Abstract: A method of simultaneously detecting peroxide and nitrogen-based explosives includes the steps of applying a conversion reagent to a sample, the conversion reagent oxidizing in the presence of peroxide and inorganic nitrate explosives; applying a test reagent including a luminescent compound to the sample; exciting the luminescent compound with ultraviolet light; and simultaneously determining the presence of one or more explosives based on quenching, brightening or a shift in wavelength of the luminescence over time. Explosives may also be detected based on color changes of the sample. Optionally, phase transfer reagents, catalysts, colorimetric agents and zinc dust may be added to improve detection of explosives. Alternatively, an assay-type method may be utilized wherein a sample is added to the conversion and/or test reagents and the reagent is spotted on a substrate before exposure to ultraviolet light.

Abstract: A method of simultaneously detecting peroxide and nitrogen-based explosives includes the steps of applying a conversion reagent to a sample, the conversion reagent oxidizing in the presence of peroxide and inorganic nitrate explosives; applying a test reagent including a luminescent compound to the sample; exciting the luminescent compound with ultraviolet light; and simultaneously determining the presence of one or more explosives based on quenching, brightening or a shift in wavelength of the luminescence over time. Explosives may also be detected based on color changes of the sample. Optionally, phase transfer reagents, catalysts, colorimetric agents and zinc dust may be added to improve detection of explosives. Alternatively, an assay-type method may be utilized wherein a sample is added to the conversion and/or test reagents and the reagent is spotted on a substrate before exposure to ultraviolet light.

Abstract: A monitoring system for a furnace, such as one in which ceramic welding is practiced, where the temperature often exceeds 2000° F., allows substantially distortion-free, real time, monitoring. In order to monitor the furnace, a fluid cooled lance designed to be held by an operator outside the furnace has a camera (e.g. microcamera, endoscope or boroscope) mounted at the free end of the lance. An electrical connection is provided between the camera and a portable control unit mounted exteriorly of the furnace. A stationary video monitor and recorder may be mounted in the control unit, and a portable real time video monitor is mounted on the operator's headgear so that it may be seen by the operator when manipulating the lance. The lance is cooled by a water jacket having an inlet and outlet at the end of the lance exterior of the furnace, and the water jacket substantially surrounds the camera.

Abstract: It is possible to clean high temperature (over 400, e. g. over 1000, degrees F) surfaces in a time and cost efficient manner by using a liquid-cooled ceramic welding lance to direct (at super-atmospheric pressure) a blasting media at the surfaces to be cleaned. The blasting media is preferably combustible at the temperature of the environment surrounding the surfaces, and may include one or more organic agricultural abrasive materials (preferably black walnut shells) as the sole or primary constituent. Blasting may be practiced by directing the media at the surfaces to be cleaned at a pressure of between about 40-100 psi, for example continuously for as long as is necessary (e. g. more than 30 minutes), without any need to remove the lance from the environment. The method is desirably practiced to clean, while in operation or in situ, metal surfaces having scale buildup which adversely affects the ability of the metal surfaces to transfer heat, reheat tubes, process tubes, furnace surfaces, or the like.