Abstract: A system and method for distillation of a liquid sample at atmospheric pressure for the improved prediction of the heating necessary before the initial boiling point (IBP) of the sample is detected regardless of sample composition to ensure the IBP is observed within certain time constraints. A plurality of infrared (IR) sensors provides real-time temperature control in addition to a conventional measurement of vapor temperature. One IR-sensor monitors the liquid sample temperature in the distillation flask to obtain a corrected IBP time independent of the sample properties. Another IR-sensor monitors the temperature of the rising vapor column as the vapor rises up the neck of the distillation flask. Alternatively, an IR matrix may monitor the temperature of the rising vapor column. The system and method expand the scope of samples analyzed with improved signal, reproducibility, and test accuracy and still remain within the prescribed limits of a selected standard.

Abstract: A method for injecting a sample being analyzed into the injection tube of a measurement cell which includes an injection opening and a punch. The sample is introduced into a syringe including a plunger, and the syringe is closed by an expendable cap having a male end closed by a strikable closure. The syringe is secured to the support of an injection station aligned with the injection opening, and a pusher displaces the syringe by vertical translation from an upper position to a lower position with the punch perforating the closure of the cap to inject the sample from the syringe into the injection tube.

Abstract: A method for cleaning the U-tube of the measurement cell of a densimeter, the measurement cell including an isothermic enclosure defining a measurement chamber closed by a stopper surrounded by a resilient seal, a U-tube extending inside the measurement chamber for containing a sample, the U-tube secured to the stopper at a base of the U-tube which includes free ends projecting outwardly from the measurement chamber to permit injection of the sample via an injection opening and evacuation of the sample via an evacuation opening, and means for causing the U-tube to vibrate. The method comprises, following a step of analyzing a sample, injecting a rinsing solvent into the injection opening of the U-tube, and subjecting the stopper to ultrasonic waves.

Abstract: A method for the accurate measurement of the density of a sample using a densimeter equipped with a measurement cell, a sample-containing U-tube including a ferromagnetic member, an insulated conductive reading plate maintained at a different potential relative to the U-tube, and an electromagnetic excitation winding. The method includes the steps of transmitting a synchronised rectangular excitation signal continuously to the U-tube to cause the U-tube to vibrate at resonance frequency, the vibration being represented by a sinusoidal resonance signal; determining the resonance frequency from the variations in the voltage at the terminals of the capacitor and deducing an approximate value of the density of the sample; controlling the pulse width of the rectangular excitation signal to maintain a predefined constant amplitude of the resonance signal; and deducing a correction factor dependent on the viscosity of the sample.

Abstract: Device for monitoring the level of the condensate collected in the measurement cylinder of a standardized distillation apparatus for automatically distilling liquid specimens, characterized in that it comprises: on the one hand, a double optical barrier emitting a central beam centered on the measurement cylinder (1), so as to allow detection of the part below the meniscus, and an eccentric beam offset with respect to the central beam and located close to the wall of the measurement cylinder (1), so as to allow the part above the meniscus to be detected; and, on the other hand, a fixed optical barrier intended for counting the drops of condensate falling into the measurement cylinder (1) during distillation.

Abstract: Method for automatically distilling liquid specimens in a standardized distillation apparatus containing a heater, a distillation flask, a collecting cylinder and control and regulation means, characterized in that: the specimen is introduced into the distillation flask; this flask is positioned in the distillation apparatus; the specimen to be analysed is classified in a group defined by the standard selected; the distillation is started, with the amount of condensate collected in the collecting cylinder, the temperature of the evaporated vapor, the temperature of the liquid specimen present in the flask, together with an operating parameter of the heater, being constantly measured; and the measured values are sent to the control and regulating means that in return control the operating parameter of the heater so as to obtain, directly and automatically, distillation parameters in accordance with a standard.

Abstract: A method for cleaning the U-tube of the measurement cell of a densimeter, the measurement cell including an isothermic enclosure defining a measurement chamber closed by a stopper surrounded by a resilient seal, a U-tube extending inside the measurement chamber for containing a sample, the U-tube secured to the stopper at a base of the U-tube which includes free ends projecting outwardly from the measurement chamber to permit injection of the sample via an injection opening and evacuation of the sample via an evacuation opening, and means for causing the U-tube to vibrate. The method comprises, following a step of analyzing a sample, injecting a rinsing solvent into the injection opening of the U-tube, and subjecting the stopper to ultrasonic waves.

Abstract: A method for injecting a sample being analyzed into the injection tube of a measurement cell which includes an injection opening and a punch. The sample is introduced into a syringe including a plunger, and the syringe is closed by an expendable cap having a male end closed by a strikable closure. The syringe is secured to the support of an injection station aligned with the injection opening, and a pusher displaces the syringe by vertical translation from an upper position to a lower position with the punch perforating the closure of the cap to inject the sample from the syringe into the injection tube.

Abstract: A method for the accurate measurement of the density of a sample using a densimeter equipped with a measurement cell, a sample-containing U-tube including a ferromagnetic member, an insulated conductive reading plate maintained at a different potential relative to the U-tube, and an electromagnetic excitation winding. The method includes the steps of transmitting a synchronised rectangular excitation signal continuously to the U-tube to cause the U-tube to vibrate at resonance frequency, the vibration being represented by a sinusoidal resonance signal; determining the resonance frequency from the variations in the voltage at the terminals of the capacitor and deducing an approximate value of the density of the sample; controlling the pulse width of the rectangular excitation signal to maintain a predefined constant amplitude of the resonance signal; and deducing a correction factor dependent on the viscosity of the sample.

Abstract: “Process for determining the distillation characteristics of liquid petroleum products by express mini-distillation and apparatus permitting implementation of this process” Apparatus characterized by the fact that it includes: a distillation flask dimensioned to receive 5 to 15 ml of a sample to be analysed, organs for heating the distillation flask, with an adjustable constant heating intensity, two inertialess temperature sensors permitting continuous measurement on the one hand of the true value of the temperature of a sample in the course of distillation in the liquid phase and the true value of the temperature of this sample in the vapor phase, a device for continuous measurement of the pressure in the vapor phase of a sample in the course of distillation which includes a pressure detector and a capillary tube, and organs for reception and exploitation of signals transmitted by the temperature sensors and the pressure detector.