Abstract: A sample of water is tested for silica and phosphate content in a single apparatus. In the test method, a first sample of the water is colorimetrically analyzed in a reaction chamber using a “molybdenum blue” test in which silica and phosphate in the sample are complexed with a first reagent. The phosphate complexes are then optically inactivated by a second reagent and the color of the silica complexes is intensified with a third reagent. From this, the silica content is calculated. A further sample is colorimetrically analyzed without using the second reagent, so that a combined silica and phosphate content of the further sample is obtained. A value of the silica content is subtracted from the value of the combined silica and phosphate content, resulting in a phosphate content for the sample. The silica content and the phosphate content of the sample are reportable.

Abstract: A capillary electrophoresis system which provides a microfluidic chip for capillary electrophoresis and a microfluidic interface module which fluidicly couples the microfluidic chip to external fluid sources and or external repositories.

Abstract: A microfluidic chip interface for providing fluid communication with external fluid sources and external fluid waste containers, and for providing electrical contact with voltage sources and voltage and current measuring devices, is described. The microchip is first placed into electrical communication with at least one electrical source and at least one electronic measurement device, and reversibly secured in place. Chosen fluids are provided into the microchip and directed through the chip using a fluid manifold having dispensing tubes and fluid aspiration tubes, which is brought into the vicinity of the secured microchip. The distance between the fluid manifold and the microchip is chosen such that the injection tubes are located within wells in the microchip connected to microfluidic channels, and the aspiration tubes are located near the surface of the microchip in the vicinity of the wells such that fluid spillage onto the surface of the microchip during fluid transfer is avoided.

Abstract: A system and method for calibrating a digital conductivity and temperature measuring system. A connector is interposed between a sensor and transmitter of the digital conductivity and temperature measuring system. A calibrator, which may have selectable resistors with known values, is also attached to the connector. The sensor measures a raw resistance for a selected resistor. The digital conductivity and temperature measuring system then compares the raw resistance to the known value of the resistor to calculate a calibration factor.

Abstract: A system and method for calibrating a digital conductivity and temperature measuring system. A connector is interposed between a sensor and transmitter of the digital conductivity and temperature measuring system. A calibrator, which may have selectable resistors with known values, is also attached to the connector. The sensor measures a raw resistance for a selected resistor. The digital conductivity and temperature measuring system then compares the raw resistance to the known value of the resistor to calculate a calibration factor.