Abstract: A method is disclosed for identifying the source of a transported chemical shipment. The method employs either a chemical element or an organic compound with one or more atoms that are non-radioactive isotopes generally not found in nature. A small quantity of the isotopic compound is introduced into the storage vessel containing the chemical to be transported prior to shipment of the chemical. Upon arrival at its destination point, a sample of the chemical shipment is analyzed. Matching the isotopic compound found in the chemical with the isotopic compound introduced into the storage vessel prior to shipment is indicative that the shipped chemical is identical to the chemical received. Non-radioactive materials may further be employed for detecting the source of a newly introduced contaminant in a water supply. The chemical substance may be a non-radioactive isotope of the chemical shipment being transported.

Abstract: A detector, which is source specific, for detecting a fugitive emission from a component containing a gaseous or volatile analyte, and is adaptable for adjacent disposition to the component. The device includes (a) a substrate for disposition adjacent the component from or through which the analyte is emitted, said substrate being substantially inert to the analyte, (b) an analyte-reactive reagent, and optionally (c) an indicator. The substrate is isolated from the ambient air or atmosphere, and no exogenous reagent is utilized by the detector or in the process of detection. When the detector is applied adjacent the component, a detectable reaction occurs (e.g., color-forming reaction or signal) with the analyte emitted.

Abstract: A gas indicator (11) for a modified atmosphere food package (19) comprises a series of strips (12, 13, 14, 15, 16) which progressively change colour as the proportion of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere progressively changes in magnitude due to absorption of the carbon dioxide by the food product (17) over time. The indicator (11) thus is "tuned" to indicate changing atmospheric conditions inside a see-through envelope (10) and thus the condition of the product (17) can be monitored and the package (19) is tamper evident.

Abstract: A method and apparatus assures effective operation of sterilizers, especially those of the pre-vacuum type. The apparatus performs two principal methods: (1) testing for completeness of air removal from a sterilizer chamber, including the re-entrainment of air in the load due to air leaks in the chamber, vacuum system and/or steam system, and (2) the testing for effective sterilization conditions. Also, performed are three secondary methods: (i) identifying of causes of sterilizer faults, (ii) providing of preventive maintenance procedures (an Early Warning) (iii) identifying of procedures to correct sterilization faults in progress. These methods are illustrated for the two principal modes of operation: (a) the performance of a Bowie and Dick type test, as is usually done on a once-a-day basis; and (b) monitoring the sterilizer during load conditions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for quantitatively monitoring a chemical component dissolved in a liquid medium utilize the creation, in a measurement cell, of an interface zone between the liquid medium and an analytical reagent or reference solution. The concentration or amount of the chemical component are determined by the measurement of a value of a measurement parameter in the interface zone, and the derivation from that value of the concentration or amount of the component in comparison with a baseline or reference value measured for the reagent or reference solution alone. Matrix effects and ghosting errors are avoided. The method and apparatus can be used advantageously for on-line optimization and control of industrial, chemical and biological processes, such as chemical reactions in progress, coupling reactions for the synthesis of azo compounds, and the monitoring of in vivo or in vitro biological systems as well as for conventional analytical purposes.

Abstract: A chemiluminescent dye penetrant composition is provided for detecting cracks and other defects in the surface of an object, which comprises a carrier, preferably in the form of a nonionic surfactant, a small amount of a fluorescent dye soluble in the surfactant and a minor amount of hydrogen peroxide. The dye penetrant is applied to the surface of the object and excess dye penetrant is removed therefrom. An oxalate ester or oxalate amide is then applied to the treated surface and reacts with the dye penetrant in the cracks and defects to luminesce, and produces self illuminated penetrant indications at the location of the cracks and defects. Oxalate esters such as bis(2,4,6 trichlorophenyl) oxalate are preferred. The oxalate ester or oxalate amide can be mixed with inert conventional developer materials such as talc or fumed silica.

Abstract: A portable (handheld) volatile organic compound monitoring system for monitoring, for fugitive emissions, a device that includes a coded identification tag. The system includes a housing, a tag reader, analysis chamber structure, a sample probe coupled to the analysis chamber, and pump structure for drawing a gas sample to be analyzed through the sample probe into the analysis chamber. Ionization apparatus is coupled to the analysis chamber for ionizing a gas sample drawn into the analysis chamber from the device being monitored, and a sensor responsive to ionized gas in the chamber produces an output signal as a function of an ionization characteristic of the ionized gas. First storage stores a plurality of response factors as a function of various types of volatile organic compounds to be monitored, second storage stores tag information read by the tag reader, and circuitry responsive to tag information stored in the second storage selects a response factor from the first storage.

Abstract: The invention provides an analytical device, and method of using same, for detecting a gaseous or volatile analyte and adaptable to be applied directly to the surface of a solid material from which said analyte is emitted. The device comprises a substrate for disposition adjacent a surface of the solid material, and applied to the substrate are (a) an analyte-reactive component which reacts with said analyte, and (b) an indicator in sufficient quantity to produce a detectable signal selective to the reaction thereby detecting said analyte. The analytical device has no exogenous reagent.

Abstract: A paint or coating composition and method for detecting vapor or liquid reactants, such as ammonia. The composition is composed of ethyl cellulose as a binder, a filler, such as amorphous silica, and a dye, such as bromophenol blue. The composition serves as a passive detector for vapor or liquid reactants when applied to selected surfaces as a paint. The composition is capable of detecting extremely low concentrations of vapor. Further, the composition is capable of regenerating to its original color, thereby providing repeated detection capability.

Abstract: Chromogenic solvent detectors are used to detect and map the presence of organic solvent-containing materials on a surface. The detector need only be applied to the surface to be tested. When removed, the dark areas on the detector correspond to those areas of the surface where an organic solvent-containing material was present. This method can be used to test the release properties of a release film.

Abstract: A device for detecting a medium includes a sensor hose to be laid at a medium to be detected. A material is disposed at least in the vicinity of the sensor hose. The material reacts when in contact with the medium to be detected to produce a substance being capable of diffusion and being detectable.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for detecting and/or monitoring the presence of hydrocarbons in a fluid medium at a remote location, by sensing the presence of hydrocarbon-based fluid in the fluid medium in the remote location, generating a signal indicative of the sensed fluid, and transmitting the signal to monitoring means for indication of hydrocarbon contamination. The apparatus has multiple sensors at different vertical levels for sensing the fluid medium at a plurality of levels within the fluid.

Abstract: The claimed invention relates to a substrate for evaluating glycosidic enzymes comprising a resorufin derivative of the general formula: ##STR1## wherein Gly is a carbohydrate bonded to resorufin by a glycosidic linkage; where at least one of substituents R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.4, R.sub.6, R.sub.8, and R.sub.9 is a lipophilic residue of the formula --L(CH.sub.2).sub.n CH.sub.3, where n is greater than 3 and less than 22, and where L is a methylene --CH.sub.2 --, an amide --NHCO--, a sulfonamide --NHSO.sub.2 --, a carboxamide --CONH--, a carboxylate ester --COO--, a urethane --NHCOO--, a urea --NHCONH--, or a thiourea --NHCSNH--; andwhere the remainder of substituents R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.4, R.sub.6, R.sub.8, and R.sub.9, which may be the same or different, are hydrogen, halogen, or other lipophilic residues, which may be the same or different, containing from about 1 to about 22 carbon atoms of the formula --L'(CH.sub.2).sub.m CH.sub.3, where m is less than 22, and where L' is a methylene --CH.sub.

Abstract: A method for monitoring unusual signs such as partial heatings and partial electric discharges in an apparatus to be monitored, in which a sealed gas is enclosed into a tank containing the apparatus, and at least one of monitor gases represented by formulas (I) and (II),C.sub.n X.sub.2n (I)C.sub.n X.sub.2n+2 (II)wherein X is at least one of H, F, Cl, Br and I, and n is one of 2, 3, 4 and 5, is charged into the tank, and in which a reaction product gas of the monitor gas, generated due to an abnormality of the apparatus to be monitored, is detected using a detector. A gas-charged apparatus including an unusual sign monitor is also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for testing an elastic membrane for permeability ot submicroscopic particles. The device has a first chamber to contain the particles in a fluid medium; a second chamber to contain a reagent for detecting the presence of any of the particles; suitable structure for mounting the membrane between the chambers in a fluid-tight manner so that the membrane separates the chambers; and a mechanism for applying stress to the membrane.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting leaks in underground fluid pipes. Detection of a leak is achieved by introducing a liquid phase tracer into the fluid within the underground pipe, which volatilzes to a gas phase when the fluid leaks from the underground fluid pipe. A permeable tube is buried in the soil in a position above an underground fluid transfer pipe. At least one end of the permeable tube is terminated in a recess vault for access to the end of the permeable tube and sampling soil gases from the permeable tube. Should any fluid leak occur in the underground fluid transfer pipe, the escaping tracer escapes in liquid form and, upon encountering free air in the subsurface soil, vaporizes to the gas phase and diffuses through the soil surrounding the underground fluid transfer pipe and into the permeable tube for collection and analysis.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting oil and other lighter-than-water contaminants in an effluent stream in a sewage system. The apparatus includes a disposable detector which floats in the effluent stream and detects oil and other contaminants having a specific gravity lighter than the water by absorbing the oil and such contaminants in an oleophilic material, permitting the oil and other contaminants to rise and collect in a collection tube. The acidity of pH of the effluent being monitored is determined by routing a portion of the effluent stream across a litmus paper.

Abstract: A method for distinguishing between carcinomatous and/or precarcinomatous colo-rectal disease and histologically similar conditions due to diseases that are not carcinomatous or precarcinomatous comprising contacting colo-rectal tissue with an antibody that binds to blood group substance H and determining the presence of carcinomatous or precarcinomatous disease upon a finding of bound antibody, or the absence of such disease upon the finding of no bound antibody.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composite material adaptable to form bodily fluid protection apparel that can alert a wearer that a breach in the apparel has occurred. The apparel comprises a first layer impervious to bodily fluid and a second layer supporting the first layer. The second layer comprises a bodily fluid detection means indicating the presence of bodily fluid. A variety of apparel, including gloves and masks, can be formed. Any one of a number of bodily fluids, including blood, saliva, and semen, can be detected by the detection means.

Abstract: A reusable indicating material for detecting leaks in sealed structures and other closed bodies comprises a fabric saturated with an indicator solution containing an acid-base indicator, a surfactant, a buffering system and a humectant. The indicator solution remains reactive when the fabric is dry to the touch and will indicate the presence of leaks in the structure being tested by changing color when a reactive gas escapes from the structure being tested. Upon removal from the tested structure the indicator material reverts to its original color and is available for subsequent tests.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for detecting fuel leaks employing color variable indicators. The method comprises the steps of preparing and applying a water soluble non-staining indicator dye to a test surface, observing color changes indicative of hydrocarbon leaks and removing the indicator dye from the test surface. The apparatus comprises in combination means for preparing the indicator dye, means for applying the indicator dye to the test surface and means for removing the dye from the test surface. The indicator dye comprises a major portion of a dry inert mineral carrier from about 0.1 to about 5.0 weight percent of a direct dye which is non-staining on painted surfaces and which does not migrate into or penetrate polyurethane or epoxy resin base painted surfaces, and from 0.1 to about 1.0 weight percent of a surfactant.

Abstract: A leak detection system for detecting leaks of a hydrocarbon from an underground tank uses a dye that is soluble in hydrocarbon, but not in water. At least one riser pipe extends from a point adjacent the bottom of the tank to the surface. The lower end of the riser pipe is perforated. A permeable container containing a quantity of the dye is placed in the bottom of the pipe. A line extends from the container to the top of the pipe for enabling an inspector to periodically pull the container to the surface to determine if the color of the container has changed, indicating leakage of hydrocarbon liquid.

Abstract: A device for indicating the presence of a gas includes a closed housing having an interior wall with a color indicator disk on one side wall and an opposite wall having an opening with an inflow pipe for the inflow of the gas to be detected. The interior of the housing forms a flat measuring chamber having the side wall with the detector disk of a size comparable to the length and diameter of the inflow pipe so as to form a diffusion area across which a mass transport of the gas to be detected takes place, that is, largely independent of air currents. The color indicated disk advantageously has a circular periphery and the inflow pipe is of cylindrical section and it is smaller than one-fifth the diameter of the measuring chamber having the disk. Advantageously, the length of the pipe section is less than the thickness of the measuring chamber.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for detecting fuel leaks employing color variable indicators are disclosed. The method comprises the steps of preparing and applying a water soluble non-staining indicator dye to a test surface, observing color changes indicative of hydrocarbon leaks and removing the indicator dye from the test surface. The apparatus comprises in combination an apparatus for preparing the indicator dye, a spray apparatus for applying the indicator dye to the test surface and surface cleaning apparatus for removing the dye from the test surface. The indicator dye comprises a major portion of a dry inert mineral carrier and from about 0.1 to about 5.0 weight percent of a direct dye which is non-staining on painted surfaces and which does not migrate into or penetrate polyurethane or epoxy resin base painted surfaces.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process and test kit for determining the reliability of a barrier to microorganism passage. In accordance with the process, a multiplicity of non-self replicating particles is introduced into a first gas volume, disposed on one side of a barrier to particle movement, and particle traps are placed in a second gas volume on the other side of the barrier. The particles carry a marker substance such as a toxin for a selected microorganism or a component needed for growth of a selected microorganism. The barrier is operated and the contents of the trap are assayed for the amount of the marker substance present in association with particles which crossed the barrier by adding the marker substance in the trap to a culture of the selected microorganism and detecting the effect of the marker substance on the culture. Finally, the results of the assay are compared to a standard to determine the number of trapped particles which crossed the barrier.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the rapid detection and pinpoint location of leaks in one or more of a plurality of subsurface fluid storage tanks. A quantity of tracer material such as a fluorinated halocarbon compound is mixed with fluids in each of the plurality of underground storage tanks. A first subsurface vapor pipe or conduit having an above-surface air inlet and a plurality of apertures therein is positioned in the backfill within the vicinity of the tanks and the above-surface inlet is used for conducting, drawing or sucking air into the air inlet pipe. A second subsurface sample or collection pipe having an above-surface pipe outlet and a plurality of apertures therein is also positioned in the vicinity of the tanks into the backfill. Air drawn down into the vapor pipe passes through the backfill and past a plurality of storage tanks and in close proximity thereto, and into the sample pipe. Any tracer which is leaking from the tank or tanks will be picked up and drawn into the sample pipe.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting leaks from underground gasoline storage tanks and the like by routine or periodic soil samples tested for a particular tracer. A fluorinated halocarbon compound tracer having a boiling point less than that of gasoline is slowly dispensed within the gasoline, natural gas, or the like in the tank. A sampling pipe having a plurality of apertures therein is also buried in selected locations in the vicinity of the tank, and samples of the soil gas are pumped from the pipe and supplied to a Nafion water separator prior to analysis by gas chromatographic techniques. If a leak in the tank should occur, the tracer will exit with the leaking gasoline, quickly vaporize, and travel rapidly by molecular diffusion in all directions. Elements of the tracer will therefore be detected in the soil gas pumped from the sample pipe using standard gas chromatography techniques, indicating that a leak exists in the tank.

Abstract: A detector for detecting leaks of a corrosive liquid such as strong acids or bases is provided comprising a light guide core having a covering which generates heat upon contact with the liquid to the detected, thereby changing the light transmissivity of the light guide, which change can be measured. The covering comprises a porous polymer having a salt within its pores such as an ammonium salt which dissolves in the liquid to be detected and generates heat thereby.

Abstract: A non-destructive on-site method of inspection, and testing of the insulating performance and reconditioning of a concentric insulating tubular conduit member is disclosed. The insulating tubular conduit members comprise concentric walled members with an intermediate annular insulating cavity defined therebetween. This non-destructive method of testing and inspection is based on a determination of the presence of an unacceptable level of moisture in the annular insulating cavity. Visual, auditory, electrical, and radioactive indicating means can be employed in accordance with the principles of this invention.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring stored material is disclosed. Material to be stored and monitored is placed within the innermost container of a series of nested containers and monitoring fluids are circulated in a closed loop of fluid flow through the spaces between the nested containers. Monitoring devices are used to analyze said monitoring fluids to detect leakage of the stored material from the innermost nested container and to detect the migration of external fluids into the series of nested containers. A computer based monitoring system continually checks the values of various parameters of the monitoring fluids to immediately detect and report the presence of stored material or external fluid in the monitoring fluids. The stored material may then be immediately retrieved from storage to repair leaks in the series of nested containers. The invention is particularly suited for monitoring the storage of hazardous material such as radioactive waste material.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for detecting fuel leaks employing color variable indicators. The method comprises the steps of preparing and applying a water soluble non-staining indicator dye to a test surface, observing color changes indicative of hydrocarbon leaks and removing the indicator dye from the test surface. The apparatus comprises in combination means for preparing the indicator dye, means for applying the indicator dye to the test surface and means for removing the dye from the test surface. The indicator dye comprises a major portion of a dry inert mineral carrier from about 0.1 to about 5.0 weight percent of a direct dye which is non-staining on painted surfaces and which does not migrate into or penetrate polyurethane or epoxy resin base painted surfaces, and from about 0.1 to about 1.0 weight percent of a surfactant.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for tagging methane by adding thereto one or more of the tracer compounds sulfur hexafluoride and chloropentafluoroethane. The methane being tagged is noramlly being stored in underground storage fields to provide identity and proof of ownership of the gas. The two tracer compounds are readily detectable at very low concentrations by electron capture gas chromatography apparatus which can be made portable and thus suitable for use in the field.

Abstract: Changes in the flow-rates of each one of a plurality of fluid streams which pass from respective conduits (13) to a common conduit (12) are monitored by taking a representative sample of fluid from a sampling point (16) of the common conduit, determining the change in composition of at least key components of the sample relative to a preceding sample obtained in the same manner, and computing from the change in composition the composition of the fluid stream whose flow-rate has changed, so that the fluid stream can be identified by reference to a library or database of fluid stream compositions. When the fluid streams are gases (e.g. gases to be flared at an oil refinery or chemical process plant), each sample may be analyzed by a gas chromatograph (18) at predetermined intervals and the fluid stream whose flow-rate has changed may be identified automatically by comparison with a database or library (22) of fluid streams. The thus identified fluid stream may be recorded and/displayed (19).

Abstract: A viewer for improving the visibility of Halide gas leak detectors, and comprising an observation tunnel embracing the flame shield of the detector at one closed end, open at the other end for closure by the face of the person making the observation directly by eye, and characterized by inlet and exhaust ventilators at opposite ends thereof and the later operating as a chimney for convection flow of heated flame gases, the ventilators being of labyrinth form obscuring outside light from the tunnel.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for on the site determination of the characteristics of an oil-pollutant containing water. The determinaton includes the use of a combination of devices designed to permit the on-site determination of the water content and specific gravity of the mixture of water and pollutant, and the initial boiling point of water-free pollutant.