Abstract: A composition including polyalphaolefins that function as drag reducing agents and a process for the preparation of polyalphaolefins that function as drag reducing agents are disclosed. The process includes contacting alpha olefin monomers with a catalyst system, which includes a catalyst and an activator (co-catalyst) in a reactant mixture. The catalyst is a transition metal catalyst, preferably titanium trichloride, and the co-catalyst may include an alkylaluminoxane, alone or in combination, with a dialkylaluminum halide or a halohydrocarbon. The polymerization of the alpha olefin monomers produces a non-crystalline, ultra-high molecular weight polyalphaolefin having an inherent viscosity of at least 10 dL/g.

Abstract: A composition including polyalphaolefins that function as drag reducing agents and a process for the preparation of polyalphaolefins that function as drag reducing agents are disclosed. The process includes contacting alphaolefin monomers with catalyst particles in a polymerization mixture that includes a hydrocarbon solvent. The polymerization of the alphaolefin monomers produces polyalphaolefin drag reducing agents having an inherent viscosity of at least 10 dL/g. During polymerization of the polyalphaolcfin monomers, localized micelles compromising high molecular weight polyalphaolefin polymer are formed in micellar zones around the catalyst particles. The polymerization is conducted in the presence of a viscosity reducing agent that includes a substantially hydrophobic dispersant. The viscosity reducing agent is present in an amount sufficient to reduce the viscosity of the reaction mixture and disperse the localized micelles.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing fluid residue from an outer surface of a probe after it has been exposed to a fluid sample; the apparatus includes a wiper having a contact surface for wiping the residue from the outer surface of the probe, and a fluid flow path that cooperates with the contact surface for withdrawing wiped residue away from the contact surface and the probe; and a mechanism is provided for causing the contact surface to be swept along the outer surface of the probe. An apparatus for cleaning the outer surface of a probe after it is exposed to a fluid sample including a wiper for contacting the outer surface of the probe and a mechanism for causing relative motion between the wiper and the probe to wipe fluid from the outer surface.

Abstract: A clamping device for controlling liquid flow in a length of flexible tubing; the device includes a generally planar support having a keyhole, an annular flexible sleeve seated in the keyhole for receiving the tubing in an orientation generally perpendicular to the planar support, and a mechanism for moving the flexible sleeve between the larger side of the keyhole and the smaller side of the keyhole to cause pinching of the tubing to control liquid flow.