Abstract: A quick-response, real-time gaseous measurement system allows for the continuous sampling of a low pressure gaseous environment. A sample of test gas from the low pressure gaseous environment is continuously extracted and pumped to a structural tee joint which is open to the atmosphere at one end to maintain the test gas at a constant pressure. The structural tee joint communicates at the other end with a heater for maintaining the test gas at a constant temperature. From the heater, the test gas is sent to a sensor which develops a voltage that is proportional to the partial pressure of the gaseous component to be measured in the test gas, a constant flow rate to test gas being provided through the heater and sensor. Since test gas pressure, temperature, and flow rate are being held constant, changes in sensor voltage are attributable only to changes in the concentration of the measured gas component.

Abstract: A method and device 15 is provided for a quick, accurate and on-line determination of heats of combustion of gaseous hydrocarbons. First, the amount of oxygen in the carrier stream air is sensed by oxygen sensing system 20. Second, three individual volumetric flow rates of oxygen, carrier stream air, and hydrocarbon test gas are introduced into burner 19. The hydrocarbon test gas is fed into burner 19 at a volumetric flow rate n measured by flowmeter 18. Third, the amount of oxygen in the resulting combustion products is sensed by oxygen sensing system 20. Fourth, the volumetric flow rate of oxygen is adjusted until the amount of oxygen in the combustion product equals the amount of oxygen previously sensed in the carrier stream air. This equalizing volumetric flow rate is m and is measured by flowmeter 16. The heat of combustion of the hydrocarbon test gas is then determined from the ratio m/n.

Abstract: A method for determining hydrocarbon conversion factors for a flowmeter 17. A mixture of air, O.sub.2 and C.sub.x H.sub.y is burned and the partial pressure of O.sub.2 in the resulting gas is forced to equal the partial pressure of O.sub.2 in air. The flowrate of O.sub.2 flowing into the mixture is measured by flowmeter 13 and the flowrate of C.sub.x H.sub.y flowing into the mixture is measured by the flowmeter 17 conversion factor is to be determined. These measured values are used to calculate the conversion factor.