Abstract: A scroll compressor and a refrigerating machine including the scroll compressor are provided. An oil supply channel may be formed in a fixed scroll of the compressor so as to provide for communication between a back pressure chamber and compression chambers formed between the fixed scroll and an orbiting scroll. The oil supply channel enables oil to be smoothly introduced from the back pressure chamber into each compression chamber, so that frictional losses and refrigerant leakage in the compression chambers may be effectively prevented, and efficiency of the compressor and the refrigerating machine including the compressor may be enhanced.

Abstract: A liquid refrigerant from a compressor 20 and a condenser 21 is alternately supplied to a cooling device for the freezing room 27F and an evaporator for refrigeration room 27R through a three-way valve 24, so as to conduct the cooling of a freezing room and a refrigeration room. When the thermal load condition of a refrigerating cycle 40 is light, the three-way valve 24 switches to the “F side opened-state” after the stop of the compressor 20, and thereby conducting pressure balancing, without the liquid refrigerant flowing into the evaporator for refrigeration room 27R. A cooling storage, wherein from one compressor a refrigerant is selectively supplied to multiple evaporators, is constituted so as to prevent one evaporator side from becoming a supercooled state, and furthermore, quickly conduct pressure balancing after stop of the compressor.

Abstract: A multi-pass heat exchanger having a return manifold with a partition, a front wall, and a rear wall is provided. The partition separates the return manifold into a collection chamber and a distribution chamber. The front and rear walls define a fluid channel. The front wall has a plurality of perforations placing the fluid channel in separate fluid communication with the collection chamber and the distribution chamber.

Abstract: To provide a novel fluorination treatment method whereby the surface of oxide glass can be treated for fluorination at low cost and with excellent adhesiveness. A method for treating the surface of oxide glass, which comprises contacting the surface of oxide glass with a gas of a fluorinating agent or a mixed gas having a fluorinating agent diluted with an inert gas, wherein the fluorinating agent is an elemental fluorine, or a fluorine compound capable of cleaving a bond between an oxygen atom and a metal atom in the framework of the oxide glass and forming a bond between a fluorine atom and the metal atom; and the concentration of hydrogen fluoride at the surface of oxide glass with which the fluorinating agent is in contact, is controlled to be at most 1 mol %.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method for the production of packaging made from borosilicate glass for pharmaceutical products and medical products comprising the steps of: providing a glass tube made from a borosilicate base glass, generating a temporary interface layer on an inner surface of the glass tube, hot-forming the glass tube at a temperature above Tg, and cooling down the glass tube to room temperature.

Abstract: Sintered product produced from a starting charge containing 75 to 99% zircon, and having the following average chemical composition by weight, the percentages by weight being based on the oxides: 60%<ZrO2+HfO2<75%; 27%<SiO2<34%; O<TiO2; O<Y2O3<3.5%; 0.1%<Nb2O5+Ta2O5<=5%; and other oxides: <1.5%; for a total of 100%, The sintered product may be used in a glass furnace.

Abstract: A laundry machine includes a first laundry treatment apparatus, second laundry treatment apparatus including an air supply unit, a first course selection part for a user to select a treating course for the first laundry treatment apparatus, and a second course selection part provided together with the first course selection part, the second course selection part for the user to select a treating course for the second laundry treatment apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a system capable of providing the cleaning of an outer surface (4) of a wash tub (2) of a clothes washing machine (1) automatically. The wash tub (2), disposed inside an outer tub (3), has an outer surface (4) having through holes (5) that permit the passage of the liquid used in the wash to the outer tub (3). The cleaning system comprises at least a cleaning conduit (6) having at least a portion disposed between the wash tub (2) and the outer tub (3). The cleaning conduit (6) is capable of conducting a flow of fluid provided by a fluid supply means. The cleaning conduit (6) has at least a cleaning opening (7) facing the outer surface (4) of the wash tub (2). The cleaning opening (7) is capable of providing the application of a fluidic force to the outer surface (4) of the wash tub (2) by diverting at least a portion of the flow of fluid towards the outer surface (4) of the wash tub (2).

Abstract: A drum type washing machine is provided. The drum type washing machine includes a cabinet for forming an appearance; a tub fixed to an inner side of the cabinet and for storing washing water, a drum rotatably arranged in the tub for washing and dehydrating laundry, and a driving motor positioned at a rear side of the drum for generating a driving force by which the drum is rotated. The washing machine can increase washing capacity with maintaining an entire size thereof by increasing a diameter of the drum without increasing a size of the cabinet. The to washing machine may include a supporting plate to rotatably support the rotational shaft, and a supporting unit to support the supporting plate, the supporting unit comprising a plurality of supporters connected between the supporting plate and the cabinet.

Abstract: A drum type washing machine is provided. The drum type washing machine includes a cabinet for forming an appearance; a tub fixed to an inner side of the cabinet and for storing washing water, a drum rotatably arranged in the tub for washing and dehydrating laundry, and a driving motor positioned at a rear side of the drum for generating a driving force by which the drum is rotated. The washing machine can increase washing capacity with maintaining an entire size thereof by increasing a diameter of the drum without increasing a size of the cabinet. The washing machine may include a supporting plate to rotatably support the rotational shaft, and a supporting unit to support the supporting plate, the supporting unit comprising a plurality of supporters connected between the supporting plate and the cabinet.

Abstract: A cutting machine, particularly for leather and similar materials, comprising a cutting area provided with one or more cutting heads and with an area for unloading the cut parts, the areas being arranged along a conveyor belt, material detection means being provided in order to detect the position of the material before cutting it, the machine further comprising a detection area, arranged upstream of the cutting area, the material detection means being arranged in the detection area in order to detect the position of references provided on the material to be cut.

Abstract: A pneumatically operated barrier lock is provided. The barrier lock includes a body and a locking pin slidably mounted on the body for movement along a path between an extended position for engaging a catch and a retracted position for disengaging the catch. The lock also includes a pneumatic cylinder in connection with a pressure source and actuating the locking pin between the extended position and the retracted position. An opposite end of the cylinder is adapted for connection to a relatively low second pressure source. A second pressure source connectable to end of the pneumatic cylinder biases the piston away therefrom and generates a first biasing apparatus, in form of a pneumatic spring, which biases the locking pin toward the retracted position. A blocking member is hingedly connected, about a pivot axis, to the body and is selectively movable between a first position and a second position.

Abstract: A security device includes a housing and a strap which extends from the housing and loops around a bottle neck or other item to secure the device thereto. A locking mechanism lockably engages the strap when the strap is inserted into the housing to secure the strap in a locked position. The housing has first and second opposed outer surfaces which taper outwardly and toward one another in a manner which makes the housing difficult to grasp manually or otherwise, thus helping prevent the breakage and removal of the device from the bottle. The tapered outer surfaces also serve to deflect impact forces to the housing to help prevent unauthorized removal of the device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a secure slide bolt device, and can be utilized in a number of different structures and on different structures access points. More specifically the invention relates to a slide bolt having a locking mechanism integral with and part of the slide bolt. The invention is designed specifically so that the locking mechanism locks into the slide bolt, rather than being a separate and distinct mechanical lock.

Abstract: A locking assembly for a swinging door of a container. The locking assembly includes an axially elongated lock rod having cam structure at opposed ends thereof. The lock rod is provided, toward each end thereof, with axially spaced radial projections which are axially fixed relative to the lock rod and define a channel therebetween. The locking assembly further includes a pair of guide plates; with each guide plate rotatably accommodating a lengthwise portion of the lock rod between the plate and the door. Each guide plate further includes structure for allowing each plate to be fastened to the door. After each guide plate is fastened to the door, a portion of each plate is entrapped between the axially spaced radial projections on the lock rod whereby inhibiting axial shifting movements of the lock rod.

Abstract: Embodiments of a lock apparatus for securing an article, such as a cycle frame, and methods of use of a lock apparatus are presented.

Abstract: A lock device is adapted to unlock a lock by transferring a lock catch from a locking position to a releasing position. The device comprises an electric motor, which is mechanically connected to an axle by means of at least one transmission means, and rotation of said axle actuates the lock catch. The lock device is characterized in that the transmission means comprise a weakening structure adapted to break and disrupt the mechanical connection between the electric motor and the axle if a predetermined threshold force is exceeded.

Abstract: A method for removing carbon dioxide from a gas stream and controlling ammonia vapor by scrubbing the carbon dioxide from the gas stream with ammonium carbonate, thereby producing ammonia vapor and ammonium bicarbonate; removing a portion of the ammonia vapor from the gas stream with ammonium bicarbonate; and polishing the flue gas to achieve an ammonia concentration of less than 10 PPM.

Abstract: A plug 2 used for a piercer according to the invention includes a tip end portion 23, a cylindrical portion 24, a barrel portion 25, a mandrel coupling portion 22, and an injection hole 21. The injection hole 21 penetrates from the surface of the cylindrical portion 24 to the surface of the mandrel coupling portion 22 and an externally supplied lubricant is injected from the hole. A clearance forms between the pierced material and the cylindrical portion 24. The injection hole 21 is formed at the cylindrical portion 24, and therefore the material in the process of piercing does not contact the injection hole 21. Therefore, an inner surface defect attributable to the contact between the material and the injection hole 21 can be prevented from being generated.

Abstract: (EN) The present invention relates to a device for cooling a working roll (1, 2) belonging to a rolling stand used for rolling a long or flat product (3), characterized in that it comprises a cooling head in the form of a box section (6A, 6B) that is sealed except along a front face (42) lying a short distance from said roll (1, 2), and in which face a plurality of nozzles (41) has been machined or positioned in a determined pattern, said box section (6A, 6B) being concave and cylindrical at its front face (42). The box section (6A, 6B) is also fitted with transverse (5, 7) and lateral (8) plates which collaborate with the front face (42) of the box section so as to control the flow of cooling liquid and confine said liquid in the form of a highly turbulent flow. This then yields optimal cooling of the roll both in terms of the uniformity of the cooling across the surface thereof and in terms of the reduction in temperature as a result of the turbulent effect created.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drive roller (1), in particular for edge trimmers, in particular for use in the production of metal sheets and in particular in the area of plate or hot strip production, comprising a hub part (2), which is provided with a journal, and a running roller (4), which can be connected to the journal, wherein the running roller is formed with one or more channels for guiding a cooling fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus for bending plates comprises a support structure (5) carrying two rollers (2, 3) and a pressure roller (4) which, in co-operation with each other, define a curved feeding path (P) for a plate (L) to be bent. The rollers (2, 3) are movable relative to the pressure roller (4) to vary at least one curvature value of the feeding path (P). The apparatus (1) further comprises a pair of articulated kinematic mechanisms (13) each of which acts on a respective roller (2, 3) to move said roller along a plurality of trajectories lying in a plane transverse to a rotation axis (X1, X2) of the roller (2, 3).

Abstract: A method of manufacturing uncommon forms of solder wire without grease or lubricant is provided. The uncommon forms of solder wire is manufactured first by getting a winding rod which can be installed on or removed off the winding machine rapidly, then, obtaining solder wire, and winding the solder wire around the winding rod. Subsequently, fixing the shape as needed and cut the wound solder wire with cutting jigs. Finally, making dotted-line punches for flux to flow out easily, if necessary, and further adjusting the shifted incision gap of each solder wire piece accordingly to the needed shape.

Abstract: Can shells are produced with tooling installed on a single action mechanical press, and the tooling includes an upper retainer supporting a blank and draw die enclosing an outer pressure sleeve and an inner pressure sleeve surrounding a die center punch, all having air actuated pistons. The die center piston has an air reservoir connected by air passages which form air springs for the inner pressure sleeve, and the outer pressure sleeve receives the same controllable air as the reservoir or low pressure plant air supply. The inner pressure sleeve has a projecting nose portion which initiates the drawing of a cup and has contoured surfaces which mate with corresponding surfaces on a die core ring to form and clamp the chuckwall of the shell during downstroke of the press. A lower panel punch forms the center panel, panel wall and countersink of the shell during upstroke of the press.

Abstract: Several methods of calibrating a wavelength-modulation spectroscopy apparatus configured to measure a concentration of an analyte in a sample gas are disclosed. Each of the methods allows for calibration and recalibration using a relatively safe gas regardless of whether the sample gas for which the concentration of the analyte can be determined is a hazardous gas. In one embodiment of the invention, calibration that is sample-gas specific is accomplished by determining a first slope coefficient and calibration function for the sample gas, after which a scaling factor can be determined based on the first slope coefficient and a second slope coefficient for the same or a different sample gas and used in a subsequent calibration (or recalibration) to scale the calibration function. In other embodiments of the invention, calibration that is not sample-gas specific is accomplished to allow for the determination of the analyte concentration in variable gas compositions and constant gas compositions.

Abstract: The flow of a fluid of unknown composition is measured by leading the fluid over a first temperature sensor, a heater and a second temperature sensor. The temperature difference DTP between the temperature sensors is measured, as well as the temperature T of at least one of them. In addition, calibration data is used to store the temperature Tref of a known reference fluid. The offset T?Tref at a given temperature difference DTP is a direct measure of the composition of the fluid and allows to retrieve any parameter depending on the same.

Abstract: A forming speed determination method for determining a forming speed of a press-processing device with a plurality of measurement points on a sheet material to conduct press-forming of the sheet material with a press-processing device at a predetermined forming speed. Strain states at respective points on the press-formed sheet material are plotted on a forming limit diagram including the forming limit curve of a sheet material to produce a strain distribution chart. Subsequently, the closest point to the forming limit curve among the points is defined as a specific measurement point. When this specific measurement point is located in the bulge region, the forming speed of a press-processing device is decreased to be slower than the above-mentioned predetermined forming speed. Meanwhile, when this specific measurement point is located in the draw region, the forming speed of a press-processing device is increased to be faster than the above-mentioned predetermined forming speed.

Abstract: A method of characterizing formation fluid present in a subsurface earth formation during drilling using methods for correcting the measured concentrations of gas components in drilling mud. Gas trap values for the gas components of interest, light hydrocarbons, are measured during mud logging and are corrected using relative response factors, determined from laboratory fluid analysis values and relative extraction efficiency values. The relative response factors for each gas component of interest can be used for correcting additional gas trap values measured in the same well or for correcting gas trap values measured in surrounding wells utilizing a similar drilling fluid. The corrected gas trap values for each of the gas components of interest can be utilized to calculate gas/oil ratios for characterizing the formation fluid from the volume of drilling mud.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of gas measurements, and more specifically to the field of testing the measuring function of a measuring device (7) for gas measurements, the measuring device (7) including a gas sensor (9) generating at least one output signal. The method includes connecting at least one simulation signal to the measuring device (7) and/or feeding a gas mixture to the measuring device wherein the magnitude of the concentration of a gas to be measured in the gas mixture is known. The invention also relates to a simulation device (1) for connection to the measuring device (7) for gas measurements when testing the measuring function of the measuring device (7). The simulation device (1) generates at least one simulation signal which can attain at least one signal level, wherein a certain signal value corresponds to a certain gas concentration.

Abstract: A sensor system issues measurement commands at a predetermined regular rate. If a measurement indicates that a gas of interest is present, then the sensor system is signaled to wake-up thereby pulsing a heater for the sensor element that improves the accuracy of measurements. Measurements of humidity, temperature and gas concentration are made. If the gas of interest is detected then the data is used to indicate a compensated gas measurement. The gas level is classified as to its hazard and an adaptive detection algorithm is used to set an activity mode. If the gas of interest is not detected, the adaptive detection algorithm is used to set a sleep mode that saves power. Measurement rates are kept constant while heater power is controlled to reduce power consumption. Measurement rates are changed to increase concentration sensitivity.

Abstract: A hydrogen sensor (100) is provided with a substrate (2), a detection film (4) formed on the substrate (2), and a hydrogen permeable protective film (10) formed on the detection film (4). The detection film (4) is composed of a first ceramic (6) and rare-earth metal particles (8) dispersed in the first ceramic (6). The protective film (10) is composed of a second ceramic (12) and hydrogen permeable metal particles (14) dispersed in the second ceramic (12). Preferably, the thickness of the detection film (4) is 5 to 1,000 nm, and the thickness of the hydrogen permeable protective film (10) is 5 to 40 nm.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring permeability accurately in expansive clay and non-expansive soils is provided. The apparatus includes hollow porous stone cylinders which prevent the sample from bulging and at the same time allow application of confining pressure on the soil sample enclosed in a flexible membrane, which simulates the field condition and allows for application of back pressure to aid in saturation. The apparatus also allows for accurate comparison of hydraulic characteristics of swelling clays with fluids of various dielectric and other properties. The apparatus can also be used to consolidate the sample either three dimensionally or in one direction and perform permeability tests as well as find out the consolidation characteristics of the sample.

Abstract: A system for cover screw float detection. The system includes a drive cradle coupled to a structure. The system also includes a moveable portion coupled to the structure. The system further includes a sensor coupled to said structure. The system additionally includes another sensor coupled to the moveable portion. Spatial separation between the another sensor and the sensor when the moveable portion is oriented in a screw float check position indicates presence of cover screw float in a disk drive disposed in the drive cradle.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for subsea pipeline servicing, including line-pack testing, physical integrity testing, recovery of damaged sections of pipelines, and product removal from subsea structures. In one embodiment of the invention, a subsea pipeline service skid is provided including at least one sample collection bladder affixed to the skid and in fluid communication with a skid mounted pump dimensioned to pull a sample from the subsea pipeline. In another embodiment, a product removal bladder is provided for removal of the hydrocarbons from a subsea structure.

Abstract: A passive leak detection device may include a pressure switch, a check valve and a balance valve. The pressure switch may include an electric input lead, an electric output lead, a balance chamber and an inlet chamber. A pressure differential between the balance chamber and the inlet chamber may be operable to couple the electric input lead to the electric output lead. The inlet chamber may be fluidly coupled to a fluid port. The balance chamber may be fluidly coupled to the fluid port with a check valve disposed there between. The balance chamber may be fluidly coupled to a balance valve. When the balance valve is closed and fluid is flowing out of the fluid port, the pressure differential from the inlet chamber to the balance chamber is operable to couple the electric output lead to the electric input lead thereby indicating of a leak.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus (1) for leakage testing and/or pressure testing a portion of a pipe (7), the apparatus (1) including at least two spaced-apart packer elements (3, 5) which are arranged to define a volume (10) of fluid in an annulus between said at least two packer elements (3, 5) and the internal jacket surface of the pipe (7), and the apparatus (1) being provided with a means for providing a differential pressure between the fluid volume (10) and a fluid located immediately upstream and downstream of the apparatus (1), and with a means for sensing the pressure of the fluid volume (10). The invention also relates to a method of using the apparatus.

Abstract: A test apparatus for testing fluid seals within an aerated fluid includes a container and a fluid located within the container. A plurality of seal coupons are submerged within the fluid in the container. An air supply is connected to the container to aerate the fluid within the container. Testing the seal coupons includes flowing air from he air supply through the fluid to contact the seal coupons. After the air has contacted the seal coupons then the plurality of seal coupons are removed from the fluid. A value for at least one characteristic of the seal coupons is then compared with a standard value.

Abstract: A nozzle testing method involves testing a nozzle connection via pressurized fluid. The nozzle is subjected to both circumferential and axial tension the magnitude of which is approximately equal to that achieved in a full system pressure test. The method isolates and pressure tests a nozzle in a vessel or pipe by using a device that is inserted from the outside of the nozzle to be tested, although for some applications a restraining head may be placed from the inside of the vessel. The test devices supporting the method are capable of reacting the axial pressure thrust force with a structural member or fluid pressure bearing on the external surface of a vessel or alternatively internal to the vessel or pipe bearing on the opposite wall of the pipe or vessel. The stresses applied to the nozzle neck and attaching weld are primary stresses due to the applied pressure.

Abstract: A fluid contamination analyzer employs one or more MEMS-based sensors. The sensors are incorporated into probes or alternatively may be employed in an in-line analyzer residing in the fluid. The sensors, which can be selective to detect a distinct contaminant within the fluid, sense an impedance of the fluid, which is a function of its contamination and communicates the impedance to analysis circuitry.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method to obtain a bitumen or heavy oil sample from an oil reservoir sample, such as a core sample, to enable measurement of physical properties such as viscosity, API gravity, or chemical properties such as sulphur content of the obtained bitumen or heavy oil sample. The analyses performed on the samples obtained in accordance with the invention are effective in assisting oil field operators in making timely drilling and production decisions at the oil reservoir or for routine laboratory extraction of oils and bitumens. The invention also permits the collection of samples from simulated thermal recovery operations and also allows the collection of bitumens and oils for online analysis of live oil physical properties.

Abstract: A nanobubble-containing liquid producing apparatus includes: a microbubble generating device that prepares a microbubble-containing liquid with use of a liquid introduced into a microbubble generation tank and discharges the microbubble-containing liquid into the microbubble generation tank; a micro-nanobubble generating device that prepares a micro-nanobubble-containing liquid with use of the microbubble-containing liquid introduced into a micro-nanobubble generation tank and discharges the micro-nanobubble-containing liquid into the micro-nanobubble generation tank; and a nanobubble generating device that prepares a nanobubble-containing liquid with use of the micro-nanobubble-containing liquid introduced into a nanobubble generation tank and discharges the nanobubble-containing liquid into the nanobubble generation tank. Therefore, an apparatus for producing a nanobubble-containing liquid with use of general-purpose products can be manufactured at low cost and in a short period of time.

Abstract: A pumping apparatus for a high performance liquid chromatography system (350) is disclosed. The pumping apparatus comprises a piston (1) for reciprocation in a pump working chamber (3) to compress liquid in the pump working chamber (3) to a high pressure at which compressibility of the liquid becomes noticeable. At least one of the piston (1) and the pump working chamber (3) is at least partially coated with or comprised of silicon carbide.

Abstract: A device and method for measuring a sensor chip with bond pads uses a plurality of conductive elements configured to be sufficiently rigid to penetrate oxidation on the bond pads to electrically connect to the bond pads of the sensor chip to exchange measurement information with the sensor chip.

Abstract: A method for testing rotors is disclosed, wherein a rotor to be tested is coupled in a torque-transmitting manner to an activating motor and is set in rotation. Vibrations of the rotor to be tested are measured, wherein the activating motor is operated such that torsional excitations are generated in the rotor.

Abstract: A device for detecting the cam top position in an in-line type high pressure pump, with which time required to detect rotation position of the cam top position can be decreased in engine starting operation, thereby time for starting engine can be decreased. A cam for driving a plunger has a plurality of cam lobes, a plurality of cam top position pointers are attached to the outer periphery of the camshaft or to the outer periphery of a flywheel connected to the camshaft such that each of the pointers corresponds to each of the cam lobes of said cam in the number and angle phase respectively, and a cam top position detector is located to face the pointers when the camshaft rotates so that the pointers are detected by the detector.

Abstract: A portable emissions measurement adapter device (PEMAD) for a vehicle exhaust system having an first exhaust pipe coupled to a second exhaust pipe defining an air inlet opening therebetween, includes an elongated tube having a first and a second end and adapted to fit through the second exhaust pipe to sealingly mate with the first exhaust pipe at the first end. The second end is adapted for operative connection to an emissions testing unit. No modification of the production vehicle is required to use the PEMAD.

Abstract: A wheel and sensor assembly includes a U-shaped bracket assembly mounting to and moving with a wheel assembly. One or more sensor device(s) such as camber angle and slip angle sensors mount to the bracket assembly for operatively measuring one or more wheel assembly parameter(s) during vehicle use. The bracket assembly mounts to the wheel assembly and turns therewith. The bracket assembly positions the sensor device(s) in operative optimal proximity to the road surface during vehicle use under actual operating conditions.

Abstract: A tire pressure information monitoring system includes a pressure sensor (24) for detecting air pressure within a tire, and a temperature sensor (25) for detecting temperature within the tire. The monitoring system further includes a CPU (21) that operates with a high frequency clock to send command to the pressure sensor (24) and the temperature sensor (25) to acquire internal information of the tire, and thereafter operates with a low frequency clock until stabilizing time of the pressure sensor (24) and the temperature sensor (25) elapses. The CPU then operates with a high frequency clock to transmit the internal information of the tire, which has been acquired by the pressure sensor (24) and the temperature sensor (25), to an external receiver at a constant time interval, and thereafter operates with a low frequency clock until the constant time interval elapses.

Abstract: A downhole measurement system may comprise an optional fluid inlet section configured to accommodate fluid flow between a well and a zone surrounding the well. The system may further comprise a flow conditioning section configured to receive the fluid from the fluid inlet section. The flow conditioning section may be configured to produce a substantially homogenized fluid flow. In addition, a measuring section may be provided and configured to measure at least a portion of the fluid flow from the flow conditioning section. The measuring section characterizes a parameter of the fluid flow. In other embodiments, there may be a method for characterizing a parameter of a fluid flow comprising the steps of directing the fluid flow to a flow conditioning section. Other steps may be conditioning the fluid flow to a substantially homogeneous state and measuring a parameter for at least a portion of the fluid flow.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process utilizing natural carbon-13 isotope for identification of early breakthrough of injection water in oil wells. All natural water sources are labeled by unique ratios of carbon isotopes (13C/12C). Following the requirements of the invention, the carbon isotope ratio for oil bearing formation water and for local aquifer water which is to be injected in to the oil reservoir rock is determined. The carbon isotope ratio of the produced water from the selected oil wells is then monitored periodically. When the carbon isotope ratio of the produced (oil well) water shows deviation from the formation water value and tends towards injection water value, then the early breakthrough phenomenon of injection water is identified. Thus the contrast in natural carbon isotope ratios of injection water, formation water and produced water from selected oil wells serve as tracer in the identification of “Early Breakthrough” phenomenon of injection water and its movement.