Abstract: A method and device for analyzing a gas are described. A method for analyzing a gas includes introducing the gas into a chamber according to a sniffing recipe, the chamber including a sensor, wherein the sniffing recipe comprises a sequence of actions and the sniffing recipe is either pre-defined, optimized or determined through machine learning, and detecting, over time and by the sensor, a characteristic indicative of a compound or compounds present in the gas. The use of sniffing sequences can provide active, dynamic odor/gas identification with adaptive or self-optimizing capabilities.

Abstract: A system includes a device having a conduit having a proximal end having a proximal end radius, a distal end opposite the proximal end and having distal end radius, an inner surface connecting the proximal end and the distal end and forming a proximal angle at the ends, the inner surface having surface properties, and an outer surface connecting the ends; the distal end radius, the proximal end radius, the distal angle, the proximal angle, and the surface properties of the inner surface are selected to: allow entry of a first material to the distal, transport of the first material through the conduit along the inner surface toward the proximal end, and exit of the first material from the proximal end, and to resist entry of a second material into the proximal end; and the Young-Laplace pressure for the first material is less for the second material.