Abstract: A system for detection of base contamination at low concentrations in air comprises a detector that provides a single reading that is stoichiometrically related to the aggregate proton-bonding characteristic of various base contaminants present in the air. The system can operate as a "total amine detector" for air-borne amines, and in important implementations is employed in semiconductor manufacturing, e.g. in respect of incoming or exhaust air from a cleanroom or in respect of the stepper or coat and develop track of a photolithographic process. The system comprises a converter for converting all amines present in the air to a common detectable compound detected by the detector. In various implementations additional features are shown. The converter is located near a sample region of a process and the detector is remotely located with sample lines extending between converter and detector to conduct a sample flow. Filters provide air free of amine contaminants to various stages of a process.

Abstract: An apparatus for injecting a controlled amount of gas into a sealed container to allow efficient analysis of the contents of the container. The apparatus includes an inlet opening that allows for a known gas to be placed within the container and a device for removing of the gas once circulated through the container. The expelled gas is directed through a gas detection device for testing of explosive and/or drug paraphernalia vapors. The apparatus includes a positive gas displacement device for insuring that equal volumes of gas flow simultaneously through the inlet and outlet. The apparatus permits the fumigation of the closed container for elimination of odors, infestation, and allows rectifying of odors through the introduction of agreeable scents.

Abstract: A multicell holder e.g. a honeycomb or plate, or a collection of individual support particles, is treated with solutions/suspensions of catalyst ingredients to produce cells, spots or pellets holding each of a variety of combinations of the ingredients, is dried, calcined or treated as necessary to stabilize the ingredients in the cells, spots or pellets, then is contacted with a potentially reactive feed stream or batch e.g., biochemical, gas oil, hydrogen plus oxygen, propylene plus oxygen, CC12F2 and hydrogen, etc. The reaction occurring in each cell can be measured, e.g. by infrared thermography, spectroscopic detection of products or residual reactants, or by sampling, e.g. by multistreaming through low volume tubing, from the vicinity of each combination, followed by analysis e.g. spectral analysis, chromatography etc, or by observing temperature change in the vicinity of the catalyst e.g. by thermographic techniques, to determine the relative efficacy of the catalysts in each combination.

Abstract: This invention provides an apparatus for measuring ozone in which interference effects of SO.sub.2 are intended to be reduced. This invention comprises a reference gas line for generating reference gas with ozone removed by allowing the sample gas to pass through the ozone decomposer with silver wool used as a catalyst, a sample gas line for introducing the sample gas as it is, an ozone analyzer to which the reference gas line and the sample gas line are connected via a selector valve and which measures the ozone component in the sample gas by introducing the reference gas and the sample gas alternately at specified intervals, and a temperature controller installed to the ozone decomposer for setting the catalyst reaction temperature to a range from 100 to 130.degree. C.

Abstract: A device for evaluating at least one pollution characteristic of natural soils contaminated by hydrocarbon compounds, said device comprising a first heater heating said sample in a non-oxidizing atmosphere, a measuring device determining an amount of hydrocarbon compounds released after feeding the sample into said first heater, a sample transfer device transferring the sample from the first heater into a second heater operating in an oxidizing atmosphere, a CO.sub.2 measuring device determining CO.sub.2 contained each effluent discharged from the two heaters, said CO.sub.2 measuring device measuring continuously the CO.sub.2 throughout the heating cycle of the first and the second heaters and including a device measuring CO contained in each effluent discharged from the two heaters, a temperature controller controlling the temperature of samples waiting to be fed into said heating means, and a device determining the pollution characteristic.

Abstract: The disclosed apparatus for sensing low concentration NOx in a measurement gas especially in the atmosphere has at least a sensor element made of an oxide arranged in a flow path of the measurement gas, the resistance of the sensor element varying in response to changes in NOx concentration in the measurement gas. As suitable options of this type of the NOx sensor, there are disclosed a chamber used for an apparatus for sensing low concentration NOx, a gas sensor element and a method of manufacturing the gas sensor element, and an ammonia removing apparatus and an NOx sensor utilizing the ammonia removing apparatus.

Abstract: The apparatus for liquid sterilization by high-pressure dynamic cavitation includes a fluid passage through which the continuous flow of liquid passes, wherein the fluid passage is defined by a closed cylindrical chamber having a side wall and first and second opposing ends. The chamber has an inlet and an outlet through which the continuous flow of liquid enters and exits the chamber, the inlet being tangential to the chamber axis and adjacent to the first end to provide tangential flow within the chamber and to cause the liquid flow to be deflected at the first and second opposing ends two or more times for increasing sterilization time of the liquid before exiting the outlet axially disposed on the second end. One or more projections protruding from the interior side wall of the chamber create a high-pressure drop in the flow behind the one or more projections and thereby create high-pressure dynamic cavitation for effective sterilization.

Abstract: Odors are detected and/or recognized by aspirating samples of odors and odorless air mutually exclusively into an aspirating input of a venturi mixing nozzle along with operating or dilution air and having an assessor or panelist sniff the output of the venturi to determine the presence or absence of odor and to identify an odor, if present. The dilution ratio for each sample tested is changed by feeding the sample odor, or odorless air, to the venturi selectively through branches having different sized restrictive orifices thereby obtaining a wide range of dilution ratios for a particular odor. The different branches are selected by electrically operated solenoid valves which are programmably activated by a programmable logic controller (PLC) as the assessor successively tests each sample. For each sample, the assessor makes three sniffing tests by operating a three position rotary switch before making a selection or decision as to the presence and/or recognition of an odor.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for sampling and determining the presence of certain substances, such as residues of contaminants in containers. The method includes steps of: injecting compressed air into said containers in order to displace at least a portion of the contents thereof; evacuating a sample of the container contents so displaced by applying suction thereto; and analyzing the sample evacuated to determine the presence or absence of the certain residues therein. The compressed air is injected through a nozzle into an opening in the containers to displace a portion of the container contents and form a sample cloud outside of the container. The sample cloud is then at least partially evacuated by suction and the sample is analyzed for the presence of contaminants such as nitrogen containing compounds or hydrocarbons. The sample cloud may be split into first and second portions.

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

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to a system to be used for measuring NO levels in exhaled breathing air. The system comprises: (i) a face mask that tightly covers the nose and/or mouth of the individual that the mask is intended to be used on; (ii) an inlet unit for inhaled breathing air, (iii) an outlet unit for exhaled breathing air, (iv) a non-rebreathing valve through which inhaled and exhaled breathing air, respectively, passes, and (v) a measuring unit for NO connected to the outlet unit. The present invention furthers encompasses a method for the diagnosis in mammals of inflammatory conditions in the airways. The characteristic feature is that nitric oxide NO is measured in exhaled breathing air and a found abnormal level is taken as an indication of an inflammatory condition in the airways.

Abstract: A device for delivering one of a plurality of gases to an apparatus includes at least two valves. Each valve includes a first conduit permanently connected by one end thereof to an associated sampling line and, by another end thereof, to an associated purge line. Each valve includes a second conduit and an actuator which can be switched between bringing the first conduit into communication with the second conduit and a position for isolating the first conduit from the second conduit. At least the second conduit is free of flow-stagnation volumes. The second conduits of the valves are placed in series in a common gas delivery line for delivering gas to the apparatus. The end of the common gas delivery line opposite the apparatus emerges in an associated purge line. Each purge line passes through an element for creating a pressure drop. A use of the device is as a feed for trace impurities analyzer an atmospheric pressure ionization mass spectrometer or a particles analyzer.

Abstract: A portal apparatus for screening objects or persons for the presence of trace amounts of chemical substances such as illicit drugs or explosives. The apparatus has a test space, in which a person may stand, defined by two generally upright sides spanned by a horizontal transom. One or more fans in the transom generate a downward air flow (uni-directional) within the test space. The air flows downwardly from a high pressure upper zone, past the object or person to be screened. Air moving past the object dislodges from the surface thereof both volatile and nonvolatile particles of the target substance. The particles are entrained into the air flow which continues flowing downward to a lower zone of reduced pressure, where the particle-bearing air stream is directed out of the test space and toward preconcentrator and detection components. The sides of the portal are specially configured to partially contain and maintain the air flow.

Abstract: A device for delivering one of a plurality of gases to an apparatus includes at least two valves. Each valve includes a first conduit permanently connected by one end thereof to an associated sampling line and, by another end thereof, to an associated purge line. Each valve includes a second conduit and an actuator which can be switched between bringing the first conduit into communication with the second conduit and a position for isolating the first conduit from the second conduit. At least the second conduit is free of flow-stagnation volumes. The second conduits of the valves are placed in series in a common line for delivering gas to the apparatus. The end of the common line opposite the apparatus emerges in an associated purge line. Each purge line passes through an element for creating a pressure drop. A use of the device is as a feed for an ionization mass spectrometer.

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

Abstract: A method for continuously measuring particulate nitrate in a gas sample, comprising the steps of passing the gas sample through an inertial impactor with a 50% cut off at 2.5 microns, removing ambient pollutant gases from the gas with diffusion denuders, passing the gas through a first path so as to contact the gas with a coated filter so as to convert particulate nitrate to nitric acid vapor or passing the gas through a second path so as to contact the gas with coated filters to trap particulate nitrate and ammonia, and measuring nitric acid vapor and residual ambient pollutant gases produced from the first path and residual ambient pollutant gases produced from the second path with a chemiluminescent monitor, the difference in the signal produced from the gases from the two paths being a measurement of the particulate nitrate in the gas sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gas analyzer used for contamination control of a clean environment by collecting samples from a plurality of measurement points while switching these points and continuously monitoring the volatile components present in the air of the environment, which analyzer requires no increase in number of parts and can give good response in a short period of measurement; and a gas analysis method using the gas analyzer.The gas analyzer of the present invention has two gas sampling units. Each of solution-feeding pumps 3, 15 is actuated for a different diffusion scrubber. The diffusion scrubber connected to the solution-feeding pump 15 is put in a measurement state; and the to-be-analyzed gas components absorbed by the absorbing solution in the diffusion scrubber are captured by a concentration column 14 and are analyzed by an ion chromatograph 30.

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

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

Abstract: An apparatus for injecting a controlled amount of gas into a sealed container to allow efficient analysis of the contents of the container. The apparatus includes an inlet opening that allows for a known gas to be placed within the container and a means for removing of the gas once circulated through the container. The expelled gas is directed through a gas detection device for testing of explosive and/or drug paraphernalia vapors. The apparatus includes a means for verifying the integrity of the inlet and outlet to determine if device tampering has occurred. The apparatus permits the fumigation of the closed container for elimination of odors, infestation, and allows rectifying of odors through the introduction of agreeable scents.

Abstract: A method is provided for use in generating a chemical vapor stream which may be used to calibrate vapor detectors and for other purposes. The vapor generator is provided with a column having a temperature controlled zone. The chemical is coated onto a carrier such as glass beads and is placed in a temperature controlled zone. A carrier gas is passed over the chemical at a rate which permits the concentration of chemical vapors in the carrier gas to be at saturation. The exiting carrier gas contains chemical vapors at a known concentration. In one embodiment, a second temperature controlled zone is provided downstream, and at a lower temperature than the first zone, to ensure saturation of the carrier gas passing through the second zone.

Abstract: An analytical system for a trace element, which includes a pressure pump for continuously feeding a carrier solution, a first sample introduction unit for introducing a sample and a reagent using sample loops and switching valves, a first flow passage including a pre-treatment unit for pre-treating the sample by heating, and a second flow passage separated from in pressure from the first flow passage, wherein the sample pre-treated in the first flow passage is sampled into the second flow passage through a second sample introduction unit, and the sample thus sampled in the second flow passage is allowed to coloredly react with a coloring agent and measured in absorbance.

Abstract: An in-line gas monitor capable of accurate gas composition analysis in a continuous real time manner even under strong applied vacuum conditions operates by mixing an air sample with helium forming a sample gas in two complementary sample loops embedded in a manifold which includes two pairs of 3-way solenoid valves. The sample gas is then analyzed in an ion trap mass spectrometer on a continuous basis. Two valve drivers actuate the two pairs of 3-way valves in a reciprocating fashion, so that there is always flow through the in-line gas monitor via one or the other of the sample loops. The duty cycle for the two pairs of 3-way valves is varied by tuning the two valve drivers to a duty cycle typically between 0.2 to 0.7 seconds.

Abstract: The gas sample device structure has a housing with a continuous normally vertical sidewall, closed top and an open bottom. Buoyant elements are secured to the housing to maintain its vertical position in a body of liquid livestock waste. A normally closed compartment is located on the top of the housing. A partition is located within the closed compartment to divide it into first and second subcompartments. An opening is provided in the closed top of the housing to allow gases from liquid manure in the housing to move into the first subcompartment. One or more hollow gas detection tubes are mounted in the second subcompartment and have a first open end in communication with the interior of the first subcompartment to receive gases from within the first compartment. The method of the invention involves placing the housing in a liquid manure lagoon so its buoyancy is maintained by the buoyancy elements, but the lower portion thereof is submerged in the liquid manure.

Abstract: A gas analyzer system for providing a spectroscopic analysis of the sample gas. This analysis is accomplished by first introducing the sample gas into the inlet of the system and transporting it to a spectral analyzer. The sample gas is then spectrally analyzed and the analyzer outputs a signal indicative of a radiation intensity spectrum associated with the analyzed sample gas. A processing unit uses the analyzer signal to detect the presence of one or more prescribed gases and to determine the concentration of each of the prescribed gases in the sample gas. Next, the reacting agent is supplied to the sample gas to convert one or more gases whose presence in the sample gas cannot be detected via spectral analysis due to the masking effects other gases present in the sample gas. The masked gases are converted to secondary gases at least one of which is readily detectable via spectral analysis.

Abstract: Hydrofluorosilicic acid and its water soluble salts enhance the stain resistance or acid dye fixation and resistance to cold water bleeding of fibrous polyamide and wool substrates, for example, carpets, treated with a water soluble sulfonated aromatic-aldehyde condensation resins, for example, sulfonated resole and sulfonated novolak type resins; at the same time an improvement in light fastness or non-yellowing is obtained and the durability or wash fastness of the stain resistance is improved; the condensation resin is optionally employed in conjunction with a polymeric methacrylic acid.

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: The method for thermal cycling of nucleic acid assays includes a blended fluid stream produced from a plurality of constant velocity, constant volume, constant temperature fluid streams wherein to provide a variable temperature, constant velocity, constant volume fluid stream which is introduced into a sample chamber for heating and cooling samples contained therein. By diverting and altering the ratio of the constant temperature fluid streams relative to one another, the blended fluid stream is rapidly variable in temperature, providing for almost instantaneous temperature change within the environment defined by the sample chamber.

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

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

Abstract: A method for continuously preparing a sterile culture medium comprises combining separate unsterilized fluid components in separate streams into a single mainstream. The mainstream is applied to a transverse flow filtration module having a membrane which separates the mainstream into a permeate and a retentate. The permeate is fed to a bioreactor and the retentate is diverted to a centrifuge to precipitate contaminants. The clarified retentate is returned into the mainstream upstream of the transverse flow filtration module.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring liquid aldehydes includes a liquid sample pouring mechanism for dividing a liquid sample which contains aldehydes into a formaldehyde measuring liquid sample and a total aldehyde measuring liquid sample and pouring the liquids separately from each other; a formaldehyde measuring mechanism for measuring the liquid formaldehyde in the formaldehyde measuring liquid sample; a total aldehyde measuring mechanism for measuring the liquid aldehydes in the total aldehyde measuring liquid sample; and a formaldehyde ratio calculating mechanism for calculating the ratio of the formaldehyde to the total aldehyde from the results of the measurements of the respective aldehyde measuring mechanisms.

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

Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus for measuring the concentration of a volatile component in a gas and in particular, but not exclusively, to breath alcohol testing apparatus.In such apparatus 10, a pressure transducer 15 is provided to detect the ambient pressure during test. This pressure is used to modify the output of a fuel cell 11.

Abstract: An anlytical equipment and method for the selective detection of individual oxygenated compounds in complex organic mixtures, in particular fuels, comprising, downstream an equipment of chromatographic separation, a cracking reactor, a catalytic hydrogenation microreactor and a FID detector. The cracking reactor is provided with a catalyst under the form of metal elements, made of palladium, inserted inside the capillary tube though which flows the gas under test. Thanks to the present equipment, the analytical process, based on the specific response of oxygenates to the method of flame ionization detection (O-FID), foresees that the cracking reaction takes place at temperatures below 1000 degrees C. and, consequently allows to keep the cracking reactor at stand-by temperatures below 700 degrees C.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and device for performing sequential analytical reactions involving a first dry reagent and a second dry reagent comprised of two or more components having different rates of solubilization. The invention enables one to fully solubilize the components of the second reagent before they are brought into contact with each other to thereby avoid interference with the reaction kinetics which result when one or both of the components are not fully dissolved prior to their being brought into contact. The invention is especially useful in conjunction with immunoassay formats involving latex bound antibodies and polymeric agglutinators.

Abstract: In a system for detecting gaseous emissions (10), a housing (20) encases a mechanical member such as a flanged coupling (21) of a closed mechanical system which contains a fluid such as a gas (11) and receives gas (11) escaping through the flanged coupling (21). A sensor (26) extends through the housing (20) into a cavity (22) formed by the housing (20). A semipermeable membrane (28) forming the union between the sensor (26) and housing (20) allows gas (11) encased by the housing (20) to slowly pass from the housing (20) while preventing foreign matter from entering the housing.

Abstract: An optical agglutination assay device for detecting cocaine. The device includes a hollow reaction cell defining a generally planar liquid receiving reaction chamber having a thickness which is insufficient to diminish the intensity of a ray of light passing through an aqueous reaction system in the chamber in a first direction transversely of the plane of the latter. The device also includes a pusher assembly for delivering an aqueous agglutination reaction system and an unknown substance suspected of containing cocaine into the chamber. The agglutination system is such that agglutination is inhibited in the presence of cocaine. The device also includes an optical transmitting and receiving unit aligned with the reaction cell for measuring the intensity of light reflected from the chamber as a measure of the occurrence of agglutination in the reaction system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring particulates in a combustion gas is accomplished by dividing the combustion gas into a first and second sample gas. The first sample gas is filtered to remove particulates to create a reference gas sample. A combustion furnace can heat both the reference gas sample and the sample gas to oxidize any particulates in the sample gas. A gas analyzer that is connected to the furnace can detect the gas components in, respectively, the reference gas sample and the sample gas, and a comparison of the detected results can determine the concentration of particulates.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for analyzing fluid by a multi-fluid modulation mode is characterized by subjecting a plurality of sample fluids (which may be different or a single sample fluid divided into a plurality of systems) to a fluid modulation by reference fluids at various frequencies, respectively. An analytical portion provided with only one sensor is simultaneously and continuously supplied with the respective sample fluids. An output signal from the sensor in the analytical portion is divided into signal components of the respective modulation frequencies for the respective sample fluids to rectify and level, whereby obtaining analyzed values about the respective sample fluids is achieved.

Abstract: An air sampling and analysis system has a plurality of air sampling tubes extending between an analytical laboratory and a number of remote locations where samples are taken. Means are provided for continually drawing air through the sampling tubes during times when they are not connected to a analytical instrument for measuring concentration of various gases. Means are also provided adjacent to the inlet of at least some of the sampling tubes for converting a vapor which may not travel the full length of the sampling tube, to a gas which will travel the full length of the tube. The concentration of the vapor can be found by measuring the composition of the air sample with conversion and subtracting a similar composition without conversion. Examples of vapors that are converted include hydrogen sulfide and ammonia.

Abstract: A methane analyzer system having a cutter for preparing a sample gas prior to submission to a hydrogen flame ionization detector includes a source dilution gas that is connected to the hydrogen flame ionization detector, and a flow restrictor line for directing a portion of the dilution gas to the cutter for mixing with the sample gas prior to introduction into the ionization detector. A source of fuel, such as hydrogen, which is connected to the ionization detector, is also metered in measured quantities to the cutter to stabilize the oxidation of the sample gas.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for using a coated piezoelectric crystal to monitor and report corrosion in terms recognized as conforming to an industry standard is disclosed. The present invention provides a method of and system for monitoring corrosion in a corrosive atmosphere, comprising and carrying out the steps of exciting in the atmosphere a crystal, coated with a corrodible metallic substance and having a known vibration frequency; measuring the change in the frequency of vibration resulting from corrosion of the corrodible substance during each of a plurality of intervals of time, including a reference interval and at least one subsequent measurement interval; generating a thickness signal representing the thickness of corrosion corresponding to the measured change in frequency during the measurement interval; and converting the corrosion thickness signal for the measurement interval to a reference signal representing the thickness of corrosion accumulated during the reference interval.

Abstract: A flow reactor for simulating the interaction in the troposphere is set forth. A first reactant mixed with a carrier gas is delivered from a pump and flows through a duct having louvers therein. The louvers straighten out the flow, reduce turbulence and provide laminar flow discharge from the duct. A second reactant delivered from a source through a pump is input into the flowing stream, the second reactant being diffused through a plurality of small diffusion tubes to avoid disturbing the laminar flow. The commingled first and second reactants in the carrier gas are then directed along an elongate duct where the walls are spaced away from the flow of reactants to avoid wall interference, disturbance or turbulence arising from the walls. A probe connected with a measuring device can be inserted through various sampling ports in the second duct to complete measurements of the first and second reactants and the product of their reaction at selected XYZ locations relative to the flowing system.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the amount of oxygen in a sample gas, which is suited for quantifying small amount of oxygen in a sample gas. The apparatus of the present invention comprises a yellow phosphorus vapor-providing section in which yellow phosphorus is retained, by which the vapor of the yellow phosphorus is supplied and by which the amount of the vapor of the yellow phosphorus is controlled. The apparatus further comprises a reaction chamber connected to the yellow phosphorus vapor-providing section, in which the light-emitting reaction between the oxygen in the sample and the vapor of the yellow phosphorus is conducted, and a sample gas-supplying section. The amount of the oxygen in the sample gas is determined by measuring the intensity of the light emitted by the reaction by a light intensity-measuring device.

Abstract: A total sulfur analyzer system is set forth. The system operates with gas, liquid or solid samples including free sulfur, and sulfur and nitrogen compounds. The sample is first combusted to provide products of combustion including SO.sub.2 and NO. The SO.sub.2 quantity is measured by exposure to a particular frequency of ultraviolet light to obtain fluorescence, the fluorescent photons being measured by a photomultiplier tube (PMT). The system preferably includes suitable elecronics connected to the PMT for providing data of measurements of sulfur.

Abstract: The concentration of molecular fluorine in a mixed gas such as an excimer laser gas can be determined easily, quickly and accurately by passing the mixed gas through a column packed with an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal compound which has no halogen atom and reacts with fluorine to form a solid fluoride together with molecular oxygen and/or carbon dioxide and measuring the concentration of oxygen or carbon dioxide in the fluorine-free gas flowed out of the packed column. If the mixed gas initially contains molecular oxygen or carbon dioxide, its concentration is measured separately after fixing fluorine in another column packed with an element which forms a fluoride. This analyzing method can be used in a feedback control system for controlling the concentration of fluorine in an excimer laser gas during operation of the laser to thereby stabilize the laser output power.

Abstract: The diamondoid compound content of a hydrocarbon gas sample stream is measured in a process and apparatus for the controlled precipitation and collection of diamondoid compounds.

Abstract: Total organic carbon (TOC) and inorganic carbon (TIC) monitoring of water is useful in determining the water quality. Conventional TOC and TIC monitoring techniques are not zero gravity compatible. The addition of microporous hydrophobic bladders in combination with a non-dispersive infrared analyzer allow for a two phase, liquid and gas, zero gravity compatible TOC monitoring technique. The non-dispersive infrared analyzer determines the quantity of carbon dioxide present in an aqueous sample after addition of acid and post oxidation. The measured carbon dioxide quantities derived from the aqueous sample are related to the TIC and TOC present in the aqueous sample, respectively.