Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for detection of leaks in boilers containing a temperature control liquid which is supplemented with feedwater and removed as blowdown, main steam and sootblower steam. In a preferred embodiment, the boiler has an automatic liquid level control mechanism. The methods include measuring rates associated with feedwater supplementation and removal, determining the change of mass of the temperature control liquid, determining the unaccounted for water rate, and comparing the unaccounted for water rate with zero to determine if a leak condition is present.

Abstract: A method for analyzing the fouling tendency of a bottoms slurry in a fluidized catalytic cracking unit, the method comprising the following steps:(a) subjecting a sample of the bottoms slurry to a selected increased pressure above atmospheric pressure and to a selected temperature corresponding to a bottoms slurry temperature at which the bottoms slurry is proposed to be maintained in the fluidized catalytic cracking unit;(b) maintaining the sample at the selected increased pressure and selected temperature for at least about two hours;(c) cooling the sample and reducing the pressure;(d) homogenizing the sample to produce a homogenized sample;(e) extracting relatively higher molecular weight materials from the homogenized sampling and(f) analyzing the extracted relatively higher molecular weight materials for at least one equalitywherein the steps (e) and (f) are carried out by:(g) adding from about three to about five parts by weight of a solvent composition to one part by weight of a measured amount of the

Abstract: A photo-acoustic gas sensor for measuring a gas concentration, e.g., of an explosive gas, consists of a cylindrical sensor body (1) which includes a cylindrical measurement chamber (13) whose longitudinal axis extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical sensor body. Without changing the outer dimensions of the sensor body, the length of the measurement chamber can be changed in accordance with a desired measurement sensitivity and a desired measurement range. A light source (5) is disposed such that it irradiates the measurement chamber without irradiating a gas-permeable membrane (2), so that the membrane will not produce an interference signal. The gas sensor is rendered explosion-proof as the light source and a photo-diode (6) which monitors the light source are tightly sealed from the environment. Proper functioning of a microphone (4), the light source and the photo-diode are monitored by analyzing a background signal.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for measuring the permeability of polymer film materials such as used in super-insulation powder-filled evacuated panels (PEPs) reduce the time required for testing from several years to weeks or months. The method involves substitution of a solid non-outgassing body having a free volume of between 0% and 25% of its total volume for the usual powder in the PEP to control the free volume of the "body-filled panel". Pressure versus time data for the test piece permit extrapolation to obtain long term performance of the candidate materials.

Abstract: The fluids to be studied are placed in a chamber (13) of variable volume delimited by a piston (5) that can be moved by hydraulic device (24) in a cavity of a body (1). An endoscope (18) allowing to view the inside of the chamber and notably to see the orifices of two diametrically opposite pipes (14, 15) that communicate the cell with the outside is placed behind a transparent porthole (8) closing the end of the chamber opposite the piston. The body (1) can swivel about a pin (26), which allows achievement of equilibrium and also to draw off a particular phase of a stratified multiphase fluid by placing the orifice of one of pipes (14, 15) within this phase. A pressure detector (19) is included in the wall of the piston so as to decrease practically any dead volume likely to distort the measurements. A single body can contain two cells placed side by side, at least one having a transparent wall. The device can be used for studying fluids, notably petroleum fluids.

Abstract: A containment cell with two chambers (7) in a thermostat-controlled enclosure (3) is used to measure separately, at determined pressure levels, the volumes occupied separately by fluid phases, prior to measuring at the same pressures the volume occupied by the mixture thereof, so as to deduce therefrom the excess volume (v.sup.E) and the density of the mixture. By minimizing an error function (F) that takes account of volume quantities, such as the excess volume (v.sup.E) or the density of the mixture, and of phase equilibrium data of the mixture such as the saturation pressures (Psat), these data being determined from said cell, it is possible to determine with precision the coefficients of the equation of state relating the thermodynamic parameters of the mixture (P, V, T) and thereby to fine down for example reservoir models. The method can be applied for study of petroleum fluids for example.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for adsorption measurement suitable for a small-surface area determination are disclosed. The apparatus includes (a) a temperature-compensated constant-volume adsorption apparatus including: a pair of a reference buret and a sample buret of almost equal shapes and volumes disposed in a lateral symmetry, a pair of a reference adsorption cell and a sample adsorption cell of almost equal shapes and volumes disposed in a lateral symmetry and connected to the reference and sample burets, respectively, the sample cell containing a sample for adsorption measurement, an adsorbate gas supply connected to the reference and sample burets so as to supply an adsorbate gas to the burets, and a pressure gage capable of measuring pressures within the reference and sample burets.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining total reactive sulfur in a crude oil or fraction thereof using a mass spectrometer or gas chromatograph and mass spectrometer. Selecting fragment ions characteristic of reactive sulfur species enables the quantitative determination of total reactive sulfur species. The use of a low resolution mass spectrometer allows the rapid determination of total reactive sulfur in field or remote locations where more sophisticated instruments are not available.

Abstract: A method for analyzing the microfractures of a sandstone formation is provided which determines an optimal horizontal drilling direction. The microfractures are analyzed with a photomultiplier-based imagining of electron-beam induced luminescence method, or scanned CL. The microfractures are categorized and a weighted average azimuth of the microfractures is generated which strongly correlates with macrofractures of the same formation. A method for classifying cementation of a sandstone formation is also provided which assists in defining an optimum drilling horizon. Suitable fracture transmissivities are provided in formations with primarily with synkinematic and prekinematic cementation.

Abstract: A portable tester is provided for reading and displaying the pressure of a gas released from a rock core sample stored within a sealed container and for taking a sample of the released pressurized gas for chemical analysis thereof for subsequent use in a modified direct method test which determines the volume of gas and specific type of gas contained within the core sample.

Abstract: A planar palladium structure makes use of the unique properties of palladium to provide a hydrogen permeable membrane suitable for use in providing, for example, selective control of a nominal gas pressure within a cavity. The contemplated planar palladium structure includes a planar substrate having upper and lower major surfaces and an array of microfine channels therebetween, wherein the channels allow gaseous communication between the upper and lower major surfaces, and an array of palladium deposits being distributed on the substrate and located with respect to the microfine channels so as to restrict the gaseous communication to diffusion of hydrogen gas.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining a physical property of a gas in a confined space. Gas of known volume, pressure and temperature is placed in communication with a confined space containing gas at known pressure to determine the volume of gas in the confined space using computations based on the gas laws. Alternatively, gas of known pressure, volume, and temperature may be placed in communication with a confined space containing gas at known volume to determine the pressure of gas in the confined space prior to communication with the gas of known properties. Gas volume determinations are useful, for example, to perform rheological characterizations of liquid samples.

Abstract: A swimming pool leak detecting device including an interior housing slidable along a floor and side walls of a swimming pool. A telescopic pole is pivotally coupled with the interior housing. A floating housing is adapted to float on a surface of the swimming pool. The floating housing holds a predetermined amount of water therein. A hose is provided having an upper end fluidly coupled with the floating housing and a lower end fluidly coupled with the interior housing. A leak in the swimming pool will cause the water level in the floating housing to decrease. Sealant can be poured through the floating hosing and directed through the hose to the interior housing in order to seal the leak.

Abstract: A method and device for measuring the permeability of a drying wire to air in which the measurement is carried out continuously while the drying wire moves. The drying wire is guided to run so that it passes over a blow box and a measurement box free of contact, and the pressure in the measurement box and/or the relative change in the pressure is/are measured when the blow box is creating a pressure differential between the blow box and the measurement box in the vicinity of the wire. The pressure and/or the relative change in the pressure is/are compared with earlier measurement results and/or starting values (reference values). The permeability to air of the drying wire is determined on the basis of comparison of the pressure and/or of the relative change in the pressure, and the contact-free measurement is produced by guiding the flow into or out of the measurement box to pass through a gap between the measurement box and the drying wire.

Abstract: A process for closing cooling holes of an airfoil includes the steps of providing an airfoil having a plurality of cooling holes, closing desired holes of said plurality of cooling holes by applying an ultraviolet curable material over the holes.

Abstract: A device is provided for testing a pressure drop across a cigarette filter rod. The device includes an expansible sleeve for encapsulating a filter rod and a two stage vacuum pump connected thereto. A first controllable valve connects the outer surface of the sleeve to the vacuum pump to expand the sleeve so that a filter rod can be inserted. The first controllable valve also connects the end of the sleeve to the vacuum pump so that a measurable pressure drop is created across the filter rod. A second controllable valve is connected between an exhaust port of the vacuum pump and the end of the sleeve so that, after the testing has been completed, the filter rod will be ejected from the sleeve. The pressure testing device is thus self contained and does not require an external source of vacuum or compressed air.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the decomposition of a gaseous mater under controlled temperature and time conditions. The method is particularly useful for testing the decomposition of pyrotechnic compositions useful in grenades. The method vaporizes the test composition in an enclosed vaporization chamber. Thereafter the process flows a stream of an inert gas into the enclosed vaporization chamber and mixes the vaporized composition with the stream of an inert gas to form a mixed stream. The mixed stream is transferred to an enclosed temperature exposure chamber and exposed to regulated heating conditions for a determined time with subsequent analysis of the exposed mixed stream.

Abstract: An analysis instrument includes a container support (12), a carrier (24) having a plurality of liquid receiving wells (24W), a gross probe (40) movable along a locus of action (42) and a fine probe (50), the fine probe (50) being movable along a locus of action (52). In addition, various analysis, treatment and/or handling devices are also disposed at predetermined operating positions arranged along the loci of action (42, 52). Both the gross probe 40 and the fine probe 50 are each independently movable along their respective loci of action 42, 52 among one or more various extracting position(s) and one or more various dispensing position(s) to which either the support (12) and/or the carrier (24) may be moved, and/or among various operating position(s).

Abstract: Disclosed an electro-optical sensor which preferably is used to detect leaks in marine surface and submarine anti-pollution hoses which are used to transfer petroleum products to and from ships. The electro-optical sensor is located in housings that allow petroleum products of varying viscosity's to flow to the sensor. A variety of alarm methods can be used to signal that a leak has occurred in the hose.

Abstract: Provided is a novel method for rapidly determining an impurity level in a gas source. A gas source and a measurement tool are provided for measuring an impurity level in a gas flowing from the gas source. The measurement tool is in communication with the gas source through a sampling line. The sampling line has a gas inlet disposed upstream from a gas outlet. The sampling line is baked according to a baking strategy, such that when baking is terminated, a concentration profile of the impurity in the sampling line contains a first region and a second region. In the first region, extending from the gas inlet to a point downstream from the inlet, the vapor phase concentration of the impurity is less than the vapor phase concentration of the impurity in the gas entering the sampling line.