Abstract: An apparatus for characterizing particles suspended in a liquid sample containing electrolyte including a sample chamber to hold the liquid sample and a collection chamber to hold an electrolyte solution. A wall separates the chambers and includes an aperture to allow passage of particles between the chambers; and a pair of electrodes are disposed on opposite sides of the aperture to induce a current through the aperture. A pressure source forces the sample to pass from the sample chamber into the collection chamber; and a processor measures a signal representative of electric resistance variation between the electrodes to enable determination of the size of the particle within the liquid passing through the aperture, wherein the processor is adapted to monitor two or more parameters characterizing the flow of particles through the aperture, and to detect a potential blockage of the aperture by detecting a change in any one of the parameters.

Abstract: A liquid separator with at least one flow passageway is used to detect and remove the presence of entrained liquids from natural gas during spot sampling procedures prior to analysis of the sample by a gas chromatograph. In one embodiment, the at least one flow passageway directs at least a portion of the gas flow to impinge upon the inside surface of a sight glass and swirl around in a chamber which may cause droplets of liquid to coalesce on the inside of the sight glass and may cause a fog to form inside the chamber, all of which make it easier to see the existence of liquids in the natural gas. The at least one flow passageway is less expensive to fabricate than some prior art flow directing elements.

Abstract: A process for erosion testing of a specimen article includes securing a test specimen in a test rig; measuring physical characteristics of the test specimen article; using a thermal spray coating apparatus, flowing incident particles at the test specimen; and re-measuring the physical characteristics of the test specimen.

Abstract: A sight glass with a flow directing assembly is used to detect the presence of entrained liquids in natural gas during spot sampling procedures. The flow directing assembly directs at least a portion of the gas flow to impinge upon a first transparent window and swirl around in a chamber of the sight glass which may cause droplets of liquid to form on the inside of the window and may cause a fog to form inside the chamber, all of which make it easier to see the existence of liquids in the natural gas. At least one embodiment of this sight glass also acts as a fluid separator, collecting the liquids in the chamber which may then be periodically drained.

Abstract: A method of measuring a fluid level comprises providing a measuring device comprising a first material that changes appearance upon exposure to a first fluid, introducing the measuring device into a location comprising the first fluid and at least one other fluid, waiting for the first material to change appearance upon exposure to the first fluid, and withdrawing the measuring device from the location to determine the depth of the first fluid and the at least one other fluid. A measuring device for performing the method of measuring is also disclosed.

Abstract: An inductive liquid-level sensor employs a central shaft supporting multiple independent electrical loops that may be interrogated to detect the proximity of the conductive element in the float rising and falling with changes in liquid height outside of the shaft.

Abstract: An assembly with liquid level sensor probes which rotate down into a container by means of torsion springs, thereby eliminating failure to the springs due to bending. The torsion springs also act as conductors in an electric circuit without any electrical slip joints or rotating electrical contact joints which can become contaminated or oxidized and thereby interrupt electric continuity of the circuit.

Abstract: An oil level detecting device for detecting an oil level in an oil storing chamber formed in a crankcase of an engine includes a fan, a power generator and an oil level determination unit. The fan is rotated by an oil flow produced by dipping up oil for lubricating the engine. In response to rotation of the fan, the generator generates a corresponding amount of electric power on the basis of which the oil level determination unit determines the oil level.