Abstract: The invention discloses a probe for detecting changes of a medium in a container, comprising: a process connection for connecting the probe to the container, wherein the process connection is part of a housing, especially, an integral part of a housing; the housing comprising at least one microwave chip for generating microwaves, which chip is connected to at least one antenna, wherein the antenna transmits and receives the microwaves in the direction of the medium; an interface for connecting the probe to a higher-level unit; and a data processing unit which is designed to receive data, especially, measurement data, from the higher-level unit via the interface and to transmit data to the higher-level unit, to activate the microwave chip, and to process signals that are dependent on the received microwaves.

Abstract: A communication system provides feedback data for at least one water consuming device. The communication system includes a data collection interface, a controller, and an output interface. The data collection interface is configured to receive user data from at least one collection device. The controller is configured to perform an analysis of the user data from the at least one collection device. The output interface is configured to provide feedback data based on the analysis of the user data to a water consuming device.

Abstract: A mobile power washing system is provided. The system includes a mobile instant reclaim cleaning unit, a mobile water treatment vehicle operably coupled to the mobile instant reclaim cleaning unit, and a controller. The mobile instant reclaim cleaning unit includes an instant reclaim drivable vehicle and one or more high pressure cleaning heads disposed on the instant reclaim drivable vehicle. The mobile water treatment vehicle includes a drivable vehicle, a water treatment unit, a water treatment unit disposed on the drivable vehicle, at least one water tank operably coupled to the water treatment unit and disposed on the drivable vehicle, at least one water pump disposed on the drivable vehicle and configured to pump water from the at least one water tank to the mobile instant reclaim cleaning unit and a power source configured to power the at least one water pump.

Abstract: An extracorporeal blood treatment apparatus includes a filtration unit (2) connected to a blood circuit (17) and a dialysate circuit (32), a preparation device (9) for preparing and regulating the composition of the dialysis fluid, and a sensor (11) for measuring conductivity of the dialysate (i.e. spent dialysis fluid); a control unit (12) configured for setting a sodium concentration in the dialysis fluid and after setting the dialysis fluid at the initial set point, circulating the dialysis fluid and blood through the filtration unit (2), measuring an initial conductivity value of the dialysate at the beginning of the treatment, and calculating, based on the measured initial conductivity value and on the corresponding conductivity value of the dialysis fluid, the value of the initial plasma conductivity, said circulating of the dialysis fluid up to the calculating of the initial plasma conductivity performed by maintaining the dialysis fluid conductivity substantially constant.

Abstract: A detection device and method based on an S-shaped microwave transmission line are provided. The detection device includes a metal housing, where the metal housing includes a sensor chamber communicating with an external environment and a circuit board chamber sealed off from the external environment; the sensor chamber includes at least one detection transmission line therein as an external S-shaped microwave transmission line; if there are multiple detection transmission lines, the multiple detection transmission lines are connected in series from end to end to form the external S-shaped microwave transmission line; the circuit board chamber includes an internal S-shaped microwave transmission line therein; and a head end of the external S-shaped microwave transmission line and a head end of the internal S-shaped microwave transmission line serve as microwave signal input terminals.

Abstract: A novel underwater robot water quality data acquisition device includes a casing, a thruster group, an upper cabin, a lower cabin, a buoy cabin, an upper cabin tray, a lower cabin tray, a power supply assembly, a power conditioning module, a data acquisition control module, a water quality sensor assembly, and a wireless Internet of Things (IoT) module. The device can convert the power supply voltage required by each other module through the power management module. The data acquisition control module transmits signals to the water quality sensor assembly in a set timing sequence, performs real-time reading and processing of water quality data fed back from the sensor, and uploads the processed water quality data to the data platform through the wireless IoT module, thereby achieving the display and preservation of water quality data.

Abstract: A device for detecting and characterizing anomalies in a water continuum is provided. The device is configured to receive measurements of physical quantities on the basis of sensors situated in the water continuum. The measurements are thereafter transformed, and a detection of anomalies is performed by a detector of anomalies which is trained with transformed values arising from the same sensors. In parallel with the detection, predefined rules make it possible to characterize a possible anomaly. Thus, an anomaly detection can be optimized for a water continuum in particular, whilst characterization with predefined rules allows the device to be operational without each anomaly having needed to be detected in this water continuum in particular.

Abstract: A waste fluid treatment apparatus includes a sedimentation tank that stores the processing waste fluid with the processing debris contained therein, an inflow port provided on the sedimentation tank for introduction of the processing waste fluid into the sedimentation tank, an acidification unit configured to acidify the processing waste fluid to be introduced from the inflow port into the sedimentation tank, whereby the processing debris is allowed to settle at a higher rate compared with a rate at which the processing debris would settle if the processing waste water is neutral, and an outflow port provided on the sedimentation tank for discharge of acidic supernatant that is obtained by allowing the processing debris in the processing waste fluid to settle in the sedimentation tank from the sedimentation tank.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a computer-implemented method includes acquiring sequential user behavior data including one-dimensional data. The user behavior data is associated with a user. The method includes abstracting features from the sequential user behavior data to cover short-term and long-term timeframes. The method includes determining one or more properties of the user based on the features.

Abstract: The application discloses a test strip and a method for manufacturing the test strip. The test strip comprises a base layer; an intermediate layer overlaid on the base layer; a blood retaining layer comprising a slit and a blood retaining region fluidly commuted with the slit and overlaid on the intermediate layer; an upper layer overlaid on the blood retaining layer; a reagent disposed on a surface of the intermediate layer and exposed to the slit, wherein there are an expectedly predetermined depth and a measured depth from an interface between the slit and the upper layer to an upper surface of the intermediate layer; and a classification mark representing a compensation factor and disposed on an upper surface of the upper layer or a lower surface of the base layer; wherein the compensation factor is the product of a difference between the predetermined depth and the measured depth and a reciprocal of the predetermined depth.

Abstract: Provided in the present invention a method for evaluating the mixing effect of a CO2 oil-displacing and mixing agent, characterized in measuring the volume expansion of a CO2-oil interface when pressure is gradually increased, drawing a mixed-phase percentage-pressure curve (?-P curve), and evaluating the mixing effect of the CO2 oil-displacing and mixing agent by means of comparing the characteristics of the ?-P curve. Further provided in the present invention is a method for initially screening a CO2 oil-displacing and mixing agent.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described to maintain a liquid sample segment of a sample transmitted through a transfer line from a remote sampling to an analysis system. A system, embodiment includes, but is not limited to, a sample transfer line configured to transport a liquid sample from a remote sampling system via gas pressure; a sample loop fluidically coupled with the sample transfer line, the sample loop configured to hold a sample fluid; and a backpressure chamber fluidically coupled with a gas pressure source and with the sample transfer line, the backpressure chamber configured to supply a backpressure against the liquid sample during transport through the sample transfer line.

Abstract: A method of removing metal ions is provided, which includes contacting a metal removal composition with a solution containing metal ions for removing the metal ions from the solution, wherein the metal removal composition includes a polymer with a chemical structure of: wherein Q is a quinoline-based group, n=90˜450, o=10˜50, and p=0˜20. The metal removal composition has a type of fiber or film. In addition, the metal removal composition has a porosity of 60% to 90%.

Abstract: Methods and systems for failure prediction using analysis of oil or other lubricant. Raw data about feature(s) of each of a plurality of particles filtered from a fluid sample are used to categorize each particle into one of a plurality of categories, each category being defined by one or more of: chemical composition, size and morphology. Particle physical characteristics in each category are quantified to obtain a set of categorized data. The categorized data are compared with historical data. Results of the comparing are evaluated to generate a prediction of any failure or mechanism of failure.

Abstract: An embodiment provides a method for real-time management of device maintenance utilizing quality metrics defined based upon inputs of the device, the method including: receiving inputs corresponding to a particular device, wherein the particular device provides measurements of a parameter of a fluid; generating, from the inputs, quality metrics for and unique to the particular device; monitoring the particular device while the particular device is deployed, wherein the monitoring occurs in view of the quality metrics; and triggering, responsive to detecting information corresponding to the particular device is violating at least one of the quality metrics, a notification to a user to perform an action corresponding to the particular device.

Abstract: To measure water content of liquid hydrocarbon using dried liquid hydrocarbon solvent, a liquid hydrocarbon sample is received from a flowline carrying the liquid hydrocarbon. The liquid hydrocarbon sample includes liquid hydrocarbon and liquid water at a concentration greater than a water saturation level. The liquid hydrocarbon sample is split into a first portion and a remainder portion. The first portion is dried to remove liquid water in the first portion. The remainder portion is mixed with the dried first portion causing the concentration of liquid water in a mixture of the remainder portion and the dried first portion to be below the water saturation level. After mixing the remainder portion with the dried first portion, a water content in the liquid hydrocarbon sample is determined.

Abstract: An embodiment provides a method for measuring free chlorine in a solution, including: preparing a thiocarbamate-based indicator; introducing the thiocarbamate-based indicator to a solution, wherein the solution contains an amount of free chlorine and the introducing causes a change in fluorescence of the solution; and measuring the amount of free chlorine in the solution by measuring a change in intensity of the fluorescence. Other aspects are described and claimed.

Abstract: Methods, electrodes, and sensors for pH sensing using pseudo-graphite are disclosed. In one illustrative embodiment, a method may include coating a pseudo-graphite material onto a surface of an electrode substrate to produce a pseudo-graphite surface. The method may also include exposing the pseudo-graphite surface to a sample to detect organic content in the sample.

Abstract: Test device and method for the semi-quantitative determination of chlorine dioxide in a liquid sample has at least two carrier matrices. The first carrier matrix comprises at least one amino acid, sodium thiosulphate, at least one redox indicator, buffer substances and at least one surfactant. The second carrier matrix comprises at least one inorganic iodide salt, starch and/or at least one starch derivative, sodium thiosulfate, buffer substances and at least one surfactant.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed which enable the reduction of sample carryover in the measurement cell of an analytical instrument. A sample cell is defined as a region sealed within a first o-ring. Located outside of said sample region is another o-ring which seals and defines a seal wash region as the region between the first and second o-ring. After the fluid sample is injected into the measurement cell a pressure is applied to the seal wash region, forcing the first o-ring to the innermost extent of the groove in which it sits, expelling any trapped solvent and removing from the measurement cell a significant dead volume while the cell is flushed and prepared for a new sample and corresponding measurement.

Abstract: A medical instrument (300, 700, 1300, 1400, 1500, 1600) for performing a measurement (1513) on a biological sample using a test strip (310), wherein the medical instrument comprises: a housing (302) and an analytical unit (1508) for analyzing the test strip, wherein the analytical unit is within an interior volume (308). The analytical unit comprises a test strip mount (1510) configured for receiving the test strip to perform the measurement. The instrument further comprises a test strip port (312) between an exterior surface (304) and an interior surface (306). The test strip port is aligned with the test strip mount along an insertion direction (328). The medical instrument further comprises a shutter (100) for sealing the test port. The shutter is configured for being in a open position and a closed position. The shutter is within the interior volume. The shutter is configured for sealing the test port when in the closed position. The shutter comprises a test strip opening (106).

Abstract: A medical instrument/analyzer for measuring a biological sample using a test strip. The instrument comprises: a housing with an exterior surface, an internal surface, and an interior volume; an analytical unit within the interior volume with a test strip mount; a test strip port between the exterior and the interior surfaces; a shutter configured for sealing the test strip port when closed, wherein the shutter comprises a test strip support aligned with the test strip port and mount when the shutter is in the open position, wherein the shutter has a first sealing surface, the test strip port has a second sealing surface, and the first sealing and second sealing surfaces are configured to mate in the closed position, wherein the shutter comprises a mechanism for moving between the open and the closed position; and an actuator configured for moving the shutter between the open and closed position.

Abstract: A sensor device for a container of a liquid substance comprises a body with a housing portion having a closing structure, the body having an inner surface and an outer surface. The housing portion is pre-arranged for assembly on the container, in such a way that a portion of the outer surface of the body faces the inside of the container to be in contact with the liquid substance, and the inner surface of the body is isolated from the inside of the container. Associated to the body is a first arrangement for detection of the level of the substance. Associated to the body of the device is a second arrangement for detection of a characteristic of the liquid substance, which comprises an emitter and a receiver of a given optical radiation. A first portion of the body of the device is made of a material designed for propagation of the given optical radiation, the emitter and the receiver being optically coupled to the inner surface of the body at the first portion.

Abstract: Described herein are methods for determining the overall survival of maintenance hemodialysis patients. The methods include measuring low density lipoprotein (LDL) particle size and subfraction concentrations as prognostic tools for early mortality risk detection. For example, the presence of increased very small LDL concentration or decreased LDL particle size in blood-serum serves as a useful means for prognostic risk assessment and monitoring.

Abstract: A residual chlorine measuring apparatus includes: a detection electrode that is immersed in a sample solution, the detection electrode being made of gold or platinum; a counter electrode that is immersed in the sample solution, the counter electrode being made of silver/silver chloride; a voltage applying device that applies an applied voltage between the detection electrode and the counter electrode; an ammeter that measures an oxidation-reduction current flowing between the detection electrode and the counter electrode; and an arithmetic controller that controls the voltage applying device and acquires the oxidation-reduction current measured by the ammeter.

Abstract: An evaluation method of abrasive grains used in an ingot-cutting slurry includes: an evaluation solution preparation step in which abrasive grains including polishing grains and impurities are dissolved in a solvent to prepare an evaluation solution; a sedimentation step in which a container containing the evaluation solution is left still to settle the polishing grains; a measurement step in which a turbidity of supernatant of the evaluation solution is measured using the measurement device; and an estimation step in which an amount of the impurities is estimated based on the measurement result of the turbidity of the supernatant.

Abstract: A rotary valve used in chromatography includes a stator with a plurality of stator ports arranged on the stator. The stator further includes a stator groove connected at one end to a first stator port and terminating between the first stator port and a second stator port adjacent to the first stator port. A rotor, rotatably fitted to the stator, has a plurality of arcuate channels arranged in an asymmetrical pattern on the rotor. Each rotor channel connects to one or more of the stator ports. Different connections of the rotor channels to the stator ports produce at least three different positions for the injection valve. The three different positions provide a complete chromatography sample injection sequence using only a single valve.

Abstract: The present invention utilizes a high throughput testing (HTT) method of high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to validate samples of pharmaceutical compositions. In one embodiment, improved sample preparation techniques comprise adding the entire vial of a sample to a wide mouth disposable bottle, adding diluent, shaking overnight, and centrifuging.

Abstract: In one example embodiment, an analysis application is used to optimize water quality sensor placement in a water distribution network by implementing a two-part optimization solution procedure, involving building an impact database, and determining an optimized water quality sensor location set using the impact database. The optimized sensor location set may indicate locations that maximize a length of pipes where water quality variations are detectable by at least one water quality sensor. Pipe wall reaction coefficients may be used as calibration parameters, with water quality indicated to be detectable at a possible sensor location when a change in its pipe wall reaction coefficients leads to a change in water quality at the possible sensor location that is greater than a threshold.

Abstract: A liquid concentration detecting device including a first substrate, a first temperature sensing element and a concentration sensor is provided. The first temperature sensing element and the concentration sensor are respectively disposed on opposite first surface and second surface of the first substrate. The concentration sensor includes a second substrate, a porous element, a heating element and a second temperature sensing element. The second substrate is disposed above the second surface. A portion of the liquid flows into the concentration sensor through the porous element, and the heating element heats the liquid in the concentration sensor. The second temperature sensing element measures the temperature variation of the liquid in the concentration sensor. The measured temperature and the temperature variation are compared to deduce a concentration of the liquid under detection.

Abstract: A method of measuring oxidant in an aqueous composition using an electrode system comprising a membrane permeable to a species to be measured, a cathode situated behind the membrane, and an electrolyte between the membrane and cathode. Embodiments of the method may include contacting the membrane and an anode with the aqueous composition, and measuring the current between the cathode and anode in response to a first voltage applied between them. A pulse of a second voltage may be applied between the cathode and the anode, where the second voltage is different from the first voltage. Apparatus and computer program products which may perform the method, are also provided.

Abstract: This invention discloses a disposable integrated polymeric vacuum filtration funnel. The integrated polymeric vacuum filtration funnel comprises a filtration funnel body having a filter frit disposed inside at the bottom, an outlet stem connected with an outlet at the outer bottom of the filtration funnel body; the outlet stem is integrated with the filtration funnel body; the filter frit is sealed to the inner bottom and the inner side surface of the filtration funnel body; the integrated polymeric vacuum filtration funnel comprises a sealing joint disposed underneath the outer bottom of the filtration funnel body, the sealing joint having a side-arm for vacuum connection and a standard adaptor to connect the receiving receptacle; the outlet stem protrudes from the standard adaptor; the filter frit, filtration funnel body, and sealing joint are integrated as one device.

Abstract: A testing member for eliciting blood samples is provided that can be rotatably mounted inside a cartridge and having a lancet for lancing a body part of a user. The lancet can protrude from an edge of the testing member. The testing member also can have a second blood collection part, and second contact pads, where the second contact pads being electrically connected to the second blood collection part, the second blood collection part and second contact pads together being configured to facilitate an analysis of the quantity of blood in a first blood sample in the second blood collection part. A blood analysis part and first contact pads can be included, where the first contact pads are electrically connected to the blood analysis part, the blood analysis part and first contact pads together being configured to facilitate an analysis of a second blood sample in the blood analysis part.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a biological sample measurement device, which is intended to be easier to use. To achieve this object, the present invention comprises a main body case (1) having a sensor insertion opening into which a sensor for measuring biological samples is inserted, a connection terminal (20) provided within the main body case (1) behind the sensor insertion opening, (5) and a shutter 7 that is provided within the main body case (1) between the sensor insertion opening (5) and the connection terminal (20) and that opens and closes the sensor insertion opening (5). This configuration makes the device easy to use.

Abstract: A sensor assembly is disclosed for sensing a status condition of a liquid-filled electrical equipment such as a transformer. The sensor assembly can include a light source; a first hydrogen detection section, the first hydrogen detection section being optically coupled to the light source for receiving light from the light source, wherein the first hydrogen detection section has a first hydrogen sensitive layer that changes an optical response with respect to the received light depending on whether an amount of hydrogen at the first hydrogen sensitive layer is above or below a first threshold; and a first output section optically coupled to the first hydrogen detection section for receiving light having interacted with the first hydrogen sensitive layer such that the received light depends on the optical response of the first hydrogen sensitive layer.

Abstract: Analyte sensors for determining the concentration of an analyte in a sample. The sensors have a sample chamber having an inlet with a projection extending from an edge of the sensor for facilitating flow of sample into the sample chamber.

Abstract: A flow-through device for use on-line in a conduit and capable of determining real-time characteristics of particles dispersed in a medium is disclosed. The device uses a sensor and a flow-through cell. The sensor has a stationary transducer positioned in a wall of the flow-through conduit to emit sound waves into the medium and a reflector or a second stationary transducer positioned opposite the transducer. The sensor provides a plurality of different acoustic path lengths through the medium between the transducer and reflector, thereby providing a plurality of different acoustic path lengths in the sensor and no moving parts for the transducer and reflectors. A method for determining the characteristics of particles dispersed in a medium in real time for an industrial process using the flow-through device also is disclosed. Further, a method of controlling particle size distribution in real time in a process using the flow-through device is disclosed.

Abstract: A system for sensing a fluid. The system including a fixed object; a first transducer generating a first sound wave in a horizontal direction and to detect a first echo of the first sound wave from the fixed object; a second transducer generating a second sound wave in a vertical direction; a temperature sensor detecting a temperature of the fluid; and a controller. The controller configured to produce a first signal to drive the first transducer to produce the first sound wave, produce a second signal to drive the second transducer to produce the second sound wave, receive a first indication of the detected first echo, receive a second indication of the detected second echo, receive a temperature indication, determine a quality of the fluid based on the first indication and the temperature indication, and determine a quantity of the fluid based on the second indication.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing heart failure in a subject is provided. The method includes steps of measuring a biological sample of the subject to obtain an amount of at least one biomarker selected from the group consisting of xanthine, spermidine, propionylcarnitine, butyrylcarnitine and P-cresyl sulfate; and comparing the amount of the at least one biomarker to a reference. Moreover, the present invention relates to a method for staging heart failure or evaluating a prognosis of heart failure in a subject.

Abstract: A sensor system that measures at least one parameter of water includes an electronics subsystem and includes a sensor housing electrically and mechanically coupled to the electronics subsystem. The sensor housing encloses a chamber that receives water via at least one inlet and that releases water via at least one outlet. At least one sensor has at least one electrode exposed to water in the chamber. A flow generator causes water to flow through the chamber. A plurality of objects within the chamber move in response to the water flow and abrasively clean the at least one electrode. Preferably, the sensor system includes a chlorine sensor having at least two electrodes. The electronics subsystem applies a first differential voltage between the two electrodes during a measurement interval and then applies a second differential voltage between the two electrodes during an interval following the measurement interval.

Abstract: In one aspect, the disclosure provides methods of distinguishing a glycosaminoglycan from one or more other components in a sample by subjecting the sample to size-exclusion chromatography using a mobile phase having a pH of 6.8 or lower. A mobile phase having a pH of 6.8 or lower is found to improve the separation of glycosaminoglycans from proteins during size exclusion chromatography. In some embodiments, improved separation is due to the low pH of the mobile phase causing elution of less dispersed fractions of the protein and/or glycosaminoglycan. In some embodiments, the overlap between protein and/or glycosaminoglycan fractions is reduced.

Abstract: There is provided a water quality monitoring apparatus including: an air quality analyzing unit detecting, using an ion mobility sensor, air quality in a space that is at least partially enclosed by a partition wall and a boundary surface with water whose water quality is to be monitored; and an alarm unit that outputs a signal indicating an abnormality if an air quality pattern obtained by the air quality analyzing unit is outside a tolerated range for air quality patterns of air that contacts the water to be monitored. Such water quality monitoring apparatus is capable of monitoring the water quality of drinking water inside a water tank or the like indirectly but precisely by detecting the quality of the air contacting the water using an ion mobility sensor.

Abstract: A composition comprising a fluid, and a material dispersed in the fluid, the material made up of particles having a complex three dimensional surface area such as a sharp blade-like surface, the particles having an aspect ratio larger than 0.7 for promoting kinetic boundary layer mixing in a non-linear-viscosity zone. The composition may further include an additive dispersed in the fluid. The fluid may be a thermopolymer material. A method of extruding the fluid includes feeding the fluid into an extruder, feeding additives into the extruder, feeding a material into the extruder, passing the material through a mixing zone in the extruder to disperse the material within the fluid wherein the material migrates to a boundary layer of the fluid to promote kinetic mixing of the additives within the fluid, the kinetic mixing taking place in a non-linear viscosity zone.

Abstract: Methods and systems that may be employed to dynamically test the effect of fluids (e.g., well treatment chemicals such as well stimulation treatment chemicals, enhanced oil recovery “EOR” chemicals, etc.) on hydrocarbon recovery from crushed reservoir formation materials under conditions of applied stress. The disclosed methods and systems may be used in one embodiment to dynamically test types of low permeability formations (e.g., such as shale, limestone, quarried rock, etc.).

Abstract: An instrument adapted to determine an analyte concentration of a fluid sample using a test sensor is disclosed. The instrument comprises a display adapted to display information to a user, a user-interface mechanism adapted to allow the user to interact with the instrument, a first test-sensor cartridge, and a body portion including at least a first opening and a second opening formed therein. The first opening is adapted to receive a test sensor from the first test-sensor cartridge. The second opening is adapted to store at least one additional test-sensor cartridge.

Abstract: A method and system of providing ultrapure water for semiconductor fabrication operations is provided. The water is treated by utilizing a free radical scavenging system and a free radical removal system. The free radical scavenging system can utilize actinic radiation with a free radical precursor compound, such as ammonium persulfate. The free radical removal system can comprise use of a reducing agent. The ultrapure water may be further treated by utilizing ion exchange media and degasification apparatus. A control system can be utilized to regulate addition of the precursor compound, the intensity of the actinic radiation, and addition of the reducing agent to the water.

Abstract: A filter device including a probe where a filter element probe first end selectively engages with a sensing unit located in a filter head and a filter element probe second end is located in a contaminant portion of a filter canister. The probe fixedly engages through the filter element utilizing a sealing component. The filter element is disposed in the filter canister that engages with the filter head.

Abstract: A system for testing a drilling fluid including a vessel having a fluid inlet, a filtrate outlet, a fluid outlet, and at least one permeable media disposed within the vessel. The system further including a base fluid container in fluid communication with the fluid inlet, a test fluid container in fluid communication with the fluid inlet, a filtrate container in fluid communication with the filtrate outlet, and a collection container in fluid communication with the fluid outlet. Additionally, the system includes a data acquisition device configured to receive data from at least one of the vessel, the fluid container, the filtrate container, and the collection container. Also, a method for determining sealing characteristics of a drilling fluid including injecting a test fluid having a fluid loss control material from at least fluid container to a vessel, the vessel having a permeable media having two plates disposed to create a variable gap.

Abstract: Methods and are provided for determining, monitoring or detecting particle size distribution of a medium. An example method includes comparing a measured ultrasound attenuation spectrum of the medium with a calculated attenuation spectrum, where the calculated attenuation spectrum is obtained by accounting for the scattering of ultrasound waves into the receiver. The methods of the present invention can be used to determine particle size distribution in a dense suspension of particles in the intermediate wavelength regime. In other aspects, methods of the present invention may also be used to monitor changes in particle size distribution, infer the shape of particles, provide feedback to a process involving a change in particle size, and determine the completion of a dissolution process.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided featuring a signal processor or processing module configured to: receive signaling containing information about at least two sensing modalities sensed by a single probe arranged in relation to a multiphase flow or process volume; and determine using a multiple modality tomographic analysis technique information about different fluid layers in the multiphase flow or process volume, based at least partly on the signaling received. The signal processor or processing module may be configured to provide corresponding signaling containing corresponding information about different fluid layers in the multiphase flow or process volume.