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 C0.sub.2. 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: A system for on-line quantitative monitoring of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) includes pressure reduction means for carrying a gaseous sample from a first location to a measuring input location maintained at a low pressure, the system utilizing active feedback to keep both the vapor flow and pressure to a chemical ionization mode mass spectrometer constant. A multiple input manifold for VOC and gas distribution permits a combination of calibration gases or samples to be applied to the spectrometer.

Abstract: A gas chromatograph includes a carrier gas supply flow path to which a pressure sensor, resistance tube, and control valve are sequentially connected. A differential pressure sensor is situated on both sides of the resistance tube to measure the differential pressure. The control valve is controlled by a controlling portion through signals from the pressure sensor and differential pressure sensor to control a flow rate of a carrier gas. Thus, in the gas chromatograph, the flow rate of the carrier gas can be controlled without an expensive pressure regulator, and a pressure of the carrier gas to be supplied can be selected as desired.

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 includes an arm having a gripper that lifts a sample vial from the storage section, and the arm 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 gripper is movable in X, Y, and Z directions to capture and move a selected vial and includes an alignment guide for the vials. Potentiometers are used for providing signals indicating arm position and the control is provided with updated information for calibration of the potentiometers and also updated position information for the arm relative to a fixed home position is obtained.

Abstract: Screening an unknown sample for a plurality of known or "target" analytes may be accomplished by creating and searching a retention time-locked spectral database for the entire chromatographic output of a locked GC system locked to such spectral database. Identification of target analytes having for example, known significant mass spectral ions and mass ion ratios corresponding to known analytes of interest believed to be found within a pre-defined retention time window is improved by direct comparison of significant mass spectral ions and the mass ion ratios within a specified retention time window.

Abstract: In a gas chromatograph system having a column with a stationary phase and a carrier gas moving through the column to contact the stationary phase, the system being useful for detecting analytes in a sample, a method and apparatus for predicting the retention times for the analytes under various conditions, the method utilizing the steps of:a) detecting the analytes under a number of sets of given conditions;b) calculating values for various parameters characteristic of the system based on a mathematical model that includes a correction to compensate for the permeability of said column to said carrier gas;c) entering into the model the values for the characteristic parameters and at least one further set of conditions; andd) using the model to predict retention times for conditions other than those of step a;the apparatus composed of a data handling system including a model for predicting retention times at a variety of conditions of operation of the system, the model having a first set of inputs including ret

Abstract: A gas flow distribution system accumulates a sample from a sample bearing carrier gas in a micro-accumulator, delivers it using a carrier gas to a gas chromatography column, and supplies a carrier gas to the gas chromatography column to facilitate separation of the sample into sample components and transport the sample components to a mass spectrometer for trace vapor detection and analysis or testing in real time. The system is made of inert components and configured to have low dead volume for improved performance and accuracy of detection. External valves are employed for easy management and balance of the flow in the system to minimize operation time and facilitate continuous accumulation, delivery, and testing of the sample. The delivery of the sample to the gas chromatography column using an electrically heated cold trap as the micro-accumulator can be performed extremely fast.

Abstract: An automatic sample injector for injecting a liquid sample into a vaporization chamber of a gas chromatograph includes a syringe, a plunger adapted to move inside the barrel of this syringe, a stepping motor having a plurality of magnetic poles for moving the plunger up and down inside the barrel, a power source for supplying excitation currents to these magnetic poles, switches for these magnetic poles, and a control unit for controlling the switches or the power source such that the excitation current to one of a pair of the magnetic poles corresponding to a rotary angular position is increased and the excitation current to the other of the pair is simultaneously decreased.

Abstract: A photoionization detector includes a brittle substrate having a void micromachined therein with a void inlet and a void outlet. First and second electrodes are disposed in the void. An ultraviolet transparent member covers at least a portion of the void in which the electrodes are disposed. A gas sample passes through the void and is exposed to ultraviolet radiation from a UV source. Ionization of the sample is measured as current flowing between the electrodes.

Abstract: A hand-portable, modular and temperature programmable gas chromatography aratus having reduced power consumption requirements is disclosed. The gas chromatography module includes a ring oven for housing a gas chromatography capillary column and programmable means for controlling the temperature of said column within the ring. The gas chromatography capillary column includes a sampling end and an effluent end. The sampling end of the GC capillary column is in fluid communication with a sampling nozzle and a vacuum pulse generating means. The vacuum generating means generates a sample pulse and directs the sample pulse to the sampling end of the gas chromatography capillary column during sample injection mode. During standby mode only clean dry air is directed to the column. The module is also easily interfaced with secondary sample detection or analysis instruments so that additional identification dimensions can added.

Abstract: Method for the analysis of one or more analytes present in a sample carried in a first fluid. The first fluid is combined with a first detector fluid and a second detector fluid to provide a fluid mixture which flows across the surface of an igniter. The analytes are ionized by means of an ionization process. The ion current is collected and measured at a collector electrode adjacent to the igniter. The flow of at least one of the first detector fluid and second detector fluid is modulated during an ignition sequence according to predetermined criteria so as to facilitate flame ignition.

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: The invention provides a method for developing a retention time database of identified analytes and their respective retention times in a reference Gas Chromatograph (GC) system under locked conditions for identification of unknown analytes of interest eluting from any GC system locked to the retention time database and may also be employed in combination with selective detection and or method translation for enhanced certainty of identification.

Abstract: A chemical sampling apparatus including an interface between a miniature mobility spectrometer and a gas chromatography system. The apparatus has a gas chromatography an ion mobility spectrometer and an input for inputting a regulated flow of a gas to be analyzed to the gas chromatograph. An interface is positioned between the gas chromatograph and the ion mobility spectrometer. The interface accepts and analyzes eluted gas from the gas chromatograph and selectively inputs the eluted gas to the ion mobility spectrometer only when an eluted gas condition to be analyzed is detected.

Abstract: A reference sample having a known concentration is injected into a chromatograph system before an unknown sample is analyzed. This is for the purpose of checking the deterioration of system performance or in other words for the purpose of checking system suitability. In the present invention, the chromatographic characteristic of the check sample at the time of deterioration of the system suitability is expected and stored in a memory in advance to be related to factors of deterioration of system suitability. A factor of deterioration is deduced by comparison between the actually analyzed chromatographic characteristic of the check sample and the relational data stored in the memory. A guidance required for removing the factor is displayed. Disclosed are preferred embodiments of a chromatograph system suitable for analyzing catecholamine or glycated hemoglobin.

Abstract: A planar separation column device for use in gas or liquid phase sample analysis. The planar separation column device includes complementary microstructures formed in a planar foldable substrate. The complementary microstructures may be superimposed in a controlled manner by folding the foldable substrate. The resulting integrated assembly may be bonded and subsequently operated in an associated sample analysis system. The planar separation column device includes etched features useful for integrated sample analysis, such as for integration of analyte inlet, detection, and fluid communication devices.

Abstract: The present invention is a covered microchannel comprising: a) a substrate; b) an etched material adhered to the substrate; and c) a silicon-carbon material adhered to the etched material in such a manner to form a covered microchannel; wherein the silicon-carbon material comprises SiO.sub.1.8-2.4 C.sub.0.3-1.0 and H.sub.0.7-4.0 containing at least one of the following functional groups:--Si--O--Si--, --Si--CH.sub.2 --, --Si--H, or --Si--OH.The covered microchannel can be prepared by the steps of: a) coating a filler material onto a substrate having a groove, wherein the filler material covering the substrate fills the groove; b) removing filler material from the substrate but not from the groove; c) coating the substrate and the filler with an adhering, formable, capping material; and d) removing the filler from the groove. An etched laminate can also be used to prepare the covered microchannel.

Abstract: An isotope ratio monitoring gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer (irm-GC/MS) unit for generating a chromatogram having improved resolution for peaks representative of individual carbon dioxide isotopes measured when a complex GC amenable organic sample (e.g. petroleum hydrocarbons) is combusted in the presence of a metal catalyst. The present irm-GC/MS unit is similar to known irm-GC/MS units of this type except it uses a capillary combustion tube in the furnace which is connected to the capillary column and has approximately the same inside diameter as that of the capillary column (e.g. 0.25 mm I.D.) whereby any "dead volume" attributable to the combustion tube is substantially eliminated.

Abstract: A system for processing fluid carrying a component by depositing the component onto a medium and evaporating the fluid. The system includes a collection medium and a nozzle arrangement. The nozzle arrangement includes a long capillary with a first, inlet end for receiving a flow of the fluid carrying the component and a second, outlet end arranged near the collection medium. A heater is provided for heating the capillary. A sheath gas is directed toward the collection medium in a manner that the fluid is exposed to the sheath gas after emerging from the outlet end of the capillary. The long capillary may be bent, e.g., in a helical configuration, so that, in spite of its length, a nozzle of practical size for an analytical instrument can be provided.

Abstract: A new class of techniques been developed which allow inexpensive application of SAW-type chemical sensor devices while retaining high sensitivity (ppm) to chemical detection. The new techniques do not require that the sensor be part of an oscillatory circuit, allowing large concentrations of, e.g., chemical vapors in air, to be accurately measured without compromising the capacity to measure trace concentrations. Such devices have numerous potential applications in environmental monitoring, from manufacturing environments to environmental restoration.

Abstract: In a method of testing a function of at least one detector at an inspection station (S) for containers, particularly in an inspection unit (R) for multi-trip bottles, a test gas is fed from a source (10) to the inspection station, or as the case may be to the detector(s), at periodic intervals.

Abstract: A probe chromatograph apparatus and method is provided which engages directly the process stream from which the sample is taken. The probe chromatograph apparatus is a simple, miniaturized chromatograph installed directly into the source pipeline or vessel. An analyzer mechanism extends through a pipe nipple into the fluid flow from which the sample is drawn. A sampling mechanism transfers a fixed volume of sample into the probe chromatograph apparatus. Means for separating the sample into its constituents is provided, and a detector is provided for sensing and measuring the quantity of the respective constituents.

Abstract: A photoionization detector for a gaschromatographic apparatus includes an ionization chamber provided with a polarizing electrode and a collector electrode. The electrodes are mounted on and heated by a base portion of the detector. A lamp with a window spaced from the chamber and mounted on the base portion through supporting means having low thermal conductivity is provided. A gas curtain of a gas that is transparent to the said lamp radiation is provided at least between the window and the ionization chamber and comprises a first portion of substantially still gas acting as thermal insulant and a second portion of flowing gas also acting as sweep gas for the lamp window.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the analysis of one or more analytes present in a sample carried in a first fluid. The first fluid is combined with a first detector fluid and a second detector fluid to provide a fluid mixture which flows across the surface of an igniter. The analytes are ionized by means of an ionization process. The ion current is collected and measured at a collector electrode adjacent to the igniter. The flow of at least one of the first detector fluid and second detector fluid is modulated during an ignition sequence according to predetermined criteria so as to facilitate flame ignition.

Abstract: A modular analytical laboratory, that is air-transportable as commercial air freight, is provided. The laboratory includes an analytical module, a power module, and a service module that, when interconnected, form an independent, functioning laboratory capable of performing sophisticated chemical analyses. Each module includes a base upon which components are mounted, and a removable, protective cover that is adapted to serve as a module support when inverted.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gas chromatography transfer line, having a glass tube (12), a steel tube (13) enclosing this glass tube and a heating coil (17) enclosing the steel tube, in which a tube (15) made of a material with high thermal conductivity is arranged between the steel tube (13) and the heating coil (17), the tube (15) being provided with a series of bores (16) in the axial and in the circumferential direction and being soldered to the heating coil (17) and to the steel tube (13), the solder (20) filling the bores (16) and intermediate spaces between the steel tube (13) and the tube (15).

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring a volatile species in a liquid in which liquid is fed from its source to a head space chamber. The flow of liquid to the chamber is then halted, the volatile species allowed to escape into the gaseous phase above the liquid, and a carrier gas is caused to flow to the chamber and over the liquid to carry the gaseous phase of the species to a detector while the flow of the liquid to the head space chamber is halted. The liquid may be under pressure at the point in the source from which it is withdrawn into the system and returned to the source at a point also under pressure.

Abstract: Conventionally, the mass spectrometer unit is placed beside the gas chromatograph unit when the gas chromatograph unit is coupled with a mass spectrometer unit, whereas the normal detector is placed on the top of the gas chromatograph unit when it is coupled with a normal detector. This requires different structure of the gas chromatograph unit. In the gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer (GC/MS) system of the present invention that uses a suitably modified and re-designed mass spectrometer, the mass spectrometer unit is mounted on the top of the casing of the gas chromatograph unit. Thus a common gas chromatograph unit can be used whether it is coupled with a normal detector or with a mass spectrometer unit. Another advantage of the GC/MS system of the present invention is that it occupies less table-top or floor space.

Abstract: A chromatograph system with improved automation is provided. In the chromatograph system of one embodiment, a regression line is set between retention times of predetermined peaks measured at each run in the past for a standard sample having known components. Referring to this regression line, the peak identifying condition, i.e., time window, is corrected. In another embodiment, there is provided a chromatograph apparatus having a function of estimating a limited life time of a system component. The analyzed results of the chromatograph system can thus be improved.

Abstract: Sample analysis in a portable analytical instrument, preferably in the form of a gas chromatograph, benefits from temperature control of one or more zones in the instrument by way of thermal energy developed from an energy reservoir. In a preferred embodiment, analytical instrument performs chromatographic analysis and the selected zone comprises a temperature-controlled thermal chamber, or oven (124) which includes a heating unit (118), a temperature sensor (128), and a cooling unit (130). A separation column column (118) is positioned within the oven (124). The energy reservoir comprises a first reservoir (125) of heating fluid in the form of a compressed light hydrocarbon, a second reservoir (126) of a compressed inert gas, or a combination thereof. A controlled temperature in the oven (124) resulting from the operation of the heating unit (118) and/or cooling unit (130) may be effected in response to a control signal generated by a computer (122).

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: 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: The present invention is directed to a method of detecting trace levels of contained interactive gas, such as oxygen, in gases containing trace levels of interactive gas, such as oxygen, by doping a known low level amount of interactive gas (i.e., oxygen) into the detection apparatus to saturate interactive gas reactive or adsorptive sites in the apparatus, thus allowing the accurate, reproducible and responsive detection of contained interactive gas. More particularly, the present invention dopes a carrier gas of a gas chromatograph with low levels of oxygen in order to detect contained trace oxygen in a sample of a gas being analyzed for contained trace oxygen.

Abstract: A detachable column cartridge for a gas chromatograph is disclosed. The cartridge column contains analytical and reference columns, a heater and a thermocouple, and connects via detachable connectors to a base unit containing an injector, a detector and other components normally found in gas chromatographs. The cartridge arrangement permits a substitute column to be connected to the base unit easily, in the field, when different gases are to be separated and analyzed. Also included are specific connectors for detachably connecting the columns with capillary tubes in the base unit of the gas chromatograph.

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: Method and apparatus for the analysis of one or more analytes present in a sample that may be dissolved in a hostile solvent and carried in a first fluid. The first fluid is combined with a first detector fluid to provide a fluid mixture which flows across the surface of an ionization source. The analytes are ionized by means of an ionization process in which electrical charge is transferred from the ionization source and converted into gas phase ion species. The ion current is collected and measured at a collector electrode adjacent to the ionization source. The flow of the first detector fluid is reduced during the presence of the solvent at the ionization source so as to suppress a chemical reaction that heretofore would degrade the sensitivity of the detector.

Abstract: A miniature gas chromatograph with thermostatically-controlled heating of its component parts which contact and conduct the sample to the analytical column. The microvalve assembly of the gas chromatograph is heated by passing a thermostatically-controlled electrical current through a metallic conductor formed on a surface of the microvalve assembly. The tubing which conducts sample from the gas chromatograph sample inlet to the microvalve assembly is heated by passing a thermostatically-controlled electrical current directly through the tubing or through a metal layer formed around the tubing. The sample inlet fitting is heated by a wire heater element wrapped around it. Each heater has an associated temperature sensor for controlling the amount of heating to maintain a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for solid phase extraction chromatography is disclosed in which the flow rate of a fluid, such as the motive pressurized gas is monitored, adjusted and compared with a standardized pressure curve which is correlative of a sample being processed. By monitoring and adjusting changes in flow rate, which can correspond to process initialization, beginning, ending and key fractionating points, and correlating to a standard, the cycle time for assaying the sample in question can be maximized and multiple samples can pass through analysis automatically and quickly.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of determining trace levels of materials, such as oil and grease, which are present in liquids, such as water. The device and method allow the material to be extracted from the liquid by filtration, the material to be removed from the filter by a low boiling point solvent, and excess water to be removed from the solvent, by a single device. The apparatus is characterized by a tube having a manifold extending from the tube, with a valve which directs entry into the tubes which comprise the manifold. A crossover tube and an inner tube direct vacuum to allow a single vacuum connection to pull the liquid, and subsequently the solvent, through the apparatus. A drying cartridge is attached to a tube of the manifold to eliminate excess liquid from the solvent during the normal operation of the device.

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: A method for analyzing multiple analyte specimens using an analytical column containing a selective adsorbent media. A carrier fluid flows through the column. The method involves introducing a first analyte specimen into the analytical column at an initial temperature. The analytical column is then heated to an intermediate temperature to cause the first analyte specimen to partially travel into the column. The analytical column is then cooled back to the initial temperature, followed by introduction of a second analyte specimen into the analytical column. The analytical column is then heated to a final temperature greater than the intermediate temperature, during which heating analytes from the first and second analyte specimen concurrently and discretely travels through, and sequentially elutes from, the analytical column. The method results in discrete bands of analyte being loaded at spaced intervals within the column, and can be used to load a multiplicity of samples for concurrent analysis.

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: A system for performing chemical analyses includes at least two analyzers and at least one peripheral device capable of serving either analyzer. A control system is coupled to the analyzers and to the peripheral device and selectively commands the peripheral device to serve one or the other of the analyzers depending upon the analyses requested for each analyzer and the analytical method applied. A control system providing sharing of peripheral devices in such a system is also provided, as is a method for performing chemical analyses wherein a peripheral device is shared by analyzers. The system permits simultaneous and asynchronous analysis for a variety of analytes while reducing the physical space occupied by the system and the idle time of both the analyzers and the peripheral devices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved sample injector for use in gas chromatography. The invention also includes a method of injecting a sample onto a chromatographic column, and a method of analyzing a sample using column chromatography and/or mass spectrometry. The improved sample injector features an arrangement to allow a pyrolytic probe to be more easily inserted into the vaporization cavity while permitting the sample to be volatilized in such a way that the sample is more efficiently introduced onto the column. Another feature of the invention is the use of means to reduce the volume of the pyrolysis/vaporization cavity so as to provide efficient throughput of pure sample. Also part of the present invention is a gas chromatograph and gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer which uses the sample injector of the present invention. The present invention includes methods of sample injection and sample analysis using the aforementioned apparatus of the present invention.

Abstract: A target pressure is calculated by a fluid dynamic theory using a length of the column, an inner diameter of the column and the temperature of the column so that the linear velocity of the gas flowing through the column is at a preset pre-determined value at which the HETP (height equivalent to a theoretical plate) value, as calculated from chemical kinematic theory, is the minimum and the resolution of the column is the highest. Then the pressure of the gas at the entrance of the column of a chromatograph is maintained at the calculated target pressure while the temperature of the column is raised to reduce the analyzing time.

Abstract: A method and a device for measuring detailed decomposition rate characteristic of special material gas such as silane gas. After inert gas is supplied from a gas purifier(1)(a first gas-supply source) into a reaction pipe(20) to provide a high purity atmosphere in the pipe, the inside of the pipe is baked by heater (25 or 27). Then, the inside of the reaction pipe(20) is kept in an atmosphere at a specified temperature and special material gas with a specified purity is supplied from a bomb(10)(a second gas-supply source) into the reaction pipe at a fixed flow rate. When the inside of the reaction pipe (20) reaches a specified terminal temperature, a decomposition rate of the special material gas at the temperature is measured by a gas chromatography (12) by, for example, extracting a part of gas in the reaction pipe. Afterward, a flow rate of the special material gas is successively varied and a decomposition rate at every time of variation is measured.

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 present invention relates to a chromatography analysis method and a system employing the same which are capable of automatically determining an constituents to be detected contained in the unknown sample based on results on measuring a standard sample. The standard sample is first separated to obtain its chromatogram. The system extracts the necessary information from the chromatogram to identify the peaks corresponding to the constituents to be detected to set widths of time windows for the peaks. Then, the time windows thus set are applied to the chromatograms obtained by the separation of the unknown sample to identify the constituents contained in the unknown sample. By employing the present invention, it is unnecessary for an operator to input the retention time of each constituent to the system.

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: Methods and apparatus for vacuum distillation of samples suspected of containing pollutants are disclosed. The vacuum distillation apparatus contains a condenser for separating water and/or another common interfering contaminant. The distilled pollutants are assayed using a gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer.