Abstract: A probe for measuring electrical conductance to determine water concentration in a fluid is disclosed. The probe comprises a pair of spaced apart electrodes and a bridge of protein gel between the electrodes. The probe is especially useful for monitoring water concentration in the lubrication oil for a compressor drive train of a hermetic vapor compression refrigeration system. In such a refrigeration system the water concentration in the lubrication oil corresponds to water concentration in the refrigerant of the refrigeration system.

Abstract: A probe for measuring electrical conductance to determine water concentration in a fluid is disclosed. The probe comprises a pair of spaced apart electrodes and a bridge of protein gel between the electrodes. The probe is especially useful for monitoring water concentration in the lubrication oil for a compressor drive train of a hermetic vapor compression refrigeration system. In such a refrigeration system the water concentration in the lubrication oil corresponds to water concentration in the refrigerant of the refrigeration system.

Abstract: A method of testing oil for ionic contaminants is disclosed. The method comprises isolating a sample of the oil to be tested and mixing it with an equal weight of distilled water to dissolve ionic contaminants in the oil sample into the distilled water. Then, the contaminated water is separated from the mixture and its conductivity is determined. An alternative to separating the contaminated water is to use a surfactant to form an oil in water emulsion with the oil sample and the distilled water. The conductivity of the emulsion is determined directly. The magnitude of the conductivity directly indicates the amount of ionic contaminants present in the oil being tested. This method is especially suitable for determining the level of ionic contamination in the refrigerant of a refrigeration system of the type having a compressor drive which is lubricated with oil and wherein there is contact between the refrigerant and the oil.

Abstract: Oil shale, more precisely the organic components thereof, or the organic components extracted therefrom, is reacted with a resin or resin precursor reactive therewith, e.g., an epoxy resin, typically in the presence of a curing agent. The resulting composite product illustrates characteristics similar to that of the cured reactive resin or resin precursor. A process for forming such composites is also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to the extraction of oil shales and tar sands using an amide to effect extraction of kerogen and bitumenous materials from the shale or sand. Extraction may be at ambient conditions, if desired.