Abstract: The molecular concentration of a constituent such as oxygen of an anesthetic agent in a gas is measured by contacting the gas with the surface of a solid body, momentarily heating the surface so that the constituent reacts at the surface to alter a property of the surface such as reflectivity, and determining the degree or rate of alteration occasioned by the heating step. The momentary heating operation may be performed by light from a laser focused on to a small localized region. The body surface can include a thin film of a material such as a metal reactive with the gas constituent of interest at elevated temperatures. The preferred methods provide extraordinarily rapid response, and also form a permanent record of each measurement. Where the gas is at substantially constant pressure, the measured molecular concentration can be interpreted as an indication of the proportion of the constituent in the gas.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for decomposing and analyzing a sample. The methods reduce a nebulized sample in a hydrogen-rich atmosphere; the analysis method then analyzes the reaction gases for preselected analyte(s). The decomposition apparatus employs a nebulizer operatively connected to a reduction tube; the analysis apparatus employs appropriate detector(s) to analyze the reduced gases from the reduction tube for preselected analyte(s).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the phosphorus content which can be volatilized in a solid carbon sample. The sample is heated in the presence of steam to produce a vaporous steam containing volatile phosphorus. Next, the vaporous stream is passed through a zinc oxide layer whereby the voliatle phosphorus is retained. A colored solution is formed upon adding to the zinc oxide layer a vanadate-molybdate reagent. Finnally, the intensity of the colored solution is determined by a spectrophotometer; and the phosphorus content is determined by comparison with a standard intensity graph.

Abstract: An instrument for the chemical analysis of coal and other hydrocarbons combines TGA and FT-IR principles, and utilizes helium to carry the volatiles evolved by pyrolysis of the sample into the optical cell of the FT-IR spectrometer. The connection between the TGA furnace and the optical cell is substantially direct and non-impeding to fluid flow, and the carrier gas is preheated to the same temperature as the sample, preferably using a common heating element.

Abstract: A matrix modifier of finely-divided metallic palladium dispersed to contact a metal constituent to improve analysis of the constituent during graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy. The palladium interacts with a variety of metals in a sample to increase the vaporization temperatures of the metals. One way of contacting palladium with the metal analyte is to introduce it as a salt in solution with the sample into the graphite furnace along with a surfactant. A finely-divided metallic palladium having high surface area is produced in the furnace by introduction of hydrogen gas, which acts as a reducing agent, to reduce and maintain palladium in its metallic form at an early point in the temperature program, prior to evaporation of the surfactant.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to the separation and collection of hydrocarbons, including methane, from a gas emanating from an earth formation to determine the hydrocarbon potential of such earth formation. The apparatus includes a sequential network of cryogenic traps, adsorbent traps and furnaces to recover methane in one such cryogenic trap as a condensed carbon dioxide sample, in combination with (i) a valve antecedent to such network and (ii) a vacuum pump subsequent to such network to continuously provide a subatmospheric pressure throughout the network and prevent condensation of oxygen or atmospheric carbon dioxide in the cryogenic traps.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for detecting hydrazine, monomethylhydrazine (MMH), and unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine (UDMH) in a gaseous sample. The hydrazine compound detector includes a sample converter wherein vapors of an aldehyde such as acetaldehyde or a ketone such as acetone are mixed with a sample in gaseous form, and the mixture is allowed to react to form azine and hydrazone derivatives of the aldehyde or ketone. The derivatives may be transported long distances and then analyzed, as by heating in the presence of an oxidant in a pyrolyzer containing a nickel surface to produce nitric oxide (NO), followed by measurement of the NO in a NO detector such as a chemiluminescent analyzer.

Abstract: A process for measuring the relative equilibrium moisture content, particularly of surface samples such as papers, films, woven material or the like, with which the sample is introduced into a hermetically sealable measuring tube and then the equilibrium moisture content arising from a temperature which is predetermined and adjustable by means of a thermostat is measured by a moisture sensor inserted into the measuring tube and not touching the sample. An apparatus serves to carry out the process which has a measuring tube which can be sealed on both sides and can be inserted into a thermostat, in which measuring tube frames are arranged for holding the sample to be examined, and which has a moisture sensor provided at the side sealing the measuring tube.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for assessing the high temperature antioxidant capabilities of engine oils, base oils and engine oil additives under oxidative conditions simulating those encountered in an operating internal combustion engine. In particular, the method of this invention evaluates the above materials under conditions of a continuous influx of free radicals or materials capable of breaking down into free radicals and at elevated temperatures, i.e., similar to engine oil operational temperatures.

Abstract: Micro-reactivity of cokes can be estimated by carbonizing a small sample of powdered coal to form a char and until constant weight at a desired test temperature, then measuring weight loss in a given time.

Abstract: A method for classifying kerogenous materials, e.g. materials found in raw rocks, sediments, and the like, is disclosed which comprises pyrolyzing a sample containing said materials, and analyzing the pyrolysis gases by gas chromatography and classifying the kerogen by type, i.e., oily, coaly, or mixed type, based upon selected hydrocarbon ratios.

Abstract: An oxygen analyzer which identifies and classifies microgram quantities of oxygen in ambient particulate matter and for quantitating organic oxygen in solvent extracts of ambient particulate matter. A sample is pyrolyzed in oxygen-free nitrogen gas (N.sub.2), and the resulting oxygen quantitatively converted to carbon monoxide (CO) by contact with hot granular carbon (C). Two analysis modes are made possible: (1) rapid determination of total pyrolyzable oxygen obtained by decomposing the sample at 1135.degree. C., or (2) temperature-programmed oxygen thermal analysis obtained by heating the sample from room temperature to 1135.degree. C. as a function of time. The analyzer basically comprises a pyrolysis tube containing a bed of granular carbon under N.sub.2, ovens used to heat the carbon and/or decompose the sample, and a non-dispersive infrared CO detector coupled to a mini-computer to quantitate oxygen in the decomposition products and control oven heating.

Abstract: An oven for heating a distillable material in a preselected gas atmosphere. The oven comprises an inner heating chamber adapted to receive a spherical gravity lid, the heating chamber being connected to and in communication with a gas exhaust tube having a condensate trap at the termination thereof. The inner heating chamber is also in communication with and surrounded by an outer gas flow chamber, the outer gas flow chamber having a plurality of heater elements therein. The gas exhaust tube is surrounded by an ante chamber which is in communication with the outer chamber. The heater elements are continuously monitored by a programmable controller and a thermocouple in communication therewith. During oven operation, a purge gas is introduced to the ante chamber and flows therefrom into the outer gas flow chamber around the heater elements and into the top of the inner heating chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for ashing materials which comprises a chamber, a source of microwave radiation for direction onto contents of the chamber, and in the chamber a support, such as a fused quartz pad or crucible, for the material to be ashed, and an ashing means of a stable microwave absorptive material, capable of being heated to high temperature by microwave radiation, such as a flat block of silicon carbide or a plurality of such blocks with openings therein to accommodate the crucible. The ashing means is in contact with the support for the material to be ashed and is capable of heating such support and such material to an ashing temperature.

Abstract: A method of determining heat losses due to incomplete fuel combustion consists in that periodic sampling of fuel combustion products is carried out. The sample is separated into two parts, one of which includes a gaseous phase, and the other, solid and gaseous phases. Oxygen concentration in each part is assessed, after which both parts are heated and burnt up to determine oxygen concentration after burning. Oxygen losses in the gaseous phase and in the mixture of the solid and the gaseous phases are determined, and heat losses due to chemical and total underburning of fuel are defined as the ratio between oxygen losses. Then heat losses due to mechanical underburning of fuel are estimated as the difference of heat losses due to total chemical and mechanical underburning, and chemical underburning of fuel.

Abstract: Test apparatus for determining ignition characteristics of various metal in oxidizer environments simulating operating conditions for materials, the test apparatus has a chamber (6) through which the oxidizing agent flows, and means for mounting a stationary test sample (36) therein, a powered, rotating shaft (E) in the chamber rigidly mounts a second test sample (35). The shaft is axially movable to bring the samples into frictional engagement and heated to the ignition point. Instrumentation 16, 32, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54 connected to the apparatus provides for observation of temperatures, pressures, loads on and speeds of the rotating shaft, and torques whereby components of stressed oxygen systems can be selected which will avoid accidental fires under working conditions.

Abstract: A method for testing and treating distillate fuel being stored for long periods of time for emergency power generation applications and the like, including measuring the percent transmittance of a fuel sample with ultraviolet before and after heating at a preselected temperature below the boiling range of the distillate fuel for a sufficient period of time to accelerate polymerization where the sample is made to reach such preselected temperature within about five minutes; and comparing the percent transmittance measurements to determine the suitability of the fuel for continued storage with or without the addition of further polymerization inhibitors and/or depolymerizers.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for analyzing a sample of an inorganic or organic material, wherein the sample is in a discharge tube within a plasma cavity interfaced to an analytical device and a high frequency-sustained radiation-induced excitation plasma is initiated and sustained in the plasma cavity, which plasma is capable of causing the sample to pyrolyze and emit radiation, which emitted radiation or resulting atomic and molecular constituents may be analyzed,the improvement comprising:means for fixing or immobilizing the sample at a position spaced apart from the plasma, andmeans for elongating the plasma so as to cause it to encompass the sample.

Abstract: The specification discloses an analyzer for determining the carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen content of an organic material. The analyzer includes a vertically oriented, U-shaped furnace including a combustion chamber containing a crucible in which the sample is combusted into constituent gases and a reagent chamber containing a reagent through which the constituent gases must pass. A lance extends into the combustion chamber to guide the sample into the crucible and to direct oxygen onto the sample combusting in the crucible. The analyzer further includes an equilibration vessel and means for conveying the constituent gases to the vessel and past CO.sub.2 and H.sub.2 O infrared cells to monitor the products of combustion. Means are provided for conveying the equilibrated gases past the infrared cells to obtain readings relating to carbon and hydrogen content. A doser doses an aliquot of the equilibrated gas into a nitrogen measurement apparatus to obtain a reading relating to nitrogen content.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the total amount of organic carbon in a sample comprising the successive steps of: (a) heating the sample in an inert atmosphere to a first temperature capable of cracking at least a fraction of the organic material contained in the sample; (b) measuring the amount of organic carbon contained in at least a fraction of the effluent resulting from this cracking; (c) heating the sample in an oxidizing atmosphere to a second temperature at most equal to the first temperature; (d) measuring the amount of organic carbon in the effluent produced by the oxidation of the organic material, and (e) deriving from the above measurements the total organic carbon content of the sample. In order to perform the method of the invention, there is also provided means for performing each of the successive steps. In a further refinement, the method also includes steps for determining the mineral carbon content so that the total carbon content of the sample can be determined.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an apparatus for measuring the size of gas entrained particles by detecting the rate of incandescent burning of the particles. Entrained particles are passed at a controlled velocity through a heated zone where they are gradually consumed. The radiant energy emitted by the burning particles is detected at varying locations along the path of flow through the heated zone. An indication of particle size distribution is obtained by deriving the third derivative of detected radiant energy intensity with respect to distance of flow through the heated zone.

Abstract: A method of determining heat losses due to incomplete fuel combustion consists in that periodic sampling of fuel combustion products is carried out. The sample is separated into two parts, one of which includes a gaseous phase, and the other, a solid and a gaseous phases. Oxygen concentration in each part is assessed, after which both parts are heated and burnt up to determine oxygen concentration after burning. Oxygen losses in the gaseous phase and in the mixture of the solid and the gaseous phases are determined, and heat losses due to chemical and total underburning of fuel are defined as the ratio between oxygen losses. Then heat losses due to mechanical underburning of fuel are estimated as the difference of heat losses due to total chemical and mechanical underburning, and chemical underburning of fuel.

Abstract: An automatic apparatus for loading and feeding crucibles to and removing crucibles from a combustion furnace in which metals are burned for analyzing them. The apparatus has a part for automatically transporting crucibles to a sample weighing position one by one, a sample weighing device at the sample weighing position, and a supply device for placing the desired quantity of metal to be analyzed into crucibles at the sample weighing position. A storage device for automatically storing crucibles containing samples therein extends from the sample weighing position, and a device takes crucibles out of the storage device one by one and a further device automatically takes the crucibles from said taking out device and introduces them into a combustion furnace and removes the crucibles from the combustion furnace. A device then automatically dumps the crucibles removed from the combustion furnace after the completion of analysis.

Abstract: Methods and compositions of matter are disclosed, useful in detecting the source of particulate, gaseous borne effluents, comprising lanthanides which may be introduced into combustion processes. Sources may thereby be identified from the analytical responses of effluent particles as compared to those predicted for the introduced lanthanides which have been subjected to the known combustion conditions at the source.

Abstract: An apparatus for enriching a sought element from a solution for flameless atomic absorption spectroscopy includes a constant voltage current source. The solution is enriched by electrodepositing the sought element therefrom and integrating the current with respect to time.

Abstract: A method for concentrating a vapor of a mercury sample solution is carried out by an apparatus having an electrode of amalgam-forming material which electrode is movable from the sample solution to a heated portion within a tube.

Abstract: An apparatus and method useful for analyzing refractory substances includes a means for locally heating a sample portion of a refractory material to generate the dissociated vapor thereof.

Abstract: Either a monitoring resin piece associated with an electrical appliance or a resin piece forming a part of the insulating components of the electrical appliance is taken out after the electrical appliance has been operated for a suitable period of time, and either the ratio of the number of hydrogen atoms to the number of carbon atoms or the ratio of the number of oxygen atoms to the number of carbon atoms is measured to estimate the insulation life of the resin insulator of the electrical appliance.