Abstract: Disclosed herein is a cation exchange capacity titration unit comprising a titration cell having a closed bottom end in fluid communication with an open top end; a recirculation loop comprising a pump and a sensing unit, wherein the pump comprises a pump inlet in fluid communication with the bottom end of the titration cell, and a pump outlet in fluid communication with a sensing unit inlet, the sensing unit inlet being in fluid communication with a sensing unit outlet, wherein the sensing unit outlet is in fluid communication with the top end of the titration cell such that operation of the pump results in an analyte sample flowing from the bottom end through the pump, through the sensing unit, and back into the top end of the titration cell in a continuous loop. A method of determining the cation exchange capacity of a sample is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a cation exchange capacity titration unit comprising a titration cell having a closed bottom end in fluid communication with an open top end; a recirculation loop comprising a pump and a sensing unit, wherein the pump comprises a pump inlet in fluid communication with the bottom end of the titration cell, and a pump outlet in fluid communication with a sensing unit inlet, the sensing unit inlet being in fluid communication with a sensing unit outlet, wherein the sensing unit outlet is in fluid communication with the top end of the titration cell such that operation of the pump results in an analyte sample flowing from the bottom end through the pump, through the sensing unit, and back into the top end of the titration cell in a continuous loop. A method of determining the cation exchange capacity of a sample is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for optically detecting the degree of crystallization in a fluid sample while simultaneously measuring the temperature of the fluid sample during cooling or heating of the sample is disclosed. The apparatus includes: a test vial for containing a fluid sample in an interior of the vial, wherein the test vial is light permeable; a cooling source for cooling the fluid sample; a temperature sensor positioned in the interior of the test vial for measuring the temperature of the fluid sample; an external light source configured to direct light into the test vial; and an external light detector configured to measure the amount of light that traverses both the test vial and the fluid sample.

Abstract: A pressurized crystallization point test apparatus for pressurizing a fluid sample and optically detecting the degree of crystallization in the fluid sample while simultaneously measuring the temperature and change in volume of the fluid sample during cooling or heating of the sample is disclosed. The apparatus includes: a cell for containing a fluid sample in an interior of the cell, wherein the cell comprises a first transparent window and a second transparent window; a cooling source for cooling the fluid sample; a pressure source for pressurizing the fluid sample; a temperature sensor positioned in the interior of the cell for measuring the temperature of the fluid sample; an external light source configured to direct light into the cell through the first transparent window; and an external light detector configured to measure the amount of light that traverses the first transparent window, a portion of the fluid sample, and the second transparent window.