Abstract: A reference sample for analysis that is optimal for calibration of a pyrolysis gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer and with which precise calibration is always possible by preventing a reference substance from evaporating is provided. A reference sample sheet 1 is provided by distributing a target component or target components with a uniform normality in a base made of a high polymer material, and the reference sample sheet 1 is rolled up so that the target component or target components can be prevented from evaporating from the reference sample sheet 1 even in the case where a component has volatility. A reference sample for calibration of a pyrolysis gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer can be easily, quickly, and efficiently collected by punching out the reference sample sheet 1 using a micro-puncher 2.

Abstract: A GC-MS method is provided with installing a sample injector; installing a heart-cutting unit; installing a first capillary column; connecting a switching valve to the heart-cutting unit; installing a capture and release device to the heart-cutting unit; connecting the capture and release device to the switching valve; connecting the switching valve to an MS; rotating the switching valve to either connect the first and second interconnecting columns, or connect the second capillary column and the second interconnecting column; injecting the sample gas into the first capillary column; by setting a time slot and carrier gas pressure of the heart-cutting unit, while causing fractions of simple compounds to be cut out and travel to the MS, causing fractions of complex compounds to be cut out; after the simple compounds finished in MS, causing complex compounds to be released from the capture and release device; and sending the compounds.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an oxidizer, and related methods, for oxidizing polar modifiers in chromatographic mobile phases. The oxidizer enables the use of flame-based detection in chromatographic separations, such as carbon dioxide based chromatography, which employ polar modifiers, such as methanol. Upon exiting a chromatographic column, the mobile phase containing the polar modifier is flowed through an oxidizer that contains a catalyst to oxidize at least a portion of the polar modifier to a species that does not interfere with the function of the flame-based detector. The oxidizer allows for flame-based detection, such as flame ionization detection, in applications in which a polar modifier with a reduced form of carbon is used.

Abstract: The present invention relates to droplet-based particle sorting. According to one embodiment, a droplet microactuator is provided and includes: (a) a suspension of particles; and (b) electrodes arranged for conducting droplet operations using droplets comprising particles. A method of transporting a particle is also provided, wherein the method includes providing a droplet comprising the particle and transporting the droplet on a droplet microactuator.

Abstract: A method and device for detecting explosive compounds in an air sample in which the air sample is filtered with activated carbon treated with a weakly basic solution, after which the air sample is divided into two parts, with one part being heated at lower temperatures to decompose non-explosive nitrogenous compounds and the second part being heated at higher temperatures to decompose explosive nitrogenous compounds. Nitrogen dioxide is measured in both portions of the air sample with a spectrographic detector, and the presence or absence of explosive nitrogenous compounds in the air sample is determined.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing a gas sample for analysis includes a separation unit configured to separate the gas sample into one or more component samples. A thermal conductivity detector detects the output of the one or more component sample from the separation unit. At least one component sample is collected in a component sample collection unit having a sample collector.

Abstract: An instrument to provide on-site analyses utilizing a combination cryotrap and absorbent traps in the extraction of constituents from the sample gas stream consistent with the requirements of 40 CFR Pt. 60 App. A Method 25. The air sample is passed through a cryotrap system which is maintained at the temperature of dry ice ˜72° C.). Heavier molecular weight constituents in the gas sample are condensed on the cold surfaces of the trap. The lighter molecular weight constituents are retained in the absorbent trap, while also acting as a column to separate methane, carbon dioxide, and carbon monoxide from each other and the remain carbon compounds. After separation, all of the sample constituents are oxidized to carbon dioxide and reduced to methane prior to being introduced to a Flame Ionization Detector, which measures the concentration of each against known calibration standards.

Abstract: For testing performance levels and/ or changes over time of at least one catalyst (CAT) for a fixed-bed reactor: a device (CT) for a test, comprising at least one hollow metal cartridge (MC) containing the catalyst (CAT) is connected at a point A of an industrial chemical installation containing a reaction feedstock suitable for testing the catalyst (CAT); a liquid stream containing a fraction that is less than or equal to 1% of preheated reagents circulating in the industrial chemical installation is circulated in the cartridge (MC) through the catalyst (CAT) and sampled at a reaction temperature for a period (T), and returned to the industrial chemical installation at point B downstream of the device.

Abstract: A process for removing hydrogen halide and water from hydrolyzates obtained by way of halogen-acid hydrolysis from vegetable biomasses. Two containers are connected to each other via a tube. Two flows are fed in at the inlet of the first container, one representing the hydrolyzates and the other a heat transfer medium; both flows are sprayed together in the first container, producing a homogeneous mixing of the two flows, including heat transfer, which subsequently results in complete evaporation of water and the hydrogen halide dissolved in the hydrolyzates. The evaporation produces a mixture of granular solid bodies and heat transfer medium droplets that is pulled from the first container into the second container through the connecting tube via a pressure gradient. The second container is configured as a cyclone or centrifugal force precipitator, and there is a separation of liquid and solid constituents from the gas.

Abstract: A biological agent detector detects the presence of any biological agents, such as anthrax or other biological warfare agents, in a sample of air. The biological agent detector includes a bio-concentrator that concentrates an aerosol and a pyrolyzer portion including two detecting devices. One detecting device operates in a sample collection mode and collects a sample of air when the other detecting device operates in a sample analysis mode and analyzes a sample of air. After a predetermined amount of time, the detecting devices switch functions, providing continuous sampling of air.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method allowing to determine at least one petroleum characteristic of a geologic sediment sample, wherein the sample is heated in an oxidizing atmosphere, its temperature being successively raised to a first, then to a second value, said first value below 200° C. being reached very quickly, then maintained substantially constant for a certain time, said second value ranging between 600° C. and 850° C. being reached with a temperature gradient ranging between 1 and 30° C./min, from said first value. According to the invention, the amount of SO2 contained by the effluent resulting from said oxidizing heating is measured continuously, every moment of the heating period of said sample.

Abstract: A test strip configured for the detection of an analyte in a fluid sample and methods for manufacturing and for using the same. The test strip comprises a first flow matrix and a second flow matrix sequentially arranged to form an interface therebetween. The first flow matrix comprises a detection composition movably bound thereto, wherein the detection composition when exposed to the analyte produces at least one detectable product and wherein the first and second solid matrices are selected so as to accumulate the at least one detectable product at the interface between the two matrices, when the fluid sample travels from the first flow matrix to the second flow matrix.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the separation, quantitative measurement, and analysis of trace species using a combination of three steps in succession. First, trace species are separated from other species that are present. Second, the trace species are chemically modified to convert them into specific species that are advantageous for the third and final step. In this last step, cavity enhanced optical detection of the converted species is performed to detect and measure the concentrations of the species of interest. Because the last step has spectroscopic resolution, the concentration of isotopologues in each converted species can be determined. Further processing can provide the ratios between pairs of isotopologues, in particular the ratio of the rare isotopologues to the most abundant isotopologue.

Abstract: A dust monitor is disclosed that is suitably deployed in dusty environments and capable of providing near real-time indications of exposure to airborne particulates. The monitor includes a filter and filter assembly made of materials that do not interfere with subsequent instrumental (such as spectrometric) analysis for detecting and/or quantitating an analyte. In some disclosed embodiments, the filter is made of nylon or other material that is readily subjected to thermal destruction prior to spectrometric analysis. The dust monitor also includes a humidity correction feature that permits the filter to be made of ashable organic materials even if those materials are not highly hydrophobic. Transport devices are provided for shipment of the filter and/or filter assembly to an analytical laboratory which prevent loss of particulate matter and which facilitate an accurate analysis procedure.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate generally to systems used to measure mercury in gaseous emissions. In one aspect, the invention is directed to the use of silicon carbide as material for a thermal pyrolysis unit. In another aspect, at least one of silicon nitride, silicon boride, and/or boron nitride is used as material for a thermal pyrolysis unit. In another aspect, the invention is directed to an improved pyrolyzer design, in which a thermal pyrolysis unit comprises a tailpiece that allows water to be injected at the heated exit of the thermal pyrolysis unit. In another aspect, the invention is directed to the use of a coalescing filter in a scrubbing unit. In another aspect, the invention is directed to the use of a hydrophobic filter element in a scrubbing unit. One or more of these elements may be used in a conditioning module of a continuous emissions monitoring system, for example.

Abstract: A mixed potential sensor device and methods for measuring total ammonia (NH3) concentration in a gas is provided. The gas is first partitioned into two streams directed into two sensing chambers. Each gas stream is conditioned by a specific catalyst system. In one chamber, in some instances at a temperature of at least about 600° C., the gas is treated such that almost all of the ammonia is converted to NOx, and a steady state equilibrium concentration of NO to NO2 is established. In the second chamber, the gas is treated with a catalyst at a lower temperature, preferably less than 450° C. such that most of the ammonia is converted to nitrogen (N2) and steam (H2O). Each gas is passed over a sensing electrode in a mixed potential sensor system that is sensitive to NOx. The difference in the readings of the two gas sensors can provide a measurement of total NH3 concentration in the exhaust gas. The catalyst system also functions to oxidize any unburned hydrocarbons such as CH4, CO, etc.

Abstract: A method of determining bias in a measurement of a constituent concentration level in a sample gas is provided. The method comprises establishing a sample gas flow from an emission stream into a sample gas line of an emissions monitoring system. The method further comprises removing water from the sample gas flow and cooling the sample gas flow to a temperature below about 41° F. to produce a cooled, dried sample gas flow. The constituent concentration level is then determined for the cooled, dried sample gas flow. The method further comprises introducing a span gas having a known span gas constituent concentration level into the sample gas flow to form a combined sample and span gas flow, the span gas being introduced at a desired span gas flow rate. The method still further comprises removing water from the combined sample and span gas and cooling the combined sample and span gas to a temperature below about 41° F. to produce a cooled, dried, combined sample and span gas flow.

Abstract: A process and an assembly for simultaneously evaluating a plurality of catalysts is provided wherein the flow rate of a reactive fluid to each of a plurality of reactors is automatically adjusted based on the measured amount of catalyst sample in each reactor to concurrently obtain a substantially identical fluid space velocity in each of the reactors.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for rapidly generating a plurality of isolated effluents have been developed. A specific embodiment involves screening a plurality of solids through simultaneously contacting the members of the plurality with a fluid, sampling the resulting fluids, and processing the resulting fluids to, for example, determine changes as compared to the feed fluid or as compared to other resulting fluids.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for obtaining a reproducible sample of solid particles. The reproducible sample is obtained by receiving solid particles into a collection system that includes a sheltered volume. Solid particles that settle outside of the sheltered volume are purged from the collection system. The remaining solid particles inside the sheltered volume correspond to the reproducible sample.

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.

Abstract: Parallel flow reaction systems comprising four or more reaction channels are disclosed. Distribution systems, and parallel flow reaction systems comprising such distribution systems are also disclosed. Specifically, the distribution systems comprise one or more subsystems, including for example, a flow-partitioning subsystem for providing a different flow rate to each of the four or more reactors, a pressure-partitioning subsystem for providing a different reaction pressure in the reaction cavity of each of the four or more reactors, and a feed-composition subsystem for providing a different feed composition to each of the four or more reactors. In preferred embodiments, the one or more subsystems can comprise at least one set of four or more flow restrictors, each of the four or more flow restrictors having a flow resistance that varies relative to other flow restrictors in the set.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for rapidly generating a plurality of isolated effluents have been developed. A specific embodiment involves screening a plurality of solids through simultaneously contacting the members of the plurality with a fluid, simultaneously sampling the resulting fluids, and processing the resulting fluids to, for example, determine changes as compared to the feed fluid or as compared to other resulting fluids.

Abstract: A method and system for determining a concentration level of NOx in an exhaust stream from a combustion source. The method comprises capturing sample gas from the exhaust stream using a sampling device. NO2 in the sample gas is converted to NO by passing the sample gas through a catalytic NO2 converter. The method also comprises removing water from the sample gas by passing the sample gas through a dryer and determining a sample gas NO concentration level. The step of converting NO2 is performed at a temperature above the dew point temperature of the sample gas.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for collecting a sample gaseous mercury, to differentiate between different gaseous mercury components. A quartz denuder module is provided having a coated extended surface for adsorbing reactive gaseous mercury. After collection of a sample, the coating it is heated to desorb the mercury as elemental gaseous mercury, which can then be detected and measured in conventional analyzer. During the sampling phase, as reactive gaseous mercury is removed from the sample flow in the denuder, the sample can then be passed to the analyzer for detection of elemental gaseous mercury. Where particulate mercury may be present, a filter trap can be provided downstream from the denuder. Separate steps can be provided for heating and pyrolysis of particulate mercury, for separate measurement in the analyzer. The pump module can be configured to a past the gas sample through scrubbers, to generate zero air as a flushing gas.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for collecting a sample gaseous mercury, to differentiate between different gaseous mercury components. A quartz denuder module is provided having a coated extended surface for adsorbing reactive gaseous mercury. After collection of a sample, the coating it is heated to desorb the mercury as elemental gaseous mercury, which can then be detected and measured in conventional analyzer. During the sampling phase, as reactive gaseous mercury is removed from the sample flow in the denuder, the sample can then be passed to the analyzer for detection of elemental gaseous mercury. Where particulate mercury may be present, a filter trap can be provided downstream from the denuder. Separate steps can be provided for heating and pyrolysis of particulate mercury, for separate measurement in the analyzer. The pump module can be configured to a past the gas sample through scrubbers, to generate zero air as a flushing gas.

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 method and apparatus for detecting NO.sub.x by chemiluminescence. The apparatus includes a sample gas line having an inlet port for receiving a sample gas, a NO.sub.x converter connected to the sample gas line, a N.sub.2 diluting gas line connected to the sample gas line upstream from the NO.sub.x converter, a bypass exhaust lie connected to the sample gas line, and a chemiluminescence analyzer connected to the NO.sub.x converter. The sample gas, which contains a NO.sub.x component, is introduced to the sample gas line through an inlet portion. The sample gas is diluted with nitrogen gas from the nitrogen diluting gas line, and the NO.sub.x component in the sample gas is converted to NO by the NO.sub.x converter. The chemiluminescence analyzer detects the NO.sub.x component.

Abstract: A system is provided in an exhaust emission sampling system for controlling a flow controller in order to compensate for the effects of changing water vapor content in a diluted sample having a predetermined dilution ratio. A water measuring device such as a relative humidity sensor generates a water vapor signal based on the amount of water vapor in the diluted sample. The water vapor signal is then processed within a control unit to obtain a value for the amount of water in the diluted sample. A control signal is generated by the control unit based on the amount of water vapor, flow rate of the exhaust emissions, and also, on the type of fuel used in the combustion process to control the flow controller which is, preferably, a mass flow controller. A second system is provided in an exhaust emission analyzing system for determining a final amount of pollutants also compensated for the effects of changing water vapor content in the exhaust emissions.

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 provides a method for preparing a VOC sample for carbon and chlorine isotope ratio analysis by mass spectrometer. A VOC sample is placed in a combustion tube and reacted with CuO to form CO.sub.2 and CuCl. The CO.sub.2 is then extracted and analyzed for the carbon isotope ratio. The CuCl is separated from the excess CuO and reacted with CH.sub.3 I to form CH.sub.3 Cl, extracted and analyzed for chlorine isotope ratio.

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: An electrically heatable hollow-body furnace with a secondary surface on which an analyte of a sample can be condensed prior to being atomized. The furnace is constructed in two sections which are capable of being electrically heated independently of one another. The secondary surface is defined by a surface of one of the sections. A process for atomizing an analyte of a sample to be examined, utilizing the device according to the following steps: introducing the sample into a hollow-body furnace having a secondary surface, condensing the analyte on the secondary surface and atomizing the analyte.

Abstract: In a first embodiment of the present invention, a control method and system are provided in an exhaust emission sampling system for controlling a flow controller in order to compensate for the effects of changing water vapor content in a diluted sample having a predetermined dilution ratio. A water measuring device such as a relative humidity sensor generates a water vapor signal based on the amount of water vapor in the diluted sample. The water vapor signal is then processed within a control unit to obtain a value for the amount of water in the diluted sample. A control signal is generated by the control unit based on the amount of water vapor, flow rate of the exhaust emissions, and also, on the type of fuel used in the combustion process to control the flow controller which is, preferably, a mass flow controller.

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: 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.

Abstract: A continuous flow method of determining the quantitative isotopic composition of hydrogen comprised in a compound is disclosed, together with apparatus for carrying out the method. The method involves introducing the sample to be analysed into a flow of carrier gas which does not contain hydrogen, the carrier gas then being arranged to flow through a heated catalytic reactor which contain a chromium-based catalyst. The sample is pyrolysed in the catalytic reactor so as to form molecular hydrogen which is then analysed mass-spectrometrically. Preferably a gas chromatrograph is disposed before the catalytic reactor so that one or more components or a mixture may be separately analysed.

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: The amount of smog formed in air and the smog concentration in air is determined by measuring the consumption of nitric oxide.

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 method for evaluating a degree of dispersion of an inorganic material in a composite material comprising an organic material having dispersed therein the inorganic material, the method comprising the steps of: forming a block sample of the composite material; dividing the block sample into a plurality of unit volume pieces; incinerating each of the unit volume pieces under an oxidative atmosphere; quantitatively determining the ash content of each of the unit volume pieces; and calculating the scatter of the inorganic material content within the plurality of unit volume pieces.

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: 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.

Abstract: The amount of smog formed in air and the smog concentration in air is determined by measuring the consumption of nitric oxide.

Abstract: A microdistillation method for the quantitative steam distillation of cyanide, phenolic compounds, hydrogen fluoride, ammonia, sulfites and other volatile analyte compounds from samples of environmental waters and sludge for their subsequent analysis involves volatilizing the water in the sample tube of a microdistillation column. The pressure which develops due to the water vapor forces all volatile compounds from the water sample, including the water itself, through a hydrophobic membrane and into the collector tube of the microdistillation column. The volatile compounds and the water vapor condense in the cooler collector tube and are quantitatively trapped and retained over the membrane. Relatively small samples may be distilled.

Abstract: An analytical method which comprises sampling a predetermined amount of a liquid sample, bringing the sample to a vapor-liquid equilibrium at a predetermined temperature and pressure, separating the resultant gaseous and liquid fractions from each other, and analyzing the gaseous fraction as a gas sample and the liquid fraction as a liquid sample, and an apparatus for practicing the analytical method. By this method or apparatus, the light and heavy fractions of a substance can be simultaneously analyzed in composition and chemical structure. This enables the modification and the service life of a chemical substance like a lubricating oil, in which the qualities may change with the passage of time, to be estimated or foreseen.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selective, high speed detection of vapors of specific gas-chromatographically-separable compounds. In the disclosed method separate analyses are performed on two portions of a gas sample formed by flash-heating trapped vapors to successively higher temperatures while flowing hydrogen carrier gas over coatings in/on which the vapors are held. Within a total time interval of about twenty seconds 1) two sample portions are formed, 2) each portion is rapidly separated in two series-connected, high speed, temperature-programmed gas chromatographs, and 3) specific compounds are identified by detection of NO gas formed during an oxidative pyrolysis of each separated portion. One application of the described method and apparatus is the rapid, selective, and sensitive detection of nitrogen-containing compounds such as the drugs methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin.

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: A method for the determination of smoke concentration is disclosed which comprises heating a sample smoke containing a SOF (soluble organic fraction) component and a dry soot component to a temperature not lower than the boiling point of the SOF component and not higher than the flash point of the dry soot component during the presence of the action of an oxidation catalyst thereby allowing the dry soot component in the waste smoke to be determined by measurement with a smoke tester in a state not affected by the SOF component.