Abstract: A sulfur dioxide sensor comprising a first beam having a functionalized sensing surface capable of sensing sulfur dioxide, the first beam capable of producing a first resonant frequency; and a second beam having a functionalized reference surface not capable of sensing sulfur dioxide, the second beam capable of producing a second resonant frequency, wherein differential sensing of sulfur dioxide may be performed, further wherein the first beam is functionalized with a liquid phase of a first polymeric compound and the second beam is functionalized with a liquid phase of a second polymeric compound is provided. In one embodiment, the sensor is a nano-sensor capable of low drift accurately detecting sulfur dioxide levels at the zeptograms level. Methods of making and using a sulfur dioxide sensor are also provided.

Abstract: Chemical field effect sensors comprising nanotube field effect devices having biopolymers such as single stranded DNA or RNA functionally adsorbed to the nanotubes are provided. Also included are arrays comprising the sensors and methods of using the devices to detect volatile compounds.

Abstract: A catalyst is provided in the form of a fibrous wooly structure. The fibers of the wooly structure have a central non-catalytic core and an outer catalytic layer. An intermediate layer is sandwiched between the core and catalyst layer. Electrochemical or electroless deposition can be employed to fabricate such structures. In one experiment, Rhodium was deposited onto a steel wool substrate using Nickel as the intermediate layer.

Abstract: The deterioration judgment for an absorption reduction type NOx catalyst is performed quickly and correctly. A catalyst deterioration judging system includes a judging unit which judges that the absorption reduction type NOx catalyst is deteriorated if a detected value of an NH3 detecting unit is not more than a threshold value within a predetermined time immediately after starting supply of a reducing agent from a supply unit while regulating an amount of the reducing agent so that the air-fuel ratio of an exhaust gas is a rich air-fuel ratio by means of a control unit when NOx is absorbed by the absorption reduction type NOx catalyst.

Abstract: A molecularly imprinted polymer denuder sensor that includes a trapping solution; a delivery device transporting the trapping solution; a denuder operatively connected to the trapping solution and contacting ambient air, wherein the denuder infuses the sample into the trapping solution; a molecularly imprinted polymer sensor operatively connected to the denuder, wherein the MIP sensor captures and detects the threat material; an excitation source operatively connected to the MIP sensor and having an excitation band, wherein the excitation band excites europium (or other signal transducing lanthanide or metal ion) in the MIP when it is bound to the threat material providing unique emission band(s); and an analytical device operatively connected to the MIP sensor, wherein the analytical device senses the presence of the threat material in the sample.

Abstract: A handheld, small but accurate and reliable device for diagnostic NO measurements using a NO sensor, where the parameters governing the taking of the sample are different from the parameters optimal for the accuracy of said NO sensor I described. By temporarily storing a portion of the exhaled air, and feeding this to the sensor at a flow rate adapted to the NO sensor, the accuracy and sensitivity of a system/method involving NO sensors, in particular electrochemical NO sensors, can be increased. The method for diagnostic NO measurements comprises steps for controlling the inhalation of NO free air, as well as the exhalation, both by built-in means and by audible and/or visual feedback to the patient.

Abstract: An optical hydrogen gas detecting membrane is prepared by sequentially depositing a platinum oxide layer and a catalytic metal layer on a transparent substrate, such as quartz glass, by vapor deposition such as the sputtering method. Palladium or platinum is used as the catalytic metal layer.

Abstract: A multilayer material is described herein that includes a flexible inner layer and a flexible outer layer configured to enclose at least one signaling layer, the at least one signaling layer including at least one chemical compound. The multilayer material including the chemical compound within the at least one signaling layer is configured to release a gas-phase chemical compound to signal to a detector indicating a breach of the multilayer material. A multilayer material, a system, an article of clothing, or a method is described herein.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is a composition for a humidity indicating device comprising (a) an organic pH indicator dye compound, (b) a Bronsted acid or base, and (c) a polyol having the general formula HOCH2—(CHOH)n—CH2OH, wherein n can be 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4, wherein said components (a), (b), and (c) do not contain halogen and/or heavy metals. Furthermore, the invention relates to a humidity indicator device comprising a sheet substrate and the composition for a humidity indicating device containing no heavy metals or halogen compounds, and to a process for preparing said humidity indicator device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (10) for detection of harmful substances with a measurement unit (28) for measuring at least one harmful substance and an evaluation unit (30) for determining the concentration of the at least one harmful substance. The invention also relates to a method for detecting harmful substances in a gas mixture. It is hereby provided that the gas mixture is tested for a gaseous harmful substance or simultaneously for several gaseous harmful substances, wherein the gaseous harmful substance or the gaseous harmful substances is/are measured with different sensor means, and the gaseous harmful substances are optionally chemically modified such that a measurement is performed with the existing sensor means.

Abstract: A sensor for measuring an oxygen content in a liquid or gaseous sample has first and second sensor sections (14a, 14b). The first sensor section (14a) can be brought into contact with the sample and has a luminescent indicator dye embedded in an oxygen-permeable first polymer matrix. The second sensor section (14b) is arranged adjacent to the first sensor section (14a) and includes the same dye embedded in an oxygen-impermeable second polymer matrix. A light guide (10) guides luminescence excitation light from a light source (31, 32) to the sensor sections (14a, 14b) and guides luminescence emission light from the sensor section (14a, 14b) to a detector (39).

Abstract: A gas sensor is provided. The gas sensor includes a gas-sensitive layer which changes in its characteristic properties upon contact with a detectable gas. The gas-sensitive layer has as the main sensitive part, a polycrystalline layer composed of a large number of uniform nano-size microcrystal grains which join together in the planar direction.

Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatus and systems, as well as methods, may operate to draw a formation fluid sample into a sampling port included in a down hole tool, to vaporize some part of the fluid sample to substantially fill an injection port with a gas phase, to differentiate gas components in the gas phase to provide differentiated gas components along a concentration gradient, to detect the differentiated gas components, and to determine a fingerprint of the differentiated gas components. Other apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide micro-fluidic systems and devices for use in performing various diagnostic and analytical tests. According to one embodiment, the micro-fluidic device includes a sample chamber for receiving a sample, and a reaction chamber for performing a chemical reaction. A bubble jet pump is structured on the device to control delivery of a fluid from the sample chamber to the reaction chamber. The pump is fluidically coupled to one or more chambers of the device using a fluidic channel such as a capillary. A valve may be coupled to one or more chambers to control flow into and out of those chambers. Also, a sensor may be positioned in one or more of the chambers, such as the reactant chamber, for sensing a property of the fluid within the chamber as well as the presence of a chemical within the chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for oxygen sensing is provided. The apparatus for oxygen sensing includes: a header part to generate interference wave to light generated in a light source by the principle of fiber Fabry-Perot interferometer; and an optical spectrum analyzer to decide existence of oxygen based on change of spectrum periodicity of the above interference wave, in which the header part includes a sensing material of which effective refractive index changes by combination with the oxygen and the above interference wave changes its spectrum periodicity depending on change of effective refractive index of the above sensing material.

Abstract: An optical fiber polarimetric chemical sensor for capillary gas chromatography in which a sample fluid is injected into a capillary in the form of a periodic pulse train. Each individual pulse defines a moving polarization coupling zone that affects the polarization state of the light propagating in a birefringent optical waveguide that includes the capillary. The spacing between consecutive coupling zones can be made equal to the polarization beat length of the waveguide when the injection frequency of the pulses is properly selected, thus defining a resonance condition for a given analyte. The contributions of the successive coupling zones present along the length of the capillary then add up in phase, thus resulting in a detected optical signal having an enhanced amplitude peak at the injection frequency. In this manner, the sensitivity can be enhanced.

Abstract: The invention relates to a smoke analysis characterization cell employing optical spectroscopy, which comprises: a reaction chamber, an inlet orifice for injecting smoke into the reaction chamber; an outlet orifice for discharging the smoke from the reaction chamber; and an analysis window for the entry of a laser beam intended to form the plasma inside the reaction chamber, which cell is characterized in that the system further includes a blower for blowing an inert gas close to the analysis window; and a shielding gas injector for the shielded injection of the smoke into the reaction chamber, the shielding being provided by a jet of inert gas around the smoke.

Abstract: There is provided an analysis apparatus including a unit for preparing a sample gas to be supplied to an ion mobility sensor and a control unit equipped with a function of controlling the unit that prepares the gas. The unit for preparing the gas includes a concentration adjusting mechanism that changes the concentration of the target chemical included in the sample gas, and the control unit includes a driver that acquires a measurement result of the ion mobility sensor and a flow control unit that controls the concentration adjusting mechanism in a direction where is improvement in the measurement result.

Abstract: A nitrogen dioxide sensor comprising a first beam having a first functionalized sensing surface capable of sensing nitrogen dioxide, the first beam capable of producing a first resonant frequency; and a second beam having a second functionalized reference surface not capable of sensing nitrogen dioxide, the second beam capable of producing a second resonant frequency, wherein differential sensing of nitrogen dioxide may be performed, further wherein the first beam and the second beam are each functionalized with one or more soft bases having comparable viscoelastic properties is provided. In one embodiment, the sensor is a nano-sensor capable of low drift and accurate detection of nitrogen dioxide levels at the zeptogram level. Methods of making and using a nitrogen dioxide sensor are also provided.

Abstract: An ion mobility spectrometer has a reaction region separated from a drift region by an electrostatic gate. A doping circuit supplies a dopant to the reaction region but the drift region is undoped. Two high field ion modifiers are located one after the other in the drift region. One ion modifier can be turned on to remove dopant adducts from the admitted ions, or both ion modifiers can be turned on so that the ions are also fragmented. In this way, several different responses can be produced to provide additional information about the nature of the analyte substance and distinguish it from interferents.

Abstract: The present invention in several embodiments is a cell phone with breath analyzer that can store a preprogrammed list of phone numbers that are not to be called once a person's blood alcohol level has reached a specific point. This device could look similar to traditional cell phones. Within the mouth piece, or other place on or in the phone is a blood alcohol detector. As a person talks/breaths into the phone, their blood alcohol level will be measured. If the level is over a predetermined amount, a previously programmed list of phone numbers cannot be accessed. This unit may also have the capability to store a help list for the user. This list would allow the consumer to easily call a specific list of individuals if they were in need of a ride or other forms of assistance.

Abstract: Devices and methods for measuring the acidity of airborne matter are provided. A filter can be impregnated with an indicator dye which changes color in response to changes in acidity. After the sample passes through the filter, the filter can be analyzed using UV-visible spectrometry.

Abstract: An ion guide or mass analyser is disclosed comprising a plurality of electrodes having apertures through which ions are transmitted in use. A pseudo-potential barrier is created at the exit of the ion guide or mass analyser. The amplitude or depth of the pseudo-potential barrier is inversely proportional to the mass to charge ratio of an ion. One or more transient DC voltages are applied to the electrodes of the ion guide or mass analyser in order to urge ions along the length of the ion guides or mass analyser. The amplitude of the transient DC voltage applied to the electrode may be increased with time so that ions are caused to be emitted from the ion guide or mass analyser in reverse order of their mass to charge ratio.

Abstract: A sample preparation assembly includes a torch configured for use with an inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy instrument. The torch includes at least two approximately cylindrical tubes arranged substantially concentrically. The sample preparation assembly also includes an injector configured for use with the inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy instrument. The injector includes an injection nozzle and a spray chamber. The sample preparation assembly further includes a heat sink element. The heat sink element includes a securing element. The securing element is configured to mate with a mounting element of the torch to mechanically support the heat sink element.

Abstract: In some aspects, an analyte sensor is provided for detecting an analyte concentration level in a bio-fluid sample. The analyte sensor may include a first sensor member coupled to a base, wherein the first sensor member includes a semiconductor material, a second sensor member coupled to the base; and an active region in contact with at least the first sensor member. In some aspects, the first sensor member may be a fiber, and may have a conductive core and a semiconducting cladding surrounding the core. Manufacturing methods and apparatus utilizing the sensors are provided, as are numerous other aspects.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and system for analyzing a gas for the presence of a reactant compound via reaction of primary ions of a specific type. A source gas is introduced to a reaction chamber and ionized in this chamber. The pressure in the reaction chamber is adjusted to avoid the formation of protonated species and other impurities. The primary ions generated in the reaction chamber are transferred to a drift tube. The gas to be analyzed is diluted with a carrier gas and the resulting mixture is introduced into the drift tube. The ionization energy of the carrier gas is equal to or higher than the ionization energy of the primary ions. The product ions resulting in the drift tube from a reaction of the primary ions with the reactant present in the gas to be analyzed are then detected, for example using a mass spectrometer. Preferably, an existing PTR-MS setup is used to perform the method of the present invention.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed that provide selective detection of gas-phase target analytes at concentrations below 1 part-per-trillion including explosives, explosives compounds, and other threat agents involving chemical adduct ions between reactant ions and the target analytes for detection of the target analytes.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a sensor device. The sensor device may include an intake port for an air sample connected to a mixing chamber. The mixing chamber may contain at least one device for the introduction of a liquid or gel detection improvement agent, or at least one mechanical dispersal device for the introduction of a solid detection improvement agent. The detection improvement agent may be operable to interact with a chemical or biological agent in the air sample. The mixing chamber may also include at least one heating or cooling plate and at least device for the introduction of water or an aromatic solvent into the air sample as well as at least one detection element able to detect a chemical or biological agent in the air sample. The mixing chamber may be connected to an exhaust port.

Abstract: A method for identifying an odour and/or gas, an odour and/or gas is measured with a portable electronic device comprising a chemical sensor, the chemical sensor being sensitive to different analytes. A measurement tuple is supplied which comprises a set of tuple elements with each tuple element of the set of tuple elements providing a value measured by a dedicated cell of the chemical sensor and/or under a dedicated operating condition of the chemical sensor or of a cell of the chemical sensor. The measurement tuple is compared to one or more reference tuples with each reference tuple representing an odour and/or gas and comprising a set of tuple elements and an identifier for the odour and/or gas represented by the reference tuple. One or more odour and/or gas identifiers are returned to the portable electronic device subject to a result of the comparison.

Abstract: This invention relates to the field of mass spectrometry, and more specifically to a vacuum ultraviolet photoionization and chemical ionization combined ion source, which consists of a vacuum ultraviolet light source and an ion source chamber. An ion acceleration electrode, an ion repulsion electrode, an ion extraction electrode, and a differential interface electrode positioned inside the ion source chamber are arranged along the exit direction of the vacuum ultraviolet light beam in sequence and spaced, coaxial, and parallel from each other. The ion acceleration electrode, the ion repulsion electrode, the ion extraction electrode, and the differential interface electrode are all plate structures with central through holes. The vacuum ultraviolet light beam passes through the central through holes of the electrodes along the axial direction.

Abstract: The present technology provides an illustrative hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) elimination device. An HFC sensing device is configured to detect an ambient, gaseous HFC composition. The HFC elimination device further includes a component comprising a surface that includes glass, and a heating element that is configured to heat the glass to a temperature to decompose the ambient, gaseous HFC composition in response to detection of the ambient, gaseous HFC composition by the HFC sensing device.

Abstract: Provided is a manufacturing method of a metal oxide semiconductor material for gas sensors by which an oxide precursor and noble metal colloid particles will not readily cohere in the manufacturing process. The manufacturing process implements a precursor solution synthesis step 1 of synthesizing an oxide precursor solution in which an oxide precursor is dispersed, a pH adjustment step 3 of adjusting the pH of the oxide precursor solution, a precursor-colloid dispersion preparation step 5 of preparing an oxide precursor-noble metal colloid dispersion in which the oxide precursor and the noble metal colloid are dispersed substantially uniformly, a purifying step 7 of purifying the oxide precursor-noble metal colloid dispersion to obtain a purified oxide precursor noble metal colloid dispersion, and a freeze-drying step 11 of freeze-drying an precipitate of the purified oxide precursor-noble metal colloid dispersion.

Abstract: [Problems to be solved by the invention] A method and sensor for detecting the fluorides, chlorides or bromides of hydrocarbons such as C5F8 or C4F6 are provided, which are capable of the detection with quickness and high sensitivity at a room temperature or a temperature closer thereto, not a high temperature, without interference with hindrance gases from fluorine liquids or the like. [Means for solving the problems] A detection agent, detection method, and detection sensor based on an optical change or mass change by a direct reaction with a nitrogen compound having at least two rings at which an amidine backbone is centered, which is represented by the following general formula (I).

Abstract: A gas sensor utilizing carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is disclosed. The sensor can include a patch antenna, a feed line, and a stub line. The stub line can include a carbon nanotube (CNT) thin-film layer for gas detection. The CNTs can be functionalized to detect one or more analytes with specificity designed to detect, for example, environmental air contaminants, hazardous gases, or explosives. The sensor can provide extremely sensitive gas detection by monitoring the shift in resonant frequency of the sensor circuit resulting from the adsorption of the analyte by the CNT thin-film layer. The sensor can be manufactured using inkjet printing technologies to reduce costs. The integration of an efficient antenna on the same substrate as the sensor enables wireless applications of the sensor without additional components, for wireless standoff chemical sensing applications including, for example, defense, industrial monitoring, environmental sensing, automobile exhaust analysis, and healthcare applications.

Abstract: An improved system for collecting, detecting, and classifying submicron-sized particles in a sample comprising an Integrated Virus Detection System (IVDS) of the type wherein the detecting means includes a differential mobility analyzer (DMA) and condensation particle counter (CPC), the improvement comprising positioning an aerosol collector or an electrostatic collector between the differential mobility analyzer and the condensation particle counter wherein submicron-sized particles from the environmental sample are collected for further analysis.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a gas sensor, including: a gas collecting chamber including: (a) a nanoporous wall including alumina, on a portion of the gas collecting chamber in the near vicinity of the solid propellant fuel; a micro pump attached to the gas collecting chamber; and a gas analysis device connected to the gas collecting chamber. The gas analysis device measures both type and concentration of gases collected in the gas collecting chamber via the nanoporous wall, the gases measured being selected from the group consisting of CO, CO2, NO, N2O, NO2 and combinations thereof. The present disclosure also relates to a method of sensing propellant degradation in solid fuel and a method of using a gas collecting chamber to sense such degradation.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is a humidity indicating composition comprising (a) an organic pH indicator dye compound, (b) a Bronsted acid or base, (c) a polyol having the general formula HOCH2—(CHOH)n—CH2OH, wherein n can be 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4, and (d) a solvent; wherein said components (a), (b), (c) and (d) do not contain halogen and/or heavy metals. Furthermore, the invention relates to a humidity indicator card comprising a sheet substrate and the humidity indicating composition from which the solvent has been allowed to evaporate, and to a process for preparing said humidity indicator card.

Abstract: A gas sensor for sensing chemical gases utilizes a metal oxynitride as the sensing material, which changes its conductivity when exposed to the analyte gas. The change in conductivity is measured for the sensor output. The metal may be either tungsten or molybdenum.

Abstract: In order to provide a device for detection of a partial pressure of a measurement gas contained in a surrounding gas, comprising a measurement space with at least one inlet opening to admit surrounding gas into the measurement space and at least one outlet opening to discharge surrounding gas from the measurement space, a quantity that characterizes the partial pressure of the measurement gas in the measurement gas sensor sensitive to the measurement gas to measure a quantity that characterizes the partial pressure of the measurement gas in the measurement space, as well as readout device to read out the measurement gas sensor as well as a method for its operation, which permit metrological detection of the partial pressure of a measurement gas contained in a surrounding gas with improved chronological and spatial resolution, it is proposed that means to determine a response characteristic of device be provided.

Abstract: A method for determining the amount of a chemical species in a sample, in particular the amount of weak acid dissociable cyanide or total cyanide in a sample, and an apparatus for performing said method. The method comprises the steps of: i) treating the sample to liberate the chemical species into a gaseous stream; ii) directing the gaseous stream to a scrubber; iii) absorbing the chemical species into a scrubber solution; and iv) determining the amount of chemical species absorbed into the scrubber solution, wherein any remaining chemical species not absorbed into the scrubber solution is directed or recirculated to the scrubber in the gaseous stream and step iii) is repeated to increase absorption of the chemical species prior to performing step iv).

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods, operational at atmospheric pressure, involving a conical member having an outlet positioned relative to an inlet of a mass spectrometer inlet capillary; a tungsten electrode positioned between the conical member and the inlet of the mass spectrometer inlet capillary; a foil membrane disposed within the conical member, the foil membrane having a first surface, and a second surface opposed to the first surface; a laser directing laser pulses at the second surface of the foil membrane to create a shockwave to vaporize one or more analytes deposited on the first surface; a reagent gas inlet stream positioned relative to the foil membrane to pass a reagent gas across the foil member to transport vaporized analytes: away from the foil membrane, through the outlet of the conical member, through a corona discharge generated by the tungsten electrode, and into the inlet capillary of a mass spectrometer.

Abstract: A gas sensor includes a plurality of loosely connected metal oxide nanoclusters configured to provide a porous structure, the metal oxide nanoclusters having an average characteristic length of 1 nm to 20 nm, and a coating made with catalytic material is deposited on an outer layer of the metal oxide nanoclusters.

Abstract: A gas sensor is provided. The substrate of the gas sensor has a first surface, a second surface and a cavity. The cavity has an opening at the first surface. An insulating film is disposed on the first surface and covers the opening. A heating unit is embedded in the insulating film and located above the opening. An electrode pair is disposed on the insulating film and electrically separated from the heating unit. A buffer layer is disposed on the insulating film and located above the heating unit. The buffer layer is electrically connected to the electrode pair, and at least part of an orthogonal projection of the buffer layer on the first surface is located on the substrate next to the opening. The gas sensing layer is disposed on the buffer layer and has a nano-catalyst therein.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods utilizing capillary action and to control the movement or placement of liquids or other materials in micro-devices and nano-devices. In some embodiments, the present invention may be used to control polymer addition to micro-cantilevers and nano-cantilevers for biological sensing, chemical sensing, and other sensing. In other embodiments, the present invention may be used to deliver adhesives, dielectrics, chemo resistor materials, and other materials to micro-devices and nano-devices.

Abstract: An oxygen sensor includes a metalloporphyrin for detecting oxygen levels. The oxygen sensors may also include a light source and a detector. The sensors are configured to measure changes in spectra in response to the redox reaction. They can detect a variety of samples for presence and changes in oxygen concentration in both solution and gaseous form.

Abstract: Process for evaluating the effect of a refinery feedstock on a refinery process by (i) providing a refinery feedstock (ii) treating the refinery feedstock to produce a plurality of fractions each representative of a feedstock for the refinery process, the plurality of fractions having at least two fractions with different properties; (iii) treating each of the plurality of fractions under experimental conditions representative of those in the refinery process, the treatments being carried out in an essentially parallel manner; and (iv) determining one or more performance criteria for each fraction for the refinery process by analyzing the respective product streams produced from each fraction at least partially in parallel.

Abstract: A system and method for tagging, tracking, locating and identifying people and vehicles transporting people using Perfluorocarbon tracers. An on-going problem faced by military as well as law enforcement personnel is that of friendly fire incidents. To prevent possible friendly-fire incidents, troops would separate the two layers of the uniform patch, thereby releasing a controlled release of the Perfluorocarbon vapors. Other “friendly” troops, equipped with sensors tuned to the specific perfluorocarbon characteristics would thus be able to literally view a plume around the tagged person or object. The system may conversely be used to tag enemies. Formulations of mixed perfluorocarbons may be used to provide coding of emissions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a chemiresistor-based sensor for measuring the presence or amount of analyte in an electrolyte solution; said chemiresistor comprising (i) a chemiresistor film wherein the impedance of said nanoparticle film changes in the presence of an analyte; and (ii) two electrically conducting electrodes in electrical contact with said nanoparticle film; wherein said electrically conducting electrodes are adapted to be connected to a device for measuring the impedance of said chemiresistor film under a voltage signal and wherein the impedance of the double layer capacitor formed by the two electrically conducting electrodes in the presence of the electrolyte solution, is larger than the impedance of the chemiresistor film either before or after exposure of the chemiresistor film to the analyte. A method of using said chemiresistor-based sensor to measure the presence or amount of analyte is also provided.

Abstract: The disclosure provides sensor for gas sensing including CO2 gas sensors comprising a porous framework sensing area for binding an analyte gas.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a device for removing and analyzing a sample from a polymerization reactor including one or more sample conduits for removing a sample from the reactor and transferring the sample to a sample flash tank, whereby the conduits are in communication with the reactor and are provided with at least two sampling valves; a sample flash tank for separating said solid particles and evaporated gas, whereby the sample flash tanks are connected to the conduits and provided with a device for analyzing evaporated gas, and including a sample receiver for purifying the solid particles. The receivers are connected to the sample flash tanks and provided with an apparatus for analyzing the solid particles. The disclosure includes a method for improving a polymerization reaction.