Abstract: A method for determining corrosiveness of naphthenic acid in a fluid includes the steps of: providing a fluid containing naphthenic acid; providing iron powder having a surface area of at least about 0.01 m2/g; contacting the fluid and the powder for a period of time so as to provide a portion of the iron as dissolved iron dissolved in the fluid; and measuring iron concentration of the fluid containing the dissolved iron, so as to provide a measure of corrosion potential of the naphthenic acid over the period of time.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring hydrogen permeation from a metallic material includes structure for positioning an electrolyte in hydrogen communication with the material; a porous electrode contacting the electrolyte; and a current collector connected to the porous electrode and the material, whereby current between the material and the current collector is indicative of hydrogen permeation from the material. A method is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring hydrogen permeation from a metallic material includes structure for positioning an electrolyte in hydrogen communication with the material; a porous electrode contacting the electrolyte; and a current collector connected to the porous electrode and the material, whereby current between the material and the current collector is indicative of hydrogen permeation from the material. A method is also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus configuration and a method of operation for fuel cells that use as fuel any carbon compound. These cells are built with anodes capable of storing and diffusing hydrogen, where the complete oxidation of the carbon fuel to carbon dioxide occurs, and cathodes that use atmospheric oxygen as an oxidant. An aspect of the invention is the deliberate occlusion of hydrogen in the anode during the operation of the fuel cells, in order to eliminate or greatly reduce the poisoning of the electrocatalyst. Fuel cells according to the invention will be more competitive with existing power sources in price, operational costs, power output, lifetime, volume and pollution emission. Implementation of the invention can also be used to upgrade old fuel cells and to detect and destroy carbon compounds in medical or pollution control applications.

Abstract: An electrocatalytic process for the partial oxidation of methane employs an electrocatalyst in the form of a deposit catalyst comprising an electrode having a conducting catalyst layer deposited thereon. The catalyst comprises an element selected from the group consisting of Group IB metals, Group VIB metals, Group VIII metals and mixtures thereof.