Abstract: Methods for analyzing an accumulation of particles on a filter membrane involve analyzing comprise the particle accumulation in an optical analysis system using a light microscope, and then analyzing the particle accumulation in an SEM-EDX analysis system using a scanning electron microscope and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. In order to simplify and accelerate the testing of the filter membrane both in the optical analysis system and in the SEM-EDX system, the filter membrane is subject to a preparation which includes: (i) fixing the particles to the filter membrane, (ii) coating the particle accumulation with an electrically conductive coating which is produced from a conductivity solution that contains an ionic liquid, and (iii) holding the filter membrane flat or pulling the filter membrane taut.

Abstract: Methods for analyzing an accumulation of particles on a filter membrane involve analyzing comprise the particle accumulation in an optical analysis system using a light microscope, and then analyzing the particle accumulation in an SEM-EDX analysis system using a scanning electron microscope and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. In order to simplify and accelerate the testing of the filter membrane both in the optical analysis system and in the SEM-EDX system, the filter membrane is subject to a preparation which includes: (i) fixing the particles to the filter membrane, (ii) coating the particle accumulation with an electrically conductive coating which is produced from a conductivity solution that contains an ionic liquid, and (iii) holding the filter membrane flat or pulling the filter membrane taut.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for allowing a user to access multiple services by providing an access code having a monetary balance associated therewith. A first monetary amount, which is not greater than the monetary balance of the access code, is assigned to a first account balance associated with the access code and usable only in conjunction with a first service. A second monetary amount, which is not greater than the monetary balance of the access code, is assigned to a second account balance associated with the access code and usable only in conjunction with a second service, which is different from the first service. In this manner, the access code can be used by the user to redeem the monetary balance in conjunction with both the first service and the second service.