Abstract: A system and method of producing hydrogen from a mixture of hydrocarbon fuel and steam. Reaction cells are provided that each contains a first tube of hydrogen permeable material and a second tube of hydrogen impermeable material that are concentrically positioned. This creates a gap space between the first tube and the second tube. The gap space is heated by burning a combustion gas outside of the two concentric tubes. A water gas shift reaction occurs in the gap space. Hydrogen is created that permeates through the first tube and becomes separated from the remainder of the reaction gases. The hydrogen gas is collected for use. As such, the system and method acts both as a gas shift reactor and as a hydrogen separator even though it is a single unit.

Abstract: A hydrogen purification method that is used to separate hydrogen gas from a source gas. A hydrogen separator into which flows the source. Within the hydrogen separator is at least one hydrogen permeable tube that is made of a hydrogen permeable material. A support tube is provided for each hydrogen permeable tube. A support tube is coaxially aligned with the hydrogen permeable tube, wherein a micro-channel exists between the hydrogen permeable tube and the support tube in an area of overlap. The source gas is introduced into the micro-channel. The source gas spreads thinly over the hydrogen permeable tube in the micro-channel. The restrictions of the micro-channel cause the source gas to embody turbulent flow characteristics as it flows through the micro-channel. The turbulent flow causes the hydrogen separator to separate hydrogen from the source gas in a highly efficient manner.

Abstract: A system and method that uses electrical conductivity measurements to identify the impurities in a solution, as well as the concentrations of such impurities. The conductance versus temperature curve for any particular ion is unique to that ion and the conductance versus temperature curve for a solution is unique to the ions in the solution and their concentrations. Equations can be used to describe the conductivity versus temperature curve containing specific ions at set concentrations. To that end, the present invention measures the conductivity of a solution over some specified temperature range, calculates a conductivity-temperature curve from a library of ions to match the measured conductivity, and uses a mathematical process to vary the ions and their concentrations in the calculated curve to make it match the measured curve as closely as possible.

Abstract: A system and method that uses electrical conductivity measurements to identify the impurities in a solution, as well as the concentrations of such impurities. The conductance versus temperature curve for any particular ion is unique to that ion and the conductance versus temperature curve for a solution is unique to the ions in the solution and their concentrations. Equations can be used to describe the conductivity versus temperature curve containing specific ions at set concentrations. To that end, the present invention measures the conductivity of a solution over some specified temperature range, calculates a conductivity-temperature curve from a library of ions to match the measured conductivity, and uses a mathematical process to vary the ions and their concentrations in the calculated curve to make it match the measured curve as closely as possible.

Abstract: A hydrogen purification method that is used to separate hydrogen gas from a source gas. A hydrogen separator into which flows the source. Within the hydrogen separator is at least one hydrogen permeable tube that is made of a hydrogen permeable material. A support tube is provided for each hydrogen permeable tube. A support tube is coaxially aligned with the hydrogen permeable tube, wherein a micro-channel exists between the hydrogen permeable tube and the support tube in an area of overlap. The source gas is introduced into the micro-channel. The source gas spreads thinly over the hydrogen permeable tube in the micro-channel. The restrictions of the micro-channel cause the source gas to embody turbulent flow characteristics as it flows through the micro-channel. The turbulent flow causes the hydrogen separator to separate hydrogen from the source gas in a highly efficient manner.

Abstract: A hydrogen purification system that is used to separate hydrogen gas from a source gas. The hydrogen purification system has a hydrogen separator into which the source gas is permitted to flow. Within the hydrogen separator is at least one hydrogen permeable tube that is made of a hydrogen permeable material. A support tube is provided for each hydrogen permeable tube. A support tube is coaxially aligned with the hydrogen permeable tube, wherein a gap space exists between the hydrogen permeable tube and the support tube in an area of overlap. The source gas is introduced into the gap space. The source gas spreads thinly over the hydrogen permeable tube in the gap space. Hydrogen from the source gas passes through the hydrogen permeable tube in a highly efficient manner and is collected.

Abstract: Afterglow spectroscopy allows observing light emission of gaseous species in absence of direct plasma light. This absence avoids the creation of a background spectrum obscuring weak emission from trace species. The invention describes a flowing afterglow version monitoring in-situ the cleanup of vacuum tools during pump/purge cycles. The invention also describes an intermittent afterglow version suitable for trace gas analysis at atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: Methods and instrumentation based on the concept of an “Absolute Principle” are relatively rare but, when applicable, offer some very unique advantages. This patent teaches how to automate the use of non-linear curve fitting to widen this concept enabling the determination of multiple properties instead of typically only a single entity as well as dealing systematically with more complex relationships between entities. As a possible application, the invention further deals with analyzing the composition of water regarding inorganic as well as organic species and the use hereto of conductivity measurements as a function of temperature or the mixing ratio with another fluid.

Abstract: Afterglow spectroscopy allows observing light emission of gaseous species in absence of direct plasma light. This absence avoids the creation of a background spectrum obscuring weak emission from trace species. The invention describes a flowing afterglow version monitoring in-situ the cleanup of vacuum tools during pump/purge cycles. The invention also describes an intermittent afterglow version suitable for trace gas analysis at atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: The concentration of a component, e.g., moisture, in a sample fluid, such as a chemically reactive gas or liquid, is determined by the creation of an identical concentration in a chemically inert fluid. Sample and inert fluids are brought into contact with each other through a membrane that allows the exchange of the component. The inert fluid's component concentration is varied until it is detected to remain constant after passing the membrane. When the concentration generated in the inert fluid is known, the invention will constitute a quantitative analytical device that does not require the generation of a calibration curve. This means there is no need to generate multiple known component concentrations in the sample material. Alternatively, operating as an alarm device, the detection of a change in concentration in the inert fluid after membrane contact means that the sample's component level is different than that of the inert fluid.

Abstract: A new design for and an improved process of manufacturing a detecting unit for a type I electrolytic cell with thin film electrodes. In the first step of the process, a long, narrow, transparent, hollow glass tube is provided having an inside surface, an outside surface, and an end with a rim. A thin, noble metal film is deposited on the inside surface of the hollow glass tube. Then, a beam from a light source is directed through the hollow glass tube to remove a first portion of the noble metal film from the inside surface of the hollow glass tube and create a first spacer area. The beam also removes a second portion of the noble metal film from the inside surface of the hollow glass tube and creates a second spacer area. Consequently, two, separate electrode wires are created. Finally, an hygroscopic film is deposited on the entire inside surface of the hollow glass tube, covering completely the first and second electrode wires and the spacer areas.

Abstract: Low-level water concentrations are measured in gases by an electrolytic cell in which contaminating epoxy components present in conventional electrolytic cells have been eliminated. A metal-glass connection seal mechanically fixes the glass detection unit within the metal housing of the cell and provides a leak-proof barrier between the entrance and exit of the cell. Electrical insulator assemblies serve as insulators for the cell electrodes and also provide a leak-proof barrier where the electrical connections penetrate the metal housing of the cell.

Abstract: A small moisture addition apparatus which regularly, through use of a counterflow, adds a controlled amount of moisture to a sample gas analyzed by an hygrometer to reduce the response time of the hygrometer and to provide automatic verification that the hygrometer is functioning. A method of using that apparatus is also disclosed. The apparatus and method of the present invention can be applied to gas components other than moisture and to the detectors of such components.

Abstract: A counterflow device adapted for an analyzer engaging a gas stream and having a sensor for measuring a component of that stream. Because at least one element disposed between the gas inlet and gas outlet of the sensor typically emits unwanted impurities, the device diverts a portion of the gas stream as a counterflow directed toward the impurity-emitting element or elements. The counterflow enters the outlet without contacting the sensor of the analyzer.