Abstract: There was previously no monitoring method and monitoring apparatus which could measure dioxins at ppt levels and dioxin precursors at ppb levels with high sensitivity.

Abstract: A combinatorial process for simultaneously conducting multiple catalytic chemical reactions in parallel has been developed. At least one catalyst is contained in the reaction zones of a plurality of reactors, each reactor having a reactor insert placed within a sleeve and inserted into a well, the reaction zone of each reactor being formed between a fluid permeable structure attached to the sleeve and a fluid permeable end of the corresponding reactor insert. A fluid reactant is flowed through each reactor where it is contacted with the catalyst contained in the reaction zone to form an effluent. The effluents are removed from the effluent from the reactor and are analyzed.

Abstract: A method for evaluating ratios of metallic impurities in lithographic materials is disclosed. The method comprises: separating said metal from said lithographic material by microwave heating; then adding said metal to an acid to form a solution; and finally analyzing said solution by a instrument to measure ratio of said metal.

Abstract: Ceramic liners for use with closed bomb devices are disclosed. The closed bomb devices measure performance properties of energetic materials, such as solid propellant, explosive, and pyrotechnic formulations. The closed bomb devices include a body and a ceramic liner. Alumina silicate and boron nitride are two currently preferred ceramic liner materials which have low compressibility, low thermal conductivity, and excellent durability.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for heating specimens in wells of a metallic specimen carrier. The specimen carrier is heated by applying resistive heating directly to the carrier. An AC source and transformer may be used where the specimen carrier is in series with a single turn secondary winding of the transformer. A magnet may be placed in each well and excited by the heating current to provided a stirring effect.

Abstract: Elemental analysis of a sample is carried out in an oxygen atmosphere in a combustion reactor and the volume of oxygen required for analysis is determined by means of the algorithm

Abstract: A liquid purification apparatus which uses ozone to purify water is disclosed. Off-gas from the purification process is passed through an ozone detector that provides an electric signal corresponding to the ozone concentration in the off-gas. The electric signal is monitored and used to control the length of the ozonation process. The detector comprises a MgO2 and CuO based ozone destroying catalyst which generates an electric potential when used to decompose ozone into oxygen.

Abstract: Disclosed are a closed heat-decomposing appliance comprising a heating section with one side closed and other side having common ground portion, screw portion or O-ring-mounted portion and a closed introducing section that allows to connect to this heating section and common ground portion, screw portion or O-ring via O-ring-mounted portion and has cock or valve as a mechanism for closing and introducing the absorbing liquid to absorb the testing components from outside after heat-decomposition, or has packing or septum to introduce the absorbing liquid with needle pipe as well, and a pretreatment method of sample using this appliance.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for analyzing the aggregate content of asphalt-aggregate compositions. The method includes placing a preheated, preweighed container carrying a sample of an asphalt-aggregate composition into a preheated furnace with the preheated furnace being warmer than the preheated sample, continuing to heat the furnace while drawing air through the furnace at a rate that avoids impeding the heating of the furnace or the sample until the sample in the container reaches its combustion temperature and the combustion of the sample becomes exothermic, initiating a second draw of air around rather than through the furnace to moderate the exterior temperature of the furnace, accelerating the draw through the furnace to increase the rate of combustion of the exothermic reaction, and reweighing the container and sample after combustion is complete.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sample application device for a gas chromatograph, having an evaporator (1) which can be cooled, can be heated in a temperature-controlled manner, is provided with a carrier-gas feed and has a valve head (11) for holding an exchangeable sampling tube (27), a receiving chamber (4) for the sampling tube (27), a column exit (18) and, if appropriate, a splitter exit (31). In this device, a pyrolyser tube (20), which is coupled to the carrier-gas feed and is held by the valve head (11), is arranged in the receiving chamber (4), in which there is a heating coil (26) into which the sampling tube (27) can be fitted and to which current can be applied by means of a heating conductor (25) which is guided outwards through the valve head (11).

Abstract: Apparatus and processes for water impurity analysis and for impurity analysis of various other liquids as well. Apparatus and processes are provided for physical characterization of liquid drops as a liquid sample builds up and then drops from a sample needle or other source. Liquid drop characterization is through utilization of infrared liquid drop measuring and computer modeling to measure a liquid drop as it builds up and then measures the falling liquid drop. By optically measuring an infrared radiated falling drop, and/or by characterizing the manner by which a sample drop is formed, a very precise way of determining the exact volume of a liquid sample is accomplished. Sample volume is typically directly proportional to concentration levels of the chemical constituent to be measured. By computer modeling, a falling drop can be quantified as to volume, rather than depending on the otherwise standard way of injecting a “known” volume.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for analyzing the aggregate content of asphalt-aggregate compositions. The method includes placing a preheated, preweighed container carrying a sample of an asphalt-aggregate composition into a preheated furnace with the preheated furnace being warmer than the preheated sample, continuing to heat the furnace while drawing air through the furnace at a rate that avoids impeding the heating of the furnace or the sample until the sample in the container reaches its combustion temperature and the combustion of the sample becomes exothermic, initiating a second draw of air around rather than through the furnace to moderate the exterior temperature of the furnace, accelerating the draw through the furnace to increase the rate of combustion of the exothermic reaction, and reweighing the container and sample after combustion is complete.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for analyzing asphalt-aggregate compositions. The method includes directing sufficient microwave radiation from a microwave source to a sample of an asphalt-aggregate composition to ignite the asphalt in the composition and to thereafter entirely combust the asphalt in the sample. The apparatus includes a source of microwave radiation, a cavity in communication with the microwave source, a sample holder in the cavity for holding a sample of an asphalt-aggregate composition during exposure to microwaves from the source, thermal insulation between the sample holder and the remainder of the cavity, and means for minimizing or eliminating any undesired combustion products generated by the burning asphalt.

Abstract: A method for the determination of total organic carbon in an aqueous sample by trapping the organic matter on a sorbent which is carbon free and analyzing the sorbent by combustion and determination of total CO2 by IR.

Abstract: A self venting sealable vessel system for microwave assisted chemistry is disclosed. The system includes a vessel formed of a microwave-transparent material, one end of which forms an opening for placing materials inside the vessel, a lid for being seated against the opening, a flexible frame surrounding the vessel and lid and formed of a microwave-transparent material, and means for urging the frame against the vessel and seated lid with a predetermined force to seal the vessel at low pressures and so that the frame refrains from flexing until the pressure inside the vessel exceeds the predetermined force, after which the frame flexes sufficiently to allow the lid to unseat and gases to vent safely from the vessel without rupturing the vessel or the frame.

Abstract: This invention is directed to systems for presenting an analyte to an energy source for desorption in methods of analytic detection, such as mass spectrometry. The probes have a layer of energy absorbing molecules on their surface which absorbs energy form the energy source, thereby enabling desorption of the analyte form the probe surface. The layer of energy absorbing molecules is immobilized by chemical bonding to the probe surface and/or is substantially free of crystals.

Abstract: A microwave vessel system for external and noninvasive pressure monitoring and control is disclosed. The system comprises a reaction vessel formed of a material that is transparent to microwave radiation, with the reaction vessel including a portion that is movable under pressure generated by a chemical reaction inside the vessel while maintaining the reaction sealed inside the vessel. A sensor is adjacent to the movable portion of the vessel for detecting the motion of the movable portion as the portion responds to pressure generated inside the vessel. The system includes a structure for maintaining the sensor against the movable portion while microwaves are applied to the vessel so that the movement of the movable portion under pressure is detected by the sensor.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for improving the speed and sensitivity of optical spectroscopic techniques for remote detection of trace chemical species in a carrier gas. The disclosed method can be applied to any optical spectroscopic detection technique whose sensitivity decreases as the total pressure of the sample decreases. The method employs an inert and non-absorbing buffer gas to supplement the pressure exerted by the carrier gas. This ensures that the total pressure of the sample, and hence sensitivity of the detection technique, remains high. The method is especially useful when measuring concentration of chemical species produced at small rates, and therefore should prove useful for rapid serial screening of combinatorial libraries of compounds.

Abstract: In order to determine a concentration of a gas mixture, especially a hydrogen concentration of a containment atmosphere of a nuclear power station, a temperature change resulting from a catalytic reaction is measured. The gas mixture is diluted with a motive gas of known composition. The dilution is carried out by a jet pump.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for assaying an asphalt-containing composite material by irradiating the sample using a radiation source having a tunable preselected wavelength selected to closely approximate the absorbance wavelength of a particular material or materials found in the composite material to reduce the overall time and temperatures ordinarily needed to combust and assay such samples.

Abstract: This invention provides an apparatus for measuring ozone in which interference effects of SO.sub.2 are intended to be reduced. This invention comprises a reference gas line for generating reference gas with ozone removed by allowing the sample gas to pass through the ozone decomposer with silver wool used as a catalyst, a sample gas line for introducing the sample gas as it is, an ozone analyzer to which the reference gas line and the sample gas line are connected via a selector valve and which measures the ozone component in the sample gas by introducing the reference gas and the sample gas alternately at specified intervals, and a temperature controller installed to the ozone decomposer for setting the catalyst reaction temperature to a range from 100 to 130.degree. C.

Abstract: A method is used to detect a location of contaminant entry in a processing fluid production and distribution system. A wafer is placed in a clean container. The clean container is connected to a test point within the processing fluid production and distribution system. Processing fluid from the test point of the processing fluid production and distribution system is allowed to flow through the clean container. The wafer is dried. The wafer is then tested for the existence of contaminants.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a microwave heated chemical process is disclosed. Time varying concentrations of some chemical substances within fumes in the microwave oven are monitored to detect concentration variations for which responses are known. Responses to the detected variations are initiated to control the chemical process without terminating the process. Examples of responses include varying microwave radiation energy, initiating safety systems, increased venting of the microwave oven, and so forth.

Abstract: The present invention and its claims encompass principles, methods, apparatus, and applications for detection, quantification, and monitoring of responses of gases, vapors, aerosols, and mixtures thereof to initiators of exothermic reactions. While the invention can be utilized for any concentration level, the intended, normal utilization is for gases in which the concentrations of species capable of participating in exothermic chemistry are too low to support self-sustaining exothermic reactions leading to detonations or deflagrations as well as for gases in which other factors prevent the exothermic reaction chemistry from becoming self-sustaining. This abstract shall not be construed to define or limit in any way the scope of the invention, which is measured by the appended claims.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting NO.sub.x by chemiluminescence. The apparatus includes a sample gas line having an inlet port for receiving a sample gas, a NO.sub.x converter connected to the sample gas line, a N.sub.2 diluting gas line connected to the sample gas line upstream from the NO.sub.x converter, a bypass exhaust lie connected to the sample gas line, and a chemiluminescence analyzer connected to the NO.sub.x converter. The sample gas, which contains a NO.sub.x component, is introduced to the sample gas line through an inlet portion. The sample gas is diluted with nitrogen gas from the nitrogen diluting gas line, and the NO.sub.x component in the sample gas is converted to NO by the NO.sub.x converter. The chemiluminescence analyzer detects the NO.sub.x component.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the quantitative determination of deuterium in samples containing hydrogen, and to a reduction oven for reducing gaseous or liquid substances containing hydrogen, which may be coupled directly to an isotope ratio mass spectrometer (IRMS), thereby permitting an online-coupled, reliable deuterium determination which can be automatized.

Abstract: A method for microwave assisted chemical processes is disclosed that comprises applying sufficient microwave radiation to a temperature-monitored mixture of reagents, with at least one of the reagents being thermally responsive to electromagnetic radiation in the microwave range, and based on the monitored temperature, to maintain the added reagents at or closely about a predetermined temperature while substantially avoiding thermal dilution (or before substantial thermal dilution can occur) that otherwise would have been caused by the addition of the reagents to one another.

Abstract: A system is provided in an exhaust emission sampling system for controlling a flow controller in order to compensate for the effects of changing water vapor content in a diluted sample having a predetermined dilution ratio. A water measuring device such as a relative humidity sensor generates a water vapor signal based on the amount of water vapor in the diluted sample. The water vapor signal is then processed within a control unit to obtain a value for the amount of water in the diluted sample. A control signal is generated by the control unit based on the amount of water vapor, flow rate of the exhaust emissions, and also, on the type of fuel used in the combustion process to control the flow controller which is, preferably, a mass flow controller. A second system is provided in an exhaust emission analyzing system for determining a final amount of pollutants also compensated for the effects of changing water vapor content in the exhaust emissions.

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

Abstract: Methods of releasing and analyzing substrates such as DNA, comprising: a) covalently or ligandly binding substrate to a first electrode via a release group, which release group is cleavable in response to applied energy; b) introducing an electrical field so as to establish a charge potential between the first electrode and a second electrode separated by a vacuum or gas phase from the first electrode, the strength of such field sufficient to bristle said covalently-bound or ligandly-bound substrate; and c) applying sufficient energy directly to the release group to cleave the release group and release the substrate into a vacuum or gas phased

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for preparing a VOC sample for carbon and chlorine isotope ratio analysis by mass spectrometer. A VOC sample is placed in a combustion tube and reacted with CuO to form CO.sub.2 and CuCl. The CO.sub.2 is then extracted and analyzed for the carbon isotope ratio. The CuCl is separated from the excess CuO and reacted with CH.sub.3 I to form CH.sub.3 Cl, extracted and analyzed for chlorine isotope ratio.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are disclosed for the detection and measurement of sulfur in both organic and inorganic sulfur-containing compounds. The process includes admixing a sample including a sulfur-containing compound with oxygen, and then exposing the mixture to a source of combustion causing heat in the presence of a combustion supporting reducing agent at a combustion site. The resulting gaseous combustion products are vacuum extracted from the combustion site, and then directed into a darkened low pressure chamber. The combustion products in the low pressure chamber are then contacted with ozone, with the result that the sulfur combustion products are converted to chemiluminescent sulfur dioxide. The emitted chemiluminescence is then detected, and may be measured to provide a quantitative indication of the amount of sulfur in the original sample. The preferred source of oxygen is air, the preferred form of combustion heat is a flame, and the preferred form of reducing agent is hydrogen gas.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of examining inorganic materials which are treated with organosilicon compounds, wherein the sample material is pyrolyzed within a few seconds and the pyrolysis products are analyzed on-line by gas chromatography on a PLOT column (porous layer open tubular column).

Abstract: A solid object carrying a catalyzer thereon is placed in a closed reaction chamber into which test gases are supplied and is heated up to a temperature of 1000.degree. C. Adsorbates are formed on the surface of the solid object under the test gas flow in the closed reaction chamber. Infrared radiations radiated from the adsorbates are emitted through an infrared-transmissive window hermetically formed on a wall of the closed reaction chamber, and are analyzed by an infrared radiation spectrometer and observed by a microscope. The infrared-transmissive window is cooled down by a cooling device attached thereto so that the temperature of the window does not exceed a certain level, e.g., 200.degree. C. Thus, the adsorbates formed on the solid object can be detected and analyzed under conditions where the test gas is actually flowing and the temperature of the solid object is elevated up to a high level.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a mass spectrometer probe and method of using said probe for desorption and ionization of analytes. The sample probe comprises a layer of energy absorbing molecules on the surface of the probe, free of analyte. The analyte is applied to the layer of energy absorbing molecules. The analyte can be desorbed by a high energy source and detected in the mass spectrometer. The probe and methods are useful in detection and analysis of macromolecules such as proteins or other biomolecules.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system, apparatus, and process to reduce the oxidized mercury in an exhaust gas to elemental mercury and to prevent its reoxidation by congeneric components in the exhaust gas prior to the photometric measurement of said elemental mercury. In the process, the sample stream flows through a reactor heated to preferably about 800.degree. C. in which a stream of hydrogen is introduced directly into a hot portion thereof. The congeneric oxidized mercury species, i.e, HgCl.sub.2, and HgO are thermally reduced quantitatively to elemental mercury. The hydrogen reacts in situ with oxygen to form water vapor and with chlorine to form hydrochloride gas. The hydrochloride gas is effectively absorbed by the water vapor and consequently prevents the reoxidation of elemental mercury. The concentration of total mercury in a stream can then be determined by the intensity of radiation absorbed by a UV spectrometer.

Abstract: The invention describes a method and an apparatus for the automated testing of the flash point and can be used for determining the flash point of flammable liquids. In particular, the inventive method makes is possible to automate the phase of preparing and changing the samples. The apparatus described is characterized in that the whole of the test equipment (1) consists of a stationary simultaneous function head (2) and a mobile test insert (3), which can be separated completely from the simultaneous function head (2), the test insert (3), pre-installed, having the temperature sensor (4) and the flash point indicator (5) and contacting elements (6) for producing the electrical connection to the temperature sensor (4) and to the flash point indicator (5) and at least one coupling element (10) for producing the mechanical connection between a stirrer driving mechanism (7) and the stirrer (8) being disposed at the simultaneous function head (2).

Abstract: A device (10) for determining the percent fat of a meat product such as beef or pork. The device 10 is presented in two designs, the first design uses a mechanical device in the form of a slide chart (12) and the second design employs an electronic device which is disclosed in three design configurations. The slide chart includes a stationary member (14) having a plurality of percent moisture windows (30) and percent fat windows (32) and a movable member (62) having a multiplicity of percent moisture figures (72) and percent fat figures (74). When a selected percent moisture figure (72) is located on the percent moisture window (30) the equivalent percent fat figure (74) is displayed on the percent fat window (32). The first design of the electronic device consists of a hand-held electronic calculator (90) which calculates the percent fat of the meat product when the percent moisture is known.

Abstract: A method for detection of the performance reduction of an exhaust gas purification catalyst used for reducing the concentration(s) of combustible components or (and) nitrogen oxides all present in an exhaust gas, which method detects a reduction in the heat amount E.sub.g generated from the exhaust gas by the reaction of the exhaust gas catalyzed by the catalyst, or a reduction in the cumulative heat amount generated from the exhaust gas by said reaction in a predetermined temperature range taken by the catalyst during its temperature increase. This method can detect the performance reduction of the catalyst accurately without conducting constant-speed vehicle running for a long time.

Abstract: In a first embodiment of the present invention, a control method and system are provided in an exhaust emission sampling system for controlling a flow controller in order to compensate for the effects of changing water vapor content in a diluted sample having a predetermined dilution ratio. A water measuring device such as a relative humidity sensor generates a water vapor signal based on the amount of water vapor in the diluted sample. The water vapor signal is then processed within a control unit to obtain a value for the amount of water in the diluted sample. A control signal is generated by the control unit based on the amount of water vapor, flow rate of the exhaust emissions, and also, on the type of fuel used in the combustion process to control the flow controller which is, preferably, a mass flow controller.

Abstract: A method allowing fast assessment of at least one petroleum characteristic of geologic sediments from a sample of these sediments, said method comprising heating the sample in a non-oxidizing atmosphere, and which method comprises different temperature rise stages; determining at least three magnitudes S.sub.1r, S.sub.2a and S.sub.b representative of the quantity of hydrocarbons contained in said sample, and deducing at least one petroleum characteristic of the geologic sediment from these three magnitudes.

Abstract: In a first embodiment of the invention, a method for determining the hydrogen-to-carbon ratio of a liquid hydrocarbon fraction is presented. A sample of the liquid fraction is subjected to an ultra-violet absorption analysis. The results of the analysis correlate directly to the hydrogen-to-carbon ratio of the hydrocarbon fraction and, with a knowledge of this correlation, the hydrogen-to-carbon ratio of the sample under analysis may be determined. Another embodiment provides a method for monitoring the performance of a process for the preparation of olefins by the thermal cracking of a hydrocarbon feedstock. A liquid fraction is recovered from the product of the thermal cracking and subjected to an ultra-violet absorption analysis. The result of the analysis correlates directly to the hydrogen-to-carbon ratio of the product, which in turn correlates to the cracking severity being applied in the thermal cracking process.

Abstract: A method for microwave assisted chemical processes is disclosed that comprises applying sufficient microwave radiation to a temperature-monitored mixture of reagents, with at least one of the reagents being thermally responsive to electromagnetic radiation in the microwave range, and based on the monitored temperature, to maintain the added reagents at or closely about a predetermined temperature while substantially avoiding thermal dilution (or before substantial thermal dilution can occur) that otherwise would have been caused by the addition of the reagents to one another.

Abstract: A method for determining hydrogen content in a compound is disclosed. This method generally comprises heating the sample to sufficient temperatures to effect pyrolytic conversion of any hydrogen containing compounds in the sample to hydrogen gas, and measuring the hydrogen content evolved by this conversion. In a preferred embodiment, this is carried out in a tube furnace inerted and purged with a noble gas. An apparatus for determining hydrogen content in a compound is also disclosed.

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

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for the measurement of total organic carbon, total inorganic carbon, total carbon and total heteroorganic carbon of deionized water are described. In a preferred embodiment, the sample is split into a first stream and a second stream. Inorganic carbon in the first stream is measured using a temperature and conductivity cell, and then the organic carbon in the first stream is oxidized in a U.V. oxidation module. The resulting carbon dioxide is transferred through a carbon dioxide permeable membrane into the second stream. The second stream then passes into a second temperature and conductivity cell for the measurement of total carbon.

Abstract: The present invention and its claims encompass principles, methods, apparatus, and applications for detection, quantification, and monitoring of responses of gases, vapors, aerosols, and mixtures thereof to initiators of exothermic reactions. While the invention can be utilized for any concentration level, the intended, normal utilization is for gases in which the concentrations of species capable of participating in exothermic chemistry are too low to support self-sustaining exothermic reactions leading to detonations or deflagrations as well as for gases in which other factors prevent the exothermic reaction chemistry from becoming self-sustaining.

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

Abstract: A continuous flow method of determining the quantitative isotopic composition of hydrogen comprised in a compound is disclosed, together with apparatus for carrying out the method. The method involves introducing the sample to be analysed into a flow of carrier gas which does not contain hydrogen, the carrier gas then being arranged to flow through a heated catalytic reactor which contain a chromium-based catalyst. The sample is pyrolysed in the catalytic reactor so as to form molecular hydrogen which is then analysed mass-spectrometrically. Preferably a gas chromatrograph is disposed before the catalytic reactor so that one or more components or a mixture may be separately analysed.

Abstract: In an oxygen analyzer for an industrial process, an automotive type oxygen sensor has a sensor element assembly with an outer thin walled shield containing insulation and surrounding the sensor element of the automotive type oxygen sensor.