Abstract: A method for detecting a volatile analyte to class and sort cork stoppers depending on the concentration of the analyte, detection being preformed of concentrations in the order of ng/L (parts per trillion), in a concentrated gas applied to the cork stoppers in close containment. Cork stoppers are conveyed individually or groups to an incubation chamber; air/nitrogen is injected into the incubation chamber, the gas enriched with cork volatile compounds is entrained and carried to the concentration system containing a trap heated by desorption of entraining gas to a detection system recording a signal associated with presence of the analyte, the signal being used for classing the stopper/groups of stoppers; a software receives and compares the signal with a minimum limit, deciding to approve or reject the stopper. A system for implementing this method is described.

Abstract: A method for detecting a volatile analyte to class and sort cork stoppers depending on concentration of the analyte, detection being performed of concentrations in the order of ng/L (parts per trillion), in a concentrated gas applied to the cork stoppers in closed containment. Under said method, cork stoppers are conveyed individually or groups to an incubation chamber (1); air/nitrogen is injected into the incubation chamber (1), the gas enriched with cork volatile compounds is entrained and carried to the concentration system containing a trap (4) heated by desorption of volatile compounds; the volatile compounds are carried by entraining gas to a detection system (6) recording a signal associated with presence of the analyte, the signal being used for classing the stopper/groups of stoppers; a software receives and compares the signal with a minimum limit, deciding to approve or reject the stopper. A system for implementing this method is described.

Abstract: This invention describes a method to monitor intrinsic parameters of natural cork stoppers, based on a non-invasive and non-destructive method, e.g. X-Ray spectroscopy, so that objects (stoppers) can be segregated and categorized according to the relation of such parameters with relevant characteristics for the performance of the closure, as, for instance, gas permeability. This invention does also describe how the information about physical and chemical parameters of the cork is processed directly from the data acquired in the production line.

Abstract: A method for preparing a lubricated thermoplastic polymer, in particular a lubricated polyamide is described. A method for preparing a lubricated thermoplastic polymer, in particular a lubricated polyamide, according to which a mixture of lubricants is added to the molten polymer during the polymerization process is also described.

Abstract: This invention describes a method to monitor intrinsic parameters of natural cork stoppers, based on a non-invasive and non-destructive method, e.g. X-Ray spectroscopy, so that objects (stoppers) can be segregated and categorised according to the relation of such parameters with relevant characteristics for the performance of the closure, as, for instance, gas permeability. This invention does also describe how the information about physical and chemical parameters of the cork is processed directly from the data acquired in the production line.

Abstract: A method for preparing a lubricated thermoplastic polymer, in particular a lubricated polyamide is described. A method for preparing a lubricated thermoplastic polymer, in particular a lubricated polyamide, according to which a mixture of lubricants is added to the molten polymer during the polymerization process is also described.