Abstract: This invention relates to a CO.sub.2 /H.sub.2 O sorbent comprised of silver oxide, a CO.sub.2 sorption promoter, and a support. Preparation of this sorbent consists of impregnating the support with a silver compound, converting the silver compound to silver carbonate or silver oxide, and further impregnating the support with a CO.sub.2 sorption promoter. Prior to use as a sorbent, the silver carbonate is converted to silver oxide via the application of heat; liberating CO.sub.2 and H.sub.2 O.

Abstract: Total organic carbon (TOC) and inorganic carbon (TIC) monitoring of water is useful in determining the water quality. Conventional TOC and TIC monitoring techniques are not zero gravity compatible. The addition of microporous hydrophobic bladders in combination with a non-dispersive infrared analyzer allow for a two phase, liquid and gas, zero gravity compatible TOC monitoring technique. The non-dispersive infrared analyzer determines the quantity of carbon dioxide present in an aqueous sample after addition of acid and post oxidation. The measured carbon dioxide quantities derived from the aqueous sample are related to the TIC and TOC present in the aqueous sample, respectively.

Abstract: Traditionally, volatile organic compounds are monitored using the purge and trap technique required by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. However, this technique operates in two phases, liquid and gas, requiring gravity to effect the separation of the two phases. The present invention, which can be automated, incorporates a microporous hydrophobic bladder to permit zero gravity monitoring of volatile organic compounds in an aqueous solution.

Abstract: This invention relates to a CO.sub.2 /H.sub.2 O sorbent comprised of silver oxide, a CO.sub.2 sorption promoter, and a support. Preparation of this sorbent consists of impregnating the support with a silver compound, converting the silver compound to silver carbonate or silver oxide, and further impregnating the support with a CO.sub.2 sorption promoter. Prior to use as a sorbent, the silver carbonate is converted to silver oxide via the application of heat; liberating CO.sub.2 and H.sub.2 O.

Abstract: Total carbon and organic carbon monitoring of water is useful in determining water quality. Conventional TOC monitoring techniques are not zero gravity compatible. Ion chromatography allows for a single phase zero gravity compatible TOC monitoring technique. The ion chromatograph determines the amounts of organic acids and carbonate present in an aqueous sample before and after oxidation. The quantities determined by this technique can be related to the total carbon and the total organic carbon present in the aqueous sample.

Abstract: A technique for preparing an unsupported, high capacity CO.sub.2 sorbent. The sorbent is comprised of silver carbonate, alkali metal silicate and alkaline earth metal salt binders for structural integrity, and alkali metal carbonate for CO.sub.2 sorption promotion. The sorbent disclosed in this invention has a high silver oxide density, consumes minimum volume, exhibits high CO.sub.2 absorption rates, and resists dusting and degradation for at least 50 absorption/desorption cycles.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a technique for storing concentrated eluant, preparing dilute eluant, and reclaiming water used for dilution. The invention uses stored concentrated eluant which is diluted using a sample loop coupled with a dilute eluant reservoir. Water is used for dilution and is reclaimed using a mixed ion exchange bed. The use of concentrated eluant and reclaimable water significantly reduces storage needs.