Abstract: A streaming current measurement flow cell, free from potential piston-to-electrode contact, with a flexible, but close-fitting piston and sleeve set, wherein a housing-defined bushing, as it encircles the piston's active segment near its upper end, does so with a short, cylindrical sidewall, the inside diameter of which, in comparison to the active segment's diameter, creates a narrower—but by only 0.002 inch—capillary-sized flow channel between the bushing and the active segment than exists between it and the sleeve. Even so, physical contact between piston and sleeve—a major wear factor—is completely eliminated; and larger particles known to scratch/gouge dielectric surfaces are kept out of the piston/sleeve flow channel.

Abstract: A streaming current measurement flow cell, free from potential piston-to-electrode contact, with a flexible, but close-fitting piston and sleeve set, wherein a housing-defined bushing, as it encircles the piston's active segment near its upper end, does so with a short, cylindrical sidewall, the inside diameter of which, in comparison to the active segment's diameter, creates a narrower—but by only 0.002 inch—capillary-sized flow channel between the bushing and the active segment than exists between it and the sleeve. Even so, physical contact between piston and sleeve—a major wear factor—is completely eliminated; and larger particles known to scratch/gouge dielectric surfaces are kept out of the piston/sleeve flow channel.

Abstract: A streaming current detector having a probe in which dielectric elements used to generate the streaming current—specifically, a sleeve for slideably receiving a reciprocating piston and the piston itself—can be replaced independently of the electrodes. Paired electrodes, each positioned proximate with one of the distal ends of the sleeve, are mounted on immobile structures other than the sleeve. The latter include a housing which forms a sheath for the sleeve and a retaining fitting. Threadedly engaged with the housing, this fitting also holds the sleeve in place. Generally, removal and replacement of each probe element can be accomplished in the field in under one minute. Costs of the dielectric elements are only a small fraction of those in the prior art, allowing a consumer to replace them much more frequently, as well as to substitute matched dielectric elements designed for their chemical and/or physical compatibility with a particular test fluid.

Abstract: A streaming current detector having a probe in which dielectric elements used to generate the streaming current—specifically, a sleeve for slideably receiving a reciprocating piston and the piston itself—can be replaced independently of the electrodes. Paired electrodes, each positioned proximate with one of the distal ends of the sleeve, are mounted on immobile structures other than the sleeve. The latter include a housing which forms a sheath for the sleeve and a retaining fitting. Threadedly engaged with the housing, this fitting also holds the sleeve in place. Generally, removal and replacement of each probe element can be accomplished in the field in under one minute. Costs of the dielectric elements are only a small fraction of those in the prior art, allowing a consumer to replace them much more frequently, as well as to substitute matched dielectric elements designed for their chemical and/or physical compatibility with a particular test fluid.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for monitoring, in real time, the quality of a flowing fluid stream and of automatically taking samples therefrom when the level of particulate matter in the flow stream exceeds an acceptable limit for a predetermined period of time. The apparatus includes a particle monitor and at least one three-way valve electronically linked via a programmable logic controller to the particle monitor. Not only is the latter an instrument for continuously measuring, on-line, numbers known as particle indices which are indicative of particulate matter concentrations in the flow stream, but also the particle monitor generates electronic signals. Both these signals and the particle index are proportional to fluctuations in the intensity of a light beam traversed by particles which are present in a portion of the flow stream during a fixed interval of time. Importantly, the particle monitor can detect relatively short-lived "spikes" in the level of 0.

Abstract: An improved method of monitoring condensate quality in a condensate return system and of controlling the level of particulate matter in the condensate flow so that when this level exceeds an acceptable limit, valves for discharging the condensate flow from the system open automatically or, alternately, an alarm is sounded. Utilization of the method facilitates the conservation of hot steam condensate for reuse in a boiler while preventing water contaminated with particulate matter from returning to the boiler, thereby protecting it from certain types of deposits and corrosion. The improved method includes measuring, on a continuous basis, relative numbers of particulate-type impurities under conditions in which rust or other particles large enough to block flow into a particle counter can be produced in sudden surges. Tests show that a suitable instrument for measuring the impurities under such conditions is a particle monitor.

Abstract: A streaming current detector having a probe with an electrode holder which can be removed and replaced within only about one minute, allowing the probe to be kept on line nearly continuously even in highly contaminated wastewater. The probe also includes a reciprocating piston and a housing with both a cylindrical void and a transverse passageway. In assembled relation, the electrode holder is slidably disposed within the cylindrical void; and the piston is slidably engaged with an inner wall of the electrode holder. Capillary-sized channels formed between this inner wall and the piston communicate fluidly with the transverse passageway. From it, any test flow stream present is partially sucked into the capillary-sized channels during an upstroke of the piston and then expelled from them, back into the transverse passageway, during the succeeding downstroke.