Abstract: Certain types of automated medical analysis equipment are used to analyze blood or other fluids. The equipment may thus use various diluents or reagents that allow the blood or other fluids to be run through the analysis equipment for analysis and data collection. Disclosed is a diluent preparation module that combines purified water and reagent concentrate for use by this equipment. Also disclosed is a diluent preparation unit that combines more than one diluent preparation modules for redundancy and back-up purposes. Also disclosed are systems for supplying the Diluent prepared by the diluent preparation module or diluent preparation unit to one or more analytic instruments.

Abstract: A water conditioning system for evaporative cooling systems reduces operating costs and microbial contamination by introducing positively charged copper-silver ions into water used as a working fluid. Some of the recirculating water is also passed through a magnetic conditioner to increase its conductivity. By concentrating the total dissolved solids (TDS) in a portion of the water to be expelled, the remaining system water plus new make-up water added contains far lower TDS, reducing health risks, maintenance costs, corrosion, and scaling, and extending service life of replaceable filter elements and system machinery.

Abstract: A composition comprising at least one inorganic particulate material such as calcium carbonate, use of a said composition in a barrier coating composition or in a paper coating composition, a method for making said composition, a method for making a paper coating composition and a method for making a coated product.

Abstract: In various embodiments, the present invention relates to heat dissipation systems including a hygroscopic working fluid integrating waste water as makeup water. The present invention also relates to methods of using the same. The present invention also relates to hygroscopic cooling systems adapted to dispose of waste water by combining the waste water with a hygroscopic working fluid, precipitating impurities and evaporating the remaining water.

Abstract: Provided are a method for supplying water of specified concentration, including: a step of adding at least two liquids, a conductive first liquid and a non-conductive second liquid, to ultrapure water to produce water of specified concentration containing a first liquid-component and a second liquid-component at specified concentrations, in which a mixed solution in which the first liquid and the second liquid are mixed at a specified mixing ratio in advance is prepared; and the mixed solution is added to the ultrapure water so that a conductivity or specific resistance of the ultrapure water after the addition satisfies a specified value, and an apparatus therefor.

Abstract: A dialysis system comprising: a dialysis machine; a communication module configured to communicate using a short-range wireless technology protocol; data storage configured to store data corresponding to identities of one or more short-range wireless devices; and a processor configured to: identify presence of a short-range wireless device; and cause the dialysis machine to carry out an action when one or both of i) the presence of the short-range wireless device is identified, and ii) the presence of the short-range wireless device is no longer identified.

Abstract: A method (100) for operating a laundry washing appliance (10), such as a washing machine or a combined washer-dryer, having a washing chamber (12) to wash goods according to a wash program selected by a user including at least a washing cycle. The method includes adding (110) a detergent to a washing liquor (15) within the washing chamber (12) during a washing phase of the washing cycle, the washing phase having a predefined duration; performing (130) a plurality of measurements of the conductivity of the washing liquor (15) in order to collect a set of conductivity measurements (C1, . . . , Cn) defining a conductivity curve analyzing the set of conductivity measurements (C1, . . . , Cn) in order to determine (150) if a condition of substantial invariability of the conductivity measurements (C1, . . . , Cn) is reached and/or detect (140) if the related conductivity curve shows a peak.

Abstract: Methods of improving the re-dispersibility of dried or at least partially dried microfibrillated cellulose, methods of re-dispersing dried or at least partially dried microfibrillated cellulose, compositions comprising re-dispersed microfibrillated cellulose and the use of re-dispersed microfibrillated cellulose in an article, product or composition; and methods of improving the physical and/or mechanical properties of re-dispersed dried or partially dried microfibrillated cellulose.

Abstract: The invention relates to a low cost sensor array suitable for use in a ware washing machine, preferably a dish washing machine. The invention also relates to a standalone detergent dispensing device comprising the low cost sensor array. The sensor systems are intended to allow monitoring of wash cycles such that controlled sequential dosing of reagents in wash cycles can be optimized. A device comprising such a sensor system may then be able to sense the conditions of the wash and dose reagents in their optimal sequence in the wash.

Abstract: A drug delivery device is provided comprising a container, a first product and a second product. The device is configured to mix the first product and the second product with each other within the container for forming a drug mixture. The device is further configured for dispensing the drug mixture. The device comprises a mixing member. The device is switchable from a first state, in which the first product and the second product are separated, into a second state, in which the first product and the second product are mixed. The mixing member is configured to exert a force onto the container in order to move the container to mix the first product and the second product with each other. Furthermore, a method for maintaining a predetermined property of a drug mixture to be dispensed from a drug delivery device is provided.

Abstract: A method for determining scaling cation concentration may include introducing a first solution that includes a scaling cation, incrementally adding a portion of the first solution to a volume of a second solution comprising a counter scaling anion and a complexing agent, wherein the second solution comprises a fixed concentration of the counter scaling anion and the agent, to form a mixed solution, adding the first solution to the second solution until a precipitate of the scaling cation and the counter scaling anion forms, and determining the scaling cation concentration of the first solution.

Abstract: The present invention provides a zero-emission dialysis clinic including a building envelope, daylight concept, lighting concept, mechanical ventilation (71), a chilled and heated ceiling (61) with capillary tubes (60), heat pump (50), and a photovoltaic system (80). Specifically, the present invention balances the energy consumption with energy generation by a photovoltaic system. The CO2 emissions are thus balanced and the building produces no net emissions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the salt concentration of crude oil using a single solvent that allows for improved safety and accuracy. The apparatus can include a pair of electrodes, a solvent storage container, a power source, a temperature sensor, a computer, and a display device. The method includes introducing a volume of the crude oil and a solvent to a mixing zone and mixing them together to form a homogenized mixture. The temperature and conductivity of the homogenized mixture are measured in order to determine the salt concentration of the homogenized mixture, and subsequently, the salt concentration of the crude oil.

Abstract: A sampling and rejection device for a boiler or steam generating system is described. The sampling and rejection device receives the condensate or fluid and allows a volume of the condensate to liquefy or the fluid to build up in the interior of the sampling and rejection device. One or more conductivity, pH, and temperature sensors or probes are positioned in the sampling and rejection device to measure the condensate. The sampling and rejection device includes a collection vessel to hold and temporarily store the condensate. The sampling and rejection device includes an outlet or a return line (to a central boiler) and a drain line. If the sensor measures undesirable conductivity, pH, or temperature in the condensate in the collection vessel, then a valve to the drain line is opened and the condensate is rejected.

Abstract: A system is adapted to automatically maintain a desired yield level for a slurry flow. Measurements of the electrical conductivity of a slurry are taken and corrected for the effects of temperature and pressure. The corrected conductivity measurements are used to arrive at a value for system yield. The system automatically determines if the yield is too high or too low relative to a desired level, and controls the rate at which accelerator is added to the slurry in order to increase or decrease yield.

Abstract: A method of determining an operational parameter of a washing system having a wash tank to which water and material are added. In some embodiments, the method includes establishing a communication link between a sensor and a controller. The sensor is positioned in the wash tank and transmits a signal indicative of a material concentration. The controller receives the signal. Additionally, the method includes adding material to water in the wash tank, monitoring the material concentration while material is being added, and stopping the material addition upon the material concentration reaching a predetermined material concentration. The controller then determines an operational parameter indicative of the amount of material that is needed to reach the predetermined material concentration.

Abstract: An automatic analyzer analyzes a measurement item by making a sample and reagent react with each other and measuring the reaction result. This apparatus allows parameters associated with reagent dispensing executed by a reagent dispensing mechanism to be set as a dispensing condition for each measurement item or each type of reagent, and controls the reagent dispensing mechanism on the basis of the dispensing condition.

Abstract: A probe for measuring oxygen, temperature, and pressure in a space to be monitored, comprising: a housing, comprising a thermally conductive material; an oxygen sensor disposed within the housing, comprising: a first end having coated thereon a coating which fluoresces at a fluorescent frequency when exposed to light having an excitation frequency in the absence of associated oxygen, and which undergoes a dampening of said fluorescence in the presence of associated oxygen; and a second end operatively connected to an optical fiber that extends through the housing; wherein the first end extends through the housing and is adapted to be exposed to the space to be monitored; a temperature sensor disposed within the housing adjacent to the thermally conductive material, comprising a fiber Bragg grating, or a semiconductor material, such as a GaAS material, wherein the temperature sensor does not extend through the housing and is not exposed to the space to be monitored; a pressure sensor disposed within the housin

Abstract: An automated solution maker is provided. The automated solution maker mixes a chemical with a solvent to a desired concentration. The concentration of the solution is monitored by measuring the conductivity of the solution. Based upon this measurement, the concentration of the solution may be adjusted.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for mixing and self-cleaning elements in microfluidic systems based on electrothermally induced fluid flow. The apparatus and methods provide for the control of fluid flow in and between components in a microfluidic system to cause the removal of unwanted liquids and particulates or mixing of liquids. The geometry and position of electrodes is adjusted to generate a temperature gradient in the liquid, thereby causing a non-uniform distribution of dielectric properties within the liquid. The dielectric non-uniformity produces a body force and flow in the solution, which is controlled by element and electrode geometries, electrode placement, and the frequency and waveform of the applied voltage.

Abstract: A method for conductivity calculation in a treatment fluid downstream a filtration unit in a blood treatment apparatus is provided. The conductivity calculation is then used for clearance and fistula flow determination. A flow of treatment fluid is created in the filtration unit; a change in the conductivity of the treatment fluid at the inlet of the filtration unit is imposed to cause an induced conductivity change in the fluid at the outlet of the filtration unit; a predetermined number of conductivity values Cdo downstream from the filtration unit are measured. The measured conductivity values define a curve the pattern of which is estimated by means of one interpolating mathematical function in an interval of time after the occurrence of the induced conductivity change; a characteristic measuring time tcalcclr is determined.

Abstract: The invention is a method and apparatus for asynchronous blending and supply of chemical solutions. The method of the present invention includes a continuous blending system. This continuous blending system monitors the output and continuously adjusts the blending system to achieve a predetermined formulation of at least a first solution. A centralized monitoring system continuously evaluates the solutions and adjusts the output of the blender as needed to maintain the predetermined formulation of the solution. The system includes at least a first tank system. Any solutions that are delivered from this tank system are also continuously monitored, evaluated, and adjusted as needed by the centralized monitoring system.

Abstract: A system and method for self-powered magnetorheological-fluid damping of mechanical vibrations includes a hydraulic cylinder. The hydraulic cylinder is configured for at least partially disposing magnetorheological fluid therein. A piston head is disposed within the hydraulic cylinder. The piston head has first and second sides and is configured to be in sliding engagement with the hydraulic cylinder. A piston rod is at least partially disposed within the hydraulic cylinder and is connected to the piston head on the first side. The system also includes a vibration absorber assembly having housing. The vibration absorber assembly is configured to transduce mechanical vibrations of the piston rod to electric current.

Abstract: A system for measuring a mixture ratio associated with a two-part fluid, at least one of the two parts including conductive particles. The system includes a pair of electrodes, a circuit, and an output. The electrodes are disposed on opposite sides of the two-part fluid and sense the dielectric strength of the fluid. The circuit communicates with the electrodes to sense the dielectric strength and outputs a signal representing the dielectric strength. Preferably, the circuit includes a capacitive bridge, an input for a set-point, and an output for an error signal. Also, the system can include a housing for the electrodes. A timer may also be provided to measure the time elapsed from the beginning of the mixing of the two-part fluid. Preferably, the two-part fluid is an adhesive with aluminum particles that is made from a resin and a hardener. Methods of producing two-part fluids are also provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to improving the reclamation rate of the waste water of wet benches in semiconductor fabrication. In accordance with an aspect of the invention, a method for improvement of water reclamation rate comprises choosing a rinse recipe for a wet bench. The wet bench is activated, and waste water quality of waste water produced by the rinse recipe from the wet bench is detected to generate water quality data for a plurality of reclamation switch time levels. The waste water is directed to a water reclamation system during a reclamation time period after each of the plurality of reclamation switch time levels. The water quality data of the waste water is analyzed for the plurality of reclamation switch time levels. The method further comprises determining from analyzing the water quality data the best reclamation switch time for the chosen rinse recipe for the wet bench.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the preparation of solutions to be manufactured from at least two concentrates and a solvent. After placing of two concentrate holders into associated recipients, both concentrate holders are connected using a single connector having two connection states. In a first connection state, solvent flows to the first concentrate holder, with the solution being led into a collection holder and, after the flushing of the concentrate from the first concentrate holder, the connector moves to a second connection state in which an automatic connecting of the second concentrate holder takes place, whereupon solvent flows through the second concentrate holder and the solution is likewise supplied to the collection holder.

Abstract: Provided are a method and apparatus for continuously blending a chemical solution for use in semiconductor processing. The method involves the step of: mixing a first chemical stream with a second chemical stream in a controlled manner, to form a stream of a solution having a predetermined formulation. The apparatus allows one to practice the above method. The method and apparatus can accurately provide chemical solutions of desired concentration in a continuous manner. The invention has particular applicability in semiconductor device fabrication.

Abstract: A process for the dynamic manufacture and packaging of gas mixtures containing a first component and a second component in predefined proportions, the first and second components being chosen from the group formed by O2, N2, He and N2O, in which predetermined proportions of the first and second components are dynamically mixed in order to obtain a gas mixture of the desired composition and the temperature of the mixture is adjusted in order to keep it above the demixing threshold temperature of the mixture. This process is particularly suitable for the production of analgesic gas mixtures that can be used in the medical field, particularly a mixture formed from 50% oxygen and 50% nitrous oxide.

Abstract: A signal generator is electrically coupled with a first sensor for sensing the conductivity of water and electrically coupled with a second sensor for sensing the conductivity of a foam solution that included a concentration of surfactant. One or more switches repeatedly switch between the sensed conductivity of the water and the sensed conductivity of the foam solution. A conversion circuit converts the conductivity of the water into a first voltage and the conductivity of the foam solution into a second voltage, such that a single circuit path may be used to convert both conductivity values. A control circuit compares the difference of the first voltage and second voltage to determine a differential voltage that is utilized to control a surfactant control valve.

Abstract: A solid chemical feed system, preferably including two feed bowls, comprises a quantity of solid chemicals that dissolve upon immersion in water to form a liquid solution. A sump is provided to receive liquid solution from the feed bowls, the liquid solution with additive chemicals being used as a treatment for cooling towers, boilers, or other industrial processes to inhibit corrosion and rust. The feed system comprises a valve system that is controlled by a sensor that detects the conductivity of the liquid solution to alternatingly switch the introduction of liquid solution from one feed bowl to the other feed bowl. As such, upon depletion of chemical feed in one bowl, desired treatment will continue and the empty bowl may be replaced without disruption of liquid solution supply.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a liquid mixture in which mixture components are mixed to produce a product stream having a predetermined concentration of a specified component. This mixing occurs within a fluidic network designed such that the components mix in inlet branches to form a first intermediate mixture having a lower concentration than that desired in the product stream. The specified component is metered into the intermediate product stream to produce a second intermediate product stream that is blended to produce a third intermediate product stream. The concentration of the specified component within the third intermediate product stream is measured and the metering pump is appropriately adjusted. The third intermediate product stream then passes through a recycle loop in which recycled product is mixed with an intermediate product stream to produce a liquid mixture stream that is divided into the recycle stream and a product stream.

Abstract: A method for continuously preparing a medium formulation mixes a diluent with a plurality of chemically incompatible concentrate solutions in such a manner that none of the ingredients of the concentrate solutions chemically react in an adverse manner. The method utilizes a static mixing chamber to add the concentrate solutions to the diluent stream sufficiently in advance of one another so that adverse chemical reactions do not occur. The method also adjusts a pH level of the diluent prior to adding any of the concentrate solutions to the diluent.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a water treatment system for providing a flow of treated water having a pre-established quality, for example, a maximum TDS and permitted pH range, from a flow of reclaimed water having a quality poorer than the pre-established quality of the treated water and a flow of treatment water. The system includes a mixing reservoir; first and second fluid conduits connected to the mixing reservoir for flowing the reclaimed water and the treatment water into the reservoir; and a third fluid conduit connected to the mixing reservoir for discharging a flow of treated water from the mixing reservoir, and sensors connected for sensing the flow rates and qualities of the reclaimed water and treatment water flowed into the mixing reservoir and of the treated water discharged from the mixing reservoir. Signals, e.g.

Abstract: A system and method for mixing and/or diluting ultrapure fluids, such as liquid acids, for semiconductor processing. The system includes first and second chemical dispensers, the first and second chemical dispensers adapted to contain first and second fluids to be mixed, respectively; a process connection between the first and second chemical dispensers which allows the first and second fluids to flow therethrough and intermingle to form a mixed fluid, the process connection further allowing the mixed fluid to flow to a location needed by the operator; and an ultrasonic wave emitting device provided in a location sufficient to transmit an ultrasonic wave through the mixed fluid, the device including means to measure the velocity of the wave through the mixed fluid, and thus indirectly measure a ratio defined by a quantity of the first chemical to a quantity of the second chemical in the mixed fluid.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a water treatment system for providing a flow of treated water having a pre-established quality, for example, a maximum TDS and permitted pH range, from a flow of reclaimed water having a quality poorer than the pre-established quality of the treated water and a flow of treatment water. The system includes a mixing reservoir; first and second fluid conduits connected to the mixing reservoir for flowing the reclaimed water and the treatment water into the reservoir; and a third fluid conduit connected to the mixing reservoir for discharging a flow of treated water from the mixing reservoir, and sensors connected for sensing the flow rates and qualities of the reclaimed water and treatment water flowed into the mixing reservoir and of the treated water discharged from the mixing reservoir. Signals, e.g.

Abstract: A method of controlling the amount of conductivity increasing substances, e.g., free available halogen, in particular free available chlorine, present in an aqueous medium is described. In accordance with the method of the present invention, an aqueous medium is provided and its conductivity determined. A source of at least one conductivity increasing substance is introduced controllably into the aqueous medium, and a second conductivity measurement is made. The determined conductivities are compared, and in response to this comparison, the amount of conductivity increasing substance added to the aqueous medium is adjusted. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the aqueous medium is an aqueous stream, and the source of conductivity increasing substance is calcium hypochlorite, which is introduced into the aqueous stream through the use of a feeder unit, i.e., a chlorination unit.

Abstract: One or a plurality of valve-operated branch pieces can be attached to any point of any pipe. To this end, two opposite openings (16, 18) are made in the pipe (10), and a branch valve body is clamped about the pipe in bracket-like manner at the prepared site.

Abstract: A method for detecting and controlling cooling system characteristics. A flow rate of make-up cooling medium is measured. A conductivity of the make-up cooling medium is measured. A conductivity of a recirculating cooling medium is measured. A treatment material feed rate is determined based upon the formula: ##EQU1## where X is a treatment feed rate of a treatment compound, .OMEGA. is a desired concentration of the treatment compound, and K is a constant. A corrosion rate of the recirculating cooling medium is measured. A desired corrosion rate of the recirculating cooling medium is determined. A feed rate of a corrosion inhibitor is calculated according to the following formula:Y=(X)?1+.alpha.(CORR.sub.MEASURED /CORR.sub.SETPOINT)!,where .alpha. is a cascade factor that varies in a step-wise manner depending upon the value of CORR.sub.MEASURED /CORR.sub.SETPOINT and has a value between about 0.1 and about 8.0. A corrosion inhibitor is then fed at the corrosion inhibitor feed rate.

Abstract: A system and method for treating a fluid flowing along a main fluid supply path in which a streaming current detector receives a sample flow of a main fluid supply following main dosing with a chemical under control of a streaming current detector output. A secondary chemical dosing is applied to the sample under the control of the streaming current detector output in a feedback loop.

Abstract: A system and method for continuously producing and maintaining a predetermined proportionate mixture of two fluids, such as water and foam concentrate, in accordance with conductivity measurements of the fluids and the mixture. A set point is established which is representative of the conductivity of the predetermined proportionate mixture, by way of continuously measuring the conductivity of each fluid and feeding data to a microprocessor which calculates the conductivity of the desired proportionate mixture. The conductivity of the mixture is measured and compared with the set point by conductivity probes and a microprocessor. A control valve is continuously adjusted to maintain the predetermined proportionate mixture in response to control signals from the microprocessor in accordance with the comparisons of the conductivity values.

Abstract: An apparatus for diluting a solution comprises a preparation vessel for mixing a solution with a diluent to dilute the solution, a solution supply unit, a diluent supply unit, and a controller. The controller controls the solution supply unit and the diluent supply units to supply the solution and diluent into the preparation vessel in such quantity that the concentration of the diluted solution is higher than a desired concentration. The controller also calculates an additional quantity of the diluent necessary for diluting the solution in the preparation vessel to the desired concentration based on a difference between the concentration of the solution in the preparation vessel and the desired concentration, and controls the diluent supply unit to add the diluent into the preparation vessel in smaller quantity than the calculated additional quantity and repeats the calculation and addition until the solution concentration in the preparation vessel reaches the desired concentration.

Abstract: An open recirculating evaporative cooling system includes a cooling tower or evaporative condenser (12) having a heated water inlet (20) and a water collection basin (22), a water supply (34) for supplying a volume of water to the cooling tower, a water supply meter (36) coupled between the cooling tower and the water supply, for registering the volume of water supplied to the cooling tower from the water supply and for providing pulse information corresponding to the volume of water supplied, a heat exchanger (16) coupled to the cooling tower basin for receiving water therefrom, for removing waste heat (18) from heat producing equipment, and for supplying the heated basin water to the cooling tower heated water inlet, a solenoid valve (30) coupled between the heat exchanger and a drain for draining water from the cooling tower basin through the heat exchanger, sources of water treatment (24, 26, 28) coupled to the cooling tower for supplying corrosion and scale and biological fouling controlling additives th

Abstract: A sensing arrangement for sensing the addition of reactants to a solution within a tank which includes a first inlet, a second inlet, and a reactant supply controller for controlling the addition of reactants into the tank through the first and second inlets. The first inlet is configured to supply a first reactant to the tank and the second inlet is configured to supply a second reactant to the tank. The sensing arrangement comprises a detector, such as a conductivity detector or an ion concentration detector, having a probe for measuring the presence of the reactants in the solution within the tank. The probe is positioned substantially adjacent the second inlet. The detector provides a mechanism for measuring the presence of and concentration of the first reactant in the solution while the first reactant is added to and mixed with the solution.

Abstract: A water treatment system provides a flow of treated water having a pre-established quality, for example, a maximum TDS and permitted pH range, from a flow of reclaimed water having a quality poorer than the pre-established quality of the treated water and a flow of treatment water. The system includes a mixing reservoir; first and second fluid conduits connected to the mixing reservoir for flowing the reclaimed water and the treatment water into the reservoir; and a third fluid conduit connected to the mixing reservoir for discharging a flow of treated water from the mixing reservoir; and sensors connected for sensing the flow rates and qualities of the reclaimed water and treatment water flowed into the mixing reservoir and of the treated water discharged from the mixing reservoir.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for obtaining the average aspect ratio of non-spherical particles in suspension. The particles are caused to orient generally in one direction and the conductivity of the particles are measured in such direction while simultaneously measuring the conductivity of the particles in a traverse direction. The difference between the two conductivity measurements is indicative of the average aspect ratio of the particles in suspension.

Abstract: A device for preparing a solution for medical use from a liquid and at least one powdered or crystallized salt, comprising:a main line (11) having a first end connected to a source (10) of liquid and a second end for delivering the solution,at least one secondary line (15, 19; 16, 20) joined as a by-pass to the main line (11), this secondary line comprising a reservoir (13, 14) containing a powdered or crystallized salt and having an inlet opening and an outlet opening situated respectively at a high point and a low point of the reservoir (13, 14),means (12, 21, 22) for causing liquid to circulate in the lines,means (17, 21; 18, 22) for producing the immersion of the powdered or crystallized salt in the reservoir (13, 14).

Abstract: A modular control is provided for sensing characteristics of a fluid and controlling the dispensing of additives into said fluid. The control is contained in a box-like housing having an openable wall which is sealable to a remainder of said housing in a water-tight manner. A plurality of printed circuit boards can be mounted in an interior of said housing. A control circuit is carried on at least one printed circuit board mounted in the housing including a microprocessor controller. At least one probe is provided for immersion in the fluid to detect a characteristic of the fluid. At least one output device is provided for dispensing an additive into the fluid. A signal processing circuit is carried on a printed circuit board mounted in the housing for processing a signal received from the probe. An output control circuit is carried on a printed circuit board mounted in the housing for controlling the output device. A display is mounted on one of the housing walls.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for controlling and/ or distinguishing liquids used in the brewing industry. To distinguish water, rinse water, different kinds of beer, and various non-alcoholic drinks with the help of technical measuring devices, a measuring instrument for monitoring or distinguishing the conductivity of the liquid concerned by inductive measurement is used.

Abstract: A system and method for producing and maintaining a predetermined proportionate mixture of two fluids, such as water and foam concentrate, in accordance with conductivity measurements of the fluids. A set point is established which is representative of the conductivity of the predetermined proportionate mixture. The conductivity of the mixture is measured and compared with the set point by conductivity probes and a microprocessor. A control valve is continuously adjusted to maintain the predetermined proportionate mixture in response to control signals from the microprocessor in accordance with the comparisons of the conductivity values.

Abstract: Washing process in an industrial washing machine, whereby a property of the wash liquor is measured which is dependent on the concentration of detergent product therein, and detergent product is added to the wash liquor, dependent on the property, characterized in that the wash cycle comprises a first period (t.sub.1) in which product is added during a fixed time period to obtain a high concentration in the wash liquor or until the measured property reaches a high set point where it is maintained by gradually adding detergent product, and a second period (t.sub.2) in which the property is kept at a low set point. There is also provided a device for controlling the dosing of detergent product to the process.