Abstract: A method of creating a library of standardized spectral data and identifying a sample by searching the standardized library for a match with the sample spectrum. The method entails determining and applying a transfer function which equalizes instrument bias between instruments and within the same instruments over time. A transfer function is specific to a particular instrument, and is based on the relationship between a reference spectrum of a standard as stored in a library and a spectrum of the standard obtained on the particular instrument of interest. This method provides enhanced library searching capabilities.

Abstract: Apparatus for optimizing a treatment for removing organic substances from a chemical process stream wherein known quantities and kinds of organic or other compounds are injected into and dissolved in the stream prior to treatment thereof. Samples of the compounds are extracted from the stream before and after treatment thereof and compared with one another to determine the efficiency of the treatment. The injecting apparatus is one that enables a substance that is at least partially immiscible with the liquid of the stream to be injected into the stream at a velocity sufficiently great to cause adequate dissolution of the substance in the stream.

Abstract: This invention relates to a self-regulated apparatus and method for extracting biodegradable and/or strippable constituents from a gaseous stream by the action of biomass which consumes or degrades such substances. Such self-regulation permits the monitoring and optimization of the bioactivity of the system and the overall degree of treatment of the gaseous stream.

Abstract: A method of correcting for instrumental changes that influence the spectral response of a mass spectrometer over time. The method entails determining and applying a transfer function which equalizes instrument bias between mass spectrometers and within the same mass spectrometer over time. A transfer function is specific to a particular mass spectrometer, and is based on the relationship between a reference spectrum of a standard as stored in a library and a spectrum of the standard obtained on the particular mass spectrometer of interest. This method facilitates and simplifies recalibration, provides enhanced library searching capabilities for mass spectrometry, and may permit concentration determination from mass spectral data without the need to recalibrate an instrument with multiple standards.

Abstract: This invention relates to a self-regulated apparatus and method for extracting biodegradable and/or strippable constituents from a fluid stream by the action of biomass which consumes or degrades such substances or by gas stripping. Such self-regulation permits the monitoring and optimization of the bioactivity of the system and the overall degree of treatment of the fluid stream.

Abstract: Method for optimizing a treatment for removing organic substances from a chemical process stream wherein known quantities and kinds of organic or other compounds are injected into and dissolved in the stream prior to treatment thereof. Samples of the compounds are extracted from the stream before and after treatment thereof and compared with one another to determine the efficiency of the treatment.

Abstract: A membrane separation and purification process, and the associated apparatus, provides separation of one membrane-permeable component from another, where both are contained in a multiple-component fluid mixture, as a dynamic function of the differences in respective rates of attainment of and declination from steady-state membrane permeation. The process and apparatus are equally well suited to multi-component fluid mixtures that are liquid or gaseous.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for on-line analysis of multiple stream processes wherein each stream has an influent delivered to a treatment zone and an effluent discharged from such zone and wherein both the influent and effluent are analyzed and the analyses compared for the evaluation of the effectiveness of the treatment.

Abstract: A combination of a membrane, such as a silicone rubber membrane, and a valve having a chamber within it, such as a solenoid valve. The present invention is suitable, for example, for use with a mass spectrometer. The membrane partitions the chamber into a first chamber portion and a second chamber portion. The valve has at least three passageways into it. The first two passageways lead to the first chamber portion. The third passageway leads to the second chamber portion. A solenoid plunger is used to close off the third passageway when desired. When used with a mass spectrometer, the third passageway is connected to the vacuum inlet of the mass spectrometer and a sample is flowed into and out of the first chamber portion via the first two passaageways. A component of interest in the sample can permeate across the membrane into the second chamber portion and can flow via the third passageway to the mass spectrometer. When desired, the plunger can be used to close the third passageway.