Abstract: The invention provides a method for performing off-line multi-dimensional separation and analysis of a heterogeneous biomolecular sample. The method includes separating the heterogeneous biomolecular sample into a plurality of fractions using an, at least partially, capillary isotachophoresis mechanism. The plurality of fractions are then transferred to a liquid chromatography apparatus where they are each separated into a plurality of sub-fractions. The sub-fractions are then analyzed to determine their constituent molecules.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for trapping, releasing and/or separating sample components in solution passing through a channel with or without packing material present by passing ion current through the channel driven by an electric field. A portion of the ion current comprises cation and/or anion species generated from second solution flows separated from the sample solution flow path by semipermeable membranes. Cation and/or Anion ion species generated in the second solution flow regions are transferred into the sample solution flow path through ion selective semipermeable membranes. Ion current moving along the sample solution flow path is controlled by varying the composition of the second solutions and/or changing the voltage between membrane sections for a given sample solution composition. The sample composition may also be varied separately or in parallel to enhance trapping, release and/or separation efficiency and range.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus (10) for monitoring biofilm formation on a surface (12). The apparatus (10) comprises a disk-shaped member (14) which provides said surface (12); and a sensor (16) for measuring biofilm formation on a measuring zone (18) of the surface (12). A plurality of bodies (29) are mounted on the surface (12) of the disk-shaped member (14) so that biofilm formation on different materials can be observed. The apparatus (10) includes a housing (22) wherein the member (14) is located. A body of liquid (24), such as water, is disposed inside the housing (22) and fills the housing (22) only partly. The member (14) is continuously moved into and out of the liquid (24) by being rotated about its central axis (30).

Abstract: A vehicle mounted type fuel testing apparatus comprises a fuel chamber; a first fuel pump for supplying fuel in the fuel chamber to a sample holding container and an auxiliary fuel tank; an analyzing device for analyzing constituents of the fuel accommodated in the fuel chamber; the auxiliary fuel tank for storing the fuel when it is determined that the fuel is normal fuel; the sample holding container for keeping the fuel when it is determined that the fuel is not normal fuel; a second fuel pump for supplying the fuel in the auxiliary fuel tank to a main fuel tank when the fuel is normal fuel; a third fuel pump for supplying the fuel in the auxiliary fuel tank to the outside when the fuel is not normal fuel; and a controller for controlling the above component parts.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system for analytical testing comprises a test cartridge for use in conducting an analytical test including a test medium and an RFID device. An encoding device is provided adapted to preprogram the RFID with information relating to the test. An analytical detection device including a RFID transceiver adapted to transfer data to and from the RFID device is coupled to test detection instrumentation adapted to analyze the test medium in response to the information relating to the test.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the stability of dispersions and emulsions accelerates the onset of significant particle agglomeration in a sample by stressing the sample by reducing the height of the interparticle potential energy barrier between the particles. This is achieved by adding one or more of three stress factors: changing the pH of the sample to reduce the surface charge on the particles; adding an adsorbing electrolyte so that ions of the appropriate charge are adsorbed onto the surfaces of the particles to reduce the net charge on the particles; and applying a monovalent, divalent, or trivalent salt to partially screen electrostatic repulsions between the charged particles. In a preferred embodiment, the increase in agglomeration is detected with single particle detection, such as SPOS, to generate a PSD from which a figure of merit is derived. Another embodiment detects turbidity or light scattering to generate a value X indicative of the extent of agglomeration.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for the on-line determination of paper web moisture content and/or temperature on the dryer section of a papermaking machine. The apparatus is designed to form, in combination with a doctor means and/or a packet ventilating tube, such a compact structure wherein the apparatus operates underneath such means or in a close proximity thereto. The invention also relates to a method for control of paper web moisture content and temperature on the basis of measurements performed on the dryer section of a papermaking machine.

Abstract: The system for monitoring dilution has a commodity being stored separately from a first fluid. The commodity has a predetermined distinguishing parameter (DP2) and the first fluid has a predetermined distinguishing parameter (DP1) being different from that of the predetermined distinguishing parameter (DP2) of the commodity. During operation of an apparatus the first fluid dilutes the commodity. A monitoring station has a device therein in which the predetermined distinguishing parameter (DP2) of the commodity is distinguished from the predetermined distinguishing parameter (DP1) of the first fluid. The monitoring station has at least one of a display monitor and a recording device.

Abstract: Provided is a method for regulating the concentration of water in the acid feed stream in a process for the production of HF by the reaction with a fluorine containing material, the method comprising: (a) providing an acid feed stream comprising bound water and free water; (b) estimating the concentration of bound water and free water in the acid feed stream by providing a probe in said feed stream; and (c) adjusting the concentration of free water in said process stream based on said estimating step.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of and an apparatus for studying properties, especially physical properties of a surfactant. A fluid is introduced in the form of a sample volume in another fluid which is immiscible with said fluid so that an interface is formed between the one fluid and the other fluid, at least in a partial area of a surface of the sample volume. The sample volume is configured so as to be axially symmetrical around a given defining axis, whereby the interface is formed axially symmetrically with respect to the given defining axis. The surfactant is spread across the interface to form a surface film in the area of the interface with the surfactant. Thereupon the surface film can by studied microscopically.

Abstract: A sonde comprising a first sensor and a second sensor adjacent the first sensor, the first sensor including an optical window and a wiper element, the wiper element rotating on a shaft extending from the first sensor so as to clean debris from the window, a brush extending from the wiper element beyond the perimeter of the first sensor such that the brush contacts the adjacent second sensor and removes debris which accumulates on the second sensor.

Abstract: The invention relates to an oil system, in particular a hydraulic oil system or a lubricating oil system, comprising a sensor for monitoring the impurity content of the oil in the oil system, the sensor detecting a value which is correlated with the impurity content. A particularly cost-effective construction is achieved, if the sensor is configured as a turbidity sensor which measures the turbidity of the oil, which has been caused by the impurity content.

Abstract: A method for measurement of mass and energy transfer parameters (clearance and dialysance) in hemodialysis. A sensor is provided in the dialysate flow path downstream of the dialyzer and means are provided to add concentrate upstream of the dialyzer. A pre-determined amount of a substance whose dialysance is to be measured is added upstream of the dialyzer. The amount of substance riot dialyzed in the dialyzer is measured downstream of the dialyzer by said sensor by integrating the concentration over time. Dialysance is calculated from the amount added upstream, the amount measured downstream and the dialysate flow. In case the substance is part of the dialysate the base concentration is subtracted during integration. The addition of the concentrate upstream of the dialyzer can be done manually or, alternatively by the mixing pump of the dialysis machine. Instead of an increase of the concentration with a concentrate dilution with water can be used as well.

Abstract: The present invention provides an automatic monitor for use in a tank with a water soluble softening agent. The monitor includes a signal emitter that produces a signal capable of being detected by an array of signal-detecting sensors. The sensors are displaced generally vertically in the brine tank from the minimum depth of the softening agent to the maximum depth of the softening agent. An output is produced in response to said signal. The monitor also includes an electronic device for receiving and interpreting the output and determining if a low softening agent condition is present as the supply of the softening agent is depleted. An indicator warns when a low softening agent condition is present. Preferably, the sensors are linearly spaced within the tank.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for in situ measurements of at least one property of a liquid contained within a vessel.

Abstract: Systems and methods for infrared sensing a compound's concentration in aqueous solution are provided. In various non-limiting embodiments, the invention provides infrared sensing of methanol's concentration in aqueous solution in connection with a fuel circulation process for a direct methanol fuel cell. In some embodiments, flow-through infrared sensing technique are provided. In other embodiments, window type infrared sensing techniques are provided. As a result of the infrared sensing, an accurate real-time measurement of the concentration of a compound of interest in aqueous solution is affordably obtained.

Abstract: A method and device for making measurements of the characteristics of a fluid, particularly the milk, which flows in pulsations in a conduit. The device has a measuring region wherein at least one characteristic of the fluid is determined. The measurement is made during an optimal measuring window which constitutes a time interval while a pulsation of the fluid is received in the measuring region which contains a sensor or sensors for measuring one or more selected characteristics of the fluid, such as color, conductivity or acoustic qualities. The measuring region may be in a bypass passageway in the conduit which may be incorporated in a teat cup. The pulsations in the teat cup may be used to define an optimal measuring window for measuring one or more characteristics of the fluid as it flows in pulsations through the conduit. The sensed entry or approach of a pulsation into the measuring region may also be used to define the optimal measuring window.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining and controlling a property of colloidal substances that undergo at least one of a temperature dependent phase transition and a temperature dependent adsorption-desorption process is disclosed. The colloidal particles are characterized by performing successive measurements of light attenuation or emission by a colloidal mixture at two or more temperatures and at one or more wavelength. The difference or ratio of the measurements at two or more temperatures provides a measure of the colloidal stability with respect to temperature. The amount of certain organic colloids that are unstable to temperature variation may be determined from the magnitude of the measurement change. This method may be specifically applied to determining the tackiness and propensity to deposit of colloidal pitch or wood resin in pulp or paper process water as an indication of the effectiveness of a chemical control program.

Abstract: A sensor capsule to facilitate positioning of an analyte sensitive element such as a CO2 sensor at the end of a fiber optic probe, which discloses a dye layer defined by a dye well, fluorescent dye solution and apertures formed in a silicone sensor membrane. A TEFLON® covering membrane is positioned over the silicone membrane to retain the dye layer within the well, and perforated metal disc is positioned beneath the silicone membrane to provide support and resist swelling of the dye layer. The perforated metal disc, silicone membrane and TEFLON® membrane define a sandwich sensor structure which is positioned within an outer housing. An insert member is positioned over the sandwich sensor structure and is snap fit into outer housing to provide a sensor capsule which may be removeably positioned/replaced in association with a probe tip used for forming the fiber optic CO2 SENSOR.

Abstract: A system and method for measurement and control of suspended solids in a fluid includes a sensor, dosage supervisor and logic module. The sensor includes a measurement chamber with a piston. A diverter valve controls introduction of sample fluid into the measurement chamber in coordination with position of the piston. A measurement cycle includes the diverter valve allowing sample fluid into the measurement chamber as the piston retracts from the measurement chamber. The diverter valve prevents sample fluid from leaving the measurement chamber as the piston extends into the measurement chamber to compress the sample fluid. After a certain time of compression, light is transmitted across a portion of the sample fluid. The light received by a light detector is used as a measurement of suspended solids concentration in the fluid. This measurement is used to control introduction of polymers into a fluid source.

Abstract: Changes in the concentration of a chemical, such as a gas, are determined using a non-linear chemical sensor which is subject to shifts in calibration over time. In order to minimize errors caused by such shifts in calibration a first infrared signal (Ig(1)) is measured and using an absorption value under an assumed chemical concentration (C(1)), a zero chemical signal Io(1) is calculated using the known physical law and mathematical relation Absorption=1−Ig/Io. A second infrared signal (Ig(2)) is then measured and the absorption value is calculated using the previously calculated zero chemical signal. A second concentration (C(2)) is then determined and the change in concentration is calculated by subtracting C(2) from C(1).

Abstract: A method of calculating the salt content of water in a multiphase flow which comprises irradiating a body of the multiphase flow with radiation of three distinct energy levels; measuring the intensity of the transmitted radiation at each of the energy levels, and using the measurements of transmitted radiation as obtained from calibration and radiation mass attenuation coefficients for hydrocarbons for each of the energy levels, to calculate a unique function for representing the salt content of the water. The three energy levels can as an example be provided by the radioactive isotope Barium 133 and the radiation mass attenuation coefficients for hydrocarbons can be calculated theoretically or derived from static calibration measurements. The invention is particularly suited for the measurement of water salinity in a stream comprising a mixture of oil, water, and gas, i.e., a multiphase flow, without separating the phases.

Abstract: The technical field of the invention is that of searching for or analyzing materials, in particular liquids, by optical means. The method of optically measuring the transparency of a liquid uses a turbidity analyzer comprising at least one emitter of light passing through an optical interface piece providing an interface with the liquid illuminated in this way, and at least one measurement cell receiving a fraction of said light via a second optical interface piece, said fraction having traveled a given distance through said liquid. According to the method of the invention: ultrasound waves are generated in the vicinity of the emitting and receiving optical/liquid interfaces of said optical pieces in contact with said liquid; gaseous microcavities are thus created in the liquid and said interface surfaces are cleaned when said microcavities implode; and the emission of said ultrasound waves is stopped and the light received by the cell is measured.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are for characterizing colloids by successive measurements of light attenuation or emission of a colloidal mixture at two or more temperatures and at one or more wavelengths. The difference or ratio of the measurements at two or more temperatures provides a measure of the colloidal stability with respect to temperature. The amount of certain organic colloids that are unstable to temperature variation may be determined from the magnitude of the measurement change. In appropriate mixtures, this method provides a means to distinguish components of colloidal substances based. This method may be specifically applied to determining the stability and concentration of colloidal pitch or wood resin in a pulp or paper process water. In this context it may be used to distinguishing colloidal pitch or wood resin from talc, clay, carbon black, or other fillers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a microfluidic system for fast, accurate and low cost electrophoretic analysis of materials in the fields of chemistry, biochemistry, biotechnology, molecular biology and numerous other fields. Light from periodically spaced regions along a channel in the microfluidic system are received by a photodetector. The intensity of light received by the photodetector is modulated by the movement of species bands through the channel under electrophoretic forces. By Fourier analysis, the velocity of each species band is determined and the identification of the species is made by its electrophoretic mobility in the channel.

Abstract: A Doppler flow velocity measuring unit wherein an optical unit including a laser and a photodetector is removably mounted on a pipeline is disclosed. The optical unit is attached to a pipe that is affixed to the pipeline at right angles to the flow in the pipeline. The pipe includes a shutoff valve that closes the pipe, permitting the optical unit to be removed from the pipeline.