Abstract: The present invention includes a needle connected to a urine container; a side of the needle is connected to the urine container, and the other side is a blunt end; a holder is mounted on a base, and the urine container is detachably mounted on the holder; a camera unit is mounted on the base, aiming at the blunt end; a light source is mounted on the base, emitting a detection beam; a processor unit is electrically connected to the camera unit; wherein when a sample urine in the urine container drips through the needle and forms a drop of urine, the detection beam passes through the drop of urine and travels into the camera unit; the processor unit receives an image of the drop of urine through the camera unit, and the processor unit instantly calculates a protein concentration of the drop of urine from the image.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automated workflow comprise assigning a set of first targets to an uncompiled first workflow. The uncompiled first workflow specifies a first set of process modules. Each such module is associated with a subset of unit operations. Each unit operation includes a time interval and specifies an instrument. For each target in the set of first targets, the uncompiled workflow is translated into an instance of a compiled first workflow comprising a linear temporal order of unit operations, each including execution instructions for an addressed instrument. A set of second targets is obtained and assigned a second uncompiled workflow. Compilation of the second uncompiled workflow for each second target produces a different instance of a compiled second workflow. Each second compiled workflow comprises a linear temporal order of unit operations, with each unit operation including execution instructions for an addressed instrument and specifying a time interval.

Abstract: An accommodation unit includes a plurality of accommodation positions, each of the plurality of accommodation positions being capable of accommodating one of the plurality of samples. A detection unit detects identification information of each of the plurality of samples in the accommodation unit. A control unit holds the identification information of each of the plurality of samples received from the detection unit as detected identification information. The control unit is configured to receive identification information of each of a plurality of samples designated as analysis targets, and hold the received identification information as designated identification information. The control unit includes a notification means configured to output a warning before analysis is started by the analysis unit, when the control unit makes a comparison between the designated identification information and the detected identification information and determines that there is a mismatch therebetween.

Abstract: The invention relates to a catalyst which comprises: a) a mixed metal oxide of molybdenum, vanadium, niobium and optionally tellurium; and b) ceria particles having a crystallite size greater than 15 nanometers (nm); wherein the amount of the ceria particles, based on the total amount of the catalyst, is of from 1 to 60 wt. %. Further, the invention relates to a process for preparing a catalyst, which comprises mixing a mixed metal oxide of molybdenum, vanadium, niobium and optionally tellurium with ceria particles having a crystallite size greater than 15 nanometers (nm), wherein the amount of the ceria particles, based on the total amount of the catalyst, is of from 1 to 60 wt. %. Still further, the invention relates to an alkane oxidative dehydrogenation and/or alkene oxidation process wherein such catalyst is used.

Abstract: A microfluidic apparatus includes a substrate defining a microchannel having inlet and an outlet defining a length of the microchannel. The microchannel has a main channel extending from the inlet to the outlet, and a plurality of side cavities extending from the main channel. The cavities are in fluid communication with the main channel. A method includes introducing a sample into the microchannel through the inlet to fill the entire microchannel, and then introducing a solvent into the microchannel through the inlet at a controlled flow rate and inlet pressure. A developed solvent front then moves along the main channel from the inlet to the outlet while displacing the sample in the main channel. Images of the microchannel are acquired as the front moves, and a miscibility condition is determined based on the images.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for determining an asphaltene solubility distribution for a petroleum sample and/or other hydrocarbon sample. A vessel for performing the method can include both packing material(s) and sidewall(s) that correspond to substantially inert materials. The vessel can initially contain a precipitating solvent suitable for causing precipitation of asphaltenes from a hydrocarbon sample. Examples of a precipitating solvents can correspond to n-heptane, toluene, and mixtures of n-heptane and toluene. The petroleum sample is then introduced into the vessel, along with a carrier solvent. The volume of the precipitating solvent can be large relative to the sample, so that the solubility of asphaltenes in the sample becomes dependent on the properties of the precipitating solvent. If asphaltenes are precipitated, the asphaltenes can be washed out of the column using a dissolution solvent.

Abstract: A method is provided for operating a controlled atmosphere (CA) system to regulate the atmosphere in a cargo storage space. The CA system comprises a gas exchange module operable to vary the level of a component gas in the cargo storage space, a control module to control operation of the gas exchange module, and at least one of an oxygen sensor and a carbon dioxide sensor, each being operable to measure a parameter indicative of a level of oxygen or carbon dioxide respectively in the cargo storage space. The method comprises: the control module determining a respiration parameter value indicative of the rate of change of oxygen level and/or the rate of change of carbon dioxide level in the cargo storage space due to respiration of goods in the cargo storage space; and the control module controlling operation of the gas exchange module based on the determined respiration parameter value to target an oxygen level setpoint and/or a carbon dioxide level setpoint.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides apparatus and methods for handling slides. The apparatus includes a carrier comprising a retention hole and a cartridge having a case coupled to one or more separators that together define a plurality of compartments each configured to accept the carrier. At least one of the separators comprises a guide hole, with all guide holes are disposed on a first axis. The retention hole of the carrier is aligned with the first axis when the carrier is disposed in a seated position within one of the compartments. The cartridge also comprises a plurality of spacers each partially disposed within at least one of the guide holes.

Abstract: A method for producing a contact structure for an optoelectronic semiconductor component is given, comprising the steps: a) providing a growth substrate having a semiconductor body which is grown thereon and comprises a first and a second region, and an active region, b) creating at least one first recess which, starting from the second region, extends completely through the active region into the first region and does not completely penetrate the first region, c) inserting a first electrically conductive contact material into the first recess, d) fixing the semiconductor body with the side facing away from the growth substrate on a support substrate, and detaching the growth substrate from the semiconductor body, e) creating at least one second recess extending from the first region to the first recess so that the first recess and the second recess form a feedthrough through the semiconductor body, f) introducing a second electrically conductive contact material into the second recess in such a way that t

Abstract: Various systems, devices, NO2 absorbents, NO2 scavengers and NO2 recuperator for generating nitric oxide are disclosed herein. According to one embodiment, an apparatus for converting nitrogen dioxide to nitric oxide can include a receptacle including an inlet, an outlet, a surface-active material coated with an aqueous solution of ascorbic acid and an absorbent wherein the inlet is configured to receive a gas flow and fluidly communicate the gas flow to the outlet through the surface-active material and the absorbent such that nitrogen dioxide in the gas flow is converted to nitric oxide.

Abstract: The invention provides barcode libraries and methods of making and using them including obtaining a plurality of nucleic acid constructs in which each construct comprises a unique N-mer and a functional N-mer and segregating the constructs into a fluid compartments such that each compartment contains one or more copies of a unique construct. The invention further provides methods for digital PCR and for use of barcode libraries in digital PCR.

Abstract: A selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system is provided for treating exhaust gas in an exhaust passage. The system comprises a hydrolysis catalyst located in the exhaust passage, and a diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) dosing unit configured to inject DEF onto the hydrolysis catalyst. A SCR catalyst is located in the passage downstream of the hydrolysis catalyst, and a controller controls DEF dosing by the dosing unit. The controller is configured to control the DEF dosing unit such that the DEF is injected at a modulated frequency of less than or equal to 1 Hertz. A method of treating exhaust gas in an exhaust passage using an SCR system is also provided.

Abstract: A method for determining a concentration of a chemical of interest in a recirculating analyte system includes the steps of selecting a first indicator threshold, measuring the flow rate of the recirculating analyte system, controllably adding a known amount of reagent to the recirculating analyte system at an known flow rate, repetitively measuring an indicator of the recirculating analyte system downstream from the addition of the reagent, and computing the concentration of the chemical of interest of the recirculating analyte system when the indicator measurement crosses the indicator threshold.

Abstract: A fluorometer may be used to measure ultralow concentrations of fluorescing species, such as ultralow concentrations of fluorescent tracer passing through a reverse osmosis membrane into a permeate stream. In some examples, the fluorometer may be recalibrated by resetting some but not all of the calibration parameters used to determine the concentration of fluorescent tracer in the permeate based on the measured fluorescent response of the fluorometer. For example, an intercept of a calibration curve may be reset or recalibrated for the fluorometer in situ, potentially providing significant accuracy improvements even though the fluorometer has not undergone a full recalibration.

Abstract: A method is provided for thermally converting non-radioactive combustible wastes to a substantially non-hazardous, non-leachable, sintered particulate carbon-less ash by-product in a kiln having a plurality of reaction zones. The kiln including first and second ends and a body provided between the first and second ends that defines a cavity having a refractory lining that provides resistance to heat conduction. A processor and flow rate controllers are provided that control a flow rate through the body of waste that enters at the first end of the kiln and the flow rate of oxidant gas that enters at the second end of the kiln, the second end being opposite to the first end. The body may be positioned substantially horizontal and may include a length-to-diameter ratio and a resistance to heat conduction that provides a temperature gradient within the cavity to forms separate reaction zones during operation.

Abstract: A system and method for performing data-based optimization of performance indicators of process and manufacturing plants. The system consists of modules for collecting and merging data from industrial processing units, pre-processing the data to remove outliers and missingness. Further, the system generates customized outputs from data and identifies important variables that affect a given process performance indicator. The system also builds predictive models for key performance indicators comprising the important features and determines operating points for optimizing the key performance indicators with minimum user intervention. In particular, the system receives inputs from users on the key performance indicators to be optimized and notifies the users of outputs from various steps in the analysis that help the users to effectively manage the analysis and take appropriate operational decisions.

Abstract: The invention provides a droplet encapsulate comprising: a drop of a hydrophobic medium; a peripheral layer of non-polymeric amphipathic molecules around the surface of the drop; and an aqueous droplet within the peripheral layer, the aqueous droplet comprising: (a) an aqueous medium and (b) an outer layer of non-polymeric amphipathic molecules around the surface of the aqueous medium. The invention also provides processes for preparing the droplet encapsulates. Various uses of the droplet encapsulates are also described, including their use as drug delivery vehicles, in synthetic biology, and in the study of membrane proteins.

Abstract: A sensor arrangement and method for measuring the speed of sound in a gas to determine gas characteristics, such as composition, temperature and/or humidity of the gas. The sensor arrangement includes a sound sender, first and second sound receivers, and a signal processing unit. The sound sender and sound receivers are arranged such that the travel distance of the sound provided by the sender to the first receiver is different from the travel distance of the sound provided by the sender to the second receiver. Further the arrangement includes the signal processing unit connected with the sender and the receivers which operates to determine the gas characteristics.

Abstract: A mobile device based multi-analyte testing analyzer for use in medical diagnostic monitoring and screening, and a method of manufacturing the same are disclosed. A reflectance based, colorimetric test strip reader for use with a mobile device having a jack plug receiving socket, said test strip reader adapted for removably receiving a test strip having a test strip longitudinal axis, comprising a housing; a jack plug operably coupled to and extending from said housing and adapted for operable coupling with said jack plug receiving socket; a test strip adapter including structure defining a test strip receiving channel; a light source oriented within said housing for directing light toward said test strip receiving channel to illuminate a test strip arranged within said test strip adapter; and a light sensor oriented within said housing to sense light reflected from a test strip carried by said test strip receiving channel.

Abstract: A reactor as a heat treatment device includes heat transfer structures removably placed in first flow channels, a first information acquisition unit connected to the inlet side of the first flow channels to acquire information for specifying a temperature and a flow rate of the first fluid which are reference conditions after lapses of time, a second information acquisition unit connected to the outlet side of the first flow channels to acquire the information for specifying the temperature of the first fluid after each lapse of time, and a control unit that calculates a heat exchange amount after each lapse of time in accordance with the temperature and the flow rate specified according to the information acquired by the first information acquisition unit and the second information acquisition unit, so as to estimate a service life of the heat transfer structures in accordance with the heat exchange amount.

Abstract: An improved process for the manufacture of technical grade (meth)acrylic acid, e.g., acrylic acid, the process comprising producing a hydrated reaction product from the gas-phase oxidation of at least one (meth)acrylic acid precursor, e.g., propylene, followed by first dehydrating and then concentrating the reaction product, the improvement comprising controlling at least one of the water, acetic acid and (meth)acrylic acid content of the reaction product during the purification of the reaction product using on-line, near IR spectroscopy.

Abstract: A method for preparing a cell suspension for analysis includes at least: taking a sample of the cell suspension using a pipetting-dispensing device, which includes at least one pipe, and depositing the sample present in the pipetting-dispensing device in an analysis container. Between the taking of the sample and the depositing, the method includes at least one pre-analysis of the sample, which is carried out by a pre-analysis device placed on the pipe of the pipetting-dispensing device.

Abstract: An apparatus can include a controller; memory accessible to the controller; a bus operatively coupled to the controller; sensor circuitry operatively coupled to the bus where the sensor circuitry generates measurement information representative of an environmental condition; and where the controller determines codes, each of the codes representative of an individual operational state of the apparatus, and where the controller associates, in the memory, at least a portion of the measurement information with at least one of the codes.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to semiconductor structures and, more particularly, to a method to control depth of etch in deep via etching and related structures. The method includes: forming an interface within the substrate between an etch control dopant and material of the substrate; etching a via within substrate; and terminating the etching of the via at the interface upon detection of the interface.

Abstract: This document describes a gas sampling device. The gas sampling device is capable of housing sensors printed on thin film (e.g., paper) and is operable to expose the sensors printed on the thin film to air for a brief period of time to sample the air for smells. The exposure causes a chemical reaction between the sensors and the sampled air and differs depending on the smells of the sampled air. After exposure, an image of the reacted sensor is captured. The image is analyzed according to image processing techniques to recognize the smells of the sampled air. The gas sampling device is also capable of concurrently sampling air from a surrounding environment along with sampling air from a specimen of interest. By analyzing both samples, the smells of the specimen of interest can be distinguished from those of the surrounding environment. Once the smells are ascertained, a profile of chemical groups in gases of the sampled air is output.

Abstract: An electrochemical deposition system is described. The electrochemical deposition system includes one or more electrochemical deposition modules arranged on a common platform for depositing one or more metals on a substrate, and a chemical management system coupled to the one or more electrochemical deposition modules. The chemical management system is configured to supply at least one of the one or more electrochemical deposition modules with one or more metal constituents for depositing the one or more metals. The chemical management system can include at least one metal enrichment cell and at least one metal-concentrate generator cell.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present disclosure describes an industrial system, which includes a control system with a predictive emissions monitoring system that facilitates determining a chemical level output from a selective catalytic reduction unit that reduces the chemical level in gaseous emissions produced by a combustion source using a selective catalytic reduction model. The control system tunes the selective catalytic reduction model by determining tuning parameters based at least in part on vendor information and tuning data determined via a tuning sequence. The tuning sequence includes operating the combustion source at a plurality of load levels, injecting a reactant into received gaseous emissions at each of the plurality of load levels in accordance with an injection rate provided in the vendor information; and determining an input chemical level to and an output chemical level from the selective catalytic reduction unit at each of the plurality of load levels.

Abstract: An improved process for the manufacture of technical grade (meth)acrylic acid, e.g., acrylic acid, the process comprising producing a hydrated reaction product from the gas-phase oxidation of at least one (meth)acrylic acid precursor, e.g., propylene, followed by first dehydrating and then concentrating the reaction product, the improvement comprising controlling at least one of the water, acetic acid and (meth)acrylic acid content of the reaction product during the purification of the reaction product using on-line, near IR spectroscopy.

Abstract: A process for reducing the CO2 and other pollutants produced by the combustion of a fuel in a combustion chamber while maintaining or increasing the efficiency of said combustion includes feeding to the combustion chamber, or preconditioning the combustion chamber, with a catalyst, preferably a lithium based salt Monitoring the energy output and components of the exhaust gas stream to maintain optimum operation allows reduction, during the process, of the catalyst delivery and feed air. The presence of the catalyst results in increased efficiency of operation and reduction of pollutants generated.

Abstract: An analytical apparatus is disclosed for detecting at least one analyte in a sample, where in an analyte measurement at least an electrical or optical property changeable by presence of the analyte at least one test chemical of a test element is recorded, and where the analytical apparatus also can perform at least one quality measurement on the at least one test chemical such as an intrinsic luminescence, which is recorded and from the intrinsic luminescence a conclusion is drawn on a quality of the test chemical and thus the test element. Methods also are disclosed for detecting at least one analyte in a sample that include a quality measurement of the at least one test chemical of the test strip.

Abstract: A reaction container in which to mix a first chemical compound with a second chemical compound has a main body and a lid member formed oppositely on a top face side of the main body; a flow channel on the top face of the main body; and a labeling agent solidification section at an intermediate section of the flow channel to remove a solvent in a solution of the second chemical compound and solidify the second chemical compound. First and second chemical compound supply sections and a mixture discharge section are formed on the upstream and downstream sides of the labeling agent solidification section, respectively. The reactor is provided with a liquid sending unit to supply the first and second chemical compounds and reciprocally send a solution of the first chemical compound to an upper part of the second chemical compound solidified at the solidification section.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure relate to a biosample plate that includes a memory component for storing information related to the biosample, biosample plate and biosample analysis data, and a wireless communication interface for transferring information to and from the biosample plate. The biosample plate may be used with an analyzing and data recording system such as an electromagnetic tape drive. The disclosed biosample plate facilitates the correlation between a large number of biosample plates and data as data remains with the corresponding biosamples both when the biosample plates are in use and when they are in storage. The wireless communication interface may comprise an antenna disposed in a biosample plate for data transmission to and from the biosample plate by radio signals.

Abstract: A urea solution quality determining system may include a urea tank in which a urea solution is filled through a charging hole, a test chamber positioned below the charging hole for holding a portion of the urea solution, a main line connected to the urea tank at a lower part of the urea tank below the test chamber, a test line connected to the test chamber, a pumping line to which the main line and the test line are joined, a pump in the pumping line to pump the urea solution from the test chamber or from the urea tank, a control valve for selectively connecting the main line or the test line to the pumping line, and an injector at an end of the pumping line to inject the urea solution into an exhaust line through which an exhaust gas flows. A method is also described.

Abstract: A gaseous reductant injection control system for exhaust aftertreatment is disclosed. In one embodiment, a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) catalyst is in fluid communication with an exhaust stream generated from an engine. An oxidation catalyst (OC) is upstream of the SCR catalyst and in fluid communication with the exhaust stream. A gaseous reductant injector is upstream of the SCR catalyst and downstream of the OC and in fluid communication with the exhaust stream. A first gas sensor is upstream of the OC and a second gas sensor is downstream of the SCR catalyst. A controller receives signals representative of gas concentrations detected in the exhaust stream by the first gas sensor and the second gas sensor, and estimates concentrations of nitric oxide (NO) and nitride dioxide (NO2) in the exhaust stream therefrom.

Abstract: A method for controlling a reductant buffer level in an exhaust gas after treatment device connectable downstream of an internal combustion engine includes performing a first reductant injection of a first amount upstream the exhaust gas after treatment device, performing a second reductant injection of a second amount upstream the exhaust gas after treatment device, which second amount is different to the first amount, evaluating the NOx conversion resulting from the first and second reductant injections downstream the exhaust gas after treatment device to obtain a first and second result, controlling a further reductant injection in dependence of the first and second results from the first and second NOx conversion evaluations.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining concentrations of components of a multiphase fluid. A first flowmeter receives a fluid flow and generates measurements of the fluid flow. After at least partially separating the fluid flow into mixtures of its components, second and third flowmeters generate measurements of the mixtures. A data processing apparatus operatively coupled to the flowmeters receives the measurements and determines concentrations of the components of the fluid flow. In an embodiment, the measurements are mass flow and density readings.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for treating water with already-slaked lime to arrive at a lime slurry that is in a solution or suspension, and delivering the thus treated water to a separating device which separates grit particles therefrom, to recover a high quality lime/water solution or suspension. An automated system controls the addition of lime and water to a lime mixing vessel. An acid wash system is provided which comprises an automated method and apparatus for removing scale buildup, for delivering an acid wash solution to the lime mixing vessel, the lime slurry holding tank and/or the delivery system, or any of them, thereby dissolving the scale buildup.

Abstract: A programmable automated water flushing system (PAWFS) allows for two way communication and remote flushing unit management through a secure web access point or a secure interface in signal communication with a supervisory control and data acquisition system. The PAWFS is configurable to provide and log real time data. The PAWFS can be integrated with exterior water management devices. The PAWFS is configurable to cause flushing of water retention areas when disinfectant residual falls below selectable parameters. The PAWFS can be programmed to flush or clear liquids in accordance with at least one time-based function.

Abstract: A multi-channel system and methods for sorting particles according to one or more characteristics of the particles. The system includes multiple flow cytometry units, each unit can have a nozzle for producing a fluid stream containing a desired population of particles in a mixture of particles. Each of the units may be operable to sort said desired population of particles by interrogating the fluid stream with a beam of electromagnetic radiation and classifying particles based on one or more characteristics of the particles. The system also includes a common fluid delivery system for delivering sheath fluid to each flow cytometer unit for producing respective fluid streams.

Abstract: A method of securing a chain of custody of a specimen of a donor prevents tampering with or accidental mismanagement of the specimen. The method includes providing a tamper evident seal operable to indicate that an assaying device has been tampered with once the seal is sealed, the seal including a label having at least one portion including a machine-readable indicia area. The assaying device comprises a collection cup and a cap that carries at least one test strip.

Abstract: Oxidation/reduction measurement is described. An aspect provides an oxidation/reduction quantification method, including: receiving intermittent oxidizer/reducer reference measurements from one or more reference sensors; receiving one or more substantially continuous oxidizer/reducer-related measurements from one or more corroboration sensors; and processing the one or more substantially continuous oxidizer/reducer-related measurements with the intermittent oxidizer/reducer reference measurements to generate substantially continuous representative oxidizer/reducer measurements. Other aspects are described.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and systems for conserving energy of a power source of an analyte monitoring device. Also disclosed herein are methods and systems for reducing noise during data transmissions to and from the analyte monitoring device.

Abstract: A system and method for performing automated titrations. An automatic titrator utilizes control devices and sensors adapted for various chemical reactions to perform titrations and determine the content of a desired component of a solution. Batch and continuous mode titrations are possible. Titrant is added to a sample either in varying amounts or rates and a titration endpoint is observed via sensors. Control devices detect when the titration endpoint occurs and calculates the desired content. Various reactions within the solution may be suppressed in order to titrate isolated components individually.

Abstract: A control system for optimizing a chemical loop system includes one or more sensors for measuring one or more parameters in a chemical loop. The sensors are disposed on or in a conduit positioned in the chemical loop. The sensors generate one or more data signals representative of an amount of solids in the conduit. The control system includes a data acquisition system in communication with the sensors and a controller in communication with the data acquisition system. The data acquisition system receives the data signals and the controller generates the control signals. The controller is in communication with one or more valves positioned in the chemical loop. The valves are configured to regulate a flow of the solids through the chemical loop.

Abstract: Provided are automated methods for measuring soluble magnesium concentration in water using fluorescence. The methods employ the use of a pH-buffered liquid and a magnesium coordinating fluorescing reagent. In certain embodiments, the methods may further employ measuring total hardness concentration of the water by displacing any soluble calcium with soluble magnesium and then re-measuring the soluble magnesium concentration. Optionally, the soluble calcium concentration can be determined by subtracting the measured soluble magnesium concentration from the measured total hardness concentration.

Abstract: A modular chemical production system includes multiple modules for performing a chemical reaction, particularly of radiochemical compounds, from a remote location. One embodiment comprises a reaction vessel including a moveable heat source with the position thereof relative to the reaction vessel being controllable from a remote position. Alternatively the heat source may be fixed in location and the reaction vial is moveable into and out of the heat source. The reaction vessel has one or more sealing plugs, the positioning of which in relationship to the reaction vessel is controllable from a remote position. Also the one or more reaction vessel sealing plugs can include one or more conduits there through for delivery of reactants, gases at atmospheric or an elevated pressure, inert gases, drawing a vacuum and removal of reaction end products to and from the reaction vial, the reaction vial with sealing plug in position being operable at elevated pressures.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to temperature control of a reactor using probability distribution of temperature measurements. In one embodiment, a method of controlling a temperature of a chemical reaction includes injecting a reactant stream into a reactor and through a catalyst bed of the reactor. The reactant stream includes a hydrocarbon and oxygen. Injection of the reactant stream into the catalyst bed causes an exothermic chemical reaction. The method further includes circulating a coolant through the reactor, thereby removing heat from the catalyst bed. The method further includes measuring temperature at a plurality of locations in the catalyst bed. The method further includes calculating a fraction of the catalyst bed greater than a predetermined maximum temperature limit using a probability distribution generated using the temperature measurements.

Abstract: A urea solution quality determining system may include a urea tank in which a urea solution is filled through a charging hole, a test chamber positioned below the charging hole for holding a portion of the urea solution, a main line connected to the urea tank at a lower part of the urea tank below the test chamber, a test line connected to the test chamber, a pumping line to which the main line and the test line are joined, a pump in the pumping line to pump the urea solution from the test chamber or from the urea tank, a control valve for selectively connecting the main line or the test line to the pumping line, and an injector at an end of the pumping line to inject the urea solution into an exhaust line through which an exhaust gas flows. A method is also described.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for gas delivery are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a gas delivery system includes an ampoule for storing a precursor in solid or liquid form, a first conduit coupled to the ampoule and having a first end coupled to a first gas source to draw a vapor of the precursor from the ampoule into the first conduit, a second conduit coupled to the first conduit at a first junction located downstream of the ampoule and having a first end coupled to a second gas source and a second end coupled to a process chamber, and a heat source configured to heat the ampoule and at least a first portion of the first conduit from the ampoule to the second conduit and to heat only a second portion of the second conduit, wherein the second portion of the second conduit includes the first junction.

Abstract: A controller determines and adjusts system parameters, including cleanliness levels or sootblower operating settings, that are useful for maintaining the cleanliness of a fossil fuel boiler at an efficient level. Some embodiments use a direct controller to determine cleanliness levels and/or sootblower operating settings. Some embodiments use an indirect controller, with a system model, to determine cleanliness levels and/or sootblower settings. The controller may use a model that is, for example, a neural network, or a mass energy balance, or a genetically programmed model. The controller uses input about the actual performance or state of the boiler for adaptation. The controller may operate in conjunction with a sootblower optimization system that controls the actual settings of the sootblowers. The controller may coordinate cleanliness settings for multiple sootblowers and/or across a plurality of heat zones in the boiler.