Abstract: A system for introducing a sample to an analyzing device, such as a spectrometer, wherein the flow rate of gas to the analyzing device is maintained substantially constant and uncontaminated during sample changeover. The system includes a flow controller and flow control paths arranged to avoid having any flow diverting valves or direction change in the analyte flow path.

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

Abstract: An apparatus for evaporative concentration of a liquid sample comprises a housing including an upper chamber and a lower chamber, a concentrator flask, a reflex tube and a vortex tube. The concentrator flask includes an upper solution vessel section and a lower cold finger section, and the flask is arranged within the housing with the solution vessel section positioned in the upper chamber and the cold finger section positioned in the lower chamber. The reflex tube is arranged at the upper end of the concentrator flask. The vortex tube has a cold air outlet connected with an inlet to the lower chamber of the housing and a hot air outlet connected with an inlet to the upper chamber of the housing. The apparatus is employed to concentrate a liquid sample contained in the concentrator flask with the temperatures of the cold and hot air from the vortex tube being sufficient to induce the evaporative separation of samples.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to an off-line collection system for use with supercritical fluid extraction. The system is comprised of mechanism for collecting analyte associated with the supercritical fluid extraction. The system is additionally comprised of an orifice for controlling flow of analyte to the collecting mechanism. The orifice converts analyte at a high pressure to a lower pressure. The orifice has a high pressure side which receives said high pressure analyte, and a lower pressure side in fluidic communication with the high pressure side which receives said high pressure analyte after it has been converted to a lower pressure. The high pressure side is capable of transporting analyte thereacross without essentially any loss thereof to the low pressure side which is in fluidic communication with the collecting mechanism. The analyte experiences essentially constant pressure as it is transported across the high pressure side.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and materials for the detection of ketone and aldehyde analytes in fluid samples by means of reacting analyte containing samples with a first solid matrix material to which a nitroprusside salt is coupled and a second solid matrix material to which an amine is covalently coupled. Methods and devices are also provided for ascertaining the fat catabolism effects of a weight loss dietary regimen comprising determining the breath acetone concentration of the subject.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for biochemical screening of coronary risk in humans utilizing the steps of obtaining a blood specimen and treating the serum with a proportionate volume of a VLDL/LDL (very low density lipopropteins/low density lioproteins) precipitating reagent, preferably the precipitating agent being encapsulated. The treatment of the serum is accomplished by the use of a tube, preferably a small bore microcapillary tube, having the precipitating reagent affixed to the inside of the tube for reaction with the serum. After reaction, a VLDL/LDL precipitate column is formed and measured. The measured column is compared to a correlation chart of VLDL/LDL column heights to assay amounts of apolipoprotein B.

Abstract: A method for determining the carbonate content of washing suspensions of flue gas desulfurization plants using limestone is carried out by first admixing the samples, being at a temperature of from 40.degree. C. to 70.degree. C., with an excess amount relative to the maximum possible sulfite content, of an iron(III) chloride solution for the oxidation of the sulfite to sulfate, and then by addition of an excess amount of sulfuric acid or another acid, measuring the amount of escaping gas corresponding to the carbonate content.

Abstract: A heating and targeting laser beam and microscope apparatus optically senses, heats to generate a effluent fluid and chemically analyzes the thermal extract fluid or fluid pyrolyzates from a microscopic particle within a heterogeneous composite sample. A transparent duct-like chamber having a bottom opening is attached to a microscope. A contact surface of the sample is raised to abut against the bottom opening, which encloses the space around the particle and also brings the particle into the common focal plane of the microscope and the converging laser beam(s). This single step avoids the complex separate focusing and sealing steps required by present day techniques.

Abstract: Method for the continuous determination of dimethylformamide and dimethylamine in aqueous solutions, especially in effluents. A method for the continuous determination of the amount of dimethylformamide in a solution containing dimethylformamide, the amount of dimethylamine in a solution containing dimethylamine, and the combined amount of dimethylformamide and dimethylamine in a solution contained in aqueous solutions, especially in plant effluents, is described, which comprises continuously taking a constant part stream from the effluent stream, hydrolyzing the part stream under alkaline conditions with an alkali solution added at a constant rate under constant conditions, subjecting it to partial vaporization conditions, condensing the resulting vapor stream by cooling, determining the electrical conductivity in the condensate continuously in a flow cell and converting the measured values obtained into the desired concentration values by reference to a calibration curve or known equations.

Abstract: A sample containing one or more compounds of high molecular weight is analyzed by irradiating, with a pulsed laser in vacuum, a substrate coated with a thin frozen film of a solution containing the sample. The laser energy is absorbed at the surface of the substrate, rapidly heating the frozen film and ablating the solvent into a vapor plume which carries into the vapor phase entrained molecules of the sample. The vaporized molecules are ionized and accelerated into a mass spectrometer. Mass spectrometric determination of the masses of the ionized molecules of the sample allows the molecular components of the sample to be identified.

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

Abstract: A method for collecting radon in a confined area and testing therefor includes the initial step of providing a container with a molecular sieve material for attracting radon and placing the container in a confined area where radon is suspected to be present. The container has an open inlet end, into which radon will be attracted by the molecular sieve material in the container. The container is left in the confined area for a predetermined time, after which the container is removed so as to remove any radon present within the confined area and the molecular sieve is tested for radon.

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.

Abstract: A process for preparing a baseoil blend of predetermined coking tendency, and for measuring the effectiveness of additives for reducing coking tendency in baseoils, utilizing the relationship of the content of volatile fractions and low boiling fractions in baseoil to the onset and/or progression of asphaltene formation.

Abstract: The process for the removal and qualitative analytical determination of cyanide in cyanide-contaminated soils consists of introducing biologically degradable organic acids into the soil while blowing a gas stream therethrough and subsequently oxidizing the hydrocyanic acid liberated thereby, until no hydrocyanic acid and nor ammonia are detectable in the emerging gas stream. Preferably, the process is carried out by blowing carbon dioxide and compressed air into said soil. The process is also suitable for indirectly detecting pollutants associated with cyanide.

Abstract: A portable instrument for use in the field in detecting, identifying, and quantifying a component of a sampled fluid includes a sensor which chemically reacts with the component of interest or a derivative thereof, an electrical heating filament for heating the sample before it is applied to the sensor, and modulator for continuously varying the temperature of the filament (and hence the reaction rate) between two values sufficient to produce the chemical reaction. In response to this thermal modulation, the sensor produces a modulated output signal, the modulation of which is a function of the activation energy of the chemical reaction, which activation energy is specific to the particular component of interest and its concentration. Microprocessor which compares the modulated output signal with standard responses for a plurality of components to identify and quantify the particular component of interest.

Abstract: For analyzing solid substances on mercury by measuring the atomic absorption, the substance is heated in order to expel the mercury. The generated mercury vapor is conveyed with a carrier gas flow over a body having a large surface made of an amalgam-generating material, so that the mercury vapor bonds and is accumulated as amalgam on the surface of this body. Subsequently, the body is heated in order to set the mercury accumulated as amalgam free again, and is conveyed by a carrier gas flow into a measuring vessel of an atomic absorption spectrometer. The solid substance which is to be analyzed is enclosed within a vessel having a closure which is destroyed during the heating of the solid substance. For this purpose, a cover is sealingly placed onto the vessel above the destructable closure through which cover a carrier gas flow can be supplied and be carried off.

Abstract: A method to detect, measure or remove trace amounts of condensible vapors in compressed gases. The concentration of droplets detected, measured or removed may be as low as part per trillion. The compressed gas comprising a carrier gas and condensible vapors is discharged through a critical orifice in order to condense the vapors in the form of homogeneous droplets. The droplets are either detected, or their concentration measured or removed from the expanded carrier gas.

Abstract: A sample analyzer to detect elements in a gaseous residue generated in an extraction furnace. The sample analyzer introduces the gaseous residue into a detector to be analyzed. The sample analyzer employs a buffer vessel having a variable internal capacity disposed between the extraction furnace and the detector. The variable capacity buffer vessel provides the capability to accurately analyze samples having wide variations in the concentration of substances to be analyzed.

Abstract: A heat treatment device for the conversion of gaseous test samples into constituents determinable by a detector provides the possibility of obtaining the desired pyrolysis products even during the sampling, then feeding them directly to the detector. The device has a small structural shape, and is able to be carried and used easily and operated independently of an external energy supply. The heat treatment device is connectable to a number of different detectors. A container 1 through which the test gas can flow is provided with a chemical filler 5, 7, 8 capable of an exothermic reaction, and with a starter 4 initiating the reaction.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of rapidly and accurately detecting a compound-of interest, such as a toxic drug, in a body fluid. A liquid sample containing various native constituents and an anticipated exogenous chemical compound is obtained from the body. The sample is then subjected to analysis by ion mobility spectrometry to determine the presence of the exogenous chemical compound or related metabolite therein. The method may further include the step of separating the compound-of-interest from said native constituents in said fluid sample prior to analysis.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for measuring the alcohol content of damping fluid for alcohol damping systems such as in offset printing presses for the purpose of keeping the alcohol concentration at a constant set value by injecting alcohol into the damping fluid in addition to the constant or parameter dependent addition of alcohol.

Abstract: An improved oxygen analyzer device is disclosed which comprises a gas flow passage having inlet and exhaust ports, an oxygen concentration detector in proximity to the exhaust port and first and second parallel intermediate flow passages, one of which contains a purifier to remove oxygen from the gas flowing therethrough. The device is characterized by the use of metal, diaphram-type, three-way valves in the branch-off and junction points between the intermediate flow passages. The valves eliminate dead space in conventional devices that extends both the calibration and analysis time of such devices.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for decomposing and analyzing a sample for sulfur. The methods combust a nebulized sample in an oxygen-rich atmosphere and then analyze the combustion gases for sulfur. The apparatus employs a nebulizer operatively connected to a combustion tube and employs appropriate detector(s) to analyze the combustion gases from the combustion tube for sulfur.

Abstract: A process for determining the degree of saturation of a solution comprising a solvent and a compound of limited solubility which involves the steps of (1) diluting a feed solution of the compound of limited solubility, (2) passing a sample of the diluted feed solution through a bed of a solid solution of the compound and a tracer in which the tracer is intrinsically incorporated into the crystal structure of the compound, so that the diluted feed solution being tested becomes saturated with the compound by dissolution of a portion of the solid solution in the bed, (3) measuring the concentration of the tracer in the sample after passage through the bed of solid solution, thus measuring the amount of the compound dissolved from the solid solution to saturate the diluted feed solution, and (4) determining the degree of saturation of the compound in the feed solution from the measured values

Abstract: The invention is directed to a gas measuring device having a pretreatment device for converting the gas to be detected into a substance indicatable via a colorimetric indicator. The gas measuring device simplifies the detection of fluorine and includes a pretreatment device which has a chloride compound containing a metal of the first or second main groups of the periodic system and is exposed to the fluorine and has a chlorine indicator.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for decomposing and analyzing a sample. The methods combust a nebulized sample in an oxygen-rich atomsphere; the analysis method then analyzes the combustion gases for a preselected analyte. The apparatus employs a nebulizer operatively connected to a combustion tube; the analysis apparatus employs appropriate detector(s) to analyze the combustion gases from the combustion tube for preselected analyte(s).

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for analyzing a sample for nitrogen. The method combusts a nebulized sample in an oxygen-rich atmosphere and then analyzes the combustion gases for nitrogen.The apparatus employs a nebulizer operatively connected to a combustion tube and employs an appropriate nitrogen detector to analyze the combustion gases from the combustion tube for nitrogen.

Abstract: A process for determining the degree of saturation of a solution comprising a solvent and a compound of limited solubility which involves the steps of (1) diluting a feed solution of the compound of limited solubility, (2) passing a sample of the diluted feed solution through a bed of a solid solution of the compound and a tracer in which the tracer is intrinsically incorporated into the crystal structure of the compound, so that the diluted feed solution being tested becomes saturated with the compound by dissolution of a portion of the solid solution in the bed, (3) measuring the concentration of the tracer in the sample after passage through the bed of solid solution, thus measuring the amount of the compound dissolved from the solid solution to saturate the diluted feed solution, and (4) determining the degree of saturation of the compound in the feed solution from the measured values.

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: An arrangement for determining the blood cell sedimentation rate, comprising a pipette having at the upper end thereof a levelling device; a tube and a plunger sealingly engaging the outside wall of the pipette and having a diameter generally the same as the inside diameter (d) of the tube. The plunger is inserted in the tube at a distance from the lower end of the pipette such that when the plunger is inserted in the tube until such lower end of the pipette abuts the bottom end of the tube, it displaces blood into the pipette capable of filling the pipette without overflowing from the ensemble formed by the pipette plus the levelling device.

Abstract: An automated sample preparation system for chemical assay of samples of materials. The sample preparation system includes a sample preparation chamber which includes a removable cup for taking solid or very viscous samples to the sample preparation system. The cup may be attached in sealing relationship to a cap through which extends various utilities such as a mixer/grinder to grind solid samples and mix non-homogeneous samples, a fill pipe to pump in liquid samples, an effluent pipe in the sump of the cup to allow pumping of samples and solvents and a nozzle to allow liquids to be sprayed against the walls. A sample metering valve associated with the sample preparation chamber allows a known volume of sample to be isolated so that solvent may be pumped in to dilute the sample to a user defined concentration.

Abstract: A single gas analyzer is used for analyzing the concentration of two gaseous components such as hydrogen and chlorine in a blend by responding to the chlorine content in the gas blend there being a UV-type reactor for the formation of hydrochloric acid and the operation is such that the gas to be analyzed alternates between a path in which the reaction has taken place and one in which such a reaction has not taken place, for directly measuring the concentration of the gas with a higher concentration and indirectly the concentration of the gas with the lower concentration by determining the depletion the reaction has caused in the higher concentration gas.

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: A system for the detection of trace components in a gas by a process involving the ionization of such trace components and intermittently adding to the gas, a reactant gas which converts some of the components to more readily ionizable forms.

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: An atomic spectrometer in combination with an atomizer apparatus for atomizing a test sample into an atomic state for analysis in the atomic spectrometer. The atomizer apparatus includes a heater for heating a sample to free individual atoms of the sample for atomic spectroscopy, a tube member containing a packing of an adsorbent, a reagent adsorbed on the adsorbent which reacts with a metal constituent in a sample to form a metal complex which adsorbs to the adsorbent at a first temperature and is volatile at a second higher temperature for desorption from the adsorbent, and a heater for heating the tube member.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the measurement of sub-ppm concentrations of impurities in liquids. The liquid to be measured for impurities is dispersed into uniform droplets of a precisely known diameter D in a gas stream, such as air, using for example, a vibratory orifice generator. The dispersed droplets evaporate in the gas stream to leave a residue particle having a diameter d, which can be measured for example by means of a laser light scattering spectrometer. The concentration by volume, C.sub.v, of the impurities can then be calculated according to the equation; C.sub.v =(d/D).sup.3.

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 system is disclosed for analyzing molten metal which comprises removing a sample of metal from a source of molten metal; dissolving the sample in a solvent; and analyzing the dissolved sample to determine the contents of the molten metal. In a preferred embodiment, the sample is removed from the molten metal as solid particles in a sampling zone, conveyed in a fluid to a dissolution zone where a known quantity is dissolved for subsequent spectral analysis, and the resulting solution is then passed to a spectral analysis zone.

Abstract: A probe for taking a sample of dusty gas has a duct (2) with a cooling mantle (11) and leading to a compartment (4) with a filter (5). The duct inlet (1) is convergent to reduce gas velocity and hence dust entrainment.

Abstract: A method for monitoring the stack gases of a purge cascade of a gaseous diffusion plant for uranium activity. A sample stream is taken from the stack gases and contacted with a volume of moisture-laden air for converting trace levels of uranium hexafluoride, if any, in the stack gases into particulate uranyl fluoride. A continuous strip of filter paper from a supply roll is passed through this sampling stream to intercept and gather any uranyl fluoride in the sampling stream. This filter paper is then passed by an alpha scintillation counting device where any radioactivity on the filter paper is sensed so as to provide a continuous monitoring of the gas stream for activity indicative of the uranium content in the stack gases.

Abstract: A device for detecting small amounts of alkanes such as methane, ethane, propane, and butane gases, comprising an optical waveguide and a light source for propagating light therethrough; apparatus for obtaining samples of air to be tested; apparatus for adding water vapor to these air samples to yield gas mixtures with at least a 30% relative humidity; and means for flowing these mixtures over the surface of the optical waveguide at a rate sufficient to favor condensation of the mixture on the waveguide surface to thereby form a thin film thereon. The presence of alkanes is determined by detecting the intensity of the light after propagation through the optical waveguide and then comparing that detected intensity to a reference. In a preferred embodiment, the optical waveguide is an optical glass capillary in which the surface is closed in a lens-like configuration at the detector end.

Abstract: An improved system for evaporating liquid to obtain solid residue where by small quantities of a solid are recovered from a first liquid medium and dissolved in another liquid medium. The invention comprises a receptacle for holding the liquid to be treated and structure which localizes entry of an evaporating, or carrier, gas along the wall of the receptacle as it moves downwardly and into contact with the material to be treated. Such localization of inlet gas also provides a relatively quiescent central zone in the receptacle through which exiting gas, carrying evaporated liquid, can be removed without disturbing the flow of inlet gas.

Abstract: A method is provided for continuous quantitative analysis of H.sub.2 S dissolved in crude oil. The liquid is injected into a mixing chamber 14 in the form of a microsprayed mist meeting a nitrogen stream. The mist conveyed by the nitrogen is injected in the lower unfilled part 16a of a mist separation chamber 16 filled with solid mist separation material and passes from bottom to top through said filling while giving up liquid in the form of coalesced droplets. The gas and nitrogen mixture emerging at the top 16b of chamber 16 is free of at least a large part of the least volatile constituents.

Abstract: A gas concentration measuring method comprises irradiating a sample gas with ultraviolet light in the presence of oxygen, thereby converting a specific gas for detection contained in the sample gas into fine oxide particles by photochemical reaction, irradiating the sample gas having the fine oxide particles contained therein with light, and detecting scattered light emitted from the fine oxide particles contained in the sample gas.

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: 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: 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.