Abstract: Methods and devices are described for rapidly and simultaneously detecting, quantifying, and imaging gases, odors, malodors, volatiles and semi-volatiles using gas chromatography coupled with arrays of organic conducting polymers. The methods utilize changes in the polymer conductivity as a function of temperature to detect volatile organic molecules upon adsorption to the polymers. By raising the sensor temperature, adsorbed materials are further desorbed. This eliminates the fundamental problems of sensor fouling resulting from exposure to sulfur, nitrogen or ketone containing malodors. In a second embodiment, the resulting gas effluents from the sensor array are mixed with air, oxygen or hydrogen to produce a cloud of luminance that is detected by a charge-coupled device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for preparing samples for gas chromatography, the sample material being guided through a liquid chromatograph (1) by a solvent and being monitored by a detector (2), and, on the basis of the detector (2) recognizing a chromatographic region of interest, the sample material of this region being removed from the stream of sample material leaving the liquid chromatograph (1) and being analyzed by gas chromatography. In this case, the stream of sample material leaving the liquid chromatograph (1) is guided through a flow-through cuvette (4), and the removal is carried out, until the end of the chromatographic region of interest, via a syringe (18) which, when the sample material of the region of interest reaches the flow-through cuvette (4), is introduced into the stream of sample material guided through the flow-through cuvette (4) and is drawn upwards at a predetermined ratio to the transport rate of the stream of sample material.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically analyzing a trace substance capable of automatic analysis of a trace substance in a short time with high accuracy is provided. This apparatus comprises (a) samplers for making samples each containing a desired substance at different sampling points, (b) concentrators for concentrating the substance contained in the samples to thereby produce concentrated samples, (c) a quantitative analyzer for analyzing quantitatively the substance contained in the concentrated samples, and (d) a controller for controlling the samplers, the concentrators and the analyzer to cause automatically operations of the samplers, the concentrators, and the analyzer repeatedly at specific intervals of time. Each of the concentrators receives alternatively the samples from at least two of the samplers. The analyzer receives alternatively the concentrated samples from the concentrators.

Abstract: A simple screening method is provided for determining biological variations among individuals in a smoking cessation program so that a therapy regimen can be adjusted appropriately for each individual. The method includes the steps of having an individual intake a predetermined dose of nicotine, taking a saliva sample at a predetermined time subsequent to intake of the dose of nicotine, and measuring the nicotine and cotinine levels in the sample. Thereafter, a ratio is calculated which includes both the nicotine and cotinine levels as an indicator of the rate of nicotine metabolism of the individual being screened.

Abstract: A real time monitoring system for automatically monitoring a gaseous pollution sample in environment. The system includes a sample preprocess apparatus (SPA) for immediately processing the gaseous pollution sample at room temperature, wherein the gaseous pollution sample includes a polar and a non-polar compounds, a sample separation apparatus for separating the gaseous pollution sample, a sample analysis apparatus for analyzing a target compound of the gaseous pollution sample, and a data processing device for automatically processing an analyzed data of the target compound to achieve the real time monitoring system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of trace analysis of organic compounds which calls for the steps of setting a test piece in a flow cell, and thereafter removing organic compounds from the test piece by heating it at high temperature in an oven. The compounds are concentrated in a trap tube and then removed from the trap tube and carried into a concentrating/inlet unit, such as a thermal desorption cold trap injector. In this unit, cryofocusing of the compounds is performed, and then the organic compounds are introduced into a gas chromatograph to be analyzed therein, wherein a part of the purified inert gas is caused, except during the process of trapping the organic compounds, to flow into the flow cell from the direction opposite the direction from which the gas flows along the trapping line.

Abstract: A more efficient combustion or oxidation device for the formation of nitrogen, phosphorus and/or sulfur oxides from a sample containing these elemental constituents is disclosed. The device uses multi-staged addition of an oxidizing agent to enhance oxidation and liberation of nitrogen, phosphorus and/or sulfur oxides for subsequent detection. The oxidation devices of the present invention allow for the injection of larger samples or, the introduction of a greater amount of sample per unit of time which results in a larger amount of analyte being delivered to the detector per unit of time, thereby improving detection limits and detection efficiency.

Abstract: A novel gas injection valve for injecting discrete charges of gas into a mobile phase or carrier stream is provided. Injection valves of the invention comprise a plurality of microvalves capable of receiving gas at different pressures and emitting discrete charges of gas at approximately the same pressure. The invention further provides for parallel injection valve arrays capable of injecting multiple samples substantially simultaneously and a method of injecting discrete gas samples at a controlled pressure to a high-resolution gas chromatograph.

Abstract: An assembly for desorbing sampling tubes comprises a gas chromatograph known per se provided with an injector. The sampling tubes are provided with an inflow opening and an outflow opening. The assembly comprises an adapter which is placed in the injector and which is provided with a chamber which is bounded by a heat conducting housing. The adapter is arranged for placing a sampling tube in the chamber thereof, while in a condition of a sampling tube wherein it is placed in the adapter, the inflow opening thereof is in fluid communication with a first carrier gas supply duct, while the outflow opening of the sampling tube is in fluid communication via the injector with a gas chromatography column disposed in the gas chromatograph.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting the flame occurring during a flashback condition in the fuel nozzle of a lean premix combustion system is presented. The sensor comprises an electrically isolated flashback detection electrode and a guard electrode, both of which generate electrical fields extending to the walls of the combustion chamber and to the walls of the fuel nozzle. The sensor is positioned on the fuel nozzle center body at a location proximate the entrance to the combustion chamber of the gas turbine combustion system. The sensor provides 360° detection of a flashback inside the fuel nozzle, by detecting the current conducted by the flame within a time frame that will prevent damage to the gas turbine combustion system caused by the flashback condition.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a system and method for continuously monitoring a discharge stream emission to determine the amount of toxins or pollutants, such as certain organic compounds, within the emission. The system and method are temperature controlled to ensure that the toxins or pollutants are neither formed nor destroyed in the process of obtaining a sample for analysis. The system and method use a temperature-controlled sampling means, means for removing the toxins or pollutants, water removal means, and means for determining the concentration of the toxins or pollutants in the sample, and therefore the emission. The present invention may also include means for removing particulate materials from the sample.

Abstract: There is provided a gas analyzing apparatus capable of minimizing gas remaining by integrating gas switching apparatuses into one and capable of analyzing impurities of ppb level to sub-ppb level contained in various kinds of high-purity gases efficiently and accurately.

Abstract: A headspace sampling apparatus collects headspace vapor from a container holding a vapor phase and a non-vapor phase of a substance which is to be analyzed. The apparatus includes a dual needle apparatus (55). The dual needle apparatus is extended through a septum into a headspace portion (57) of a vial (58) holding the substance for analysis. A purge gas is supplied to a first fluid passage (54) in the dual needle. The purge gas sweeps the material in the headspace and passes the sample through a send fluid passage (56) in the needle. The extracted sample is selectively directed through a six port valve (76). In a first condition of the valve the sample is directed to a trap (80) for collection therein. After sample collection the condition of the six port valve is changed. Material is desorbed from the trap and directed through the valve into an analytical instrument (82).

Abstract: The invention provides a gas chromatography method for analyzing materials vaporizable in a gas chromatograph system, the method comprising filling a sample injection device with a sample of the compounds to be analyzed; transferring the sample compounds into an analytical separation column with a transfer gas; passing a carrier gas inside the analytical separation column for time separation of the sample compounds; controlling the temperature of the column for achieving separation of the sample compounds; transferring the vaporized sample compounds eluted from the column into a flame ionization detector; providing the gases required for the operation of the flame ionization detector, and analyzing the data output of the flame ionization detector for analysis of the sample compounds, wherein the gases required for the operation of the gas chromatograph system are produced by water electrolysis.

Abstract: An explosion-proof apparatus includes a pressure resistant explosion-proof case, heater, manifold, and analyzer unit. The heater is disposed in the pressure resistant explosion-proof case. The manifold is heated by the heater in the pressure resistant explosion-proof case and supplies heat from the heater to an outside of the pressure resistant explosion-proof case by heat conduction. The analyzer unit is disposed outside the pressure resistant explosion-proof case in contact with the manifold, and is heated by heat supplied from the manifold.

Abstract: A device for analyzing organic compounds, particularly in aqueous and gaseous samples, constituted by a duct which is supplied in input by a gas whose pressure can be controlled by means of a regulator connected to a capillary column which is connected in output to a detector for the organic compounds; an adsorbent polymer immersed in a container is interposed between a first portion and a second portion of the capillary column, and the device comprises, between the second portion and a third portion, means for concentrating the organic compounds; the container contains an aqueous or gaseous sample which interacts with the adsorbent polymer adapted to extract the organic compounds conveyed by the gas in passing through the adsorbent polymer toward the concentration means in order to be measured by the detector.

Abstract: A gas chromatograph or other analytical instrument requiring controlled fluid flow incorporates a manifold assembly that eliminates the need for many of the external fittings and connections required in the instrument. A manifold block has plural fluid flow paths formed therethrough to route fluids to selected components. A collar mates to the block and adapts to a rotary injection valve to provide the continued fluid paths from the block to the injector valve and the other components of the instrument.

Abstract: A highly sensitive electronic ion cell for the measurement of trace elements in He carrier gas which involves glow discharge. A constant wave (CW) stable glow discharge detector which is controlled through a biased resistor, can detect the change of electron density caused by impurities in the He carrier gas by many orders of magnitude larger than that caused by direct ionization or electron capture. The stable glow discharge detector utilizes a floating pseudo-electrode to form a probe in or near the plasma and a solid rod electrode. By using this probe, the large variation of electron density due to trace amounts of impurities can be directly measured. The solid rod electrode provides greater stability and thus easier alignment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gas chromatograph having a temperature-controlled injector for containing a vaporizer tube with chemical substances, thereon to be analyzed via a gas chromatography column, which temperature-controlled injector and vaporization tube can be heated by an electric resistance coil type of heating unit and can be cooled by a cooling unit, wherein the cooling unit has a cooling coil (7) which surrounds the heating unit and which is provided via a feedline and a return line (8, 9) with an external source of liquid, cooled coolant, with provision of a pump (11) for circulating the coolant and of a drain valve for draining the cooling coil.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for analyzing a breath sample provide user-friendly operation and analysis. The method and apparatus provide automatic operation and coordination of operation of an absorbent sample tube, including desorbing means, a chromatographic precolumn, a chromatographic main column, a detector, a data processor, a sample receiving tube for receiving exhaled breath sample, a sample loop for aspirating a prescribed quantity of breath sample from the sample receiving tube, a sample valve, a standard gas reservoir, and a standard gas valve. All of the foregoing are operated automatically in such that start cycles, detector cycles, fault detection cycles, standardizing, analysis, shutdown and end cycles are performed in a way which allows straightforward and simple measurement of breath sample by a user.

Abstract: A gas chromatograph has a pressure sensor measuring a pressure in a sample introduction part, a flow control valve controlling carrier gas flow rate, a flow sensor measuring a flow rate of the carrier gas, a split flow path exhausting part of a carrier gas and sample from the introduction part, an exhaust valve placed in the sprit flow path, and a monitor screen. The controller controls the flow control valve to flow the carrier gas at the designated flow rate into the introduction part, reads an output of the pressure sensor after making the exhaust valve fully open, calculates a flow path resistance of the filter by using an output of the pressure sensor and a flow path resistance of the chromatographic column, and controls the monitor screen to display an indication for exchanging the filter when the calculated resistance reaches the preset value corresponding to a state in which the filter is stuffed.

Abstract: An ultratrace detector system for hand-held gas chromatography having high sensitivity, for example, to emissions generated during production of weapons, biological compounds, drugs, etc. The detector system is insensitive to water, air, helium, argon, oxygen, and CO2. The detector system is basically composed of a hand-held capillary gas chromatography (GC), an insulated heated redox-chamber, a detection chamber, and a vapor trap. For example, the detector system may use gas phase redox reactions and spectral absorption of mercury vapor. The gas chromatograph initially separates compounds that percolate through a bed of heated mercuric oxide (HgO) in a silica—or other metal—aerogel material which acts as an insulator.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for on-line measurement of permeation characteristics (transmitting chemicals) through dense nonporous membrane. This invention is intended to facilitate various research activities, such as simultaneous analyses of diffusion coefficient, solubility coefficient, permeation rate and permeant composition, and presentation of new analysis about the permeation behavior, kinetics and so on. The object of this invention is to provide the method and apparatus for measurement of permeation characteristics of permeants in liquid, vapor or gas phase through dense nonporous membrane and more practicuraly, to provide permeation apparatus for measurement of permeation characteristics by analyzing permeation rate and permeation concentration of permeants through an on-line type dense porous membrane with time, not only for a steady state but also for an unsteady state in an accurate and reliable manner.

Abstract: After sintering of a CO sensor using an SnO2-based metal oxide semiconductor, Ir and Pt are added to the sensor at 5˜500 &mgr;g/g SnO2 each, the weight ratio of Ir and Pt being 5˜1/5. This addition is made by impregnating a mixed aqueous solution of an Ir salt and a Pt salt into the SnO2 sintered body and thermally decomposing these salts. Next, an aqueous solution of thiourea is impregnated into the SnO2 sintered body to add thiourea at 0.01˜10 mg/g SnO2 in reduction to simple S element. The temperature and humidity dependency of the CO sensor is suppressed, the CO concentration dependency of the output is increased, and the sensor resistance is brought to a more convenient range of use.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for pyrolysis gas chromatography, consisting of a carrier gas supply (1), a commercially available gas chromatography (GC) separating capillary (2) and a detector (3), which device is characterized in that upstream of said GC separating capillary (2), a metal capillary (4) connected to a power supply for direct heating is arranged as pyrolyzator and forms an integral part of the carrier gas train, whereby the metal capillary (4) is connected with the GC separating capillary (2) through an interface (6) and the inner diameter of the metal capillary (4) is from 0,32 to 1 mm.

Abstract: A flow of a carrier gas through a column is provided. A sample is provided in the column, and a temperature of a longitudinally short portion of the column is raised to a predetermined controlled high temperature at which volatile substances are released from the sample packing and are carried by the carrier gas. The column is cooled on each side of the short portion to a low temperature at which the volatile substances condense or adsorb on the column packing. By continuously moving the heated short portion from an inlet end to an outlet end of the packing in a direction of carrier gas flow the volatile substances selected by the controlled high temperature are released. Four particularly useful and advantageous applications can be identified for the invention. Firstly, it provides an improved gas chromatograph (GC) injector. Secondly, it provides an improved thermal separator or extractor.

Abstract: A gas analyzer for an oil drilling rig normally flows gas captured from a mud pit source through parallel paths from the gas source to a total gas analyzer. One of the paths is a loop path. Periodically the loop path is switched from the source to the total gas analyzer and connected to a path from an air supply to a chromatograph. After a short time during which the gas from the loop path is transferred to the chromatograph then the loop path is switched back to the original parallel path. This arrangement permits a small instrument to perform both the functions of total gas analyzer and chromatograph.

Abstract: A trace-level gas analysis apparatus having a diffusion scrubber 11 that captures atmospheric gas components and a sampling tube 10 that guides air into the diffusion scrubber 11 is provided with the cleaning means 2 for cleaning the diffusion scrubber 11 and the sampling tube 10, using a cleaning fluid 22.

Abstract: This invention provides a reduced power consumption gas chromatograph system (10) which includes a capillary gas chromatograph column member (12) which contains a chemical sample to be analyzed. The gas chromatograph system further includes a heating mechanism (16) which extends throughout the length of the capillary gas chromatograph column member (12) and surrounds both the member (12) and a temperature sensing mechanism (14) which is mounted adjacent to the column member (12). The temperature sensing mechanism (14), the heating mechanism (16) and the column member (12) form a chromatograph column assembly (20) which includes a coiled section (28) where the components are tightly packed with respect to each other and allows for a reduced power consumption for temperature programming miniature gas chromatography column assemblies.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and an apparatus for the direct injection of large volumes (>3 &mgr;l) of samples into the column in a gas chromatography analysis apparatus comprising an oven, a gas chromatography column lodged in the oven, a means for the direct transfer into the column of the sample and a source of carrier gas upstream the column, as well as a detector downstream the column. According to the invention two or more of the parameters: nature of the solvent injection rate flow-rate and/or pressure of the carrier gas temperature at least of an initial length of the column during the injection are correlated and/or controlled to achieve a control of the length of the zone wetted by the sample during its introduction.

Abstract: A gas chromatograph with multiple valves is disclosed. An embodiment of the multi-valve gas chromatograph includes multiple valves and multiple thermal conductivity detectors (TCD's). This allows separation and measurement of a gas sample in one compact integrated unit. Other features may also be present. For example, a first heating zone may include a band heater placed around the multi-valve block to heat the carrier gas and to keep the multi-valve block at a desired temperature. A second heating zone may include a spool and a cartridge heater to heat the columns through which the gas sample flows. Two sets of screws, one through the top of the multi-valve and one through the bottom, may be included to simplify maintenance of the multi-valve system. Insulation defining an oven can be placed around the assembly to stabilize the temperature of the multi-valve assembly.

Abstract: This invention provides a reduced power consumption gas chromatograph system (10) which includes a capillary gas chromatograph column member (12) which contains a chemical sample to be analyzed. The gas chromatograph system further includes a heating mechanism (16) which extends throughout the length of the capillary gas chromatograph column member (12) and surrounds both the member (12) and a temperature sensing mechanism (14) which is mounted adjacent to the column member (12). The temperature sensing mechanism (14), the heating mechanism (16) and the column member (12) form a chromatograph column assembly (20) which includes a coiled section (28) where the components are tightly packed with respect to each other and allows for a reduced power consumption for temperature programming miniature gas chromatography column assemblies.

Abstract: Mass flow controllers are respectively placed in the middle of a hydrogen gas tube and air tube connected to a FPD. The flow controllers are controlled to supply hydrogen and oxygen from the nozzle to achieve the optimum mixture rate of hydrogen and oxygen for combustion of each target component in a sample. Since the mixture rate of hydrogen gas and air is optimum for each target component, the quantity of light emitted by the combustion increases and detection of each target component improves.

Abstract: A sample concentration device is provided in which a gaseous sample is concentrated by cooling a portion of a gas transfer line through which the sample is introduced into a detecting apparatus, such as a gas chromatograph or the like. The device is characterized by a cooling device for cooling a portion of the gas transfer line, which is housed in a constant temperature chamber, by spraying a coolant from a nozzle facing the portion of the gas transfer line, and by a gas flow device for creating a substantially dry gas flow through the nozzle to prevent the nozzle from becoming plugged with ice formed by freezing of moisture in the air inside the constant temperature chamber when the coolant spray is stopped. An outer jacket surrounding a portion of the gas transfer line which is subjected to cooling is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for preparing samples for gas chromatography, the sample material being guided through a liquid chromatograph (1) by means of a solvent and being monitoring by means of a detector (2), and, on the basis of the detector (2) recognizing a chromatographic region of interest, the sample material of this region being removed from the stream of sample material leaving the liquid chromatograph (1) and being analyzed by gas chromatography. In this case, the stream of sample material leaving the liquid chromatograph (1) is guided through a flow-through cuvette (4), and the removal is carried out, until the end of the chromatographic region of interest, via a syringe (18) which, when the sample material of the region of interest reaches the flow-through cuvette (4), is introduced into the stream of sample material guided through the flow-through cuvette (4) and is drawn upwards at a predetermined ratio to the transport rate of the stream of sample material.

Abstract: A method for producing and sampling chemical agent vapor comprising the steps of placing neat chemical agent in a reservoir, purging the chemical agent in the reservoir with a dry air, and analyzing the air stream exiting the reservoir. A MINICAMS having a removable PCT may be used to analyze the air stream exiting the reservoir. The method may further comprise the steps of changing the relative humidity conditions and testing chemical agent detectors.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for increasing sensitivity for near-real-time detection of very low concentrations of diffusely distributed trace vapors in a carrier medium. Before admitting the trace vapor bearing carrier medium into a near-real-time GC/MS trace vapor detection system, the concentration of the trace vapor in the carrier medium, air in this instance, is increased by passing it through a membrane gas separator. The gas separator preferentially passes a portion of the trace vapor and rejects all but a very small portion of the carrier medium. The sample, highly concentrated in trace vapor with respect to the carrier medium after passing through the gas separator, is then compressed by a turbomolecular pump resulting in a substantial increase in density of the trace vapor at the exhaust port of the pump and a corresponding increase in detection sensitivity.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an apparatus and method for rapid analysis of members of a combinatorial library. The apparatus includes a plurality of vessels for containing individual library members and a fluid handling system that apportions a test fluid about equally between each of the vessels. This allows for simultaneous screening of library members by detecting changes in test fluid following contact with individual library members. Fluid flow through each of the vessels is controlled using passive flow restrictors or active flow controllers to ensure that each library member contacts approximately the same amount of test fluid per unit time. The disclosed apparatus is especially useful for screening library members based on their ability to catalyze the conversion of fluid reactants.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and systems for identifying compounds released from a semi-conductor wafer. Compounds are released from the wafer by subjecting the wafer to a rapid temperature excursion in a very low pressure chamber. The released compounds are often isolated using gas chromatography. Diffusion between the layers of a multiple layer semi-conductor structure can be minimized by directly heating a target surface of the wafer using radiant heating.

Abstract: A chromatograph is provided for accurately identifying components of a sample even with the use of a moving average method for noise reduction. A eluding solution is supplied to a column by a pump. In a sample injector, the sample injected into the column is separated into components by the column, and converted to an electric signal by a detector. A detected output signal is subjected to data processing in a data processor. The output signal is sampled at regular intervals and subjected to moving average processing in the detector. A sample injection signal from the sample injector is sent to the detector which generates a data processing start signal that is delayed by a time equal to a delay resulting from the moving average processing for the signal. The data processing start signal is sent to the data processor which starts the data processing in response to this signal.

Abstract: A sample inlet liner includes a novel matrix that serves to retain an injected sample. The preferred inert matrix is polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) that serves to retain an injected sample and is provided in lieu of a conventional packing material. The contemplated inert matrix may be selected from a range of configurations of PTFE so as to provide a supporting material capable of retaining an ample quantity of injected sample in the sample inlet liner. The contemplated matrix nonetheless provides a tortuous path for the retained quantity of injected sample so as to facilitate known injection techniques such as split/splitless injection and large volume injections.

Abstract: A modular vial autosampler has a storage area for vials containing samples to be analyzed and at least one modular sampling station. A vial transfer mechanism lifts a sample vial from the storage section, moves it to a station for identification and then to a sampling station, and under central control activates the sampling station for obtaining a sample for analysis. The vial transfer mechanism is movable in x, y, and z directions to capture and move a selected vial. The autosampler has a series of valves operable under central control to selectively introduce two different standards into the sample, and after obtaining the sample, for rinsing and purging the conduits or lines and needles to reduce sample carryover. The modular vial autosampler includes controls to selectively sample either a gas or a liquid using many of the same components.

Abstract: An trace analyzer apparatus and method useful in semiconductor processing for measuring trace impurities in gases and liquids comprising a gas chromatograph serving to replace a bulk gas in a composition of bulk gas including contaminants in a bulk gas stream with a carrier gas having a higher ionization potential than that of said contaminants, where such gas chromatograph is connected to a hollow electrode (14) for initiating ionization of said contaminants by electrical discharge, where such electrode is electrically isolated from a source housing (44) and adjacent to a skimmer plate (16) that ionizes trace contaminants that are measured using a mass spectrometer, is disclosed.

Abstract: A biosensor based on complexes between biomolecule receptors and colloidal Au nanoparticles, and more specifically, colloid layers of receptor/Au complexes that can be used to detect biomolecule analytes through measuring of binding-induced changes in electrical resistance or surface plasmon resonance. Also disclosed is a method for detecting and analysing carrier-borne chemical compounds with Raman spectroscopy using an improved SERS substrate. Further disclosed is an improved method for detecting compounds in solvents using capillary electrophoresis in conjunction with Raman spectroscopy.

Abstract: A gas chromatographic system for analyzing gas components includes an analyzer, a constant temperature oven, an analyzer case, an indicator, an integrated sample conditioner, and a coupler. The analyzer includes a sample valve having a detector and a heater built therein and first and second columns wound around the periphery of the sample valve. The constant temperature oven accommodates the analyzer unit therein. The analyzer case accommodates the constant temperature oven. The indicator is protruded from the analyzer case to display analysis processes and results. The integrated sample conditioner provides an optimal condition for analysis. The coupler couples the analyzer unit with the sample conditioner so as to supply a sample gas and one of a carrier gas and a reference gas from the sample conditioner to the analyzer unit.

Abstract: A method for automatically detecting waste gas. The waste gas is led into a multiple switching valve through which the waste gas is sampled. Then, the waste gas sample is conveyed to an empty column and/or a chromatographic column, via the multiple switching valve. Then, the total hydrocarbon content of the waste gas sample is measured when the waste gas sample is conveyed to the empty column, and the waste gas sample is separated for measuring individual volatile organic compound concentrations of the waste gas sample when the waste as sample is conveyed to the chromatographic column.

Abstract: A multilayer integrated assembly for effecting fluid handling functions includes complementary microstructures formed by an etching or similar process in a planar foldable substrate. The complementary microstructures may be superimposed in a controlled manner by operation of micro-alignment means also formed in the foldable substrate by an etching or similar process. Microstructures are contemplated as including channels (that may be superimposed to form fluid conduits), apertures, conduit apertures, sample processing compartments, and the like. An intermediary substrate may optionally be incorporated in the integrated assembly so as to provide a material having a thickness or composition that may differ in a useful characteristic from the material used to provide the foldable substrate and accordingly expand the functionality of the integrated assembly.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and device for the automatic analysis of volatile substances in gases, in particular volatile substances in air, the method comprising the following successive steps: a) the gas to be analyzed is passed through an absortion solution or reaction solution via a sponging type exposure; and b) the solution is analyzed by a gas or liquid chromatography apparatus once the gases reach dissolved solution equilibrium with such absortion solution or reaction solution. According to the invention, samples as tiny as 10-100 microliters of the absortion solution or reaction solution are located in a depression in the bottom of a reaction recipient vessel and, when it has been acted on by the gas to be analyzed thereby additionally forming a reaction product mixed therein, is removed with a cannula and taken for chemical analysis via capillary gas chromatography (CGC) or high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) equipment means.

Abstract: An assembly of chromatograph components which operate at a uniform elevated or reduced temperature and perform the functions of sample injection, precolumn backflush, analytical column selection, detection in a reduced mass and volume, and with a reduced surface area for reduced power consumption in accordance with use in a portable gas chromatograph is disclosed. Parts of the assembly including a switching valve assembly, a column plate, a thermal cover and a detector block are thermally-linked and those parts of the assembly which contact the sample including the gas chromatograph columns are maintained at a controlled temperature using, for example, an efficient axial heater, a Peltier cooler or a heat pipe and temperature sensors, thereby increasing analytical confidence.

Abstract: A sample storage device comprises a vial provided with an opening, a permion tube arranged within the vial, permeable to a fluid contained in the vial or the permeation tube, and having a first closed end and an opposite second end, and a septum closure sealing the vial opening. In one embodiment, the permeation tube second end is open, the permeation tube is arranged within the vial with the second end adjacent the vial opening, and the septum closure seals the vial opening and the second open end of the permeation tube. The vial has a sample fluid, at least a portion of which is in contact with an outer surface of the permeation tube, and the permeation tube is permeable to the sample fluid. In a second embodiment, the permeation tube second end is closed, and the permeation tube includes a marker-containing adsorbent therein. The vial has a sample fluid therein and the permeation tube is permeable to the marker.