Abstract: Test apparatus for determining ignition characteristics of various metal in oxidizer environments simulating operating conditions for materials, the test apparatus has a chamber (6) through which the oxidizing agent flows, and means for mounting a stationary test sample (36) therein, a powered, rotating shaft (E) in the chamber rigidly mounts a second test sample (35). The shaft is axially movable to bring the samples into frictional engagement and heated to the ignition point. Instrumentation 16, 32, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54 connected to the apparatus provides for observation of temperatures, pressures, loads on and speeds of the rotating shaft, and torques whereby components of stressed oxygen systems can be selected which will avoid accidental fires under working conditions.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for quantitatively measuring volatiles, solids and solvent extractables is described which provides rapid and accurate determinations using microwave heating, electronic balance weighing and solvent extracting of solubles. The method involves subjecting a weighed sample to microwave drying for a preselected time, reweighing to obtain the dry weight and determine volatile loss, solvent extracting the dried sample to determine fats, oils and other extractables followed by final measurement of residual solids. The apparatus is preferably automated to sequentially actuate the required weighing, microwave heating, solvent extraction, redrying, reweighing and calculation of the percentages of volatiles, solvent solubles and solids.The apparatus and method are particularly suited for analytical uses in the food and dairy industries.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for analyzing a sample of an inorganic or organic material, wherein the sample is in a discharge tube within a plasma cavity interfaced to an analytical device and a high frequency-sustained radiation-induced excitation plasma is initiated and sustained in the plasma cavity, which plasma is capable of causing the sample to pyrolyze and emit radiation, which emitted radiation or resulting atomic and molecular constituents may be analyzed,the improvement comprising:means for fixing or immobilizing the sample at a position spaced apart from the plasma, andmeans for elongating the plasma so as to cause it to encompass the sample.

Abstract: The specification discloses a proximate analyzer for the analysis of fossil fuels such as coal and coke. The analyzer includes a temperature-controllable and atmosphere-controllable furnace chamber, a balance having a weigh platform positioned within the furnace chamber, and a platter positioned within the chamber and adapted to support a plurality of sample-containing crucibles. The furnace further includes means for continuously depositing the crucibles in a predetermined sequence on the weigh platform and means for monitoring the weights of the crucibles to determine when analysis is complete and for calculating the proximate analysis results based on weight loss. A method of proximate analysis using the proximate analyzer is also disclosed.

Abstract: An ash fusion analyzer for determining the ASTM defined fusion temperatures of coal and coke ash includes a furnace chamber with a viewport. A rotatable sample-supporting platform is positioned within the chamber such that samples on the platform are viewable through the viewport. An optical system is aligned with the viewport for directing images of the moving samples onto a solid state line scan array. A microprocessor is coupled to the array for periodically sampling data from the array and calculating shape information relating to the samples.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the total amount of organic carbon in a sample comprising the successive steps of: (a) heating the sample in an inert atmosphere to a first temperature capable of cracking at least a fraction of the organic material contained in the sample; (b) measuring the amount of organic carbon contained in at least a fraction of the effluent resulting from this cracking; (c) heating the sample in an oxidizing atmosphere to a second temperature at most equal to the first temperature; (d) measuring the amount of organic carbon in the effluent produced by the oxidation of the organic material, and (e) deriving from the above measurements the total organic carbon content of the sample. In order to perform the method of the invention, there is also provided means for performing each of the successive steps. In a further refinement, the method also includes steps for determining the mineral carbon content so that the total carbon content of the sample can be determined.

Abstract: Specimens of solid organic substances are decomposed by grinding the specimen to powder having particles of a size smaller than 75 microns, and then compressing the powder specimen. The compressed powder specimen is abraded by means of a scraper, and the abraded material metered out in predetermined amounts for incineration in an injector burner suitable for solids. In this manner, large quantities of specimen material which might contain elements that attack quartz glass can be incinerated without causing damage to the quartz glass burner. The apparatus for decomposing specimens of solid organic substances includes an injector burner that communicates with a powder processing and proportioning device through a flexible tube. The powder processing and proportioning device includes a specimen container for compressed powder, supported by a rotatable fixture to rotate the specimen container.

Abstract: The hydrocarbon potential of a source rock comprising hydrocarbons and insoluble organic materials capable of generating hydrocarbons upon pyrolysis or further maturation is analytically determined. In the instant invention, a particular sample of the source rock is slurried with a solvent to extract the hydrocarbons therefrom and provide a first solution for analysis. The extracted sample is again slurried with a solvent and the resulting slurry is heated to a temperature sufficient to pyrolyze the insoluble organic material to liquid hydrocarbons. The liquid hydrocarbons dissolve in the solvent to provide a second solution for analysis. The first and second solutions are then analyzed independently for hydrocarbon content.

Abstract: A method of determining heat losses due to incomplete fuel combustion consists in that periodic sampling of fuel combustion products is carried out. The sample is separated into two parts, one of which includes a gaseous phase, and the other, a solid and a gaseous phases. Oxygen concentration in each part is assessed, after which both parts are heated and burnt up to determine oxygen concentration after burning. Oxygen losses in the gaseous phase and in the mixture of the solid and the gaseous phases are determined, and heat losses due to chemical and total underburning of fuel are defined as the ratio between oxygen losses. Then heat losses due to mechanical underburning of fuel are estimated as the difference of heat losses due to total chemical and mechanical underburning, and chemical underburning of fuel.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the in situ levels of tritium in ground water at depth in the earth. A tritium analyzer is made to fit in a sonde or probe which is placed in a borehole. This analyzer can perform a programmed cycle and has a sample intake to allow ambient water to enter; a reaction chamber; a drying chamber; an ion chamber; a cryogenic gas pump, and a spent capsule collection chamber. After the water sample is brought into the unit, it rises into the reaction chamber where it reacts with a preweighed quantity of calcium carbide in a capsule to yield acetylene. Next the acetylene vapor passes through the drying chamber to remove excess water and then flows into the evacuated ion chamber. Following this, the ion chamber is sealed off and a count of tritium beta decay events is started. Following the completion of the count, a valve is opened to remove the acetylene from the ion chamber with the cryogenic gas pump.

Abstract: The specification discloses an analyzer having a furnace defining a furnace chamber and including a floor with an aperture communicating with the chamber. A sample-supporting platform is provided and movable between an analyzing position within said furnace chamber and a loading position below the level of, and out from under, the furnace. A plurality of heating elements extend into the furnace chamber and are insulatively sealed therein by a pair of slotted members which cooperate to reduce airflow along the elements.

Abstract: An automatic apparatus for loading and feeding crucibles to and removing crucibles from a combustion furnace in which metals are burned for analyzing them. The apparatus has a part for automatically transporting crucibles to a sample weighing position one by one, a sample weighing device at the sample weighing position, and a supply device for placing the desired quantity of metal to be analyzed into crucibles at the sample weighing position. A storage device for automatically storing crucibles containing samples therein extends from the sample weighing position, and a device takes crucibles out of the storage device one by one and a further device automatically takes the crucibles from said taking out device and introduces them into a combustion furnace and removes the crucibles from the combustion furnace. A device then automatically dumps the crucibles removed from the combustion furnace after the completion of analysis.

Abstract: Apparatus for investigating the performance of a catalyst used in a catalytic cracking process includes a single fluidized bed reactor charged with the catalyst to be investigated and a digital computer which controls the supply of hydrocarbon feed stock and regenerating air in successive and repeated catalytic cracking intervals and catalyst regeneration intervals.

Abstract: A method for concentrating a vapor of a mercury sample solution is carried out by an apparatus having an electrode of amalgam-forming material which electrode is movable from the sample solution to a heated portion within a tube.

Abstract: An analytical method for the independent or simultaneous determination of any number of elements selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, carbon, hydrogen and sulfur or chlorine in samples, which comprises passing an oxygen gas through a reaction tube packed with an oxidation catalyst or oxidizing agent having a heating zone of from 800.degree. C. to 1100.degree. C., introducing a sample into said tube to subject it to complete combustion, uniformalizing the gas, dividing the gas into two portions, and introducing one portion in a carrier gas into a copper-reducing tube having a heating zone of from 400.degree. C. to 700.degree. C., determining the resulting nitrogen gas, carbon dioxide gas and steam or acetylene gas on a gas detector, while introducing the second portion in an oxygen gas into an absorption liquor, and determining the resulting sulfate or chlorine ion and, an apparatus useful therefor.

Abstract: An apparatus and method useful for analyzing refractory substances includes a means for locally heating a sample portion of a refractory material to generate the dissociated vapor thereof.

Abstract: Analysis of hydrocarbon mixtures to determine desired characteristics, particularly a determination of octane number of gasolines, undergoing partial oxidation/cool flame reactions. Pre-analysis performed on a target fuel sample of known composition and octane number is utilized to arrive at an optimum point of the reaction, a point believed to represent a condition where a maximum of the fuel is oxidized during the reaction. In the preferred embodiment disclosed, the optimum point is the reactor block temperature that generates a maximum peak temperature rise of the cool flame reaction of the target fuel. This optimum reactor temperature is utilized in further analyses of other known samples to develop a matrix of peak temperature rise versus time to reach peak coordinates. Any unknown fuel sample whose peak amplitude/time coordinate is within the matrix is compared with matrix values to determine its octane number as well as an indication of its composition.

Abstract: A dissociation chamber and measuring cell combination which is useful for making atomic fluorescence measurements includes a heated dissociation chamber and a measuring cell separate therefrom. The combination is particularly useful for use with elements which form hydrides of the sought element.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting bonded sulfur in compounds where a discrete sample passes through a first furnace in the presence of a carrier of inert gas and is exposed to a suitable granulated metal oxide, such as copper oxide or vanadiam pentoxide, resulting in oxidation of the sulfur compound. The sample is then passed through a second furnace comingled with elemental hydrogen, there being a conversion of sulfer oxides to hydrogen sulfide. The output of the second furnace is dried. The hydrogen sulfide, along with the inert carrier gas, is introduced into a reaction chamber and is mixed with ozone. A chemiluminescent reaction occurs in the chamber, and the resulting light emission is measured photoelectrically by either a photomultiplier tube or photodiode. The output from the photomultiplier tube is connected to a summing circuit, and the summation represents the measure of sulfur in the specimen.

Abstract: A combustion system includes a cylindrical horizontally extending ceramic combustion tube enclosed at one end and open at the opposite end for receiving a combustion boat carrying a sample to be combusted for subsequent analysis. An externally mounted sample eduction tube is coupled at one end to the interior space near the enclosed end of the combustion tube and secured at its opposite end to the combustion tube by means of a slide assembly to accommodate for differential movement between the combustion tube and the eduction tube. A lance tube also extends into the combustion tube for directing the flow of an oxidizing gas into the combustion boat to facilitate oxidation of a sample. The open end of the combustion tube is effectively sealed by a curtain of gas supplied by a flood tube for blocking the open end of the tube from admission of atmospheric contaminants and preventing the escape of gases from the combusted sample.

Abstract: The invention relates to a combustion apparatus for elementary analysis. Solid material samples contained in small tubes are introduced into the combustion apparatus by means of an automatic inserting device. The automatic inserting device is provided with an automatic loading device for the small tubes. In order to keep the dimensions of the combustion apparatus within reasonable limits and nevertheless to permit the largest possible quantities of sample material which are representative for the material to be investigated, the quartz tube serving to burn the sample material and extending through a main combustion zone is of circuitous shape, preferably in the form of a coil. For the purpose of burning liquid samples, use is made of a plug having a through bore, said plug serving to close the receiving aperture of the quartz tube. Said through bore is closed by means of a plastic material which is adapted to be penetrated by an injection needle serving to inject the liquid sample material.

Abstract: A chemiluminescence apparatus and method for determining polymer stability by measuring the intensity of the light emitted during thermal oxidation. The apparatus described in the invention measures the light intensity vs. time from polymers in an oxidative atmosphere. On the basis of this information, important parameters such as induction time and oxidation rate can be obtained. The apparatus has the advantage of simultaneous multi-sample analysis and the mathematical approach enables data computerization.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining various types of trace nitrogen having a measuring system which includes, a reaction section with a catalyst for reduction, an acidic gas removal section with a solid alkaline substance, heating sections for heating the reaction section and the acidic gas removal section, a coulometric titration section, and at least one distillation system.

Abstract: A sample decomposing apparatus of the type which includes a microwave heating containing chamber having on one side thereof a transparent door that intercepts microwaves and a perforation through a wall of the container, a microwave controller for controlling microwave radiated in the microwave heating container, and a gas collector having a gas discharge opening and at least one opening for removably mounting a plurality of sample decomposing containers. The gas collector is disposed in the microwave heating container, and the gas generated in the sample decomposing containers is collected by the gas collector and discharged to outside through the gas discharge opening.

Abstract: A method and a device for determining the lignin content in pulp by measuring the temperature increase on chlorination of a pulp sample with well-defined moisture content. The pulp sample is dewatered by pressing and simultaneously being blown through by a gas having low oxidization activity, subsequent to which the maximum temperature increase is registered when the pulp sample is blown through by chlorine gas.

Abstract: A sample injection system for a gas chromatograph or other analysis instrument is described. The sample injection system can be used in conventional gas chromatographs containing a detecting device and an internal heat source to provide temperature-programming capability for analyses involving thermal extraction of hydrocarbons and other gaseous products from a solid or liquid sample. The injection system includes a sample chamber having a sample inlet and an outlet, means to control the temperature of the sample chamber, a carrier gas inlet to the sample chamber, and means defining a flow path extending from the sample chamber outlet and for absorbing heat from the internal heat source. A method for analyzing geological samples to determine certain petroleum-related characteristics is also described.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining total carbon in each one of a plurality of discrete liquid samples comprises a reactor (13), and a pump (12) and flowline (11) for maintaining a continuous flow of a liquid containing an oxidizing agent into the reactor (13). The liquid samples are introduced in succession into the reactor (13), either by means of a syringe injection port (19) in the flowline (11), or by means of a rotary valve (203) and sample loop (204) in a recirculation line (202) through which carbon-free liquid is withdrawn from and circulated back to the reactor (13). A mercury vapor lamp (17) is immersed in the liquid in the reactor (13) for irradiating the liquid sample and the oxidizing agent in the reactor (13) with ultraviolet energy in order to oxidize to carbon dioxide any carbonaceous matter in the liquid sample.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for measuring total fixed gaseous nitrogen species, including NH.sub.3, NO, NO.sub.2, HCN and organic amines in gaseous mixtures. The process involves catalytic conversion at elevated temperature of all fixed nitrogen species to nitric oxide, NO, followed by chemiluminescent measurement of the resulting NO concentration. The improvement features of the process are the use of a reduced pressure gaseous sample flow to prevent N.sub.2 poisoning of the heated platinum catalyst and a preheat step of the reduced pressure gaseous mixture in an inert, non-catalytic quartz preheater prior to catalytic conversion to prevent loss of some species, such as NH.sub.3, through premature catalyzed reaction with NO and subsequent loss from the system as N.sub.2.

Abstract: An analytical method for the determination of the total nitrogen content in aqueous systems, which comprises passing an inert gas stream containing substantially no nitrogen and carbon dioxide through a reaction tube, which is packed with a decomposition catalyst and maintained at a temperature of 700.degree. to 1200.degree. C., a condenser and a moisture-absorbing tube in this order, injecting an aqueous test sample to be analyzed into the reaction tube, and sending the gaseous products coming out of the moisture-absorbing tube to a mass spectrometer to determine the nitrogen content, and an apparatus for carrying out such a method. By this method, it is possible to determine the total nitrogen content in nitrogen compounds contained in aqueous systems, rapidly, accurately and with a high sensitivity.

Abstract: An apparatus for analyzing carbon in metals, in which a metallic sample is burned in a current of oxygen in a combustion furnace and the concentration of carbon contained in the metallic sample is calculated from the total concentration of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide in the gas generated in the combustion furnace, the concentration determined by means of a non-dispersive infrared analyzer. The non-dispersive infrared analyzer is provided with a detector which exhibits almost the same sensitivity to both carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for control of a multi-pass pyrolysis furnace, e.g. for the pyrolysis of hydrocarbon feed to produce an effluent with a high ethylene content is disclosed. The method which is suitable for computer control involves the analysis of the effluent from each pass and controlling pyrolysis conditions in each pass in response to the analysis of the output from that pass. Improved optimization is possible over methods which depend on average analysis from several passes because of the wide variations which occur in cracking conditions in several passes.

Abstract: According to the present invention volatile hydrides such as diborane, arsine, phosphine and the like are made to react with mercuric oxide at an ordinary temperature to produce mercury atoms, the concentration of which is thereafter measured and the concentration of volatile hydrides is determined in accordance with the corresponding measured mercury atom concentration. As the measuring apparatus according to the present invention is made to measure mercury atoms, it can easily detect even extremely small quantity of substances such as volatile hydrides and respond quickly, thus enabling the apparatus being suitably used as a monitor in the semiconductor industry.

Abstract: A method for selecting a flame retardant for a polymer comprises using cross polarization and magic-angle sample spinning techniques to record well resolved .sup.31 P and .sup.13 C nuclear magnetic resonance spectra of the polymer before and after ignition; recording .sup.31 P and .sup.13 C NMR spectra of the combination of polymer and a known flame retardant before and after ignition; characterizing the chemical and physical changes that occur in the flame retardant and the polymer upon ignition and thereby determining the chemical basis by which the known flame retardant is operating and using that knowledge to select another flame retardant that will be effective for use with the polymer.

Abstract: As oxygen is an electron absorber it is desirable, when monitoring an atmospheric flow for the presence of tracer materials capable of detection in an electron capture detector, to remove the oxygen from the flow to the detector. The invention introduces a hydrogen supply directly into the atmospheric flow to allow the hydrogen to combine catalytically with the oxygen content of the flow to form water or water vapor. The thus formed water or water vapor is extracted from the flow proceeding to the detector. The reaction can occur within a palladium or palladium alloy conduit forming a part of the flow path to the detector.

Abstract: A self-sealing ceramic crucible and lid combination suitable for proximate analysis of coal or coke samples. The combination comprises a generally cylindrical crucible vessel having a substantially flat outside bottom surface one one end and being open on the other end, the wall of the vessel terminating at its open end in a rim which is finished circumferentially for sealing with the lid. The inside bottom surface is also preferably substantially flat. The lid member is generally cup-shaped and has a circular top wall and a depending circumferential skirt portion, the upper surface of the top wall being generally flat, the inside diameter of the top wall being slightly greater than the outside diameter of the crucible vessel, such that when the lid member is placed on the crucible vessel, the lower surface of the top wall which has a finished annular recess rests on the rim of the crucible, and the skirt of the lid member extends downwardy along the wall of the crucible and terminates in a circular edge.

Abstract: A molecular sieve trap is disclosed for selective trapping of substances in a gas stream, the trap being particularly useful in systems for detecting nitrogen compounds such as N-nitrosamines or nitrogen oxides in a sample. The trap comprises a cartridge containing a packing of a granular adsorbent molecular sieve material with a carefully controlled pore size of about ten angstroms and a preference for adsorbing polar substances. The packing readily passes NO and NO.sub.2 gases in a gas stream directed through the trap while trapping and retaining larger and/or more polar molecules such as those of double-bonded carbon compounds and sulfur compounds which could otherwise interfere with subsequent measurement of the NO or NO.sub.x content of the gas stream. An N-nitroso compound detection system incorporating the molecular sieve trap is described wherein the molecular sieve trap is interposed between a pyrolyzer and a chemiluminescent NO detector to selectively trap substances in the reactor effluent.

Abstract: N-nitrosamines in samples containing other nitrogen compounds may be selectively and quantitatively detected by use of a method and apparatus which provides for the quantitative detection of N-nitrosamines by gas chromatography, the pyrolysis of the qualitatively determined N-nitrosamines in a gold or platinum reaction environment at temperatures ranging from 500.degree. to 700.degree. C. and the quantitative determination of ammonia produced by the pyrolysis reaction by electrolytic conductivity detection.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the quantitative determination of very small percentages of sulphur in sample analysis is carried out by means of sample combustion in a helium current temporarily enriched with oxygen, subsequent catalytic oxidation and reduction of the combustion gases, gas chromatographic separation and detection in a thermal conductivity detector. At the outlet of this thermal conductivity detector the products are fed to a water trap and to a sulphur selective detector of the flame photometric type to detect sulphur contents below 0.5 .mu.g.

Abstract: An analytical method for the determination of total nitrogen contents in samples, which comprises passing an inert gas stream containing substantially no nitrogen through a first reaction tube which is packed with a decomposition catalyst and oxidizing agent and maintained at a temperature of 700.degree. to 1100.degree. C., a condenser for condensing unnecessary components in the gaseous products from the first reaction tube, a second reaction tube which is packed with an oxidizing agent and a reducing agent and is maintained at a temperature of 400.degree. to 800.degree. C., a moisture-absorbing tube and a carbon dioxide gas-absorbing tube in this order, introducing a liquid sample to be analyzed into the first reaction tube and sending nitrogen gas coming out of the carbon dioxide gas-absorbing tube to a nitrogen gas analyzer to determine the nitrogen gas, and an apparatus for carrying out such a method.

Abstract: A combustion system includes a cylindrical horizontally extending ceramic combustion tube positioned in a furnace. The combustion tube is enclosed at one end and open at the opposite end for receiving a combustion boat carrying a sample to be combusted for subsequent analysis. The tube also receives a support block loosely positioned along the bottom of the tube and contacting the enclosed end for centering the combustion boat and for supporting one end of a sample withdrawal tube with an open end extending in the space surrounding the combustion boat and having an opposite end extending from the combustion tube. A lance tube also extends into the combustion tube for directing the flow of an oxidizing gas such as oxygen into the combustion boat to facilitate oxidation of a sample.

Abstract: This invention is a volatile hydrocarbon detector apparatus to continuously sample methane gas in an oil well drilling mud. The detector apparatus includes 1) a gas sampler assembly to gather the methane gas from the drilling mud; 2) a control module assembly to receive and amplify electrical signals from the gas sampler assembly; and 3) a recorder assembly to receive output electrical signals from the control module assembly.The recorder assembly is of a conventional nature and operates to record on a paper roll the date, time of day and the amount of methane gas present in the drilling mud. The main novelty lies in the gas sampler assembly which includes 1) a hood housing assembly to straddle a flowing channel of drilling mud; 2) a sensing head assembly mounted in the hood housing assembly to measure amount of methane gas therein; and 3) a pump assembly operable to draw inlet air through the sensing head assembly and discharge air into the channel of drilling mud.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the determination of the organically bound carbon content in water containing organic substances and a high concentration of salt. This is accomplished by exposing a water sample that is to be analyzed to ultraviolet radiation until the entire carbon content contained in the organic substances has been oxidized photochemically into CO.sub.2. The amount of CO.sub.2 thus developed is analyzed quantitatively as a measure of the content of organic substances and, thus, of the organically bound carbon contained in the water. Every water sample to be analyzed is inserted into an aqueous reaction medium which is free of carbon and which is essentially free of salt.

Abstract: A pyrolysis oven for derivation of pyrolysis products from a selected sample which utilizes a tube within a tube structure of quartz glass for controlled sample heating preparatory to applying pyrolysis products for subsequent analysis. The apparatus includes a dual input helium supply to both the sample tube and oven tube with derived pyrolysis products delivered through a heated zone to the analyzing apparatus.

Abstract: A system for stepwise advancing a row of crucibles individually through a loading station of an induction furnace includes a plurality of articulated fingers for gripping each of the crucibles. The fingers are mounted to a first slide for movement along the direction of advancement of the crucibles. The first slide is mounted to a second slide for advancing and retracting the fingers into crucible engaging and disengaging positions, respectively. Control means are provided for controlling the movement of the slides and the articulated fingers sequentially to stepwise advance the crucibles through the loading station.

Abstract: For use in a combustion furnace for analytical apparatus in which a specimen is combusted in a combustion chamber and gases therefrom are withdrawn for analysis, a cleaning apparatus mounted at one end of the combustion chamber. The cleaning apparatus includes a housing sealably mounted to the combustion chamber and containing a movable cleaning element for abrading the interior walls of the combustion chamber. A shield is positioned between the cleaning element and the combustion chamber such that during combustion of a specimen, the cleaning element is effectively shielded from the high temperature combustion. In one embodiment, the housing also includes a filter between gas supply and exhaust passages and apparatus for self-cleaning of the filter.

Abstract: A quantitative analysis system is provided wherein a sample is decomposed in a decomposition chamber, the reaction product mixture is passed to a first chromatographic zone wherein a first separation of the reaction mixture is carried out, the last major component eluting from the first chromatographic zone is measured and then vented, the first major components eluting from the first chromatographic zone are passed to a second chromatographic zone and the products eluting therefrom are measured. Alternatively, the first major component eluting from the second chromatographic zone can be passed to a third chromatographic zone for greater resolution, followed by measurement thereof, in which case the second major component eluting from the second chromatographic zone is vented.A method is provided for the analysis for C, H and N by gas chromatography. A method is also provided for the analysis for oxygen, alone, and for oxygen and sulfur by gas chromatography.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the processing of fluid materials, particularly in the preparation of samples for radioactive isotope tracer studies by combustion of starting materials containing such isotope tracers. The sample is burned in a combustion chamber which tapers upwardly and inwardly above the sample receptacle so as to approximate the shape of the flame of a burning sample, and the combustion products are continuously exhausted from the combustion chamber and passed through a heat exchanger which condenses the condensable vapors in the combustion products. The condensed vapors are then separated from the gases, and the gases are passed into a reaction column if there is a radioactive isotope tracer remaining in gas form.

Abstract: Apparatus for the determination of bond forms of gases, such as a sample containing oxygen or nitrogen in solid or liquid small metal samples (e.g. from 0.8 to 1.2 g).The apparatus includes a furnace to heat the sample to a temperature of about 3000.degree. C. maximum in less than five minutes, a control device to control the rate at a value between 20.degree. C./sec and 350.degree. C.

Abstract: A dilute mixture of a large organic parent compound in an inert diluent is formed using a specially designed diffusion cell to control the amount of parent compound that is taken up by the diluent gas. The dilute mixture flows through a hot pyrolyzing tube where the parent compound is decomposed solely and totally by a gas phase unimolecular reaction into equimolar amounts of reactive gas and a stable reaction product. The method produces an internal standard for determining the concentration of the reactive gas since the stoichiometry of the reaction requires that the concentration of the reactive gas be equal to the concentration of the other reaction product, which can be easily calibrated by standard methods.

Abstract: A method of detecting the presence of a foreign gas in a gaseous medium of known combustion properties uses the fact that the percentage lower or upper explosive limits (LEL or UEL) of mixtures of any flammable gas in any other gas all have approximately the same varying relationship to the percentage LEL or UEL of the mixture as a whole when a known percentage of a reference gas of known combustion properties is added to the mixture. The method comprises the steps of mixing a sample of a possibly contaminated gaseous medium with known combustion properties in a fire-safe container (12), actuating ignition means (17) in an attempt to ignite the gaseous mixture in the container (12), and using detection means (18) to detect ignition or otherwise of the gaseous mixture to enable the presence of a foreign gas above a predetermined concentration in the gaseous medium to be detected.