Abstract: An apparatus and method for performing compostability tests that provides significantly more data and reveals trends much more quickly than previously described apparatus. In a first aspect, the invention provides an apparatus, comprising: a flowmeter for metering a flow of oxygen-containing gas to a humidifier; a bioreactor comprising a body, a gas inlet mounted on the body and connected to the humidifier, a dispersive element for distributing the flow of humidified gas throughout the body, and a gas outlet; a first moisture trap connected to the outlet a mass flow meter connected to the first moisture trap for accurately measuring the mass flow from the outlet; and a non-dispersive IR detector for measuring the carbon dioxide in the gas from the outlet. Convenient embodiments include a digitally controlled electronic manifold for sequentially directing gas flows from multiple reactors to the analyzer/detector.

Abstract: An open air analysis apparatus includes an optical source for providing an optical signal, an interferometer for modulating the optical signal, and an optical signal detector. The apparatus further includes a folded path mirror configuration defining a sample path through which the optical signal passes from the interferometer to the optical signal detector. An enclosure encloses and seals the sample path with the enclosure including at least one removable portion for allowing entry into the sample path of a representative sample of ambient air when the at least one removable portion is removed. The method of gas analysis includes providing an open air spectrometry system defining a sample path. The sample path is enclosed and sealed when the open air spectrometry system is calibrated. The sample path is then opened to allow ambient air therein and analysis of a sample of ambient air in the sample path is initiated.

Abstract: A method for detecting nitro-containing compositions (e.g. nitrate/nitrite materials) in water samples and on solid substrates. In a water sample, ultraviolet light is applied to the sample so that dissolved nitro compositions therein will photolytically dissociate into gaseous nitrogen oxides (NO.sub.2(g) and/or NO.sub.(g)). A carrier gas is then introduced into the sample to generate a gaseous stream which includes the carrier gas combined with any gaseous nitrogen oxides. The carrier gas is thereafter directed into a detector. To detect nitro-compositions on solid substrates, ultraviolet light is applied thereto. A detector is then used to detect any gaseous nitrogen oxides which are photolytically generated during ultraviolet illumination. An optional carrier gas may be applied to the substrate during illumination to produce a gaseous stream which includes the carrier gas and any gaseous nitrogen oxides. The gaseous stream is then supplied to the detector.

Abstract: Novel chromium-containing compounds, such as, for example, chromium pyrrolides, are prepared by forming a mixture of a chromium salt, a metal amide, and an electron pair donor solvent, such as, for example, an ether. These novel chromium-containing, or chromium pyrrolide, compounds can be used either unsupported or supported on an inorganic oxide support, with a metal alkyl and an unsaturated hydrocarbon, to trimerize, oligomerize, and/or polymerize olefins.

Abstract: Novel chromium-containing compounds are prepared by forming a mixture of a chromium salt, a metal amide, and an ether. These novel chromium-containing, or chromium pyrrolide, compounds, with a metal alkyl and an unsaturated hydrocarbon, can be used as a cocatalyst system in the presence of an olefin polymerization catalyst system to produce a comonomer in-situ. The resultant polymer, although produced from predominately one monomer, has characteristics of a copolymer.

Abstract: A gas analysis apparatus includes an optical source for providing an optical signal, an interferometer for modifying the optical signal, and an optical signal detector. A first housing having folded path optical elements positioned therein; the elements defining a sample path through which the optical signal passes from the interferometer to the optical signal detector. The first housing has a sample introduction opening. A second housing defines a sample holding volume. The second housing is sealingly positioned with respect to the first housing for fluidly connecting the sample path of the first housing with the sample holding volume of the second housing through the sample introduction opening. A recirculating flow may be provided between the sample path and the sample holding volume. The second housing may include an access port with a detachable access closure through which a material may be placed in the sample holding volume. A method for using the apparatus is also described.

Abstract: Novel chromium-containing compounds, such as, for example, chromium pyrrolides, are prepared by forming a mixture of a chromium salt, a metal amide, and an electron pair donor solvent, such as, for example, an ether. These novel chromium-containing, or chromium pyrrolide, compounds can be used either unsupported or supported on an inorganic oxide support, with a metal alkyl and an unsaturated hydrocarbon, to trimerize, oligomerize, and/or polymerize olefins.

Abstract: Novel chromium-containing compounds, such as, for example, chromium pyrrolides, are prepared by forming a mixture of a chromium salt, a metal amide, and an electron pair donor solvent, such as, for example, an ether. These novel chromium-containing, or chromium pyrrolide, compounds can be used either unsupported or supported on an inorganic oxide support, with a metal alkyl and an unsaturated hydrocarbon, to trimerize, oligomerize, and/or polymerize olefins.

Abstract: Novel chromium-containing compounds, such as, for example, chromium pyrrolides, are prepared by forming a mixture of a chromium salt, a metal amide, and an electron pair donor solvent:, such as, for example, an ether. These novel chromium-containing, or chromium pyrrolide, compounds can be used either unsupported or supported on an inorganic oxide support to trimerize and/or polymerize olefins.

Abstract: Novel chromium-containing compounds are prepared by forming a mixture of a chromium salt, a metal amide, and an ether. These novel chromium-containing, or chromium pyrrolide, compounds, with a metal alkyl and an unsaturated hydrocarbon, can be used as a cocatalyst system in the presence of an olefin polymerization catalyst system to produce a comonomer in-situ. The resultant polymer, although produced from predominately one monomer, has characteristics of a copolymer.

Abstract: Apparatus employing vapochromic materials in the form of inorganic double complex salts which change color reversibly when exposed to volatile organic compound (VOC) vapors is adapted for VOC vapor detection, VOC aqueous matrix detection, and selective VOC vapor detection. The basic VOC vapochromic sensor is incorporated in various devices such as a ground probe sensor, a wristband sensor, a periodic sampling monitor, a soil/water penetrometer, an evaporative purge sensor, and various vacuum-based sensors which are particularly adapted for reversible/reusable detection, remote detection, continuous monitoring, or rapid screening of environmental remediation and waste management sites. The vapochromic sensor is used in combination with various fiber optic arrangements to provide a calibrated qualitative and/or quantitative indication of the presence of VOCs.

Abstract: Inorganic oxides, modified with a metal alkyl and an unsaturated hydrocarbon, can be used to support a metal source, such as, for example, chromium, and a pyrrole-containing compound. The resultant catalyst system can be used to trimerize olefins. Olefin trimerization processes are also provided.

Abstract: Supported olefin polymerization catalyst systems can be produced using waste chromium compounds. Olefin polymers can be prepared using a catalyst system composition comprising a waste chromium compound and an alkyl aluminum compound, both supported on an inorganic oxide support, wherein at least a portion of the waste chromium compound is in a hexavalent state.

Abstract: Olefins can be polymerized in the presence of a catalyst system composition comprising chromium oxides supported on a inorganic oxide support, a pyrrole-containing compound and a non-hydrolyzed metal alkyl. The use of this type of polymerization catalyst in a polymerization process can produce an olefin comonomer in-situ, resulting in polymers having decreased density and increased branching.

Abstract: Inorganic oxides, modified with a metal alkyl and an unsaturated hydrocarbon, can be used to support a metal source, such as, for example, chromium, and a pyrrole-containing compound. The resultant catalyst system can be used to oligomerize and/or trimerize olefins. Olefin oligomerization and/or trimerization processes are also provided.

Abstract: Novel chromium-containing compounds, such as, for example, chromium pyrrolides, are prepared by forming a mixture of a chromium salt, a metal amide, and an electron pair donor solvent, such as, for example, an ether. These novel chromium-containing, or chromium pyrrolide, compounds can be used either unsupported or supported on an inorganic oxide support, with a metal alkyl and an unsaturated hydrocarbon, to trimerize, oligomerize, and/or polymerize olefins.

Abstract: Supported olefin polymerization catalyst systems can be produced using waste chromium compounds. Olefin polymers can be prepared using a catalyst system composition comprising a waste chromium compound and an alkyl aluminum compound, both supported on an inorganic oxide support, wherein at least a portion of the waste chromium compound is in a hexavalent state.

Abstract: Supported olefin polymerization catalyst systems can be produced using waste chromium compounds. Olefin polymers can be prepared using a catalyst system composition comprising a waste chromium compound and an alkyl aluminum compound, both supported on an inorganic oxide support, wherein at least a portion of the waste chromium compound is in a hexavalent state.

Abstract: Olefins can be polymerized in the presence of a catalyst system composition comprising chromium supported on an inorganic oxide support, a pyrrole-containing compounds, and a metal alkyl. The use of this type of polymerization process can produce an olefin comonomer in-situ, resulting in polymers having decreased density and increased branching.

Abstract: This invention relates to a compact and portable detection apparatus for ro-aromatic based chemical compounds, such as nitrotoluenes, dinitrotoluenes, and trinitrotoluene (TNT). The apparatus is based upon the use of fiber optics using filtered light. The preferred process of the invention relies upon a reflective chemical sensor and optical and electronic components to monitor a decrease in fluorescence when the nitro-aromatic molecules in aqueous solution combine and react with a fluorescent polycyclic aromatic compound.