Abstract: To determine the total organic carbon content of a flowing liquid in a continuous process, water and oxidizing agents enter lower ports in a continuous column and flow upwardly along a helical path with air gaps as they are mixed. The helical reaction path is formed by a helical glass cylinder between an ultraviolet lamp and outer wall of a continuous glass tube to cause rapid motion of the liquid. An ultraviolet lamp extends downwardly through the center of the column so that the outer confining surface of the helical path is the outer surface of the ultraviolet lamp, causing the liquid to move rapidly in intimate contact with the ultraviolet lamp to receive intense radiation. An air gap permits escape of air and reduces bubble size to reduce plug flow.

Abstract: The object of this invention is to provide an atomic absorptiometer and a metal specimen atomic vapor generation apparatus used in the atomic absorptiometer, which enable a light absorption measurement based on the Zeeman effect highly capable of background correction and eliminate the need for the troublesome work of dismounting a magnet. For this purpose, the following configuration is employed. First, the specimen, hydrochloric acid, and sodium borohydride are delivered and mixed by the peristaltic pump 10 to produce a metallic hydride. The generated gas-liquid mixture solution is separated by the separator 12 into a specimen gas and liquids. The separated specimen gas is introduced into the heating section 30. Electricity is supplied from the power source 28 to the specimen heating section 30 where the specimen gas introduced is heated and separated into hydrogen and a specimen metal vapor to be measured.

Abstract: A device for determining at least one petroleum characteristic of a geologic sediment sample placed in a boat, said device including a first heater heating said sample in a non-oxidizing atmosphere, a measuring component determining hydrocarbon-containing products released after feeding the sample into said first heater, a second subsequent heater heating said sample in an oxidizing atmosphere, a measuring component determining the amount of CO.sub.2 contained in effluents discharged from the two heaters, said CO.sub.2 measuring means include a cell for measuring continuously CO.sub.2 throughout heating of the first and second heaters and a measuring component determining the amount of CO contained in the effluents discharged from the two heaters, and thereby allowing determination of said petroleum characteristic.

Abstract: The present invention enables siloxanes which have a detrimental effect on the quality of products during semiconductor production to be efficiently removed from silicon compound gases, and enables minute amounts of siloxanes in these gases to be accurately measured to a few ppb, thus allowing for improvements in quality control by offering silicon compound gases of high purity. Diatomaceous earth M filled into a removal column 2 is heated by heating means provided on the removal column 2, while an inert gas such as nitrogen or helium is fed from an inert gas delivery pipe 13 via a pressure regulator 5 and an entry valve 6 into the removal column 2, and is allowed to flow out through an outlet valve 8 in order to thermally activate the diatomaceous earth M. After activation, the removal column is cooled to a temperature of 60-0.degree. C.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the continuous monitoring of ambient particulate mass in a gas sample encompassing the monitoring of PM.sub.10, (particulate matter greater than 10 .mu.m) and coarse particles (2.5 to 10 .mu.m), the determination of the size distribution of particles, the determination of particle density and the determination of particle-bound water, utilizing such laboratory equipment as an inertial impactor, a virtual impactor, diffusion dryer(s), HEPA filter(s), particulate matter collector(s), and pressure transducer(s).

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for the measurement of total organic carbon, total inorganic carbon and total carbon of water are described. The ample is acidified and split into an inorganic carbon stream and a total carbon stream. The inorganic carbon in the inorganic stream is oxidized and both the organic and inorganic carbon in the total carbon stream is oxidized. The resulting carbon dioxide is measured in each stream using carbon dioxide sensors employing a gas permeable membrane dividing deionized water from the oxidized sample water and a pair of micro-conductivity and temperature sensors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system, apparatus, and process to reduce the oxidized mercury in an exhaust gas to elemental mercury and to prevent its reoxidation by congeneric components in the exhaust gas prior to the photometric measurement of said elemental mercury. In the process, the sample stream flows through a reactor heated to preferably about 800.degree. C. in which a stream of hydrogen is introduced directly into a hot portion thereof. The congeneric oxidized mercury species, i.e, HgCl.sub.2, and HgO are thermally reduced quantitatively to elemental mercury. The hydrogen reacts in situ with oxygen to form water vapor and with chlorine to form hydrochloride gas. The hydrochloride gas is effectively absorbed by the water vapor and consequently prevents the reoxidation of elemental mercury. The concentration of total mercury in a stream can then be determined by the intensity of radiation absorbed by a UV spectrometer.

Abstract: An apparatus for sequentially pyrolyzing a plurality of samples held in sample tubes comprises a substantially vertical passage through which tubes carrying the samples may be passed; an upper gas-tight valve for closing off the upper end of the passage; a lower gas-tight valve for holding a sample tube in the passage; a distribution valve directing purge gas and carrier gas to the top end of the passage and for passing pyrolyzed sample from the bottom of the passage to an analytical device; and an electrical heating element for heating the passage to temperatures at which a sample will be pyrolyzed.

Abstract: A method for determining hydrogen content in a compound is disclosed. This method generally comprises heating the sample to sufficient temperatures to effect pyrolytic conversion of any hydrogen containing compounds in the sample to hydrogen gas, and measuring the hydrogen content evolved by this conversion. In a preferred embodiment, this is carried out in a tube furnace inerted and purged with a noble gas. An apparatus for determining hydrogen content in a compound is also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for the measurement of total organic carbon, total inorganic carbon and total carbon of water are described. The sample is acidified and split into an inorganic carbon stream and a total carbon stream. The inorganic carbon in the inorganic stream is oxidized and both the organic and inorganic carbon in the total carbon stream is oxidized. The resulting carbon dioxide is measured in each stream using carbon dioxide sensors employing a gas permeable membrane dividing deionized water from the oxidized sample water and a pair of micro-conductivity and temperature sensors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining at least one petroleum characteristic of a geologic sediment sample heated in a non-oxidizing atmosphere and an oxidizing atmosphere. The sample is heated to a first temperature value below 200.degree. C. for a predetermined period of time and then to a second temperature value ranging between 600 and 850.degree. C. according to a temperature gradient between 0.2.degree. C. and 50.degree. C./min. Carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide are continuously measured during the temperature stages in order to determine at least one petroleum characteristic, wherein said petroleum characteristic comprises a quantity of organic oxygen, inorganic oxygen, total organic carbon, or inorganic carbon.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for the measurement of total organic carbon, total inorganic carbon, total carbon and total heteroorganic carbon of deionized water are described. In a preferred embodiment, the sample is split into a first stream and a second stream. Inorganic carbon in the first stream is measured using a temperature and conductivity cell, and then the organic carbon in the first stream is oxidized in a U.V. oxidation module. The resulting carbon dioxide is transferred through a carbon dioxide permeable membrane into the second stream. The second stream then passes into a second temperature and conductivity cell for the measurement of total carbon.

Abstract: A headspace autosampling apparatus (92) for generating and delivering gaseous samples to a gas chromatograph or other instrument includes a plurality of vials (98) in a carousel (150). The vials are delivered one at a time from the carousel through a vial delivery mechanism (160) to a heated zone (146) wherein the substances (94, 96) to be analyzed reach equilibrium with the headspace (100, 102) above the samples in the vials, preferably using the full evaporation technique (FET). The vials are generally cylindrical and extend horizontally to facilitate attainment of equilibrium rapidly upon heating. The vials are also preferably rotated about their longitudinal axis prior to sampling so as to achieve a film effect on the interior walls of the vials which further aids in attainment of equilibrium.

Abstract: A method of evaluating at least on type of pollution characteristic in a soil sample contaminated by hydrocarbon compounds, a method wherein the soil sample is first heated in a non-oxidizing atmosphere, then in an oxidizing atmosphere. The method comprises several temperature rise stages from which at least five quantities Q.sub.0, Q.sub.1, Q.sub.2, Q.sub.3 and Q.sub.4 are measured, wherein the quantities represent concentrations of hydrocarbon compounds in the soil sample. At least one type of pollution characteristic of the sample is determined from quantities Q.sub.0, Q.sub.1, Q.sub.2, Q.sub.3 and Q.sub.4.

Abstract: A DNA sequencing, mapping, and diagnostic process which includes the steps of labeling nucleotide segments or peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) with one or more atoms of specific stable or long-lived radioactive isotopes of a selected element that do not normally occur in DNAs, ODNs or PNAs such that the nucleotide segment or PNA has specific stable or long-lived radioactive isotope of a specified selected element at a terminal or an interior position; hybridizing the labeled nucleotide segment or PNA to complementary nucleic acid segments or PNAs which are fixed on a hybridization surface; and, using mass spectrometric techniques, including RIS, to analyze the presence and position of the labeled hybridized nucleotide segments or PNAs which are bound to the fixed nucleotide segments or PNAs.

Abstract: A device for testing the development of processes or chemical reactions in the presence of solid catalysts comprising a reactor of cylindrical shape, of inside diameter D and of length L, such that 50<L/D<150. The reactor having a preferred D of 10-40 mm also includes a sheathed thermometer arranged substantially along the axis of the reactor.

Abstract: An oxidation reactor having particular utility in a system for measuring carbon in an aqueous sample. A first chamber and second chamber are separated by a hydrogen-permeable electrode, each chamber having a separate electrolysis cell. The hydrogen-permeable electrode acts as the anode of one cell and the cathode of the other cell. The sample stream flows into one chamber and the electrolysis cell produces oxygen from the water at one optically transparent electrode and in combination with short wave ultraviolet light oxidizes organic carbon to CO.sub.2 and produces hydrogen at the other electrode which passes through the hydrogen-permeable electrode into the second chamber. The electrolysis cell in the second chamber produces oxygen at hydrogen-permeable electrode to react with the hydrogen that passes through the hydrogen-permeable electrode to form water, thereby maintaining the maximum concentration gradient of hydrogen across the hydrogen-permeable electrode to improve hydrogen transferring efficiency.

Abstract: A method is described for quantitative determination of mercury present in a sample (liquid or solid). The method involves converting mercury compounds to elemental mercury, removing all elemental mercury from the sample in vapor form by means of vacuum, passing the mercury vapor through a column which absorbs and captures all of the mercury vapor by converting it to a halide compound, eluting the mercury halide from the column, and colorimetrically analyzing for the amount of mercury halide collected.

Abstract: An inspection system for sampling and determining the presence of residues of contaminants within plastic materials to be recycled from used plastic materials such as plastic beverage bottles or plastic food containers includes a chemical sniffing apparatus, or alternatively an optical scanner, for detecting the contaminants as the plastic materials are rapidly moved along a conveyor past a series of stations. Recycled food or beverage bottles are fed through a shredder in-line with the conveyor and the shredded plastic material from the bottles is fed to a washer. The bottles and shredded material may be tested for contaminants at any location in an in-line process. In one exemplary system first the bottles are tested prior to entry into the shredder in order to remove bottles containing gross contaminants.

Abstract: An improved measurement cell and circuit for measuring the electrical characteristics of a liquid sample during exposure to radiation includes a glass cell formed of a main tube extending generally parallel to an elongated lamp emitting the radiation, and a pair of electrodes disposed axially within the sample tube. In the preferred embodiment, the ends of the cell are formed of glass twinbore tubing fused to the glass main tube, the bores retaining ends of the electrodes. Inlet and outlet tubes and a temperature sensing well may also be fused to the main tube. In an implementation for measurement of TOC in water by oxidation to CO.sub.2, the source comprises a low pressure mercury vapor lamp, and the electrodes are formed of solid Ti with catalytic TiO.sub.2 surfaces.

Abstract: A gas chromatograph measures the gas concentration levels of fault gases contained in the gas within a headspace above the electrical insulating oil supply contained in a power transformer. An on-line fault detection system involves gas samples taken from transformers at a utility site in sequence with automatically controlled timer valves which open to draw a gas sample from each transformer headspace and then transfer the gas directly to a single gas chromatograph. The gas chromatograph includes an integrator which calculates the concentration level of each fault gas in the gas sample. The resulting fault gas data are fed to a computer programmed with a partition function based on Henry's Law to convert the headspace fault gas data to fault gas concentration levels within the transformer oil.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring the product quality of chlorine in which a sample stream of chlorine is taken from a chlorine stream and a portion of the sample stream is passed to one of three different analyzers for detection of various contaminants. A common data acquisition network receives data from each analyzer for integration and output. The analyzers include a bromine in chlorine analyzer, a non-condensable gas in chlorine analyzer, and a halocarbon in chlorine analyzer.

Abstract: This invention provides a process for determining the nitrogen content of a sample involving (a) combusting the sample in a combustion reactor in the presence of oxygen, which oxygen is introduced into the combustion reactor in pulse form; (b) reducing the resulting combustion gases by flowing them in a flow of helium or other noble carrier gas through a Cu-containing reduction reactor; (c) performing the steps of (i) making anhydrous in a water trap the reduced gases, (ii) flowing the reduced gases through a gas-chromatographic column in order to carry out a gas-chromatographic separation of N.sub.2 from CH.sub.4 possibly present within the reduced gases, and (iii) removing CO.sub.2 from the reduced gases using a CO.sub.2 trap, with the proviso that step (i) immediately precedes step (ii); and (d) analyzing the resulting gases by detecting thermal conductivity.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for measuring tissue oxygenation using oxygen dependent quenching phosphorescence. The apparatus comprises a phosphorescent probe applied to the surface of the skin; an oxygen impermeable film placed over the probe and the apparatus; a light excitation means for exciting the probe; a heating element for heating the probe; and an analyzer circuit for analyzing the output.

Abstract: An automatic exhaust gas analyzer for analyzing an exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine. The analyzer includes: a) plural analyzing units; b) two independent gas lines provided in each of the plural analyzing units; c) a gas-chromatographic column provided in each of the gas lines; d) a gas-chromatographic detector connected with the column in each of the gas lines; and e) a signal communication network interconnecting the gas-chromatographic detectors. Exhaust gas and the background gas are sampled at each stage of a predetermined run cycle, and are provided immediately to the two independent gas lines of the plurality of analyzing units respectively. Then the exhaust gas and background gas are analyzed in parallel in each of the plurality of analyzing units, which facilitates equalizing the measurement conditions of the two gases and the background correction of the measurement results of the exhaust gas can be made at high precision.

Abstract: Process and device for determining para content X.sub.1 of a hydrogen gas stream, in which temperature T.sub.1 as well as pressure p.sub.1 of the hydrogen gas stream are measured before its entry into at least adiabatically-operated para-ortho-conversion catalyst. The hydrogen gas stream flows through the para-ortho-conversion catalyst until equilibrium is established. Thereafter, temperature T.sub.2 as well as pressure p.sub.2 of the hydrogen gas stream are measured after the hydrogen gas exits from the para-ortho-conversion catalyst or are measured after the last of the latter exits the catalyst. Para content X.sub.1 of the hydrogen gas stream, at the instant before entering the para-ortho-conversion catalyst, is determined by relations h.sub.1 (X.sub.1, T.sub.1, p.sub.1)=h.sub.2 (X.sub.2, T.sub.2, p.sub.2) and X.sub.2 =X.sub.g (T.sub.2) in equilibrium, in which h.sub.1 is the enthalpy of the hydrogen gas stream at the inlet of the para-ortho-conversion catalyst and h.sub.

Abstract: An inspection system for sampling and determining the presence of residues of contaminants within plastic materials to be recycled from used plastic materials such as plastic beverage bottles or plastic food containers includes a chemical sniffing apparatus, or alternatively an optical scanner, for detecting the contaminants as the plastic materials are rapidly moved along a conveyor past a series of stations. Recycled food or beverage bottles are fed through a shredder in-line with the conveyor and the shredded plastic material from the bottles is fed to a washer. The bottles and shredded material may be tested for contaminants at any location in an in-line process. In one exemplary system first the bottles are tested prior to entry into the shredder in order to remove bottles containing gross contaminants.

Abstract: An apparatus which mounts a sample in a vacuum chamber, heats the sample, and analyzes the gas generated from the sample. A loading lock mechanism, enables the vacuum chamber to be maintained at a vacuum even when a measurement is not conducted, and even when a sample is introduced/discharged in/from the chamber, thereby minimizing the background noises and increasing detection performance.

Abstract: An inorganic carbon removing part defined by has a double tube structure formed by an inner tube of polytetrafluoroethylene having continuous pores and an outer tube of resin. An acidified sample solution is guided into the inner tube and an alkalified sample solution is guided into the outer tube, and inorganic carbon contained in the acidified sample solution is outwardly moved toward the alkalified sample solution to be removed. The acidified sample solution, from which inorganic carbon is removed, is injected into a combustion tube, so that a carbon component contained in the sample solution is converted into carbon dioxide and detected by a detecting part. Since the alkalified sample solution contains purgeable organic carbon components of the same concentration as the acidified sample solution, the content of total organic carbon is correctly measured with no loss of the purgeable organic carbon components.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for minimizing the effects of background signals in masking signals indicating the presence of substances to be detected such as contaminants in materials moving rapidly along a conveyor. The contaminants detected may include nitrogen containing compounds and hydrocarbons. The system and method of the present invention minimizes the number of falsely positive indications of the presence of such substances due to background signals and changes in background signals. The substances detected are divided into first and second sample portions and the respective portions are heated. The first heated portion is reacted with ozone to generate radiation by chemiluminescence having characteristic wavelengths related to substances in the first portion. The second portion heated is also reacted with ozone to generate radiation by chemiluminescence having characteristic wavelengths related to substances in the second portion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting the presence of a vapor of an alkyl ester of phosphoric acid, particularly tributylphosphate, in ambient air. A sample of ambient air is heated to convert any alkyl ester of phosphoric acid to an alkene. The heated sample of air is then passed to a sample loop. Carrier air periodically carries a fixed volume of sample from the sample loop through a chromatographic column to a photoionization detector which detects the presence and amount of the alkene in the sample.

Abstract: A system and method for minimizing the effects of background signals in masking signals indicating the presence of substances to be detected such as contaminants in materials moving rapidly along a conveyor. The contaminants detected may include nitrogen containing compounds and hydrocarbons. The system and method minimize, during detection of the presence or absence of such substances, the number of falsely positive indications of the presence of such substances due to background signals and changes in background signals. The substances detected are divided into first and second sample portions and the respective portions are heated. The first heated portion is mixed with ozone to cause a chemical action therewith in order to generate radiation by chemiluminescence having characteristic wavelengths related to substances in the first portion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the preliminary detection of abnormal levels of metabolites in the urine of a human or mammal. The method includes the steps of determining the amount of creatinine in the urine of the human or animal, measuring the total metabolites content in the urine, using the amount of creatinine in the urine as an internal standard to compensate for variations in the urine concentration, and comparing the total metabolites content in the urine with a reference value which corresponds to the expected total metabolites content in the urine of a person or animal who does not suffer from a metabolic disorder. The apparatus (10) includes an ultraviolet oxidation unit (16) for oxidising total metabolites in a urine sample to carbon dioxide, an organic carbon stripper (18) for stripping carbon dioxide gas from the oxidised sample, and a carbon dioxide detector (69) for measuring the amount of carbon dioxide produced from the sample.

Abstract: To determine the total organic carbon content of a flowing liquid in a continuous process, water and oxidizing agents enter lower ports in a multistage column and flow upwardly through residence chambers as they are mixed. Spaced apart along the upper path of the liquid, there are helical reaction grooves relatively shallow and containing at least one helical groove to cause rapid motion of the liquid. An ultraviolet lamp extends downwardly through the center of the column so that the outer confining surface of the helical grooves is the outer surface of the ultraviolet lamp, causing the liquid to move rapidly in intimate contact with the ultraviolet lamp to receive intense radiation. The stages are separate and interchangeable so that selected sizes may interconnect. The residence chambers may have different sizes to permit different lengths of residence time and thus permit tailoring of the reaction to the expected organic carbon content and possible side reactions with other impurities in the water.

Abstract: The content of decomposable organic carbon compounds present in a gaseous phase is determined down to the parts per billion (10.sup.-9) range and in special cases down to the parts per trillion (10.sup.-12) range. The gaseous sample material being tested is introduced into a limited quantity of water wherein the organic compounds are photolytically decomposed. The decomposition products are ascertained in the carrier gas and/or in the limited quantity of water.

Abstract: An electrochemical detection cell (320), which is usable either for potentiometric or electrolytic conductivity detection, has a capillary (305), which controls electrolyte flow. A gas stream containing detectable substances is input through a non-wettable plastic capillary (306). A reaction zone (310) through which both gas and liquid flow is internally wettable. Reference electrode (309) and either electrode (311) or (312) may be used for potentiometric detection. Sensor electrodes (311) and (312), both in the reaction zone, are used for conductivity detection. The electrolyte is fed through the capillary (305) gravimetrically from a reservoir, and the gas stream is supplied by a pyrolysis furnace. The mechanism of ionization in the gas phase ionization detector (GPELCD) is described.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing peroxide concentration in a gaseous sterilant. A preferred embodiment of the apparatus includes a condenser for condensing the gaseous sterilant into a liquid condensate; an aliquot collector of predetermined volume to receive the condensate; a reaction chamber containing a catalyst for dissociating the peroxide; and a pressure monitor for detecting pressure changes in the reaction chamber as a function of time. The pressure monitor of this apparatus is capable of detecting a threshold pressure and an upper pressure and it includes a timer to measure time change between detection of the threshold pressure and the upper pressure.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring a concentration of volatile organic constituents in a test sample. A sparging vessel separates a volatile organic constituent sample from the test sample. A dryer dries the constituent sample to remove any vapor therein by mixing the constituent sample with a drying agent. A sorbent trap adsorbs the volatile constituents from the drying agent and concentrates the purged constituents. A microprocessor controlled director valve selectively directs the constituent sample from the dryer to the sorbent trap and from the sorbent trap to an organic vapor detector for determining the concentration of volatile constituents and for generating an electrical signal proportional to the total concentration of the volatile constituents in the sample.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring the product quality of chlorine in which a sample stream of chlorine is taken from a chlorine stream and a portion of the sample stream is passed to one of three different analyzers for detection of various contaminants. A common data acquisition network receives data from each analyzer for integration and output. The analyzers include a bromine in chlorine analyzer, a non-condensable gas in chlorine analyzer, and a halocarbon in chlorine analyzer.

Abstract: An automated cold vapor mercury assay system includes a sample inlet, a storage chamber of predetermined volume for storing a sample of material to be analyzed, a reaction chamber having first and second inlet ports and an outlet port, a reducing agent reservoir, a transport liquid reservoir, a distributor coupled to the sample storage chamber and movable between a first position connecting the storage chamber to the sample inlet and a second position connecting the storage chamber to the reaction chamber, analyzer apparatus coupled to the outlet port of the reaction chamber structure, and controller structure.

Abstract: A device for use in a method of detecting the permeability of an article to oxygen is disclosed. A redox indicator and test object are vacuum sealed between a support and a peelable barrier film.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved method and system for injecting liquid into containers and for inspecting containers for the presence of certain substances such as potential contaminants such as ammonium salts or amine salts in glass or plastic bottles. A high speed system and method are provided for detecting these contaminants in these bottles. Ammonia and amines can be detected by chemiluminescence of samples of volatiles emitted from the bottles during the high speed inspection process. A solution of Na.sub.2 CO.sub.3 is injected into the bottles in order to enhance the conversion of ammonium or amine salts to free ammonia or amines which are then released as vapors. This enhances the likelihood that a gas-phase detection system such as one using chemiluminescence detection techniques will detect the presence of contaminants containing ammonium salts or amine salts.

Abstract: A headspace autosampling apparatus (92) for generating and delivering gaseous samples to a gas chromatograph or other instrument includes a plurality of vials (98) in a carousel (150). The vials are delivered one at a time from the carousel through a vial delivery mechanism (160) to a heated zone (146) wherein the substances (94, 96) to be analyzed reach equilibrium with the headspace (100, 102) above the samples in the vials, preferably using the full evaporation technique (FET). The vials are generally cylindrical and extend horizontally to facilitate attainment of equilibrium rapidly upon heating. The vials are also preferably rotated about their longitudinal axis prior to sampling so as to achieve a film effect on the interior walls of the vials which further aids in attainment of equilibrium.

Abstract: By heating a wire and positioning the wire against a specimen, the specimen may be pyrolyzed to release a pyrolysate therefrom. The pyrolysate is collected in a hood and carried to a membrane separator from which the pyrolysate may be spectrochemically analyzed. The heated wire may be repeatedly indexed for replacing the adulterated portion of the wire with a clean portion of the wire for each subsequent pyrolysis and spectrochemical analysis of the pyrolysate therefrom. A pyrolysis instrument includes a movable probe supporting the heated wire with the probe being preferably joined to a remote membrane separator flexibly joined thereto.

Abstract: The determination of the halogen content in a substance is carried out by oxidative combustion of the sample under a continuous flow of gas, in the presence of oxygen, the gases coming out of the combustion reactor being then carried by gas flow to analysis equipment.

Abstract: A surface ionization detector for detecting organic molecules such as illicit drugs and non-organo-nitrate explosives includes a heated surface and a collector electrode. A sample containing trace amounts of the organic molecules in ambient air is directed over the heated surface maintained at a temperature in the range of 500.degree. C. to 800.degree. C., thereby causing the molecules to decompose into fragments. A polarization voltage between 18 V and 24 V is applied to ionize the fragments which are then collected by the collector electrode. An electrometer connected to the collector electrode measures the current and a change in the current indicates the presence of ionized fragments, and thereby indicates the presence of the organic molecules. The temperature of the heated surface and the polarization voltage are optimized for detection of particular organic molecules.

Abstract: A method and system for injecting liquid into containers and for inspecting containers for the presence of certain substances such as potential contaminants such as ammonium salts or amine salts in glass or plastic bottles. A high speed system and method are provided for detecting these contaminants in these bottles. Ammonia and amines can be detected by chemiluminescence of samples of volatiles emitted from the bottles during the high speed inspection process. A solution of Na.sub.2 CO.sub.3 is injected into the bottles in order to enhance the conversion of ammonium or amine salts to free ammonia or amines which are then released as vapors. This enhances the likelihood that a gas-phase detection system such as one using chemiluminescence detection techniques will detect the presence of contaminants containing ammonium salts or amine salts.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the measurement of the total organic carbon (TOC) content of a liquid is shown. The inorganic carbon in the liquid is converted into carbon dioxide and removed from it. At the same time, oxygen is added to the liquid. The liquid is then exposed to ultraviolet radiation and the organic carbon thereby oxidized. This oxidized carbon, in the form of carbon dioxide, is allowed to migrate across a gas-permeable, liquid-impermeable membrane directly into a measurement chamber, where its absorption of radiation is measured to determine its concentration.

Abstract: A portable, ready-for-use analyte measuring device is provided for the measurement of multiple sequential fluid samples. The device has a disposable cartridge, a calibrating fluid external to the cartridge and an analyzer. The cartridge has a housing, inlet for introduction of fluids into the housing, flow cell in fluid connection with the inlet, a waste collection area or reservoir in fluid connection to receive fluids from the flow cell, and at least one flow control means in fluid connection with the reservoir. The flow cell has a flow-through channel with one or more hydrated sensors arranged along the channel that has fluid therein. Also the flow cell has one or more spaced-apart reference electrode containment spaces in conductive contact with a contained quantity of reference fluid for the number of multiple sequential tests for the cartridge. The reference electrode containment space is spaced apart from but in conductive relation with the one or more sensors.

Abstract: A method for testing engine lubricating oil under simulated engine operating conditions including a tank with an interior space containing a quantity of engine lubricating oil, an elongated tubular enclosure for passing oil from one end to the other, and an oil pump to cause oil to flow from the tank through the tubular enclosure. The tank includes devices to introduce oil oxidizing agents to the oil. A metal rod extends centrally through the enclosure so that oil passes along its outer surface and the rod is selectively heated so that oxidation deposits form along the rod. Examination and analysis of the rod and its deposits permit rating of a particular oil for its oxidation resistant properties.