Abstract: Differential pressure airflow sensor devices are disclosed. Disclosed are sensor devices for mounting on a fixed resistance having a low-pressure probe for extending through the fixed resistance from a housing and a high-pressure inlet to the housing. Disclosed are sensor devices having a plurality of pressure transducers.

Abstract: A sample dispatcher for a fluid separation apparatus includes a sampling path including a sampling volume, a sampling unit, and a retaining unit. The sampling unit receives a fluidic sample, and the sampling volume temporarily stores an amount of the received sample. The retaining unit receives and retains from the sampling volume at least a portion of the stored sample, and has different retention characteristics for different components of the sample. A switching unit is coupled to the sampling path, a sampling fluid drive, a mobile phase drive, and a separating device. In a feed injection configuration of the switching unit, the mobile phase drive, the separating device, and the sampling path are coupled together in a coupling point for combining a flow from the sampling fluid drive containing the fluidic sample retained by the retaining unit with a flow of the mobile phase from the mobile phase drive.

Abstract: A sampling assembly, including a sampling needle, a first pipeline, a second pipeline, a driving member, a first switching member, and a second switching member, is disclosed. The first pipeline is connected between the sampling needle and the first switching member. The second pipeline is connected between the first switching member and the driving member. The first switching member is used for connecting or disconnecting the first pipeline and the second pipeline. The second pipeline is connected, by means of the second switching member, to a negative pressure source. The sampling time of the sampling assembly of the present disclosure is relatively short. The present disclosure further discloses a sample analyzer and a sampling method.

Abstract: Mass flow verification systems and apparatus may verify mass flow rates of mass flow controllers (MFCs) based on choked flow principles. These systems and apparatus may include a plurality of differently-sized flow restrictors coupled in parallel. A wide range of flow rates may be verified via selection of a flow path through one of the flow restrictors based on an MFC's set point. Mass flow rates may be determined via pressure and temperature measurements upstream of the flow restrictors under choked flow conditions. Methods of verifying a mass flow rate based on choked flow principles are also provided, as are other aspects.

Abstract: A sampler for use in the control extraction of material samples from a flow stream of particulate material within a tubular conveyor. A rotatable extractor extends through a sample aperture in the body of the conveyor and when actuated will permit the periodic capture and discharge of particulate material samples of a controlled size from the flow stream to a sample discharge outlet outside of the conveyor. The rotatable extractor does not interfere with any material flow assistance device within the conveyor, and in operation of the conveyor, the extractor will capture periodic samples from the operating flow stream for discharge at the sample discharge outlet. The rotatable extractor could comprise an extractor flighting, extending into the flow stream and out through a discharge tube or might comprise a rotationally mounted extractor to adapted to permit periodic sampling during rotation of the tube.

Abstract: There is provided a system including a monitoring unit that analyzes, using a sensor, components of a first gas which may include first components and a pre-separation unit disposed upstream of the monitoring unit. The pre-separation unit includes: a first supply line that supplies the first gas to the monitoring unit; a second supply line that supplies a second gas, which includes components obtained by removing the first components from the first gas using a first separator, to the monitoring unit; and an automatic valve station that periodically switches between the first supply line and the second supply line to alternately supply the first gas and the second gas to the monitoring unit.

Abstract: A nozzle drying device is provided, in which a suction nozzle held by a holding chuck is inserted inside a housing, and air is blown towards the suction nozzle by operation of air blow device. A suction pipe of the suction nozzle held by the holding chuck is inserted inside a body tube by the suction pipe being contacted against contacting table. By sliding the suction pipe and the body tube with respect to each other by inserting the suction pipe inside the body tube, liquid is ejected from inside the body tube, and the liquid can be removed by blowing air. Thus, it is possible to appropriately remove liquid that has entered between the suction pipe and the body tube.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the disclosure relate to a bi-directional oil-flow adapter that is attachable to a valve-controlled port of a transformer housing in which oil is contained for cooling parts of the transformer such as a primary coil and a secondary coil. The bi-directional oil-flow adapter not only allows for an oil sample to be drawn out of the transformer housing via the valve-controlled port but also allows for the oil sample to be used (along with an additional volume of oil if so desired) for flushing the valve-controlled port in order to ensure that a subsequent oil sample is different than a current oil sample. The oil sample can be provided to a dissolved gas analyzer for detecting and analyzing one or more gases that may be present in the oil sample, the one more gases indicative of a level of contamination of the oil sample.

Abstract: A semi-automated sampling assembly configured for aseptic sampling at one or more instances from a sample source having a biological inoculum is provided. The semi-automated sampling assembly includes a sampling conduit, a recovery conduit, one or more sampling kits, and a pumping device. The sampling conduit includes a first port and a second port, where the first port of the sampling conduit is configured to be operatively coupled to the sample source. Further, the recovery conduit includes a first port and a second port, where the first port of the recovery conduit is configured to be operatively coupled to the sample source. Also, the second port of the recovery conduit is operatively coupled to at least a portion of the sampling conduit. Moreover, the one or more sampling kits are operatively coupled to the sampling conduit, and the pumping device is operatively coupled to the sampling conduit.

Abstract: A method of particle detection in an aspirated particle detection system having a sampling pipe network and a particle detector. The method includes drawing sample air to the particle detector through the air sampling network; analyzing the sample air with the particle detector; entering an amplification phase, in the event that a concentration of particles in the sample air greater than a predetermined threshold is detected, to create a plurality of sample air packets in the sampling pipe, wherein each sample air packet corresponds to a sampling inlet and includes an amplified concentration of air drawn from the corresponding sampling inlet; transporting the sample air including the plurality of sample air packets through the sampling pipe to the particle detector; and determining through which sampling inlet any particles entered the particle detection system.

Abstract: A gas routing element (20) for gassing at least one gas-measuring device (90.1-90.x), whereby each gas-measuring device (90.x-90.x) can be arranged in a test module (30.1-30.x) of a calibrating station (100). The gas-measuring devices (90.1-90.x) have a first gas inlet opening (1.1-1.x), a communicating feed duct (2.1-2.x) and a communicating first gas outlet openings (3.1-3.x, 13.1-13.x). Second gas inlet openings (4.1-4.x, 14.1-14.x) are connected to a communicating recirculating duct (5.1-5.x) and a second gas outlet opening (6.1-6.x) is connected with the recirculating duct (5.1-5.x) in a gas-communicating manner. A fastening device (70) fastens the gas routing element (20) to the calibrating station (100) or to a test module (30.1-30.x) of the calibrating station (100). A calibrating station (100) is also provided for the gas-measuring devices (90.1-90.x) with such a gas routing element (20).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gaseous sample injection valve. The gaseous sample injection valve includes a middle body injecting a fixed amount of a gaseous sample into the vacuum chamber of a mass spectrometer, the middle body being constituted by a gaseous sample injection tube, a gaseous sample discharge tube, a storage part, and a vacuum chamber connection tube; an upper body accommodating a first solenoid coil, a first plunger, and a first packing; and a lower body accommodating a second solenoid coil, a second plunger, and a second packing. The gaseous sample injection valve according to the present invention may be miniaturized to utilize a lightweight portable mass spectrometer. Also, the vacuum pump may be reduced in load to extend the operation life-cycle of the vacuum pump. In addition, when the gaseous sample is analyzed by using the mass spectrometer, a uniform mass spectrum with respect to the gaseous sample may be obtained.

Abstract: An automated testing apparatus for remotely performing a testing sequence to ensure that a sensor is functioning. The apparatus can include a detector, a storage container, a burst valve in fluid communication with the storage container, a testing control module in communication with the storage container and the burst valve, and a remote user interface remotely located from the detector. Preferably, the automated testing apparatus can simplify the testing procedure, increase the frequency of sensor testings, thereby notifying operations of sensor failures in a more timely fashion without the need for an operator to check the sensor locally.

Abstract: The device for the transfer of a medium comprises a magazine (2) and at least one transfer element (3) for transfer of said medium, said transfer element (3) comprising a duct (45) for transfer of said medium provided at one end with a needle (31), a septum (32), and a maneuvering unit (33) of said needle (31), said transfer element (3) also comprising means for locking (61, 65) adapted to cooperate with complementary locking means (15) of said magazine (2) to lock said needle (31) in a waiting position, said locking means (61, 62, 65) belonging to said maneuvering unit (33) and cooperating with said complementary locking means (15) at a location of said magazine (2) distinct from the location through which said duct (45) issues from the cavity (20), at the opposite end from the needle (31).

Abstract: A sniffing leak detector which comprises a first suction line in a sniffing probe, the line leading to a main device, is provided with a larger second suction line through which gas is sucked in from the sniffing tip by a gas delivery pump. By connecting the second suction line, the distance sensitivity is increased. By disconnecting the second suction line, on the other hand, the sensitivity is increased. Thus, it is possible to first search for leaks by use of a high gas throughput and subsequently exactly determine the leaks under the quantitative aspect by use of a reduced flow.

Abstract: A system is provided for creating and/or collecting, storing and providing access to data from an electric power device which contains a cooling or operating liquid. A sensing device is mounted on the electric power device. The sensing device includes a microprocessor/microcontroller, a memory, a display panel, an input panel, and a tag read/write apparatus. A sampling container for holding a liquid sample to be taken from the electric power device has a container tag mounted thereon. The tag read/write apparatus uses a wireless communication link, when a sample has been taken, to transmit (i) administrative data denoting the electric power device, and (ii) diagnosis data denoting the sample taken to the container tag. The diagnosis data can be input directly using the input panel of the sensing device when a sample has been taken.

Abstract: An automated sample collection workstation is provided. The workstation includes a processor, a peristaltic pump, a valve actuator, and an algorithm. The peristaltic pump and the valve actuator are in electrical communication with the processor. The valve actuator can move a plurality of valves, when disposed therein, among an off position, a flush position, and a sample position. The algorithm is resident on the processor and is configured to: move all of the valves to the off position and place the pump in an off state when no sampling or flushing is required, move all of the valves to the flush position and place the pump in an on state for a predetermined flush time period when flushing is required, and move a respective one of the valves to the sample position, move any of the valves upstream of the respective valve to the flush position, and place the pump to the on state for a predetermined sample time period when a sample is required.

Abstract: A method and system for taking a sample of ballast water. The method includes withdrawing a sample of ballast water via a tube inserted in a ballast water pipe, wherein the tube includes a sample inlet, and isokinetic flow is achieved via a pump that controls the flow of the sample ballast water through the tube inlet by comparing a flow of the ballast water pipe with a flow of the sample ballast water through the tube; and controlling the flow of water through the sample tube inlet when a flow of the ballast water pipe is sensed to be different; withdrawing a portion of the sample ballast water for testing; and returning remaining sample ballast water to the ballast water pipe.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a gas sensor, including: a gas collecting chamber including: (a) a nanoporous wall including alumina, on a portion of the gas collecting chamber in the near vicinity of the solid propellant fuel; a micro pump attached to the gas collecting chamber; and a gas analysis device connected to the gas collecting chamber. The gas analysis device measures both type and concentration of gases collected in the gas collecting chamber via the nanoporous wall, the gases measured being selected from the group consisting of CO, CO2, NO, N2O, NO2 and combinations thereof. The present disclosure also relates to a method of sensing propellant degradation in solid fuel and a method of using a gas collecting chamber to sense such degradation.

Abstract: An automated sampler for sampling contaminants that are dissolved in water. An empty, sealed first vial is placed at a first sampling station with a dual-port needle, and a mechanical syringe pump displaces a programmable volume of gas from the first vial. A sealed second vial having a field sample of water with dissolved contaminants, typically without a headspace region, is placed at a second sampling station, with a dual-port needle. The syringe pump extracts an aqueous volume from the second vial, then transfers the aqueous volume into the first vial. This is all done without exposing the field sample to any external gasses or other compounds, and without opening the seal of the field sample to atmosphere. The sample in the first vial is heated, and an aliquot of headspace from the first vial is then injected into an analyzer device for identification and quantification.

Abstract: Device for sampling a liquid in a tube by means of a hollow needle (10) passing through the closing cap (12) of the tube (14), means (18, 20) with rack and toothed wheel being provided to oppose the rising of the tube (14) when the needle is extracted from the cap (12).

Abstract: A fluid sampling system for sampling the contents of a container of fluid includes an elongate hollow sampling conduit extending between a first end for withdrawing the fluid from the container and a second end for returning the fluid to the container, pump means for circulating the fluid between the container and the sampling conduit, a sample probe having a tip extending into the sampling conduit so as to contact the fluid within the sampling conduit, and a controller unit for controlling flow of the fluid within the sampling conduit and monitoring the properties of interest of the fluid within the sampling conduit via signals received from the sample probe. The present invention also provides an in-line pH probe.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising first and second fluid intakes, a pump, and a sample chamber, may be positioned in a borehole penetrating a subterranean formation. A method of use thereof may comprise drawing fluid from the subterranean formation and into the first and second fluid intakes using the pump, discharging into the borehole at least a portion of the fluid drawn into the second fluid intake, and selectively diverting at least a portion of the fluid drawn into the first fluid intake to the sample chamber.

Abstract: A smoke evaluation device includes a manifold in fluid communication with a source of smoke, and a first sampling line and a second sampling line in fluid communication with the manifold. The first sampling line and the second sampling line are arranged to convey parallel smoke flows. A first filter station is located in the first sampling line, and is adapted to support a filter paper in fluid communication with the smoke. A first circuit board station is located in the second sampling line, and is adapted to support a circuit board in fluid communication with the smoke.

Abstract: A contamination analysis unit and method for inspecting pollutants remaining on a target side of an inspection object such as a reticle after cleaning the object is provided. After steeping the target side in a solution, a sampling liquid may be abstracted therefrom after a predetermined time and may be analyzed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for extracting gas samples from a particle-laden fluid stream are disclosed. An exemplary sampling probe apparatus includes a probe head having an upstream face and a downstream face, an intake orifice inwardly tapering from the upstream face into a central bore region of a cavity within the probe head, and an outlet orifice outwardly tapering from said central bore region to the downstream face, so as to permit fluid gas flow through the central bore region of the cavity. A filter device disposed within the cavity of the probe head extends between the intake orifice and the outlet orifice so as to divide a low-pressure sampling region of the cavity from the central bore region. A sampling tube in fluid communication with the low-pressure sampling region provides for extracting gas samples from the low-pressure sampling region of the cavity.

Abstract: Applicants' teachings relate to a method and device to extract components contained in a fluid. More particularly, the applicants' teachings are directed towards a method and sampling device for quick extraction of targeted components from their in vivo surroundings. In accordance with various embodiments of applicants' teachings a sampling device and method to extract components, such as, for example, analytes, from a fluid is provided. The device is interfaced with a fluid source, such as, for example, but not limited to, a circulatory system of an animal, to enable extraction of target molecules with minimal loss of fluid (e.g., blood) to the source. The device facilitates an interface between the circulatory system of an animal and a suitable sampling probe such as, for example, a solid phase microextraction (SPME) probe. The targeted compounds are desorbed in small volumes of solvents that can be analyzed with highly specific instruments.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a probe having an elongated main body with a proximal end for attachment to a wall of a duct or volume and a distal end that is disposed on the interior of the duct, such that the main body forms a measurement space through which the fluid is drawn for analysis.

Abstract: A method and system for particle entrained fluid sampling, capable of sampling a high pressure and/or high flow rate fluid flow system using a pressure intensifier for applying pressure or suction to the fluid sample in the fluid sampling system operatively connected to a sample extractor and a sample analysis device. The pressure intensifier for applying pressure or suction is adjustable to provide control over the sample flow in the fluid sampling system. The fluid sampling system of the present invention may be particularly applicable to monitoring the condition of hydraulic and lubrication systems.

Abstract: A sampling device (10) includes a sample extraction portion (28) which reciprocates within a cylindrical sample housing portion (26). The sample housing portion is axially moveable through a gate valve (22) to permit removal and maintenance of the sample extractor.

Abstract: The present invention is a pressurized fluid sample injector system consisting of a sample needle, multiport valve, sample loop, metering syringe and a pressure assist pump. The speed of sample transport into the sample loop is increased by pressurizing the fluid in the system and metering the sample into the sample loop. The elevated system pressure allows the fluids to be moved faster than the vapor pressure would normally allow in a system at ambient pressure.

Abstract: Device for sampling a liquid in a tube by means of a hollow needle (10) passing through the closing cap (12) of the tube (14), means (18, 20) with rack and toothed wheel being provided to oppose the rising of the tube (14) when the needle is extracted from the cap (12).

Abstract: An oil sampling assembly structured to collect an oil sample from the oil circulating system of an engine or other device and including a housing connected in fluid communication with the oil circulating system and having a container removably connected thereto. During operation of the oil circulating system a continuous flow of oil into and out of the container will occur. When the oil circulating system is not operating, oil and any contaminants contained therein will collect within the container. The container and oil sample is detached from the housing, replaced by another container, and connected to a closure for transport to a testing facility.

Abstract: A sample pump system for metering the amount of sample taken from a pressurized fluid process such as a natural gas pipeline or the like, the sample pump system designed for immersion, directly or indirectly, into the pressurized fluid stream so that the sampling is taken at the prevailing pressure and temperature of the fluid stream. A spot sample cylinder device is further provided which employs a method of collection wherein the initial cylinder volume of the collection vessel or sampling cylinder is zero. The spot sample cylinder is inserted into the pressurized gas (or fluid) source, said sample cylinder employing a piston or moveable end configured such that purging of the cylinder sample cavity is not required, since the sample cavity volume is essentially eliminated prior to sampling by the location of the piston within the cavity, the cavity expanding upon sampling via piston movement within the cavity.

Abstract: An aseptic sampling system includes substantially sealed sampling lines connecting one or more sample container to a vessel containing the fluid to be sampled. A flow control system includes valves and/or clamps placed strategically along the sampling lines and filtered vent lines are provided at strategic locations relative to a reversible fluid pump in communication with the sampling lines. The clamps are selectively actuated, the vent lines are selectively opened or closed, and the pump is operated in a forward or reverse direction to permit a volume of sample fluid to be drawn from the vessel and into a sample container and to permit fluid to be purged from the sampling lines either into the sample container or back into the vessel. Thus, sampling and purging can be accomplished without opening the system to potentially contaminating agents and without wasting or having to properly dispose the fluid.

Abstract: The invention provides a sidestream gas sampling apparatus having a gas sampling circuit and a set of reusable elements. The gas sampling circuit carries the gas sample from a main flow of gas, through a sample analysis area, and vents the gas sample to an analyzed gas destination. The reusable components provide motive forces to remove the gas sample through the gas sampling circuit and provide analysis components for the gas sampling apparatus while not making contact with the gas sample. As such, the reusable components do not become contaminated by the gas sample and do not have to be cleaned or sterilized between applications.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to realize high-accuracy analysis of a flue gas in terms of a trace amount of ammonia so as to control the level of ammonia gas to be added to a flue gas NOx removal apparatus. Since the ammonia gas to be determined is a highly absorbable, the gas component is considerably adsorbed on a surface of the flue gas sampling tube during sampling of flue gas. When a conventional sampling method including heating a gas sampling tube is employed, the amount of sampled gas is reduced through adsorption during gas sampling, failing to obtain concentration values at high accuracy. Thus, a high-accuracy gas sampling method replacing a conventional, heating-based method includes completely washing out, with an absorption liquid therefor serving as a washing liquid, a target ammonia gas deposited on the inner wall of a flue gas sampling tube (2), whereby the gas component is thoroughly collected. Through analysis of the thus-obtained washing liquid, high-accuracy analysis can be attained.

Abstract: A separation analyzer for transferring solutions, while changing mixing ratios of the solutions, wherein a flow passage from a first pump, a flow passage from a second pump, and a passage for sample introduction section, the flow passages being connected, which further comprises a flow switching means for temporarily storing the solutions, whereby the flow switching means alternatively makes a first state for pushing out the solutions in a second sampling loop to the sample introduction section by the second pump, while transferring the solutions to the first sampling loop; and a second state for pushing out the solutions in the first sampling loop by the second pump, while transferring the solutions from the first pump to the second sampling loop.

Abstract: The influence of contamination or carry-over can be reduced even if a mobile phase flows in an analysis flow channel at a low flow rate. A surface of a flow channel (7a) in a needle (7) is mechanically polished, so that a surface roughness (Ra) thereof is, for example, equal to or lower than 0.2 ?m. The surface of the flow channel (7a) may be polished by passing a fine wire coated with abrasive grains through a hole of the needle 7 and moving the wire reciprocally in the hole.

Abstract: A fluid sampling system for sampling the contents of a container of fluid includes an elongate hollow sampling conduit extending between a first end for withdrawing the fluid from the container and a second end for returning the fluid to the container, pump means for circulating the fluid between the container and the sampling conduit, a sample probe having a tip extending into the sampling conduit so as to contact the fluid within the sampling conduit, and a controller unit for controlling flow of the fluid within the sampling conduit and monitoring the properties of interest of the fluid within the sampling conduit via signals received from the sample probe. The present invention also provides an in-line pH probe.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed that determines the density of one component in a multi-component flow through a conduit. The multi-component flow is separated into two streams (404) where a first stream has essentially all the flow for a first one of the components. The density of the second stream is measured (406).

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an apparatus for obtaining a sample underwater. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a syringe pump comprising a plurality of syringes, a sampling probe coupled to the syringe pump for collecting the sample underwater and an analzyer module coupled to the syringe pump.

Abstract: A segmented sampling apparatus is designed to extract a sample from a source and deliver the sample to a collector for storage or analysis. The sample is extracted from the source at a sample withdrawal or extraction rate but is delivered to the collector at a faster rate. Air is injected into or drawn into the apparatus which allows for an expedited sample delivery rate.

Abstract: A dilution tunnel having a flow chamber structure with an inlet, an outlet, and an internal flow passage for a sample gas, the sample gas being adapted to flow in a flow direction between the inlet and the outlet. The flow chamber structure having a plurality of pores that communicate between an outside region external of the flow chamber structure and the internal flow passage. The pores are adapted to introduce a diluting gas from the outside region into the internal flow passage. The flow chamber structure is adapted to provide a diluting rate of the dilution tunnel that varies in the flow direction of the dilution tunnel.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for analyzing ion mobility data. In one embodiment, a method for analyzing ion mobility spectrometry data is disclosed. The method comprises conducting a number of ion mobility scans on a sample, generating an ion map comprising a first ion line, comparing the first ion line to a standard deviation, wherein the standard deviation is calculated from the system measurement noise, and determining if the sample is a contraband substance.

Abstract: It is an object of the invention to provide an effective technique for detecting the quality of water with high accuracy. A representative water treatment apparatus includes an aerobic treatment region that treats water aerobically, a downstream region in which the water aerobically treated in the aerobic treatment region flows, a water quality sensor that is submerged in the downstream region and detects the water quality and a sensor washing arrangement that washes the water quality sensor by supplying the water of the downstream region to the water quality sensor at a flow rate higher than water flowing around the water quality sensor. As a result, sludge generated due to aerobic treatment can be prevented from being deposited on the water quality sensor and/or deposited sludge can be removed, so that the accuracy of water quality detection of the water quality sensor can be enhanced.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing apparatus comprises a liquid reservoir (32), an outlet port (6; 36) and driving means for forcing liquid (4) through the outlet port (6, 36). The driving means generates a pulse of gas which impinges upon the liquid (4) in the reservoir (32) so as to force liquid (4) through the outlet port (6, 36). Also disclosed is a cassette comprising a plurality of cartridges for dispensing liquid therefrom. Each cartridge comprises a liquid reservoir (32) and an outlet member (36) mounted so as to close an opening (34) in the liquid reservoir (32). The outlet member (36) provides an outlet port through which the liquid can be forced by a pulse of pressurised gas.

Abstract: A gas permeable membrane comprising a thin polymeric coating on a microporous backing, said gas permeable membrane being permeable permitting for oxygen and carbon dioxide at different flow rates, wherein the gas permeable membrane is made from a copolymer of a polyether and a polyamide enables the achievement of a controlled atmosphere in a cargo region, wherein the membrane is able to obtain and hold low concentrations of carbon dioxide and of oxygen in the atmosphere in the cargo region and to produce an “ideal” or optimum storage atmosphere which will ensure a retardation of respiratory activity within the container.

Abstract: A contamination analysis unit and method for inspecting pollutants remaining on a target side of an inspection object such as a reticle after cleaning the object is provided. After steeping the target side in a solution, a sampling liquid may be abstracted therefrom after a predetermined time and may be analyzed.

Abstract: A rugged, all-electronic fluid dispensing system for use with pipettes or in other contexts indirectly measures fluid flow by using a non-linear system model to correlate vacuum existing at the top of a column of suspended fluid. Non-contact operation is provided to eliminate the need for contact-type closed-loop fluid flow sensing and associated potential cross-contamination risks. In one particular exemplary non-limiting illustrative implementation, an electronic controller within a gun-shaped, cordless self-contained pipetter housing dynamically calculates valve opening time based on a non-linear equation. Calibration is used to derive equation constants, and column vacuum pressure before the valve is opened is used as the independent variable to derive a valve opening time that will result in accurate dispensing of a desired programmed fluid quantity.