Abstract: Disclosed is a device for determining a concentration of cells of a given size in a sample of fluid, the sample comprising a plurality of cells, comprising: a light source arranged to emit light along a central axis to illuminate the plurality of cells in the fluid sample; a detector arranged to receive light at a plurality of displacements from the central axis, the light having passed through the plurality of cells in the fluid sample, and to produce a plurality of signals, each associated with, and indicative of an intensity of the received light at, a respective one of the plurality of displacements; and a processor arranged to determine a concentration of cells of a given size, based on the plurality of signals from the detector, wherein the processor is arranged to compare the plurality of signals from the detector with one or more pre-stored thresholds or profiles, indicative of a particular concentration.

Abstract: Coupling for joining conduits in a dielectric heating reactor comprising: a connector for forming a sealed joint between conduits, and an expandable electromagnetic shield arranged to surround joined conduits such that electromagnetic shielding of the joined conduits is maintained in response to dimensional changes due to temperature and/or pressure. Furthermore, an electromagnetic heating reactor comprising: an electromagnetic enclosure having a pressurisable interior and a reactant supply conduit at least partially enclosed within the pressurisable interior, wherein the pressurisable interior is arranged to at least partially counterbalance pressure within the reactant supply conduit and further wherein the interior of the reactant supply conduit is sealed against the pressurisable interior.