Abstract: A universal penetration test apparatus for measuring resistance of a material to a challenge fluid. The apparatus includes a pad saturated with the challenge fluid. The apparatus includes a compression assembly for compressing the material between the pad and a compression member. The apparatus also includes a sensor mechanism for automatically detecting when the challenge fluid penetrates the material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuous real-time monitoring of the integrity of protective barrier materials, particularly protective barriers against toxic, radioactive and biologically hazardous materials has been developed. Conductivity, resistivity or capacitance between conductive layers in the multilayer protective materials is measured by using leads connected to electrically conductive layers in the protective barrier material. The measured conductivity, resistivity or capacitance significantly changes upon a physical breach of the protective barrier material.

Abstract: Process for separating isotopes of an element. A liquid feed mixture is prepared comprising an aqueous solvent and an ionic surfactant and containing two isotopes of a particular element and an ionizable compound that is present in the mixture. A gas is passed through a pool of the mixture to form bubbles therein, the surface of the bubbles having the surfactant thereon and one isotope of the element preferentially adsorbed thereto as a result of a chemical exchange between the surfactant and another component of the mixture. Thus, the concentration ratio of the isotopes at the bubble surface differs from that in the bulk of the pool. A top fraction is produced at the upper surface of the pool that is enriched in the one isotope as compared to the bulk of the pool. An overhead liquid fraction relatively enriched in the one isotope is collected from the top fraction.