Abstract: An emission monitoring system includes at least one gas analyzer for measuring a concentration of a first gas and a concentration of a second gas, a positioning system for determining the location of the at least one gas analyzer when the concentration of the first gas is measured. A method for monitoring emissions at an industrial site and a computer-implemented event detection system applies the steps of detecting the presence of a gas emission event based on a first detection ratio calculated from the measured concentration of the first gas, the measured concentration of the second gas, a background concentration of the first gas and a background concentration of the second gas.

Abstract: A method for determining a flux of a gas contained in a medium through a boundary of the medium comprises 1) measuring at least twice with a probe a concentration C of the gas over a time interval ?t and 2) determining the flux of the gas using the following mathematical equation: (I) where F is the gas flux, D is the diffusivity value and ?C is a variation in the gas concentration during the time interval ?t. The probe is placed proximate the boundary. The probe has a gas inlet, a cavity, a gas concentration sensor and a membrane. Each element is in fluid communication with each other so that the gas flows from the gas inlet through the membrane and contacts the gas concentration sensor.

Abstract: A method and system comprising measuring concentrations of first and second isotopologues of a gas of interest within a first cavity that is sealably in contact with a soil location through an inlet membrane, and the first cavity being defined by chamber walls having openings covered by outlet membranes. Reference concentrations of the first and second isotopologues are measured in a second cavity having a closed bottom, the second cavity being defined by chamber walls having openings covered by more outlet membranes. Relative flux of the isotopologues can be calculated using the measured concentrations.

Abstract: A method and system comprising measuring concentrations of first and second isotopologues of a gas of interest within a first cavity that is sealably in contact with a soil location through an inlet membrane, and the first cavity being defined by chamber walls having openings covered by outlet membranes. Reference concentrations of the first and second isotopologues are measured in a second cavity having a closed bottom, the second cavity being defined by chamber walls having openings covered by more outlet membranes. Relative flux of the isotopologues can be calculated using the measured concentrations.

Abstract: Shale hydration inhibition agents of the general formula: wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 and R6 are as defined herein, are described. In addition, the present application is directed to water-based drilling fluids containing these shale hydration inhibition agents and methods of using such agents to inhibit the hydration or swelling of shale during drilling.

Abstract: A method for determining a flux of a gas contained in a medium through a boundary of the medium comprises 1) measuring at least twice with a probe a concentration C of the gas over a time interval ?t and 2) determining the flux of the gas using the following mathematical equation: (I) where F is the gas flux, D is the diffusivity value and ?C is a variation in the gas concentration during the time interval ?t. The probe is placed proximate the boundary. The probe has a gas inlet, a cavity, a gas concentration sensor and a membrane. Each element is in fluid communication with each other so that the gas flows from the gas inlet through the membrane and contacts the gas concentration sensor.

Abstract: The invention relates to gemini surfactants of formula IA wherein A is a core derived from an organic polyhydroxy compound; R1 and R2 are each independently a hydrophobic group; and R3 and R4 are each independently a surfactant head group. Such surfactants can be used as components of fluids used in the petroleum industry or used in formulating cleansing compositions or detergent compositions.

Abstract: A method of measuring the surface flux of a component of a soil gas comprises placing a chamber for collecting said gas sealably in contact with a soil the chamber initially containing atmospheric gas. Then, the chamber is connected to a purging apparatus to purge the chamber of all measurable traces of the component. Then the soil is permitted to enter the chamber. The method uses a system for measuring the surface flux of the component. The system comprises a chamber having an open bottom for collecting soil gas, a venting port, an exhaust port having a valve and means to purge the chamber of the component.

Abstract: A backpack for carrying a load comprises a shoulder strap assembly, an exterior shell and a pouch for storing the load. The exterior shell has an opening and is attached to the shoulder strap. The pouch is located inside the shell and attached to it and comprises a stretchable portion. This stretchable portion is made of a material having an elastic modulus allowing it to stretch and retract when the load is placed inside the pouch so that the pouch moves down and up relative to the shell with a gait of a wearer of the backpack.

Abstract: A probe for sampling a soil gas comprising a body having a cavity to which is connected an inlet and an outlet, and a gas permeable waterproof membrane wrapped around the body and sealing the cavity. The membrane allows the soil gas to flow across the membrane from the soil to the cavity. A method for measuring soil gas diffusivity comprising the step of circulating in a closed loop a carrier gas substantially at an atmospheric pressure through a diffusion gas sampling probe inserted in the soil and through a sensor used for the measurement of a concentration of at least a component of the soil gas.