Abstract: Removal of gas from an oxidant containing liquid stream by chemically reacting hydrogen and the oxidant gas. The hydrogen is prevented from dissolving in the liquid by an electrochemical hydrogen pump that transports the hydrogen, as ions, back to the hydrogen side of the ion exchange membrane.

Abstract: Total organic carbon (TOC) and inorganic carbon (TIC) monitoring of water is useful in determining the water quality. Conventional TOC and TIC monitoring techniques are not zero gravity compatible. The addition of microporous hydrophobic bladders in combination with a non-dispersive infrared analyzer allow for a two phase, liquid and gas, zero gravity compatible TOC monitoring technique. The non-dispersive infrared analyzer determines the quantity of carbon dioxide present in an aqueous sample after addition of acid and post oxidation. The measured carbon dioxide quantities derived from the aqueous sample are related to the TIC and TOC present in the aqueous sample, respectively.

Abstract: Traditionally, volatile organic compounds are monitored using the purge and trap technique required by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. However, this technique operates in two phases, liquid and gas, requiring gravity to effect the separation of the two phases. The present invention, which can be automated, incorporates a microporous hydrophobic bladder to permit zero gravity monitoring of volatile organic compounds in an aqueous solution.

Abstract: Total carbon and organic carbon monitoring of water is useful in determining water quality. Conventional TOC monitoring techniques are not zero gravity compatible. Ion chromatography allows for a single phase zero gravity compatible TOC monitoring technique. The ion chromatograph determines the amounts of organic acids and carbonate present in an aqueous sample before and after oxidation. The quantities determined by this technique can be related to the total carbon and the total organic carbon present in the aqueous sample.

Abstract: A technique for preparing an unsupported, high capacity CO.sub.2 sorbent. The sorbent is comprised of silver carbonate, alkali metal silicate and alkaline earth metal salt binders for structural integrity, and alkali metal carbonate for CO.sub.2 sorption promotion. The sorbent disclosed in this invention has a high silver oxide density, consumes minimum volume, exhibits high CO.sub.2 absorption rates, and resists dusting and degradation for at least 50 absorption/desorption cycles.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a technique for storing concentrated eluant, preparing dilute eluant, and reclaiming water used for dilution. The invention uses stored concentrated eluant which is diluted using a sample loop coupled with a dilute eluant reservoir. Water is used for dilution and is reclaimed using a mixed ion exchange bed. The use of concentrated eluant and reclaimable water significantly reduces storage needs.

Abstract: The present invention is a single phase analysis process and apparatus which is zero gravity compatible and capable of detecting trace levels of organic halogens. The process utilizes a sorbent bed, oxidation chamber, and an ion chromatograph. Current technology does not allow determination of which organic halogens are present at trace levels. Additionally, the commonly utilized technique for monitoring organic halogens is a two phase analysis which is not zero gravity compatible.

Abstract: The incorporation of the hydrophilic porous element and the heat pipes in a fuel cell system enables high current density operation with a simplified accessory section as well as simplified controls, improved reliance and efficiency, and decreased maintenance and maintenance costs. The porous element, replacing the circulating pump and condenser of conventional systems, removes water from the cathode, wets the anode, and removes excess water from the system. The heat pipe system, replacing the coolant pump, coolant heat exchanger, and thermal and other controls, removes waste heat from the system.

Abstract: A method for molding fiber reinforced articles with superior mechanical properties by injection molding. The method includes heating a mixture of molding compound and chopped fiber to produce highly viscous substance. Pressure is applied to force the substance through an elongated injection slot oriented perpendicular to the major axial dimension of the finished article, causing the fiber planes to become oriented in a unique whorled, accordion like manner. The unusual fiber plane orientation reinforces the article such that it is resistant to crack propagation.