unit receiving a sample from the sample chamber and detecting components contained in the sample according to a reaction of the sample and a reagent; and a denaturation detection chamber determining the storage condition of the microfluidic device, wherein the denaturation detection chamber accommodates a material whose light absorption changes according to the temperature and the water thereof.

Abstract: A method that uses an (DOPC) surfactant based biofilm that reacts with a material in a known manner, and a device that utilizes such a biofilm, to detect a material of interest is provided. The principles of the present invention are particularly useful in detecting/measuring a material that is harmful to a human or to property.

Abstract: Methane gas in a ruminant exhalation may be oxidized to reduce the amount of methane gas output by the ruminant.

Abstract: The invention provides a mechanism for semi-quantitatively measuring individual isotopomer species of a molecule using gas chromatograph mass spectrometry. The method allows for semi-quantitatively tracking the movement of ions by measuring the individual isotopomer species of a molecule.

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: A chemochromic sensor for detecting a combustible gas, such as hydrogen, includes a chemochromic pigment mechanically mixed with a polymer and formed into a rigid or pliable material. In a preferred embodiment, the chemochromic detector includes aerogel material. The detector is robust and easily modifiable for a variety of applications and environmental conditions, such as atmospheres of inert gas, hydrogen gas, or mixtures of gases, or in environments that have variable temperature, including high temperatures such as above 100° C. and low temperatures such as below ?196° C.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a method for determining a source of carbon feed used in manufacturing product produced from the carbon feed. The invention further provides a method for tracking products, particularly MTO products, derived from a particular carbon feed. In general, the method involves a variety of steps that include one or more of determining, comparing, inventorying, and tracking the 13C:12C ratio (or HD:H2 ratio) of the product that is being tracked to the measured or predetermined 13C:12C ratio (or HD:H2 ratio) of the feed used to make the product.

Abstract: The detecting and monitoring of solid structure or phase transformation, such as those used for testing the formation of gas hydrates and their inhibition by chemical additives may be conducted in a multi-test assembly of laboratory bench scale loops. The test loop contains a fluid that includes water and hydrate-forming guest molecules such as methane, ethane, carbon dioxide and the like at hydrate-forming conditions of low temperature and high pressure. A small bit or “pig” may be circulated through the test loop at variable speeds to circulate the fluid in the loop. The pig may be moved or impelled through the test loop remotely. The exterior of the pig and/or the interior of the loop may be smooth and/or have a friction-reducing coating thereon to facilitate movement of the pig through the loop. The formation of hydrates may be monitored with consistent and reproducible results.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, the inventive technology relates to in-vessel generation of a material from a solution of interest as part of a processing and/or analysis operation. Preferred embodiments of the in-vessel material generation (e.g., in-vessel solid material generation) include precipitation; in certain embodiments, analysis and/or processing of the solution of interest may include dissolution of the material, perhaps as part of a successive dissolution protocol using solvents of increasing ability to dissolve. Applications include, but are by no means limited to estimation of a coking onset and solution (e.g., oil) fractionating.

Abstract: A method for selecting at least one catalyst from a catalyst library on the basis of the reactivity thereof in a chemical conversion process includes: (a) testing the catalytic activity of a first catalyst from said catalyst library with respect to a reaction medium containing, as the compounds to be converted, at least one reactivity probe having a labeling system and including at least one reaction unit capable of reacting in said chemical conversion; (b) analyzing the reaction medium after said catalytic test for the purpose of qualitatively and/or qualitatively characterizing the resulting compounds; (c) repeating steps (a) and (b) for at least one other catalyst in said library; and (d) comparing the analysis results for each catalyst in order to characterize at least one catalyst having the required reactivity in said chemical conversion.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for measuring the kinetic parameters of a catalyst powder, which include the reaction rate constants, active site concentration and intraparticle diffusivity. The measurement of the active site concentration selectively measures just the active sites and not the entire exposed atom concentration. The apparatus and method use surface concentrations less than 50% and larger than 1% the total active site concentration and a dynamic pulsed flow to avoid including weak adsorption sites not involved in the catalysis. The measurement is more accurate because (1) it uses a reactant gas and non-steady state adsorption at temperatures near to reaction temperatures, and (2) it uses the chemical kinetics expressions to extract the measured active site concentration to perform the measurement so as to count just those sites actually active for that reactant.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of treating small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) or a SIBO-caused condition in a human subject. SIBO-caused conditions include irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia, chronic pelvic pain syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome, depression, impaired mentation, impaired memory, halitosis, tinnitus, sugar craving, autism, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, drug sensitivity, an autoimmune disease, and Crohn's disease. Also disclosed are a method of screening for the abnormally likely presence of SIBO in a human subject and a method of detecting SIBO in a human subject. A method of determining the relative severity of SIBO or a SIBO-caused condition in a human subject, in whom small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) has been detected, is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for producing a homogenous sample of a pressurized fluid stream flowing in a pipeline, the fluid stream consisting of a majority component of hydrocarbon gas, the remainder consisting of one or more hydrocarbon liquids and water in the form of vapor, aerosols, droplets and/or liquid streams, the method includes the steps of: a. injecting one or more surface active agents into the fluid stream in an injection zone at a rate that is sufficient to form a uniform foam of the gas and the one or more hydrocarbon liquids and water components; b. mixing the one or more surface active agents with the fluid stream in a mixing zone to form a uniform foam composition flowing in the pipeline downstream of the mixing zone; c. withdrawing a portion of the foam composition from the pipeline at a sampling point; d. passing the portion of the foam composition withdrawn through a sampling loop; and e.

Abstract: A method for testing the performance of catalysts used for conversion of FCC regenerator gases comprises subjecting the catalyst simultaneously to a mixture of gases including an oxidizing gas and a reducing gas in more than one cycle in which the ratio of the oxidizing gas to the reducing gas varies over the time of the cycle. Test gases comprising O2, CO, CO2, steam, nitrogen-containing gases and sulfur-containing gases in which the ratio of O2 to CO varies over time for each cycle and in which the products of combustion formed during each cycle can be measured periodically over the cycle yields important data on the usefulness of the catalysts for treatment of regenerator flue gas.

Abstract: A method for evaluating the quality of an olefin polymerization catalyst is disclosed. A single-site organometallic complex is reacted with a methyl alumoxane under controlled reaction conditions. The extent and/or dynamics of methane formation from the reaction are measured, and the results are used to predict the suitability of the complex and/or the methyl alumoxane for use in an olefin polymerization.

Abstract: A method of detecting organic vapors is described. More particularly, the method involves the use of an analyte sensor that contains a polymeric material having a relatively large intrinsic porosity and that is capable of fluorescence in the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum. The method further includes exposing the analyte sensor to an environment that may contain an organic vapor and monitoring the analyte sensor for a change in a fluorescence signal. Although the organic vapor itself typically does not fluoresce in the visible wavelength range, presence of an organic vapor can alter the fluorescence signal of the analyte sensor.

Abstract: A method for determining proportion of diesel fuel in a lubricating oil of a combustion engine, including: forming a mixture containing an oil sample and a C5 hydrocarbon such as a C5 alkane; injecting the mixture into the injector of a gas chromatograph; establishing a chromatograph of the sample; determining a first parameter M representative of the area of a peak associated with the C5 hydrocarbon such as a C5 alkane; determining a second parameter C representing of the area of at least one peak associated with a hydrocarbon representative of diesel fuel; and determining the proportion T of diesel fuel by a formula T = C / ( M ) - b a in which a and b are constants defining equation y=ax+b of a calibration straight line of the ratio between the second and the first parameters as a function of the proportion of diesel fuel.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a method for determining a source of carbon feed used in manufacturing product produced from the carbon feed. The invention further provides a method for tracking products, particularly MTO products, derived from a particular carbon feed. In general, the method involves a variety of steps that include one or more of determining, comparing, inventorying, and tracking the 13C:12C ratio (or HD:H2 ratio) of the product that is being tracked to the measured or predetermined 13C:12C ratio (or HD:H2 ratio) of the feed used to make the product.

Abstract: Carbon nanotube devices are manipulated in a manner that is useful for a variety of implementations. According to an example embodiment of the present invention, light (632) is used to photodesorb molecules from a carbon nanotube (620).