Abstract: The invention relates to a formed tablet calibration standard-reagent for calibrating Karl Fischer reactions for determining water content in a substance, the reagent containing a first component, namely sodium tartrate dihydrate, and a second component, namely magnesium stearate. The invention further relates to a method for determining the water content of a substance using a Karl Fischer analysis. The invention further relates to a formed tablet calibration standard-reagent kit that includes a sealed package containing a formed tablet calibration standard-reagent for a Karl Fischer reaction.

Abstract: A library of material samples is screened for properties such as permeability. A library of material samples is provided. A stimulus such as an exposure to a permeate fluid is provided to each member of the library. A response of each of the material samples due to the stimulus is measured and the response, the stimulus or both are recorded and related to provide data. Thereafter, the data is analyzed to reach conclusions regarding the properties of the material samples.

Abstract: The water-based resist stripping liquid management apparatus according to the present invention manages in an adjusting bath a water-based resist stripping liquid that is used in resist stripping equipment. In this apparatus, an absorptiometer that measures the water concentration in the water-based resist stripping liquid and an electrical conductivity meter that measures the degraded component concentration in the water-based resist stripping liquid are connected to a resist stripping treatment bath (adjusting bath) via pipelines, and at least one of a resist stripping stock liquid, a resist stripping reclaimed liquid, pure water, and a premixed resist stripping new liquid are fed into the resist stripping treatment bath in accordance with the measurement values obtained. As a result, the resist stripping performance of the water-based resist stripping liquid can be stably maintained, the amount of liquid used can be reduced, and the time for which operation is shut down can be reduced.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for measuring a water concentration in ammonia, comprising using ammonia having a water concentration of 10 ppm or less as a reference gas, introducing the ammonia at a constant flow rate into a multi-reflection long optical path gas cell, and measuring infrared absorption intensity of water at at least one measurement wave number in the range of from 3,500 to 4,000 cm?1, from 2,600 to 3,100 cm?1, or from 1,900 to 2,400 cm?1 at which infrared absorptions of ammonia and water do not overlap. According to the present invention, analysis of water in a low concentration range of 10 ppm or less in ammonia gas and liquefied ammonia can be performed in a simple and convenient manner.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a formed tablet calibration standard-reagent for Karl Fischer reactions to determine the water content of substances, such as pharmaceuticals, food stuffs, and oils.

Abstract: An apparatus for wet cleaning a substrate includes a clean air supplier for supplying the clean air into a cleaning draft, a humidifier for supplying steam or mist like water drops into the cleaning draft, a hygrometer, connected to the humidifier and positioned at the level of the cleaning solution, an exhaust piping and an exhaust rate control means.

Abstract: Silica-based carrier impregnated with iron(III) or iron(II) salts functions as a humidity indicator giving a yellow/amber to nearly colourless colour change as the carrier humidifies.

Abstract: The illustrated invention defines an analytical chip comprising an optically transparent substrate such as glass or silicon that defines a fluid inlet port and at least one fluid carrying channel communicating with the inlet. At least one reaction chamber fluidly communicates with the channel and an air management chamber is in fluid communication with the reaction chamber to facilitate capillary flow of fluid into the reaction chamber.

Abstract: An acid test kit uses an indicator paper in a transparent tube which is easily and temporarily inserted in a Schrader-valve at a compressor suction inlet of a refrigeration system. The simplicity, yet sufficient accuracy, of the kit permits several different ways of holding the paper in the tube through a friction fit. One way is to sandwich the paper between a tapered holder which is folded to provide a nose for actuating the Schrader valve. Another way is to provide the paper on or over a cylindrical member. A method for using the test kit including allowing vapor refrigerant from the system to pass through the tube to the atmosphere.

Abstract: A system and method for the determination of the UV energy level for a UV lamp is disclosed. The conductivity of a water sample is measured and then the water sample is exposed to radiation from a UV lamp. The temperature of the water may also be measured or the temperature may be controlled. The rate of change of the conductivity of the water sample is measured during the exposure of the water to the radiation from the UV lamp. Using the rate of change in the conductivity of the water sample, it can be determined when the UV energy level from the lamp falls below a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A method of treating hydrotest water to inhibits oxygen corrosion, microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) and to allow safe discharge of water. The combination treatment plan reduces biocide usage in a high pH brine. The reduced overall chemical usage facilitates meeting environmental guidelines while also minimizing chemical cost. The method includes: adding an oxygen scavenger to remove oxygen and prevent or minimize oxygen corrosion; raising the hydrotest water pH, typically in excess of pH 9.5; adding a biocide in reduced amount; and adding a scale inhibitor to inhibit scale.

Abstract: A method of detecting moisture or wetness which enables determination as to whether or not precision instruments or industrial products have undergone improper conditions, is described, which comprises: (i) use of a composite material which contains at least one water-soluble decoloring agent and at least one methine dye whose color disappears upon reaction with the decoloring agent in a state that the decoloring agent and the dye are spatially isolated from each other, and (ii) detection of a history of contact with moisture or water by disappearance of color from the composite material.

Abstract: A molecular contamination monitoring system includes a piezoelectric measurement sensor exposed to a molecular constituent to be measured; a piezoelectric reference sensor; and a filter for filtering said molecular constituent, the filter located between the reference sensor and the measurement environment. The reference sensor is exposed to the same ambient conditions of temperature, pressure and humidity as the measurement sensor. Alternatively, there may be a plurality of different reference sensors having different filters, or there may be a plurality of different measurement sensors.

Abstract: Silica-based carrier impregnated with iron(III) or iron(II) salts functions as a humidity indicator giving a yellow/amber to nearly colourless colour change as the carrier humidifies.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining water content in materials. A method and apparatus are provided whereby water contained in a sample of uncured cement is extracted into a solvent. Some of the solvent may then be reacted in a vessel and an indicator, such as a gas may be produced in a quantity that is proportionate to the concentration of water contained in the cement composition. By measuring the amount of indicator produced, the amount of water in the original sample can be determined.

Abstract: Total organic carbon in an aqueous or gaseous sample is measured by admitting the sample and an oxidant gas to a cell transparent to plasma, establishing a relatively low energy plasma in the cell, and measuring the CO2 thus produced using FTIR, NDIR, or conductivity-based techniques.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of testing an airbag module for a vehicle and, particularly, but not exclusively, to a method of testing an airbag module for a motor vehicle such as a car. A method of testing an airbag module is provided in which said module is tested for exposure to a given fluid, for example, water. The fluid exposure test ideally comprises the step of inspecting said airbag module or a swab taken therefrom by means of Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy techniques. The present invention thereby provides a testing method sufficiently rigorous to identify fluid damage potentially suffered by a previously installed airbag module during its service life.

Abstract: A test for determining the presence of multi-valent metal contaminants, such as arsenic, mercury and chromium, when present in certain valence states and a system for removal of these contaminants from water. Multi-valent metal salts, for example, Cr+6, which are highly toxic, can be detected and potentially removed from water through a redox reaction by reaction with iron or cobalt salts to obtain a reductive elimination of the Cr+6 by conversion to Cr+3. The determination may be in the form of a test, such that a tableted composition can be introduced into water for reduction of a metal salt, such as Cr+6 to Cr+3 in order to provide a visual indication thereof. The system for the conversion of Cr+6 or other reducible metal salts to other lower valence states having less toxicity would rely upon introduction of a metal salt in the form of a reducing agent which would be introduced into the water allowing for a reduction/oxidation action to take place.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems that uses transgenic zebrafish with an easily assessable reporter gene under the control of pollutant-inducible DNA response elements. Transgenic zebrafish, carrying pollution-inducible response elements, are placed in the water to be tested, and the contaminants become bioconcentrated (generally 1,000- to 40,000-fold, relative to the water) in the tissues of the fish thereby activating specific response elements, which up-regulate the LUC reporter gene. Fish are then removed from the test water and placed immediately in a luminometer cuvette and incubated with luciferin. Luciferin is rapidly taken up into the tissues of the fish, oxidized by luciferase, and light is produced. The luminescence is proportional to the environmental concentration of the pollutant (to which the fish had been exposed), which drives the expression of the LUC gene by means of the various DNA motifs. The luminescence is quantitated in the luminometer.

Abstract: Silica-based carrier impregnated with iron(III) or iron(II) salts functions as a humidity indicator giving a yellow/amber to nearly colourless colour change as the carrier humidifies.

Abstract: An absorbent fiber is constructed to include a hydrophobic exterior and a hydrophilic interior for use in various absorbent constructions as an absorbent, capture and entrain liquids and attendant odors. A moisture monitoring device can be included in the absorbent fiber to detect a designated moisture level absorbed by the absorbent fiber. The moisture monitoring device includes a sensing device for detecting moisture absorbed by the absorbent fiber; and an alert device for receiving a signal from the sensor device when the sensor device detects a specified moisture level in the absorbent fiber. When the signal is received, the alert device issues an audible sound or otherwise notifies the user.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transition metal-ligand complex that shows changes in its luminescence lifetime characteristic and/or luminescence intensity as a function of the polarity and/or hydrogen bonding properties of its environment, and a sensor, probe, system and method based on the complex for detecting the presence, amount or concentration of a polar solvent in a medium.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for determining the swellability and the swelling kinetics of superabsorbent material (9) such as polymer gels, for example, which comprises introducing a defined volume of the dry superabsorbent material (9) into a measuring vessel (7), using a movable element (4) within said measuring vessel (7) to apply a restraining force (12) to said superabsorbent material (9) and capturing the expansion of said superabsorbent material (9) contactlessly within a chamber (14) in a continuous manner by capturing the change in height of a piston (4) which bounds said chamber (14), travels in a measuring vessel (7) and is marked with a height scale (6).

Abstract: A hardness indicator composition, and a method of water hardness analysis, capable of measuring hardness even with higher-hardness water without requiring titration by a two-liquid system. The hardness indicator composition is formulated of a metal indicator with a desensitizer added thereto.

Abstract: A fiber optic moisture sensor is described that can detect the presence or concentration of an analyte in an environment; additionally, a method for making the sensor is described. The invention consists of three primary components: a sensor head, an optical link, and a sensor readout. The sensor head contains the sensing medium, which is comprised of a superabsorbing polymer that hosts a hydrochromic material. The superabsorbing polymer attracts moisture from the environment it is sensing until an equilibrium concentration of water in the environment is obtained effectively magnifying the ability of the hydrochromic material to sense very small concentrations of moisture. An optical link allows light to travel to and from the sensor head. The sensor readout has the necessary electronics to calibrate the optical signal from the sensor head, and the ability to determine and communicate the moisture concentration in the environment being sensed to the user or process control system.

Abstract: A field-installable and removable moisture and/or acid test kit and method is used for a vapor compression system. A moisture and/or acid indicator is provided in the test kit which is installed at a single point location upstream or downstream of the system compressor in a region where the system working fluid is in a substantially vapor phase. The test kit can be connected to the system by a threaded connection or a quick disconnect fitting. The moisture/acid indicator in the test kit detects the presence of moisture and/or acid by a diffusion of moisture or acid to the indicator via diffusion. Some magnification is provided in the test kit because the lower transport rates from the vapor diffusion mechanism requires a smaller mass of indicator material than has been used in conventional flowing liquid systems.

Abstract: A method for calculating dew point comprises providing a signal representative of relative humidity of the ambient; calculating a temperature signal representative of a predetermined dew point; providing a signal representative of actual temperature of the ambient; determining the difference between the signal representative of actual temperature and the calculated temperature signal to provide a differential temperature; using the relative humidity signal, calculating the rate at which dew point changes as a function of temperature; and calculating dew point by multiplying the differential temperature by the calculated rate at which dew point changes as a function of temperature. An apparatus for calculating dew point includes digital or analog circuitry for performing similar calculations.

Abstract: An acid test kit uses an indicator paper in a transparent tube which is easily and temporarily inserted in a Schrader-valve at a compressor suction inlet of a refrigeration system. The simplicity, yet sufficient accuracy, of the kit permits several different ways of holding the paper in the tube through a friction fit. One way is to sandwich the paper between a tapered holder which is folded to provide a nose for actuating the Schrader valve. Another way is to provide the paper on or over a cylindrical member. A method for using the test kit including allowing vapor refrigerant from the system to pass through the tube to the atmosphere.

Abstract: An absorbent fiber is constructed to include a hydrophobic exterior and a hydrophilic interior for use in various absorbent constructions as an absorbent, capture and entrain liquids and attendant odors. A moisture monitoring device can be included in the absorbent fiber to detect a designated moisture level absorbed by the absorbent fiber. The moisture monitoring device includes a sensing device for detecting moisture absorbed by the absorbent fiber; and an alert device for receiving a signal from the sensor device when the sensor device detects a specified moisture level in the absorbent fiber. When the signal is received, the alert device issues an audible sound or otherwise notifies the user.

Abstract: A headspace sampling system monitors materials in wastewater. The headspace sampling system comprises a sample receptacle that can contain a wastewater sample; a sparger chamber vapor column; a sample receptacle cover assembly that connects the sparger chamber vapor column to the sample receptacle; a sparger tube; at least one sensing device; and at least one analytic device. The sparger tube and the sample receptacle define a headspace. The sparger chamber vapor column is in communication with the sample receptacle and is closed by a sparger chamber vapor column cover at a second end that is opposed to the sample receptacle. The sparger tube extends into the sample receptacle and the wastewater sample in the sample receptacle. The sparger tube is connected to a source of inert gas at a first end opposed to the sample receptacle and comprises a dispersion device at an end opposed to the first end. The sensing device is disposed in the headspace sampling system in the headspace.

Abstract: A method of detecting moisture or wetness which enables determination as to whether or not precision instruments or industrial products have undergone improper conditions, is described, which comprises:

Abstract: Method and apparatus for measuring a water concentration in ammonia, comprising using ammonia having a water concentration of 10 ppm or less as a reference gas, introducing the ammonia at a constant flow rate into a multi-reflection long optical path gas cell, and measuring infrared absorption intensity of water at at least one measurement wave number in the range of from 3,500 to 4,000 cm−1, from 2,600 to 3,100 cm−1, or from 1,900 to 2,400 cm−1 at which infrared absorptions of ammonia and water do not overlap.

Abstract: A visual indicating paste composition for detecting of aqueous solutions in hydrocarbons by changes in color. The paste is utilized by placing on a probe and inserting the probe in a storage device for fuel. Said paste comprising: a) a liquid carrier selected from high molecular weight polyols; b) a caustic powder selected from alkaline earth oxides; c) a gelling agent; d) a surfactant consisting of ethoxylated nonylphenol with 9 moles of ethylene oxide; e) a filler material. f) a water scavenger consisting of aluminum isopropoxide; g) an indicator dye; and h) a neutral dye; wherein the paste of the present invention will change color upon contact with an aqueous solution in the pH range of about between 7 and 11.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for detecting presence of an analyte in ambient air. The apparatus comprising a valve for admitting ambient air, a line for conveying the air to a sensing element, a housing for isolating the environment around the sensing element, an inlet port for flowing the air tho the sensing element in a turbulent flow in a direction substantially perpendicularly to the sensing element, an outlet port for conveying the air from the sensing element, and a pump in communication with the outlet port for providing suction for drawing the air to the sensing element. The method includes the steps of drawing in ambient air that may contain an analyte, projecting the air at a sensing element in a turbulent flow by flowing the air at the sensing element, the sensing element having on its surface a chemoselective material that selectively interacts with the analyte, and detecting the interaction of the analyte with the sensing element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and a method for detecting antifreezing substances in a hermetic compressor.

Abstract: The present invention provides an object, which, in its outer surface contains a color-forming composition which comprises a solvent-absorbing material that is generally a polymer; a color-former compounded with the solvent-absorbing material, where the color-former functions as a metal chelating agent; and metal ions capable of forming a chelate complex with the color-former as the solvent-absorbing material absorbs a solvent, resulting in a detectable color change of the composition. The present invention also provides a method for indicating exposure of the color-forming composition to a solvent, wherein the color-forming composition is to be used on the outside surface of objects.

Abstract: A unit for detecting contaminating agents, especially in dental surgeries, comprises detecting-transducing means of a chemical, biochemical or electrical type designed to detect a quantity as a function of a variable to be checked and to provide an electrical signal corresponding to the quantity detected; and means for signaling the quantity, connected to the detecting-transducing means.

Abstract: In an HF alkylation process where an acid catalyst regeneration column separates HF acid from ASO and water to provide regenerated catalyst for a catalyst circulation stream, and where buildup of ASO in the catalyst circulation stream is encountered, an improved control scheme uses an on-line analyzer/controller to maintain desired concentrations of HF acid, or ASO or water in the catalyst circulation stream. In one embodoment, a continuously flowing catalyst slip stream is piped to the analyzer/controller for simultaneously determining concentration of HF acid, ASO and water, and in a preferred embodiment the ASO concentration is maintained at a desired low level by manipulating temperature of a stripping fluid charged to a lower section of the column. An alternate manipulated variable is temperature of the acid catalyst feed to the regenerator column. Alternate controlled variables are the HF acid, and water concentration in the catalyst circulation stream.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for in-line tritium-in-water monitoring in which a sample of water is vaporized at a temperature sufficient to transform it to dry water vapor substantially free of liquid water droplets. The water vapor is transferred to a tritium detection device having a chamber heated to a temperature at which there is substantially no condensation of the water vapor, the detection device comprising volume detection device adapted to detect .beta.-decay of tritium atoms in the water vapor. The volume detection device may comprise ionization chamber detector, gas scintillation counting detector and gas electron multiplier detector. The method and apparatus are preferably used to detect leaks of tritiated water from the primary to secondary side of the heat transport systems associated with certain types of nuclear reactors, and when used on an in-line, continuous basis, provide a time response as low as 10 seconds with the detection limits depending on the type of volume detection equipment used.

Abstract: Provided herein is a novel breath test for assessing hepatic function. The test involves administration of a labeled methionine or methionine metabolite to a subject and measurement of the expired label.

Abstract: A test device and method is described for directly determining the liquid phase water content of organic solvents and indirectly the liquid phase water content of solids. The device and method utilize a reagent composition consisting basically the dried residue of a mixture of a colorimetric indicator material, preferably a cobaltous or cuprous salt, and a polymeric water barrier material, such mixture incorporated into a matrix which is contacted with or immersed into the liquid test sample, removed therefrom and the color change of the test composition correlated with a standard color chart to give a quantitative result of the amount of water in the test sample. When the method is applied to solids, the water must first be extracted from the solid using a substantially anhydrous extracting fluid such as reagent alcohol.

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 humidity detection material includes oxide of at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Mg, Ca, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, and Cu. The metal oxide is preferably in the form of a porous material. The metal oxide is formed preferably in the form of a thin film on a transparent substrate. The humidity detection material is contacted with water vapor in the presence of a gas such as air, and the optical absorbance of the humidity detection material is measured to detect the humidity. The humidity can be detected by an optical method.

Abstract: The invention comprises a novel sample introduction system which incorporates a venturi pump to convey a sample gas to an analytical instrument at atmospheric pressure. An APCI, ICP or MIP mass spectrometer is preferred as the analytical instrument. Using such an inlet with an APCI mass spectrometer, the real-time analysis of trace materials present in breath is facilitated, enabling, for example, the release of compounds responsible for aroma and taste to be analysed during eating and drinking. The invention can also be used for headspace analysis and for monitoring the release of fragrances from skin or clothing.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for separating tritium from an aqueous solution that contains one or more additional dissolved radionuclides is disclosed. In accordance with the process the aqueous solution as a first liquid phase is contacted with each of three layers as a solid phase within a column. A first layer comprises particles having a plurality of pendent methylene diphosphonate groups. A second layer comprises strongly basic anion exchange particles, and a third layer comprises polymer particles free of ionically charged groups. The contact is maintained until a second liquid phase is formed that contains tritium as substantially the only radionuclide, and that second liquid phase is collected and can then be counted to determine the amount of tritium present. The column with its three layers constitutes the separation apparatus.

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: Colorimetric methods for determination of residual chlorine, free and combined, in water are described which comprise the use of 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB), as well as methods and kits for determining chlorine in water by visual comparison which comprise, apart from TMB, a calibration scale. The basis for the preparation of one of the kits (or the kit described as an example) lies in the orange color that is produced by means of the reaction between chlorine and TMB, which permits a straightforward determination of residual chlorine by means of a simple visual comparison with a graduated, stable scale that is constituted either by solutions of Tropaeolin O of different concentrations or, alternatively, by a printed scale on plastic material or paper, by etching.

Abstract: A capsule package and a touch-free method for water analysis. It allows for addition of dry ingredients and aqueous test reagent without any human intervention, and therefore substantially decreases the possibility for analysis error. Furthermore, it eliminates physical contact between the operator and the chemical reagent, thereby enhancing safety. Importantly, the packaging system allows for film protection of a water soluble membrane so that it is damage free prior to use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for quantitatively assessing the amount of any extraneous water contained in a milk sample, the method comprising the steps of (a) performing a determination of the infrared (IR) attenuation of the sample in at least one waveband, (b) quantitatively assessing the amount of any extraneous water in the sample on the basis of the determination (a) and predetermined regression coefficients derived from multivariate calibration with respect to the relationship between infrared attenuation in the at least one waveband and the amount of extraneous water. The invention furthermore relates to a similar method for determining the freezing point depression of the sample. In addition, the invention relates to a method for the establishment of a set of regression coefficients for use in an instrument which determines the amount of extraneous water or the freezing point depression of a milk sample.

Abstract: An analyzer and method for detecting and measuring the water content in a liquid sample in which the liquid sample is fed from its source to a head space chamber. The flow of liquid to the chamber is then halted, the water molecules in the liquid sample allowed to pass into the gaseous phase and escape from the liquid sample. A water-free carrier gas is caused to flow to the chamber and over the liquid to carry the gaseous water molecules to a moisture detector while the flow of the liquid sample to the head space chamber is halted.