Flame Ionization Patents (Class 436/154)
  • Patent number: 11920787
    Abstract: The present subject matter provides a burner configured to burn a gas released from an instrument, for example a gas chromatography instrument, the burner comprising: a burning chamber; a gas inlet, configured to allow entry of the gas from the instrument into the burning chamber; an oxygen mix inlet, configured to allow entry of an oxygen mix into the burning chamber; a flammable gas inlet, configured to allow entry of a flammable gas into the burning chamber, and an igniter, capable of igniting gases in the burning chamber. A system for controlling the burning of a gas emitted from an instrument, a method for burning a gas emitted from an instrument, and a method for using a flammable gas as a carrier gas in a gas chromatography instrument, are also provided, as well as various embodiments thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Inventor: Reuven Mery
  • Patent number: 11467135
    Abstract: An online measuring system for the semi-volatile organic compounds in the gas phase is provided in the disclosure. The system comprises a filter head, a three-way electromagnetic valve, an enrichment-thermal desorption device, a two-position six-way valve, a mass flow controller, a gas pump, a gas chromatograph, a primary capture trap, a secondary focus trap, and a gas supply and pressure control system, the inlet of the filter head is connected to be provided with a sampling object, the outlet of the filter head is connected with the port B of the three-way electromagnetic valve through a passivated stainless steel tube, the port C of the three-way electromagnetic valve is connected with the inlet of the primary capture trap through a passivated stainless steel tube, and the port A of the three-way electromagnetic valve is connected to the gas supply and pressure control system through a passivated stainless steel tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Inventors: Shiyi Chen, Yuexuan Du, Limin Zeng
  • Patent number: 9835540
    Abstract: Devices for sorting components (e.g., cells) contained in a liquid sample are provided. In certain aspects, the devices include a magnetic separation device and an acoustic concentrator device fluidically coupled to magnetic separation device. Aspects of the invention further include methods for sorting cells in a liquid sample, and systems, and kits for practicing the subject methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Liping Yu, Brian David Warner, Joseph T. Trotter
  • Patent number: 8926900
    Abstract: Improved system for gas chromatography wherein use is made of a separation column and a TCD (Thermal Conductivity Detector), characterized in that the outflow from the separation column is ionized, and the ionization takes place upstream of the TCD. The ionization of the outflow from the separation column upstream of the TCD is surprisingly found in many cases to have a favorable effect on the response of the TCD. The sensitivity of the TCD is found in many cases to increase substantially. For ionization purposes use can be made of electromagnetic radiation, ionizing radiation or pyrolysis. The degree of ionization is preferably measured by means of measuring means provided for the purpose. The response of the TCD and the measurement data obtained with the measuring means are found together to give in many cases even more and better information relating to components present in the outflow from the separation column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Thermo Fisher Scientific S.p.A.
    Inventors: Job Elders, Gert-Jan Burger
  • Publication number: 20140287518
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining a concentration of at least one component of gas present in a gas line or in a gas container, wherein gas is led off from the gas line or the gas container at a measurement location and is supplied to at least one gas flame; the ion flow is measured between a gas flame to which gas is supplied and an electrode arrangement; the temperature of a gas flame is measured to which gas is supplied; and the concentration of the at least one component of the gas present in the gas line or in the gas container is determined from the measurement ion flow and the measured temperature or from values related thereto. The invention furthermore relates to gas concentration sensors for carrying out the method in accordance with the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: SICK AG
    Inventors: Jacques DEPOUTOT, Markus FACKLER, Laila FORNELLI, Iris SIEMESGELUSS, Ingo REINKE, Norbert ROTHKAMP
  • Patent number: 8305086
    Abstract: The flame ionization detector, which comprises a supply and an ignition device (7) for the combustible gas, a supply for the sample gas, a combustion chamber (4) in which the sample gas is ionized by the flame, and electrodes (8, 1) to which a voltage is applied in order to generate and measure the ion current, is distinguished in that it is constructed as an integrated planar system of at least three parallel platelet-like substrates (1, 2, 3) which are connected to one another and are processed by microsystem technology methods, with a central substrate (1) comprising nozzles (5, 6) for the gases and the ignition device (7) and a recess which forms a part of the combustion chamber (4), is completed by recesses in the neighboring substrates (2, 3) and is essentially closed together with the nozzle region by these substrates (2, 3), and the neighboring substrates (2, 3) comprise supply channels (10, 11) for the gases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Bayer Technology Services GmbH
    Inventors: Müller Jörg, Winfred Kuipers
  • Publication number: 20110091983
    Abstract: Improved system for gas chromatography wherein use is made of a separation column and a TCD (Thermal Conductivity Detector), characterized in that the outflow from the separation column is ionized, and the ionization takes place upstream of the TCD. The ionization of the outflow from the separation column upstream of the TCD is surprisingly found in many cases to have a favourable effect on the response of the TCD. The sensitivity of the TCD is found in many cases to increase substantially. For ionization purposes use can be made of electromagnetic radiation, ionizing radiation or pyrolysis. The degree of ionization is preferably measured by means of measuring means provided for the purpose. The response of the TCD and the measurement data obtained with the measuring means are found together to give in many cases even more and better information relating to components present in the outflow from the separation column.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2009
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Inventors: Job Elders, Gert-Jan Berger
  • Patent number: 7910373
    Abstract: An ultra-fast response, high sensitivity structure for optical detection of low concentrations of hydrogen gas, comprising: a substrate; a water-doped WO3 layer coated on the substrate; and a palladium layer coated on the water-doped WO3 layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Alliance for Sustainable Energy, LLC
    Inventors: Ping Liu, C. Edwin Tracy, J. Roland Pitts, Se-Hee Lee
  • Publication number: 20090181465
    Abstract: A method for measuring volatile organic compounds (VOCs) of a material produced in a process system is disclosed. The method involves an enclosed bag into which a sample of material is placed, after which the bag is stored at a predetermined temperature such that the contents reach equilibrium. The storage temperature is the mean exit temperature of the effluent from the process system for which a VOC measurement is required. Samples from the headspace in the bag are inputted into a flame ionization detector to provide the VOC level. A kit for using the method is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2009
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Inventor: Wayne Edward Beimesch
  • Publication number: 20090042310
    Abstract: The present invention comprises methods and systems that use acoustic radiation pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventors: Michael D. Ward, Gregory Kaduchak
  • Patent number: 7223607
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the detection of hydrocarbons other than methane in a gas predominantly or essentially comprising oxygen, as well as methane and the said hydrocarbons other than methane, the said process comprising: a stage of detection of the combined hydrocarbons in the said gas, providing a first value for the combined hydrocarbons, a stage of combustion of the hydrocarbons other than methane, a stage of detection of methane in the said gas, providing a second value, a stage of calculation of the amount of hydrocarbons other than methane by the difference between the first value and the second value. The invention also relates to a device for implementing this process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventor: Francis Bryselbout
  • Patent number: 6887069
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for the monitoring of the combustion process within a combustion system. The apparatus comprises; a combustion system, a means for supplying fuel and an oxidizer, a device for igniting the fuel and oxidizer in order to initiate combustion, and a sensor for determining the current conducted by the combustion process. The combustion system comprises a fuel nozzle and an outer shell attached to the combustion nozzle. The outer shell defines a combustion chamber. Preferably the nozzle is a lean premix fuel nozzle (LPN). Fuel and an oxidizer are provided to the fuel nozzle at separate rates. The fuel and oxidizer are ignited. A sensor positioned within the combustion system comprising at least two electrodes in spaced-apart relationship from one another. At least a portion of the combustion process or flame is between the first and second electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventors: Jimmy D. Thornton, George A. Richards, Keith A. Dodrill, Roy S. Nutter, Jr., Douglas Straub
  • Patent number: 6709632
    Abstract: An ICP analyzer has a nebulizer for nebulizing a sample fluid for the purpose of analyzing microscopic impurities within the sample fluid, a plasma torch for introducing nebulized spray into a plasma, and a spray chamber disposed between the nebulizer and the plasma torch for separating spray comprised of microscopic particles from the nebulized spray prior to introduction thereof into the plasma torch. A heating section is provided at a central portion of the spray chamber and a cooling section is provided at a peripheral section of the spray chamber, and the spray is passed between the heating section and the cooling section to improve the efficiency sample introduction into the plasma to enable highly sensitive analysis by suppressing the proportion of a solvent component that reaches the plasma torch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: SII NanoTechnology Inc.
    Inventors: Yoshitomi Nakagawa, Yasuyuki Takagi
  • Patent number: 6627454
    Abstract: The invention provides a gas chromatography method for analyzing materials vaporizable in a gas chromatograph system, the method including 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Inventors: Aviv Amirav, Gad Frishman, Nitzan Tzanani
  • Publication number: 20020146350
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2001
    Publication date: October 10, 2002
    Inventors: Jiunn-Guang Lo, Shun-Hsiang Ke
  • Patent number: 6429020
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventors: Jimmy Dean Thornton, George Alan Richards, Douglas L. Straub, Eric Arnold Liese, John Lee Trader, Jr., George Edward Fasching
  • Publication number: 20020061598
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the acoustic ejection of fluid droplets from each of a plurality of fluid-containing reservoirs to prepare combinatorial libraries in the form of microarrays. An acoustic ejection device is used comprised of a plurality of fluid reservoirs, an ejector for generating acoustic radiation and focusing the acoustic radiation generated at a focal point sufficiently near the fluid surface in each of the reservoirs such that a fluid droplet is ejected therefrom toward a site on a substrate surface, and a means for positioning the ejector in acoustically coupled relationship to each of the reservoirs. The combinatorial libraries may comprise biological or nonbiological moieties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2001
    Publication date: May 23, 2002
    Inventors: Mitchell W. Mutz, Richard N. Ellson
  • Patent number: 6238622
    Abstract: A flame ionization detector burner, includes a housing having a generally cylindrical flame cavity therein extending along a generally longitudinal axis of the housing and a housing exterior with intake passageways communicating between the housing exterior and the flame cavity for passing fuel, air and sample flows into the flame cavity and an exhaust passage communicating between the housing exterior and the flame cavity for passing exhaust gasses out of the flame cavity. A burner carried in the housing cavity receiving the fuel, air, and sample flow generates a flame to ionize the sample. An ion collector plate spaced away from the burner carried in the time cavity collects sample ions and provides an electrical output representative of the sample ions to the housing exterior via an electrical feedthrough between the flame cavity and the housing exterior. The housing includes at least two cylindrical sidewalls removably joined together along the general longitudinal axis of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Rosemount Analytical Inc.
    Inventor: Shahram M. Salimian
  • Patent number: 6043444
    Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for temperature calibration of a microwave sensor unit used in non-destructively measuring and monitoring meat parameters such as fat, protein, and moisture content of a meat supply presented into the sensor unit. The apparatus implementing the method provides for separating the portion of the meat supply exceeding a maximum allowable meat parameter. The method provides for temperature calibration of the microwave sensor unit by processing microwave signal and temperature measurements of meat samples in combination with laboratory analysis data of the same meat samples to obtain temperature-corrected value of meat parameter measurements of the supply of meat presented into the sensor unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: Kraft Foods, Inc.
    Inventors: S. Fred Nutt, Larry C. Gundlach, William T. Paulos, Andrew Milkowski
  • Patent number: 5958777
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Jean Espitalie, Francois Marquis
  • Patent number: 5853664
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company
    Inventor: Paul B. Welsh
  • Patent number: 5843787
    Abstract: A method allowing fast assessment of at least one petroleum characteristic of geologic sediments from a sample of these sediments, said method comprising heating the sample in a non-oxidizing atmosphere, and which method comprises different temperature rise stages; determining at least three magnitudes S.sub.1r, S.sub.2a and S.sub.b representative of the quantity of hydrocarbons contained in said sample, and deducing at least one petroleum characteristic of the geologic sediment from these three magnitudes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Khomsi Trabelsi, Jean Espitalie
  • Patent number: 5811308
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Institut Francais Du Petrole
    Inventors: Jean Espitalie, Francois Marquis
  • Patent number: 5786225
    Abstract: A method of evaluating at least on type of pollution characteristic in a soil sample contaminated by hydrocarbon compounds, a method wherein the soil sample is first heated in a non-oxidizing atmosphere, then in an oxidizing atmosphere. The method comprises several temperature rise stages from which at least five quantities Q.sub.0, Q.sub.1, Q.sub.2, Q.sub.3 and Q.sub.4 are measured, wherein the quantities represent concentrations of hydrocarbon compounds in the soil sample. At least one type of pollution characteristic of the sample is determined from quantities Q.sub.0, Q.sub.1, Q.sub.2, Q.sub.3 and Q.sub.4.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Eric Lafargue, Jean Ducreux, Fran.cedilla.ois Marquis, Daniel Pillot
  • Patent number: 5750410
    Abstract: A total reflection cell has a total reflection prism on at least one surface thereof. A mixed solution containing a gold colloid labelled antibody which is adsorbed on a gold colloid is stored in the total reflection cell, and a sample solution containing an antigen causing antigen-antibody reaction with the antibody is added thereto for forming a gold colloid labelled immune complex. A measuring beam is introduced into the total reflection prism from an incident optical system at an angle .theta. of incidence causing total reflection and an outgoing beam from the total reflection prism is received by a measuring optical system, thereby measuring absorption by the gold colloid labelled immune complex and carrying out qualification and determination of the antigen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: Kyoto Dai-ichi Kagaku Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Xiaoming Dou, Yoshinori Yamaguchi, Harumi Uenoyama
  • Patent number: 5741711
    Abstract: A flame based method for analyzing a sample by introducing the sample into a combustible gas mixture, igniting the combustible gas mixture to produce a flame, and detecting a characteristic of the resulting flame to determine the identity and/or concentration of one or more chemical substances in the sample, wherein the combustible gas mixture is generated by water electrolysis. The same method is also utilizable for determining the identity and/or concentration of one or more chemical compounds in the sample. A flame based detector apparatus for analyzing a sample is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: Aviv Amirav
    Inventors: Aviv Amirav, Nitzan Tzanani
  • Patent number: 5723091
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Co.
    Inventor: Paul B. Welsh
  • Patent number: 5665602
    Abstract: In a method for the determination of the fat content of samples, preferably organic samples, fat portions are dissolved out of the sample by means of extraction. A high boiling point solvent is used for extraction. Through the use of a high boiling point solvent, all possible fat portions will be dissolved out and the extraction time will be significantly reduced. Concurrent with extraction, the extracted fat portions are saponified through the addition of a base, as a result of which salts of the fatty acids contained in the sample will be formed. In further procedural steps, these salts of the fatty acids are subjected to further treatment, separated from one another and analysed. The method enables the exact determination of the fat content of organic samples on the basis of the fatty acids contained within the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Assignee: Buchi Labortechnik AG
    Inventor: Rafael Caviezel
  • Patent number: 5665604
    Abstract: A halogenated hydrocarbon (HHC) detector is formed from a silent discharge (also called a dielectric barrier discharge) plasma generator. A silent discharge plasma device receives a gas sample that may contain one or more HHCs and produces free radicals and excited electrons for oxidizing the HHCs in the gas sample to produce water, carbon dioxide, and an acid including halogens in the HHCs. A detector is used to sensitively detect the presence of the acid. A conductivity cell detector combines the oxidation products with a solvent where dissociation of the acid increases the conductivity of the solvent. The conductivity cell output signal is then functionally related to the presence of HHCs in the gas sample. Other detectors include electrochemical cells, infrared spectrometers, and negative ion mobility spectrometers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California, Office of Technology Transfer
    Inventors: Matthew Monagle, John J. Coogan
  • Patent number: 5595709
    Abstract: An analytical system for measuring the concentration of non-methane organic gases within a test sample including methane and non-methane component groups. In one version, a dual column analysis system utilizes a metal column and a porous layer open tubular (PLOT column to separate methane and non-methane organic gases (NMOG). The metal column captures non-methane compounds which are more easily thermally trapped on the metal column, generally higher molecular weight compounds and polar molecule, which prevents these compounds from contaminating the PLOT column. In another version, the system incorporates a single trap in the form of a porous layer open tubular (PLOT) column which the sample mixture is directed through and which traps the NMOG group through adsorption. The methane group passes through the trap and is vented to atmosphere or evaluated using a detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1997
    Assignee: Chromatofast
    Inventor: Mark A. Klemp
  • Patent number: 5576626
    Abstract: A compact and low fuel consumption flame ionization detector includes a precisely pored metallic disk or a silicon micro-machined diffuser plate through which the sample gas tube extends a minimum distance (less than 2 mm). The oxidant flows into the detector in a direction parallel to a plane of the diffuser plate, passes into a small cavity under the diffuser, and then passes through a large number of very small holes formed in the diffuser plate before encountering the sample gas flow at the end of the gas tube. A narrow diameter collector is closely spaced to the end of the gas tube. The direction of feeding the air and the diffuser plate (which acts as a baffle) provide laminar flow and eliminate the flicker noise which would otherwise occur due to the air flow inlet being located very close to the gas tube end. The FID is vertically compact and operates at a high electric field strength, exceeding 90 V/mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Assignee: Microsensor Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Chi K. Lo
  • Patent number: 5478452
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for in sire isolation of volatile organic compounds from groundwater using electrolytically-generated purge gas are disclosed. One preferred method includes electrolytically generating a purge gas from the ground water, passing the purge gas through the groundwater (in situ) to purge volatile organic compounds from groundwater, collecting the purge gas along with the purged volatile organic compounds, and detecting (in situ) the presence and/or amount of purged volatile organic compounds in the purge gas. One preferred apparatus includes a generally cylindrical cell incorporating the necessary electrodes, one or more ionization sources and detectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1995
    Assignee: Iowa State University Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Colin D. Chriswell, John J. Richard
  • Patent number: 5432090
    Abstract: The invention is to continuously measure the contents of trace ingredients such as alkaline metal contained in combustion gas with high precision. An oxidizer and fuel are supplied into a flue line to form a flame, while a part of the combustion gas is introduced to the flame for inducing light emission. The contents of metal ingredients in the gas are calculated based on the intensity of the emitted light. Since a flame forming device is installed in the flue line without any additional equipment such as a sampling line, and such the contents of trace ingredients in the gas are calculated based on the intensity of the emitted light, the contents of the trace ingredients can be measured with high precision. Quickly responsive monitoring and control are assured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1995
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Sinji Tanaka, Shuntaro Koyama, Kenichi Sohma, Ryoichi Kaneko
  • Patent number: 5432095
    Abstract: A method of detecting a concentration of contaminants in an air sample. The method includes the steps of combining a first portion of the air sample with a fuel to produce a sample/fuel mixture, igniting the sample/fuel mixture in a combustion chamber to produce a flame, and supplying a second portion of the air sample to the combustion chamber so that at least some of the contaminants contained in the second portion are ionized by the flame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1995
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Forsberg
  • Patent number: 5393673
    Abstract: A method detecting the presence or concentration of an analyte in a sample is described in which the sample is mixed with a particulate reagent to form a stable flowable suspension prior to introduction of the sample into an analytical device or detector in order to eliminate memory effects. Preconcentration of the sample bound to the particulate reagent improves sensitivity of the analytical method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1995
    Assignees: Sarasep, Inc., Cetac Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas T. Gjerde, Daniel R. Wiederin
  • Patent number: 5316955
    Abstract: A resistively-heated furnace such as a graphite furnace is employed to atomize a sample for electron ionization and mass spectrometric analysis. Wide-ranging sample types such as biological tissue, semi-solid and nonhomogeneous materials, as well as bulk organic and inorganic chemicals, can be effectively and accurately analyzed with the instrument and instrumental method with little if any sample preparation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1994
    Inventor: Steven W. Govorchin
  • Patent number: 5315885
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for dispersing a sample in a process stream is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a conduit which receives a sample at a first end and passes the sample to a pyrolysis furnace through a second end. A port is provided to admit a carrier gas. A dispersing device, preferably consisting of quartz wool, distributes the sample throughout the conduit, so that the sample may be heated by the pyrolysis furnace without coking. The method comprises the steps of receiving a sample in a conduit, dispersing the sample within a fluid carrier such that the sample is uniformly mixed throughout the fluid carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1994
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: W. Jay Szinyei
  • Patent number: 5241868
    Abstract: An apparatus for dispersing a sample for use in combination with a pyrolysis furnace for measuring the concentration of a fluid in a process stream or environment is provided. A conduit is provided having a first end for receiving the sample and a second end through which the sample exits. The pyrolysis furnace surrounds the second end of the conduit for heating the conduit and any sample passing there through. A dispersing device is used to distribute the sample throughout the conduit such that the sample is heated in the conduit by the pyrolysis furnace without causing coking within the conduit. Also, a method for dispersing a sample for use in combination with a pyrolysis furnace for measuring the concentration of a fluid in a process stream or environment is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1993
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: W. Jay Szinyei
  • Patent number: 5102806
    Abstract: A method 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1992
    Assignee: Horiba, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hajime Mikasa, Ichiro Asano, Nobutaka Kihara, Shuichi Ishimoto, Isao Fujita, Norio Kada, Takeshi Aoki, Takao Imaki, Masahiko Fujiwara, Naohito Shimizu, Junji Kato
  • Patent number: 5073753
    Abstract: A flame ionization detector comprises a housing forming a flame chamber for burning a mixture of hydrogen, oxidant and a sample gas. The flame chamber includes: a nozzle in which the sample gas and hydrogen are intimately mixed prior to injection, an igniter for igniting the gas emitted from the nozzle, inlets for hydrogen and oxidant, and an exhaust outlet through which the burnt gases are removed. A collector electrode is electrically insulated from the housing of the flame chamber. The nozzle and flame chamber housing are electrically grounded, and the collector electrode is maintained at a predetermined potential relative to ground. A pre-chamber is disposed adjacent to the flame chamber to provide a substantially constant pressure input of the sample gas to the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1991
    Assignee: Cambustion, Limited
    Inventors: Nicholas Collings, Steven Dinsdale, Jonathan Willey
  • Patent number: 5053343
    Abstract: An ion mobility spectrometer, ionization detector and mass spectrometer is described having a reaction region, and a region for introducing a sample gas, liquid or solid samples into the reaction region and an electrolyte in the reaction region of an alkali salt heated to a predetermined temperature, such as room temperature to 1000.degree. C., to provide a chemical reaction between the alkali atoms, cations or complement anions with the sample to provide product ions. The invention provides a non-radioactive ionization source for ionization of a broad class of compounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1991
    Assignee: Environmental Technologies Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Kishore N. Vora, Donald N. Campbell, Robert C. Davis, Jr., Glenn E. Spangler, Julio A. Reategui
  • Patent number: 4981652
    Abstract: An apparatus for continuously measuring the hydrocarbon concentration in a gas flow includes at least one flame ionization detector with a combustion chamber housing electrodes between which a current flows due to ionization in the area of a burner flame. The combustion chamber of the flame ionization detector is connected to a suction pump in form of a venturi tube for applying an underpressure in the combustion chamber so as to allow especially sample gas but also burner gas and oxidizer to be drawn into the combustion chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 1, 1991
    Assignee: Ratfisch Instrument
    Inventor: Werner Ratfisch
  • Patent number: 4965048
    Abstract: A flame ionization detector is used for carrying out a quantitative analysis of chromatographically-separated substances in thin-layer chromatography. The detector comprises a gas burner for forming a hydrogen flame. A thin-layer chromatographic element or a rod-like element which carries the chromatographically-separated substances is passed through the hydrogen flame so that the separated substances are burned and ionized. The detector further comprises an electrode which is disposed above the hydrogen flame and exposed to the ionized gas generated by the burning of the separated substances. A voltage is applied between the gas burner and the electrode so that the former is given a positive polarity and the latter a negative polarity. An electric current which is caused by the exposure of the negative electrode to the ionized gas is detected and amplified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 23, 1990
    Assignee: Iatron Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Minoru Ogasawara
  • Patent number: 4828704
    Abstract: A thin-layer rod for thin-layer chromatography conducted by the use of a flame ionization detector, comprising a rodlike support and a stationary phase made of an adsorbent which is superposed on the rod-like support, with chemical modification made in at least part of the stationary phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1989
    Assignees: Cosmo Oil Company, Ltd., Iatron Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Yojiro Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 4820044
    Abstract: A transport detector system comprises(a) a liquid delivery tube,(b) a plurality of moveable spokes, the spokes being positioned to pass in sequence under the delivery tube, the spokes being constructed from a refractory inorganic material of low thermal conductivity,(c) one or more evaporators, positioned so that the spokes pass sequentially through it or them after liquid has been deposited on the spokes,(d) a detector positioned so that the spokes pass sequentially through it after passage through the evaporator(s),(e) one or more coolers, positioned so that the spokes pass through it or them after passage through the detector,(f) a stepper motor adapted to move the spokes in a series of discrete steps, and(g) a control system for the stepper motor, evaporators and coolers.The system is particularly suitable for use in HPLC analysis and may be interfaced with a plasma spectrometer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1989
    Assignee: The British Petroleum Company p.l.c.
    Inventors: James S. Crighton, David J. Malcolme-Lawes
  • Patent number: 4804519
    Abstract: An analysis system includes a sample inlet, a diluent inlet, and a mixing chamber that has an outlet through which a mixture of the sample and diluent is flowed and in which a mechanical mixing member is housed. Positive displacement pumps preferably concurrently flow diluent to the mixing chamber and draw diluted sample to be analyzed from the mixing chamber. Bubble separation apparatus has a first branch connected to a drain and a second branch connected to the analyzer input. In a particular embodiment, the analyzer apparatus includes a nebulizer that controls the flow rate of the bubble-free stream through the second branch, sample excitation apparatus in the form of an induction coupled plasma (ICP) torch for exciting the sample to spectroemissive levels, and means for spectroanalysis of the excited sample at the output of the torch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1989
    Assignee: Thermo Jarrell Ash Corporation
    Inventors: Mario A. Sainz, Richard C. Anderson, Jr., Richard J. Belmore, Stanley B. Smith, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4798805
    Abstract: An apparatus for analysis of samples containing organic matter, especially of rock from oil drilling mud, including a loading arm hinged at its base to be movable from a tilted position when it receives a sample-bearing cartridge, which fits on the top of the arm, to a vertical position in which the arm can be raised to fit the upper end of the cartridge within a selectively electrically heated and air cooled chamber. A channel for carrier gas, e.g. hydrogen, passes up the arm so that gas passes through the cartridge when it is held in the heating and cooling chamber, and through the heating and cooling chamber and then through a conduit to a burner within an ignition an analysis chamber.In use, the container is heated to pyrolyze the sample and the resultant vapors are entrained in the gas, burnt and analyzed by flame ionization. After which the sample-bearing cartridge is cooled in the heating and cooling chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1989
    Assignee: Geoservices, Societe Anonyme
    Inventor: Olivier Issenmann
  • Patent number: 4786475
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method and an equipment for the simulated distillation, by means of gas chromatography, of petroleum products, capable of characterizing also high boiling products, exceeding C55, over 600.degree. C. TBP. A chromatograph is used with a capillary column having a length less than or equal to 10 m, containing an immobilized non polar polydimethylsilicon gum stationary phase with a film thickness less than or equal to 0.2 .mu.m. The sample is introduced through a non vaporizing direct cold on-column injection and the eluted sample is detected by means of a FID detector. The column oven is operated in temperature programming conditions up to temperatures exceeding 400.degree. (up to 430.degree.-450.degree. C.).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1988
    Assignee: Carlo Erba Strumentazione S.p.A.
    Inventors: Sorin Trestianu, Fausto Munari, Carlo Saravalle
  • Patent number: 4757023
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method and an equipment for the simulated distillation, by means of gas chromatography, of petroleum products, capable of characterizing also high boiling products, exceeding C55, over 600 C TBP. A chromatograph is used with a capillary column having a length less than or equal to 10 m, containing an immobilized non polar polydimethylsilicon gum stationary phase with a film thickness less than or equal to 0.2 .mu.m. The sample is introduced through a non vaporizing direct cold on-column injection and the eluted sample is detected by means of a FID detector. The column oven is operated in temperature programming conditions up to temperatures exceeding 400 (up to 430-450 C.).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1988
    Assignee: Carlo Erba Strumentazione S.p.A.
    Inventors: Sorin Trestianu, Fausto Munari, Carlo Saravalle
  • Patent number: 4684509
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a gas concentration in a hot gas sample withdrawn from a process chamber, comprising a metal block (10) adapted to be tempered and housing at least the detector (12) and those components of the flow path guiding the gas to be measured between a sampling probe and the detector. A suction pump (14) sucks the gas sample into the metal block (10) where the gas to be measured is divided into two conduits. The first conduit leads to the detector and the second conduit back to the process chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1987
    Inventor: Tibor Bernath