Abstract: Procedure and apparatus for the continuous analysis of the chloride ion content of overhead waters downstream of a hydrocarbon distillation column for more effectively preventing hydrochloric acid corrosion of downstream equipment while avoiding over-neutralizing the overhead waters to the detriment of the hydrocarbon product. This procedure comprises the following operations, in the order given or in a different order:Drawing from the overhead waters a stream of water for analysis;removing from the sample so drawn the hydrocarbons as well as the suspended matter;blowing nitrogen into the sample to sweep away the hydrogen sulfide ans the residual hydrocarbons;oxidizing the S.sup.2- or HS.sup.- sulfide ions to sulfate ions;acidifying the sample;finally, measuring by ionometry, and more particularly by means of a combined electrode, the content of chloride ions present.

Abstract: A method for detection of occult blood in a fecal sample which comprises acting a glycosidase type bacteriolytic enzyme on the fecal sample and subjecting the resulting fecal sample to simultaneous detection of hemoglobin, preferably in combination with transferrin, by an immunological measurement procedure.

Abstract: The invention teaches a method for improving the ability to determine a polyvalent substance via use of an immunoaggregate during the assay. The immunoaggregate eliminates substances which can lead to incorrect results otherwise.

Abstract: The present invention provides a test carrier for the determination of coagulation parameters, wherein it includes a test layer which contains glass fibres which are coated with polyvinyl alcohol or polyvinyl alcohol/vinyl acetate.The present invention also provides a process for the production of a glass fibre layer, wherein glass fibres are slurried in an excess of water with the addition of polyvinyl alcohol and a layer is formed according to a process conventional for the production of paper and dried at an elevated temperature.Furthermore, the present invention provides a process for the determination of coagulation parameters of blood, wherein it includes a process step in which blood is passed through a glass fibre layer which contains glass fibres which have been coated with polyvinyl alcohol or polyvinyl alcohol/vinyl acetate.

Abstract: A biological diagnostic device and process for efficiently and accurately analyzing a sample of a biological fluid for in analyte of interest. The device, which is a preferred embodiment utilized for the analysis of whole blood samples, comprises a diagnostic test element and a sample application unit comprising a fluid delivery element and means for providing sample fluid to the fluid delivery element. The fluid delivery element comprises a layer having a plurality of grooves, or channels, in the surface thereof which is adjacent the test element. The fluid which is provided to the grooves is subsequently delivered to the test element.

Abstract: The instant invention is directed to a method for determining the concentration of sulfonate and/or polycarboyxlate compounds in an aqueous solution comprising:(a) adjusting the pH of a portion of the aqueous solution to less than 3.0 when measuring sulfonate concentration or to between 3.0 and 12.0 when measuring polycarboxylate concentration;(b) adding an effective amount of an aqueous solution containing a metachromatic dye to the pH-adjusted portion of Step (a);(c) measuring the absorbance of the admixture resulting from Step (b) at a wavelength between 300 nm and 700 nm; and(d) comparing the absorbance from Step (c) with absorbances of standard samples containing known concentrations of sulfonate and/or polycarboxylate compounds and said effective amount of the dye solution of Step (b), thereby determining the sulfonate and/or polycarboxylate concentration of the portion of Step (a).

Abstract: A method of rapid determination of the concentrations of the total sulphur dioxide and the lignosulphonate present in sulphite pulping process liquors. The lignosulphonates are separated from compounds which form the total sulphur dioxide by means of an ion exclusion column, whereby the filling material of the column consists of a cation exchange resin. The concentration measurements of the sulphur dioxide and the lignosulphonate are carried out from the liquor flow coming out from the separation column by means of UV-method at the wave length of 280 nm. The invention also relates to a method of controlling the sulphite pulping process by determining the total sulphite dioxide concentration in the pulping liquor.

Abstract: A portable system for analyzing a fluid sample includes a small, portable, low-pressure and low-power chromatographic analyzer and a chemical parameter spectrometry monitor including an array of sensors for detecting, identifying and measuring the concentrations of a variety of components in the eluent from the chromatographic analyzer. The monitor includes one or more operating condition controllers which may be used to change one or more of the operating conditions during exposure of the sensors to the eluent from the chromatography analyzer to form a response pattern which is then compared with a library of previously established patterns. Gas and liquid chromatographic embodiments are disclosed. In the gas embodiment, the operating condition controllers include heated filaments which may convert electrochemically inactive components to electrochemically active products. In the liquid chromatography embodiment, low-power, liquid-phase equivalents of heated filaments are used with appropriate sensors.

Abstract: A microwave-based apparatus for rapid digestion of a sampel by a Kjeldahl method is provided which includes a reaction vessel surrounded by an insulator in the form of, for example, a cup. The reaction vessel is disposed in the internal chamber of a microwave system, which includes a wall having an aperture. A connector tube is slidably disposed in the aperture, wherein one end of the tube is connected to the mouth of the reaction vessel, and the other end is connected to a suction device external to the chamber. A biasing element is provided outside the chamber to assist in joining the slidable connector tube to the mouth of the vessel, yet enabling removal of the vessel from the chamber without detachment of the biasing element.

Abstract: A process for measuring the amount of stable-type glycated hemoglobin in a sample using high performance liquid chromatography, comprising heating a sample diluted with a hemolysis agent containing a reagent for the removal of unstable-type glycated hemoglobin to achieve the removal of the unstable-type glycated hemoglobin, and analyzing the sample by high performance liquid chromatography.

Abstract: A method for establishing a treatment protocol for correcting an abnormal condition of disease in a living organism is described. The method comprises the steps of analyzing body fluids from normal and abnormal individuals to generate analysis patterns of the normal and abnormal fluids, comparing the patterns to determine differences in the patterns, and establishing a treatment protocol for the abnormal individual through chemical or metabolic therapy which treating will normalize the abnormal pattern.

Abstract: A microwave-based apparatus useful for rapid digestion is provided. The apparatus includes a hollow tubular body having an end sealingly joined to a reaction vessel disposed within a microwave system. The end of the tubular body has grooves for the flow of air through the sealed tubular body/reaction vessel joint. A scrubber removes digestion off gases. Also provided is a rapid, microwave-based, Kjeldahl digestion method.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the ion chromatographic analysis of ionic species of a common first polarity opposite to a second polarity employ an eluant ion suppressor cell having two electrodes. The ionic species to be analyzed and an eluant solution are introduced in solution to an ion exchange resin bed. The eluant solution essentially consists of an eluting reagent in solution such that the eluting reagent is ionized to form first eluant ions of the first polarity and second eluant ions of the second polarity. An effluent essentially consisting of separated ionic species, first eluant ions and second eluant ions in solution is discharged from the resin bed. The effluent is introduced through an inlet in the suppressor cell such that the effluent flows along a surface of the first and second electrodes. An electrical voltage is applied to the electrodes so as to maintain the first electrode at the first polarity and the second electrode at the second polarity.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for the crystal morphological analysis of blood and urine for early diagnosis of disease conditions in humans and animals and for the production of medicaments therefor.

Abstract: An improved method for the detection of tetrahydrocannabinol in human urine wherein the pigment melanin is precipitated out of the urine prior to analysis with a solution of nitroferricyanide so that the melanin does not interfere with the analysis. The value attributable to melanin can also be subtracted from the value obtained during the analysis of the urine. The precipitation of melanin prior to analysis or subtraction of the melanin value during analysis greatly reduces the occurrence of false positive test results for persons with dark skin.

Abstract: Diluent compositions for preparing specimens for immunoassay contain effective amounts of salt and non-ionic surfactants to inactivate viruses in the specimens and improve the sensitivity and specificity of the immunoassays; said diluents having some strengths of from about 21 to about 35 mS/cm and comprising 0.05 to 1% non-ionic surfactants, along with other conventional ingredients. The invention relates as well to immunoassay procedures using the novel diluents.

Abstract: A method of measuring lipid-bound sialic acid (LSA) which comprises, mixing a LSA separating agent comprising a polar solvent with a sample containing LSA and other sialic acid(s), separating the precipitate formed to obtain a supernatant, and measuring the sialic acid concentration of said supernatant by using an enzyme capable of acting on sialic acid in a lipid-bound state. When a sample is treated with the LSA separating agent comprising a polar solvent, various components in the sample such as protein-bound sialic acid and proteinous substances precipitate while the desired lipid-bound sialic acid remains in the supernatent. Accordingly, by measuring sialic acid concentration of the supernatent, LSA concentration of the sample is easily determined. The method of the invention is simple and superior in reproducibility. The method of the invention is suitable for treating a large number of samples, and it can easily by automated. This method is suitable as a screening test for cancer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the quantitative recover of actinide values from biological and environmental sample by passing appropriately prepared samples in a mineral acid solution through a separation column of a dialkyl(phenyl)-N,N-dialylcarbamoylmethylphosphine oxide dissolved in tri-n-butyl phosphate on an inert substrate which selectively extracts the actinide values. The actinide values can be eluted either as a group or individually and their presence quantitatively detected by alpha counting.

Abstract: The apparatus includes an endless belt of nickel having a surface profile comprising an array of cavities such that any liquid layer deposited on the surface is keyed into the surface and constrained against movement relative to the surface. A liquid comprising solute and solvent is deposited as a layer on the belt from a nozzle. A first heater evaporates the solvent but leaves the solute. A second heater evaporates the solute which is then collected and fed to an analyzing device. The profile of the belt is particularly conducive to constraining a liquid on the belt and ensuring uniform evaporation upon heating.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new chiral reagent of the formula ##STR1## wherein X is halogen, an azide group or a succinimidyl group and wherein R is an alkyl group or a trifluormethyl group. The invention further relates to a method for the derivatization, determination and preparation resolution of primary and secondary amino-containing compounds. The method comprises the steps of derivatizing the amino function by the reagent to form diastereomeric carbamates, which are determined by e.g. fluorimetry or absorptiometry after separation by liquid chromatography.

Abstract: A method for eliminating turbidity in a biological fluid by combining said fluid with a surfactant and an enzyme is disclosed as well as a diagnostic reagent formulation for that purpose.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a chromogenic reagent for determining the iron content and the iron-binding capacity of serum, comprising chromazurol B, a buffer for keeping the pH at 4.5-5, a surface-active substance in a concentration of at least 500 mg/l, a salt suitable for imparting an ionic strength expressed in terms of NaCl concentration of at least 100 g/l and an aminoacid suitable for selectively binding the Cu.sup.2+ ions, in a concentration expressed in terms of glycine concentration ranging between 1 and 40 g/l.

Abstract: Signal to noise ratio of enzyme immunoassays employing peroxidase conjugates can be improved by including polyoxyethylene ether detergent in the assay buffer. Such detergents reduce interference due to blood and also improve sensitivity of assays of blood-free samples.

Abstract: A method for determining glycosylated hemoglobin in a diluted blood sample includes binding of glycosylated hemoglobin to a specific monoclonal antibody and binding of nonglycosylated hemoglobin to a polyclonal antibody. The polyclonal antibody binds to all hemoglobin fractions and blocks the peroxidase activity thereof, except glycosylated hemoglobin bound to the monoclonal antibody which retains peroxidase activity. A beam of light having a wavelength of about 416 nm is passed through the assay medium and is absorbed by all hemoglobin fractions, bound or unbound, and this absorbance thereby provides a measure of total hemoglobin. Hydrogen peroxide and a peroxidase substrate are added. The substrate is oxidized by the peroxide to a product having an absorbance at a wavelength different from 416 nm, the oxidation being catalyzed by the retained peroxidase activity of the bound glycosylated hemoglobin. This absorbance provides a measure of glycosylated hemoglobin.

Abstract: A multilayer analytical element exhibits improved precision in the assay of total lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). The element also provides reduced susceptibility to total protein and hemoglobin interferences in the assay. The element contains a porous spreading layer composed of a particulate structure. A fluorinated surfactant is also used in the assay. This surfactant has one or more fluorocarbon moieties provided, that when the surfactant has more than one such moiety, they are substantially linear. The surfactant can be incorporated in the element or added at the time of the assay.

Abstract: A method for measuring chloride ion concentration in a sample of body fluid, e.g., serum or plasma is described in which a sample blank is made in the same cuvette after the test measurement has been made.

Abstract: An automatic digestion system (10) is provided for digesting a continuous stream of wastewater prior to its analysis by a spectrometer system (12). The digestion system (10) includes a first metering pump (34) for drawing a continuous stream of wastewater (36) from a wastewater source (32). A second metering pump (38) draws a continuous stream of diluted nitric acid (40) from a source of acid (42) and mixes the acid with the wastewater to provide a stream of acidified wastewater (46). The acidified wastewater (46) is then heated, to digest the wastewater prior to its input into the spectrometer system (12).

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: A multilayer chemical analytical element is employable in quantitative analysis of analyte in a biological fluid such as blood. The element consists of a porous spreading layer, a light-blocking layer and a reagent layer on a water-impermeable light-transmissive support in order. The light-blocking layer contains a titanium dioxide fine powder with no provision of aluminum oxide compound or silicon oxide.

Abstract: The process comprises subjecting the hemolyzed blood to a clarification step at a pH of between 4 and 6 in the presence of less than 15% of alcohol, then, after concentration, effecting a chromatography by exchange of anions so as to separate the hemoglobin, the albumin being thereafter eluted. The hemoglobin and the globulins may then be separated out by precipitation with 25% alcohol at a pH of 7. The proteins obtained are in the native state.

Abstract: A method for determining low density lipoproteins (LDLs) in a body fluid sample, as well as a reagent suited for this use, are taught. The method involves precipitating high density lipoproteins (HDLs) from the sample, using an HDL specific antibody or reactive fragment, and then determining the presence and amount of LDL in the supernatant which results. The reagent contains the HDL specific antibodies, as well as polyanions and divalent cations.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the detection of redox reactions by introducing a redox reagent system into a test system, wherein a soluble iodate is additionally added to the test system in an amount which is in excess of the highest amount of disturbing reducing agents present in the test system.The present invention also provides a diagnostic agent for the detection of redox reactions containing a redox reagent system, wherein the test system used additionally contains an iodate which is soluble therein in an amount which is in excess of the highest amount of disturbing reducing agents present in the test system.

Abstract: Interfering proteins are precipitated and digoxin extracted in a fluorescence polarization immunoassay for digoxin with a protein precipitating reagent. The reagent contains about 3 to 4% 5-sulfosalicyclic acid in an aqueous solution including about 40 to 60% of a straight or branch chained organic alcohol having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

Abstract: In chromatographic analysis by the steps of adding a sample solution to a flow of an eluant, passing the eluant flow through a separation column thereby converting the eluant flow into an eluate flow containing component ions of the eluant flow in separate zones, passing the eluate flow through an ion-exchange membrane tube thereby allowing the eluate to come into contact with an aqueous solution of an H.sup.+ form or OH.sup.- form electrolyte outside the tube through the wall of the membrane tube, substituting those of the component ions contained in the eluate flow which have the same type of electric charge as H.sup.+ or OH.sup.- with said H.sup.+ or OH.sup.- thereby giving rise to a deionized solution flow, and passing the deionized solution flow through a detection cell thereby causing the component ions which have survived the substitution to be detected as separated into distinct zones, improvements are obtained by causing the aqueous solutions of H.sup.+ or OH.sup.

Abstract: In chromatographic analysis by the steps of adding a sample solution to a flow of an eluant, passing the eluant flow through a separation column thereby converting the eluant flow into an eluate flow containing component ions of the eluant flow in separate zones, passing the eluate flow through an ion-exchange membrane tube thereby allowing the eluate to come into contact with an aqueous solution of an H.sup.+ form or OH.sup.- form electrolyte outside the tube through the wall of the membrane tube, substituting those of the component ions contained in the eluate flow which have the same type of electric charge as H.sup.+ or OH.sup.- with said H.sup.+ or OH.sup.- thereby giving rise to a deionized solution flow, and passing the deionized solution flow through a detection cell thereby causing the component ions which have survived the substitution to be detected as separated into distinct zones, improvements are obtained by causing the aqueous solution of H.sup.+ or OH.sup.

Abstract: A method for rapid determination of the contents of lignin, monosaccharides and organic acids in the process solutions of sulfite pulping. Accordingly, any non-ionized compounds that disturbs the measurement of these concentrations are separated from the lignin material by an ion-exclusion technique. The measurements of concentrations are carried out by means of the UV-method, refractive-index method, and/or by means of the polarimetric method. The method of the present invention is usable for the controlling of sulfite cooking or other pulping or by-product production processes as well as for the characterization of the spent liquor.

Abstract: Methods are provided for determining the presence or absence of ragged ends in polymeric proteins or protein products, by means of fast atom bombardment and high mass mass spectrometry (preferably high field magnet mass spectrometry). The methods may be modified for locating N- or C-terminal peptide in a polymeric protein or protein product and for assigning disulphide bridges in polymeric protein or protein products. The methods are applicable to other biopolymers such as nucleotides and carbohydrates.

Abstract: Lipid-dependent diagnostic assays are provided wherein the test sample to be assayed is pre-incubated with one or more phospholipids having a hexagonal (H.sub.II) organization, with lipidic particles, or with bilayer-forming lysophospholipids such as monooleoylphosphatidylethanolamine (MOPE). The pre-incubation results in reduced false positives due to antiphospholipid antibodies, such as, lupus anticoagulants, which may be present in the test sample, without changing the overall character, including the normal baseline, of the assay. Surprisingly, in accordance with the invention, it has been found that only hexagonal phospholipids, lipidic particles, and bilayer-forming lysophospholipids can be used, and, in particular, lamellar (bilayer) phospholipids (other than such lysophospholipids) cannot be used. An assay for diagnosing systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the determination of the hemoglobin-haptoglobin complex in the presence of free hemoglobin by utilization of the different peroxidate properties of free and of bound hemoglobin, wherein, for the selective inhibition of the peroxidase activity of the free hemoglobin, a detergent is added and the residual peroxidate activity of the reaction mixture is measured.The present invention also provides a reagent for carrying out this process wherein, besides the substances required for the determination of the peroxidase activity, it contains a detergent for the inhibition of the peroxidase activity of free hemoglobin.Furthermore, the present invention provides a process for determining the haptoglobin content of a sample, as well as a process for determining glycosilated hemoglobin in a sample.

Abstract: A method for continuously measuring the concentration of CaCO.sub.3 in slurries comprising CaCO.sub.3 is described. The method comprises continuously sampling a given amount of the slurry, feeding the sampled slurry into an agitated continuous reactor container which is isolated from the outside air, keeping the slurry in the reactor container at a temperature of at least 50.degree. C., adding sulfuric acid or hydrochloric acid to adjust the pH to below 4, blowing a known flow rate of air into the slurry, withdrawing from the reactor container CO.sub.2, produced by the reaction between CaCO.sub.3 and the acid, by entrainment with the air, further mixing the withdrawn gas with air for dilution while controlling a flow rate of the dilution air so that the concentration of CO.sub.2 in the mixed gas is maintained constant, and calculating the concentration of CaCO.sub.3 in the slurry from the concentration of CO.sub.2 in the mixed gas, the flow rate of the mixed gas and the amount of the sampled slurry.

Abstract: A method for continuously measuring the concentration of CaCO.sub.3 and/or CaSO.sub.3 in slurries comprising CaCO.sub.3 and/or CaSO.sub.3 is described. The method comprises continuouly sampling a given amount of the slurry, feeding the slurry into an agitated continuous reactor container which is isolated from the outside air and in which the slurry is kept at a temperature not lower than 70.degree. C., adding sulfuric acid or hydrochloric acid to the slurry to make the pH below 3, blowing air or nitrogen gas into the slurry in the reactor container, withdrawing from the container CO.sub.2 and/or SO.sub.2 produced by reaction of CaCO.sub.3 and/or CaSO.sub.3 with the acid by entrainment with the air or nitrogen gas, and calculating the concentration of CaCO.sub.3 and/or CaSO.sub.3 from the concentration of CO.sub.2 and/or SO.sub.2 in the withdrawn gas, the flow rate of the sampled slurry and the flow rate of the blown air or nitrogen gas.

Abstract: An aqueous solution containing 0.00005 to 0.2 mol/l of copper ion and 0.0001 to 1.0 mol/l of nitrate ion is effective to detect phosphorus segregates in a metallic material, particularly cast steel. Segregated phosphorus can be detected by etching a surface of steel to be tested, attaching test paper onto the steel surface, applying the aqueous solution to the paper, maintaining the paper in contact with the steel surface until stains appear, and removing the paper from the steel surface. A red print is obtained when the solution is pH 6 or higher. A blue print is obtained by following the above steps, and further treating the paper with a color reagent containing molybdate ion, and then with a reducing agent.

Abstract: Method for measuring particulates in flue gas streams containing chemicals reactive with trace elements in the filters is disclosed which features pretreating the filters with chemicals comparable to those in the process stream whereby the reactions are completed prior to the measurement step, in particular, prior to establishment of the tare weight of said filter.

Abstract: A method for continuously measuring the concentration of CaCO.sub.3 in slurries comprising CaCO.sub.3 is described. The method comprises continuously sampling a given amount of the slurry, feeding the sampled slurry into an agitated continuous reactor container which is isolated from the outside air, keeping the slurry in the reactor container at a temperature of at least 50.degree. C., adding sulfuric acid or hydrochloric acid to adjust the pH to below 4, blowing air into the slurry in the reactor container, withdrawing from the reactor container CO.sub.2, produced by the reaction between CaCO.sub.3 and the acid, by entrainment with the air, and calculating the concentration of CaCO.sub.3 in the slurry from the concentration of CO.sub.2 in the withdrawn gas, the amount of the sampled slurry and the flow rate of the blown air.

Abstract: A novel method of urine specimen preparation comprising intense centrifugation and a lipid wash mitigates or prevents loss of bacteria-containing sediment prior to examination. Modifications of the method facilitate examination of urines with interfering constituents such as glucose, phosphates, and soluble and insoluble proteins. By this method, bacteria have been found in the urine of patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis and essential hypertension. These bacteria were not detected in standard urine preparations. Administration of antibiotic agents effective against the bacteria detected, such as clindamycin, destroyed these bacteria and provided therapeutic relief.

Abstract: An ion-chromatography system for analyzing one or more ionic species of a given polarity in solution, the system comprising an ion-exchange material reactive with such species, an eluant fluid, means for adding the eluant fluid and ionic species to the separation column, a stripper column and a detector. The eluant fluid includes at least a pair of electrically neutral molecular species reactive with one another to provide ionic constituents, the molecular species being in substantial equilibrium with the ionic constituents. The stripper column is positioned at the outlet of the separation column to receive the eluant fluid from the latter and reduce the concentration of the ionic constituents in the eluant fluid. The stripper column includes a conduit relatively permeable to the neutral molecular species in the eluant and relatively impermeable to the ionic constituents.

Abstract: Nuclear isolation media and procedures are described for dissociating discrete, non-agglomerated cell nuclei from animal tissue without the need to use enzyme treatments, centrifugation or the like in order to achieve the desired separation. The media facilitates separation and maintains the nuclear membrane intact and in its normal physiological environment. When a DNA-fluorochrome stain is included in the medium an essentially one step combination nuclear isolation and DNA staining procedure is used to measure DNA in tissue cells by flow cytometry. Rapid and consistent results are obtained and multiple sampling of the same tissue or comparison between whole tissues and their single cell isolates are also described.

Abstract: Improved lipid-dependent diagnostic assays are provided wherein the test sample to be assayed is pre-incubated with one or more phospholipids having a hexagonal (H.sub.II) organization or with lipidic particles. The pre-incubation results in reduced false positives due to anti-phospholipid antibodies, such as, lupus anticoagulants, which may be present in the test sample, without changing the overall character, including the normal baseline, of the assay. Suprisingly, in accordance with the invention, it has been found that only hexagonal phospholipids and lipidic particles can be used, and, in particular, lamellar (bilayer) phospholipids cannot be used. An assay for diagnosing systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides for on-site capture of methane at sea at dry ice temperature, for isotopic examination. In more detail, after interfering gas species have been removed from subsequent operational steps, the methane is oxidized to carbon dioxide and water vapor, which are then trapped with a trapping tube maintained at dry ice temperature. The tube also houses a bed of granules made of porous polymer cross-linked to form a lattice network for retention of the carbon dioxide without a change in phase. Thereafter, the carbon and deuterium distribution of the oxidized methane products, carbon dioxide and water vapor, are determined by isotopic examination so as to establish their biogenic and/or thermogenic origin.

Abstract: A method for measuring the alcohol concentration of an acetic acid fermentation broth which comprises (a) forming a sample gas containing volatile components present in the acetic acid fermentation broth, the volatile componentscomprising alcohol and acetic acid; (b) passing the sample gas through an absorption column packed with a material which binds acetic acid whereby the acetic acid is absorbed on the material; (c) passing the sample gas which has passed through the absorption column to a gas sensor for measuring the alcohol content of the gas by outputting an electrical signal which correlates to the alcohol content of the sample gas; and (d) determining the alcohol content of the sample gas in response to the electrical output signal from the gas sensor.