Abstract: This invention provides an online polymer monitoring apparatus for rapid determination of molecular weight and/or size, and/or other properties of importance to the polymer quality. The apparatus uses fast sample extraction, preparation and delivery techniques to convert complex polymer sample solution into the diluted polymer analyte solution. This analyte solution is then passed through the flow-through detectors for measurement of the polymer molecular weight, the polymer concentration and/or the identification and concentrations of the selected species of importance to the polymer quality. The continuous stream of the above measurement data, thus, allows accurate determination the status of the polymer for many polymer containing process streams, such as an ongoing polymerization reaction mixture, polymer resin fluid, melt or solid polymer flow.

Abstract: A system and method for determining a noble metal concentration in a sample that is representative of a noble metal concentration in either a volume of water circulated through a nuclear reactor or a surface of a nuclear reactor component exposed to the volume of water. The system comprises: at least one standard having a predetermined concentration of the noble metal disposed its surface; an electrolyte bath for immersing one of the sample and the standard therein; an auxiliary electrode connectable to one of the sample and the standard; a power source connectable to a reference electrode and one of the standard and the sample; and a current measurement device capable of measuring a current passing between the auxiliary electrode and one of the sample and the standard.

Abstract: A fluid analyte measurement system includes an extraction unit having a fluid flow path in intimate contact with an extraction solution flow path. The fluid flow path includes a fluid entry port and a fluid exit port and the extraction solution flow path includes an extraction solution flow entry port and an extraction solution flow exit port. The extraction unit extracts analytes from a fluid flow introduced within the fluid flow path through exposure of the fluid flow to an extraction solution introduced within the extraction solution flow path. A sample head vessel is coupled to the extraction solution flow exit port and at least one probe is coupled to the sample head vessel to generate signals indicative of the characteristics of the fluid flow analytes within the extraction solution flow. For example, this measurement system can be used to determine Na+ level within fuel oil. Circuitry is coupled to the probe(s), which circuitry is configured to measure the signals generated by the probe(s).

Abstract: Method and system for managing a land-based vehicle is provided. The method allows to provide a database configured to store a rule base for governing prescribed usage of a vehicle and for gathering predetermined data indicative of the actual use of the vehicle. As the vehicle is in motion and using onboard sensors, the method further allows to monitor at least one parameter relating to the use of the vehicle. A transmitting action allows to transmit data relating to the vehicle parameter for each vehicle to the database. A processing action allows to process the transmitted data relative to the predetermined data to determine whether or not the actual use of each vehicle is compliant with the prescribed usage of the vehicle as set forth in the rule base. A notifying action allows to notify a user of the vehicle of any non-compliance.

Abstract: A gas sensor determines the presence of at least one designated gas in a gaseous environment. The gas sensor comprises a semiconductor substrate; a thin insulator layer disposed on the semiconductor substrate; a catalytic metallic gate layer disposed on the thin insulator layer; and a chemically modified protective layer disposed on the catalytic metal gate. The chemically modified layer comprises a material that protects the sensor from corrosive gases and interference from at least one foreign matter and water, alters at least one of surface chemical properties and surface physical properties of the sensor, and passes only the designated gas therethrough.

Abstract: A gas sensor determines the presence of at least one designated gas in a gaseous environment. The gas sensor comprises a semiconductor substrate; a thin insulator layer disposed on the semiconductor substrate; a catalytic metallic gate layer disposed on the thin insulator layer; and a chemically modified protective layer disposed on the catalytic metal gate. The chemically modified layer comprises a material that protects the sensor from corrosive gases and interference from at least one foreign matter and water, alters at least one of surface chemical properties and surface physical properties of the sensor, and passes only the designated gas therethrough.

Abstract: A gas sensor determines the presence of at least one designated gas in a gaseous environment. The gas sensor comprises a semiconductor substrate; a thin insulator layer disposed on the semiconductor substrate; a catalytic metallic gate layer disposed on the thin insulator layer; and a chemically modified protective layer disposed on the catalytic metal gate. The chemically modified layer comprises a material that protects the sensor from corrosive gases and interference from at least one foreign matter and water, alters at least one of surface chemical properties and surface physical properties of the sensor, and passes only the designated gas therethrough.

Abstract: A gas sensor determines the presence of at least one designated gas in a gaseous environment. The gas sensor comprises a semiconductor substrate; a thin insulator layer disposed on the semiconductor substrate; a catalytic metallic gate disposed on the thin insulator layer; and a chemically modified layer disposed on the catalytic metal gate. The chemically modified layer comprises a material that protects the sensor from corrosive gases and interference from at least one foreign matter and water, alters at least one of surface chemical properties and surface physical properties of the sensor, and passes only the designated gas therethrough.