Analyzing Evolved Gas Patents (Class 436/32)
  • Patent number: 11371827
    Abstract: Measurements of a core sample at scales of measurement that differ by multiple orders of magnitude can be used to calculate a value that fairly represents surface roughness of the core sample. This surface roughness value can be used to determine petrophysical properties of the subsurface formation from which the core sample was obtained. The measurements can be nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) diffusion-relaxation and gas-adsorption measurements. Surface relaxivities at the different scales are determined from the measurements and a ratio those surface relaxivities can be used to calculate the surface roughness value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Gabriela Singer, Lilong Li, Songhua Chen
  • Patent number: 10895567
    Abstract: A method which distinctly characterizes and quantifies the pyritic sulfur and the organic sulfur of a sedimentary rock sample. A rock sample is subjected to a heating sequence in an inert atmosphere which produces effluents resulting which are continuously oxidized. SO2 is continuously measured, and a pyrolysis sulfur content and a pyrolysis pyritic sulfur content are deduced therefrom. The residue from heating in an inert atmosphere is then heated in an oxidizing atmosphere. Released SO2 is continuously measured and at least an oxidation sulfur content is deduced therefrom. The pyritic sulfur content is determined from pyrolysis, a weighting function, a second parameter representing the impact of the mineral matrix and a third parameter representing the impact of the organic matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Assignee: IFP ENERGIES NOUVELLES
    Inventors: Anabel Aboussou, Violaine Lamoureux-Var, Daniel Pillot, Isabelle Kowalewski, Brigitte Doligez, Bruno Garcia, Thomas Wagner, James Oliver Buckman, Christian Marz
  • Patent number: 10488327
    Abstract: A method for analyzing the petroleum content of a rock sample includes at least three repetitions of heating a rock sample to a holding temperature, holding the rock sample at the holding temperature for a holding period, and collecting data about the rock sample during each holding period. The holding temperature for each subsequent holding period may be greater than or equal to a previous holding temperature. The data collected may be analyzed to determine the S1 parameter and calculated to determine the API gravity of the rock sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: David J. Thul, Dhrupad Raghuveer Beti
  • Patent number: 9284869
    Abstract: A concentration of HC in an exhaust gas is estimated with a high degree of accuracy by making use of a particulate matter processing apparatus (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Shinichi Mitani, Hiroshi Nomura, Eiji Murase
  • Patent number: 9128076
    Abstract: The present techniques are directed to a method for microprobe analyses of isotope ratios in inhomogeneous matrices. The method includes selecting matrix standards that have matrices that resemble a target matrix. A bulk isotope analysis is run on each of the matrix standards to determine a bulk isotope ratio value. A microprobe analysis is run on each of the matrix standards to determine a microprobe isotope ratio values for each of the plurality of matrix standards. Spurious values are eliminated from the microprobe isotope ratio values. The microprobe isotope ratio values are averaged for each of the matrix standards to create an average microprobe isotope ratio value associated with each of the matrix standards. The bulk isotope ratio value for each of matrix standards is plotted against the average microprobe isotope ratio value associated with each of the matrix standards to create a matrix corrected calibration curve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: William A. Lamberti, Hubert E. King, William C. Horn, Mindy M. Zimmer, Gordon Macleod, Robert J. Pottorf, Leonard J. Srnka
  • Patent number: 9029156
    Abstract: The subject matter of the present disclosure is directed to developing a method of measuring the amount of producible oil and the producible oil saturation in shale-oil reservoirs using sample source rock. Further, the physical and chemical properties and amounts of producible oil in shale-oil reservoir samples may be determined. First and second solvents are applied to a sample source rock to extract petroleum from the sample source rock. The extracted source rock, the twice-extracted source rock, and the first and second extracted petroleum may be analyzed to determine the characteristics and properties of the reservoir rock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Alan S. Kornacki, Patricia M. O'Neal, Kathryn E. Washburn, Kevin L. Kmiec
  • Patent number: 8912000
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for obtaining a mass spectrum of a sample and determining a concentration of a component of the sample by utilizing a model of chemical and electron ionization and the obtained mass spectrum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Pierre J. Daniel, Julian J. Pop, Reza Taherian, Bruno Drochon
  • Patent number: 8796035
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to a device for sulfur characterization and quantification in a sample of sedimentary rocks or of petroleum products wherein the following stages are carried out: heating said sample in a pyrolysis oven (1) in a non-oxidizing atmosphere, oxidizing part of the pyrolysis effluents and continuously measuring the amount of SO2 generated by said part after oxidation, then transferring the pyrolysis residue of said sample into an oxidation oven (1?) and continuously measuring the amount of SO2 contained in the effluents resulting from said oxidation heating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignees: IFP Energies Nouvelles, Vinci Technologies
    Inventors: Jean Espitalie, Roland Antonas, Violaine Lamoureux-Var, Gérémie Letort, Daniel Pillot, Valérie Beaumont, Frank Haeseler
  • Patent number: 8556001
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process and related apparatus for determining the presence and/or quantity of H2S in the drilling debris of a subsoil layer comprising the following working steps: recovering the drilling debris of a layer; degassing the drilling debris from the previous recovery step, and separating a gaseous phase from said debris; clearing the gas released in the step of degassing, and conveying towards an H2S detector; determining the possible presence and/or quantity of H2S in the gaseous phase from the steps of degassing and clearing by means of a suitable means of detection; possible repetition of the previous phases at two layers, at least of the subsoil at different levels of depth in relation to the surface, with consequent determination of a distribution profile of H2S in the subsoil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Geolog S.r.l.
    Inventor: Antonio Calleri
  • Patent number: 8492153
    Abstract: A method for calculating the volume of various predetermined organic end-members in samples of rock at various depths in oil reservoir rock is utilized to produce one or more graphic displays that are use to interpret the data to identify, e.g., tar mats, in order to improve the efficient production of hydrocarbons from the well. Data is collected from the samples by known pyrolysis and compositional modeling methods; additional data is obtained by elemental analysis to determine weight percentages of C, H, N, S and O in the selected end-members and characterization of physical properties of representative samples of the reservoir rock, e.g., from core samples; the data is then processed in accordance with the method to provide a series of data points used to produce the graphic displays for visual interpretation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Peter J. Jones, Henry I. Halpern
  • Patent number: 8388435
    Abstract: A method of playing a wagering game comprises receiving a wager, and generating a randomly selected first outcome of a first wagering game, the first outcome comprising a first plurality of symbols arranged in a first matrix. The method further comprises generating a randomly selected second outcome of a second wagering game, the second outcome comprising a second plurality of symbols arranged in a second matrix, and simultaneously displaying the first outcome and the second outcome on at least one display. The method further comprises detecting an occurrence of a triggering event, in response to the triggering event, copying a first special symbol occurring in the first outcome into the second outcome to yield a modified second outcome, and evaluating the first outcome and the modified second outcome for winning combinations of symbols.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Peter R. Anderson, Allon G. Englman, Benjamin T. Gomez, Joel R. Jaffe, Daniel P. Louie
  • Patent number: 8268146
    Abstract: A wellbore tool has an electrochemical sensor for measuring the amount of hydrogen sulphide or thiols in a fluid downhole in a wellbore. The sensor comprises a temperature- and pressure-resistant housing containing a flow path for the fluids. The fluids flow over one side of a gas permeable membrane the other side of the membrane being exposed to a chamber containing at least two electrodes and containing a reaction solution which together with the hydrogen sulphide or thiols create a redox reaction resulting in an electrical current dependent upon the amount of hydrogen sulphide or thiols in the fluid. Measurement is made by passing formation fluid along the flow path and repeatedly applying varying potential to one electrode and measuring the peak current flowing between that electrode and a second electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Li Jiang, Timothy Gareth John Jones, Jonathan Webster Brown, Andrew Gilbert
  • Publication number: 20110269237
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to assaying rock samples (e.g., core samples) for the presence of catalytically-generated gases, such as methane for example. According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, a method for assaying a rock sample comprises sealing a carbonaceous rock sample in a container having an atmosphere and assaying for a quantity of catalytically-generated gas in the sealed container. The method may comprise generating the catalytically-generated gas in response to a catalytic reaction between the carbonaceous material in the carbonaceous rock sample and a low-valent transition metal that is present in the carbonaceous rock sample. The catalytic reaction may occur in a static atmosphere of the sealed container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2009
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicant: PETROLEUM HABITATS, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Frank D. Mango
  • Patent number: 7772004
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventor: François Lorant
  • Patent number: 7668688
    Abstract: Systems, program product, and methods to estimate and manage flowing fluid characteristics of a fluid stream flowing through a pipeline in real-time, are provided. A system can include a vertically oriented extent of a pipeline for transporting crude oil, a pair of spaced vertically apart sensors or sensor assemblies connected to a bypass line interfaced with or positioned across the vertically oriented extent of the pipeline to obtain pressure and temperature readings of the crude oil flowing through the pipeline, a controller in communication with the pair of sensors or sensor assemblies, and crude oil analysis and management program product stored in the memory of the controller and adapted to determine or estimate density, specific gravity, and API gravity of the crude oil to thereby manage flowing fluid characteristics of the crude oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventor: Mohammed Najim Al-Khamis
  • Patent number: 7666679
    Abstract: A method for estimating the quantity of CO2 present in a geologic formation and a device for implementing the method include the steps of penetrating the formation by a well drilled from the surface contacting formation with a fluid that travels from the formation to the surface sampling a given quantity of return fluid at the surface and transferring it to a cell, ensuring the pH of the quantity of fluid, adding a given quantity of product acidifying the fluid to adjust the pH to a value of less than 4, and measuring the CO2 level of the gas in the cell after the acidification step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Benjamin Herzhaft, Marcel Ropars, Thierry Huard, Laurent Neau
  • Patent number: 7201874
    Abstract: A system for quickly and automatically extracting and analysing residual solvents is realised for operating directly in the premises where the packing materials are being manufactured, printed and/or laminated. The system provides for a single unit equipped with a display and a keyboard, and comprises an extraction (desorption) chamber (1), an analysis chamber with valves and separating columns, a detection system (17), and a data processing system (19). The extracting or desorption chamber comprises a desorption cell (1) for receiving a vial (36; 37) containing said sample, and means are provided to keep the inside of said cell (1) at a pressure higher that that of the surrounding environment until a new sample has been introduced into the cell, thus accomplishing a “washing” of cell for eliminating polluting solvents coming from the desorption of a preceding sample and/or solvents present in the surrounding environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Inventor: Carlo Squicciarini
  • Patent number: 7192459
    Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing an odorant to a fluid in a vessel having an interior volume containing the fluid includes at least one odorant material and an odorant-permeable material. The at least one odorant material is disposed in the interior volume, the odorant material having at least one detectable odor. The odorant-permeable material encapsulates the odorant material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Pushpinder Singh Puri, James Gordon Hansel
  • Patent number: 7153688
    Abstract: The present invention relates to assays for ascribing catalytic activity to rock samples by virtue of zero-valent transition metals potentially being present within the sample. Embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to novel assays for measuring intrinsic paleocatalytic activities (k) of sedimentary rocks for converting oil to gas and projecting the activities to the subsurface based on the measured linear relationship between ln(k) and temperature (T).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Petroleum Habitats, L.L.C
    Inventor: Frank D. Mango
  • Patent number: 7098034
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products analyze asphalt samples for anti-stripping agents by: obtaining a sample comprising asphalt binder material; sensing a selected parameter associated with the sample (such as the acidity and/or alkalinity of the sample); and analyzing the sensed parameter to assess at least one of: (a) the presence of at least one anti-stripping agent in the sample; and (b) the level of at least one anti-stripping agent in the sample. The sample can be heated so that it emits exhaust gas and the exhaust gas (directly or indirectly) interrogated to determine its pH, or other constituents or properties, such as ammonia. Pre-defined mathematical relationships can be used to correlate the measured sensed data to the concentrations of the anti-stripping agent(s) in the sample undergoing analysis. The evaluation can be carried out in a generally automated rapid manner so that the test can be completed in about 10 minutes or less. Related devices and kits are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: InstroTek, Inc.
    Inventors: Tianqing He, Ali Regimand, Peter D. Muse, Lawrence H. James
  • Patent number: 7078235
    Abstract: Optimizing fly ash resistivity by controlling concentration of sulfur trioxide (SO3) in flue gas by the use of an algorithm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Electric Power Research Institute
    Inventors: Herbert W. Spencer, Ralph F. Altman
  • Patent number: 6939717
    Abstract: Described is a downhole method and apparatus for detecting hydrogen sulphide in formation fluids produced in a hydrocarbon well. The sensor system is located within or in communication with an extraction chamber used to extract hydrogen sulphide in a gaseous state from the formation fluid and preferably equipped with renewable sensing elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Li Jiang, Timothy Gareth John Jones, Oliver Clinton Mullins, Xu Wu
  • Publication number: 20040203160
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for estimating the quantity of CO2 present in a geologic formation (20) comprising the following steps:
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2004
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Inventors: Benjamin Herzhaft, Marcel Ropars, Thierry Huard, Laurent Neau
  • Publication number: 20040115820
    Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing an odorant to a fluid in a vessel having an interior volume containing the fluid includes at least one odorant material and an odorant-permeable material. The at least one odorant material is disposed in the interior volume, the odorant material having at least one detectable odor. The odorant-permeable material encapsulates the odorant material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2002
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Inventors: Pushpinder Singh Puri, James Gordon Hansel
  • Patent number: 6692970
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for measuring the gas efflux from a substrate. In particular, one or more measuring chambers receive a gas enriched air from the substrate. A respiration system sends reference air having a known gas concentration to the measuring chamber. The reference air mixes with the gas enriched air to form a mixed air, which is returned to the respiration system. The respiration system then measures the gas efflux of the substrate over the given amount of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture
    Inventors: John R. Butnor, Christopher A. Maier, Kurt H. Johnsen
  • Patent number: 6378362
    Abstract: This invention provides saturated and unsaturated Vadose zone remote sample acquisition and in-situ contaminant character identification. The invention is addressed to the management of the Vadose zone. Matters of interest to the agricultural community may include, in addition to other factors, the quantity of nutrients in the saturated zone and the existence of contaminants and the potential for loss of nutrients to the unsaturated zone. Matters of interest to facilities engaging in pollution, toxic or other contaminant detection will be the presence of such contaminants in both the saturated and unsaturated zones and additionally of the transit of contaminants into the unsaturated zone having potential of interaction with the water table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Inventor: Larry Dickinson
  • Patent number: 6319717
    Abstract: The present invention is a one-step thermal method for analyzing the acid-base content of earth samples, specifically mine overburden samples. By using a low oxygen concentration, preferably about 3%, the transition metal carbonates in the sample decomposed to produce carbon dioxide at a lower temperature than the alkaline earth metal carbonates. In contrast, alkaline earth metal carbonates decompose at approximately the same (higher) temperature regardless of the oxygen concentration. Any oxidizable sulfur forms present in the sample are also oxidized by using this oxygen concentration so that only one experiment is required to obtain the carbonate and sulfur contents of the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Inventor: Robert B. LaCount
  • Patent number: 6133041
    Abstract: A kit is provided for testing a gas produced from a sample for an absolute amount of a hydrogen sulfide. The kit includes a vessel for receiving the sample to be tested. The vessel includes one or more gas flow passages through which gas within the vessel can leave the vessel. The kit also includes one or more testing tubes. Each testing tube includes a lumen through which gas can flow. The lumen includes a column of medium observable from outside the testing tube and has a length which changes in appearance in proportion to the amount of hydrogen sulfide which has passed through the testing tube. Graduations are included on the one or more testing tubes for indicating the length of the column of medium whose appearance has changed. The kit also includes a coupling mechanism for coupling the one or more testing tubes with the one or more gas flow passages such that gas leaving the vessel passes through the one or more testing tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: Seung K. Park
    Inventor: Seung K. Park
  • Patent number: 6098423
    Abstract: A method which enables the sulphur and/or hydrogen contained in a low quantity in hydrogen sulphide to be prepared:1) the H.sub.2 S is oxidized at a temperature and for a duration selected to obtain full oxidation of the H.sub.2 S into SO.sub.2 and at least two products are obtained at the end of this step: SO.sub.2 and H.sub.2 O,2) The two products SO.sub.2 and H.sub.2 O obtained at the end of step 1) are separated,3) the isotope of the sulphur contained in the sulphur dioxide obtained during step 2) is measured and/or4) the H.sub.2 O obtained during step 2) is brought into contact with an agent capable of reducing the water to hydrogen form and5) the isotope of the hydrogen is measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Institute Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Claudette Leblond, Alain Prinzhofer
  • Patent number: 5958777
    Abstract: A device for determining at least one petroleum characteristic of a geologic sediment sample placed in a boat, said device including a first heater heating said sample in a non-oxidizing atmosphere, a measuring component determining hydrocarbon-containing products released after feeding the sample into said first heater, a second subsequent heater heating said sample in an oxidizing atmosphere, a measuring component determining the amount of CO.sub.2 contained in effluents discharged from the two heaters, said CO.sub.2 measuring means include a cell for measuring continuously CO.sub.2 throughout heating of the first and second heaters and a measuring component determining the amount of CO contained in the effluents discharged from the two heaters, and thereby allowing determination of said petroleum characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Jean Espitalie, Francois Marquis
  • Patent number: 5869342
    Abstract: A method for determining the amount of residual disinfectant removing agent in a process stream to which the disinfectant removing agent has been added to completely remove a disinfectant residual, comprising the steps of: (a) drawing off a sample of the process stream; (b) mixing an acidic iodate solution and an iodide solution to produce an iodine analyzing agent; (c) adding to the sample the iodine analyzing agent in an amount sufficient to react with the residual disinfectant removing agent and leave an unreacted amount of residual iodine; (d) allowing sufficient time for the iodine to react with the residual disinfectant removing agent; (e) analyzing the sample to determine the amount of residual iodine remaining in the sample, and (f) determining the amount of residual disinfectant removing agent in the sample based on the amount of iodine analyzing agent added and the amount of residual iodine remaining in the sample after reaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: Wallace & Tiernan
    Inventors: James W. Stannard, Jared K. Bryan, Albert Van Grouw, III
  • Patent number: 5843787
    Abstract: A method allowing fast assessment of at least one petroleum characteristic of geologic sediments from a sample of these sediments, said method comprising heating the sample in a non-oxidizing atmosphere, and which method comprises different temperature rise stages; determining at least three magnitudes S.sub.1r, S.sub.2a and S.sub.b representative of the quantity of hydrocarbons contained in said sample, and deducing at least one petroleum characteristic of the geologic sediment from these three magnitudes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Khomsi Trabelsi, Jean Espitalie
  • Patent number: 5811308
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining at least one petroleum characteristic of a geologic sediment sample heated in a non-oxidizing atmosphere and an oxidizing atmosphere. The sample is heated to a first temperature value below 200.degree. C. for a predetermined period of time and then to a second temperature value ranging between 600 and 850.degree. C. according to a temperature gradient between 0.2.degree. C. and 50.degree. C./min. Carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide are continuously measured during the temperature stages in order to determine at least one petroleum characteristic, wherein said petroleum characteristic comprises a quantity of organic oxygen, inorganic oxygen, total organic carbon, or inorganic carbon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Institut Francais Du Petrole
    Inventors: Jean Espitalie, Francois Marquis
  • Patent number: 5786225
    Abstract: A method of evaluating at least on type of pollution characteristic in a soil sample contaminated by hydrocarbon compounds, a method wherein the soil sample is first heated in a non-oxidizing atmosphere, then in an oxidizing atmosphere. The method comprises several temperature rise stages from which at least five quantities Q.sub.0, Q.sub.1, Q.sub.2, Q.sub.3 and Q.sub.4 are measured, wherein the quantities represent concentrations of hydrocarbon compounds in the soil sample. At least one type of pollution characteristic of the sample is determined from quantities Q.sub.0, Q.sub.1, Q.sub.2, Q.sub.3 and Q.sub.4.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Eric Lafargue, Jean Ducreux, Fran.cedilla.ois Marquis, Daniel Pillot
  • Patent number: 5633140
    Abstract: A unitary collection and displacement immunoassay device for determining a toxic substance adhered to aerosols in the air is provided. The device comprises an elongated body having proximal and distal ends and encloses a space defining a collection chamber, a reaction chamber and a measurement chamber, each chamber separated by a liquid flow barrier which delays liquid transport between chambers until a vacuum source is applied to the distal end of the test device to pull liquid into the next chamber. The collection chamber contains a solution for solubilizing the toxic substance from the aerosols and a semi-permeable means for separating the solubilized toxic substance from the aerosols. The reaction chamber contains a labelled immunoreactant bound to a solid phase carrier material. The labelled reagent can be displaced by the solubilized toxic substance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Assignee: Dr agerwerk Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Kerstin Wex, Thomas Wuske, Andreas Manns
  • Patent number: 5470749
    Abstract: Steam quality is measured by mixing the steam with a small amount of surfactant to convert the steam to a stable foam, passing the stable foam through a capillary tube to determine foam quality (volume of vapor per volume of vapor and liquid) by measuring the streaming potential coupling coefficient of the foam passing through the tube, and converting foam quality (volume per volume) to steam quality (mass of vapor per mass of vapor and liquid) based upon the fluid density of the liquid-water and water-vapor phase of the steam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1995
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventors: Nizar F. Djabbarah, Eve S. Sprunt
  • Patent number: 5416024
    Abstract: A collective fluid inclusions volatiles sample is released from each of a plurality of sedimentary rock samples and analyzed as it is being released to determine composition thereof. Compositions are used for mapping the earth's subsurface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1995
    Assignee: Amoco Corporation
    Inventor: Michael P. Smith
  • Patent number: 5389550
    Abstract: An organic substance analyzing method is disclosed. A sample container 21 charged with a granulated rock sample is installed in a thermal cracking furnace 1. The thermal cracking furnace 1 is connected to a vacuum suction line 27 to be evacuated until a substantial vacuum is created therein, whereupon the furnace is closed. The closed thermal cracking furnace is rapidly heated to a first temperature at which hydrocarbons are more or less cracked but inorganic carbonates are not decomposed. The thermal cracking furnace is maintained at this temperature for a fixed time and then is cooled to a temperature at which the hydrocarbons in the thermal cracking furnace do not react with air. Then the furnace is connected to an air supply line 29 and an exhaust line 35 to pass the produced gases in the furnace to a hydrocarbon detector 34 and a CO.sub.2 detector 33. From the output signals therefrom, HC peak P1 and CO.sub.2 peak P3 are found and recorded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1995
    Assignee: Japan National Oil Corporation
    Inventors: Shigeaki Ishida, Hidetoshi Fujimori, Hideki Matsubayashi, Tsutomu Machihara
  • Patent number: 5352412
    Abstract: An optical microscope supports a housing having a closed chamber in which a particle to be pyrolyzed is disposed and is exposable to a targeting laser beam for precisely positioning the particle and a power laser beam for heating and pyrolyzing the selected particle. The pyrolysis chamber housing is supported on a heater disposed on the microscope stage for movement into the focal plane of the objective lens and into the beam path of the targeting and power lasers. The lasers are mounted together and, in combination with multiple reflecting mirrors, direct their beams along a common beam path. The lasers are mounted on an adjustable support base for adjusting the position of the beam path along three mutually perpendicular axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1994
    Assignee: Atlantic Richfield Company
    Inventors: Joseph T. Senftle, Richard L. Tharp
  • Patent number: 5328849
    Abstract: A collective fluid inclusions volatiles sample is released from each of a plurality of sedimentary rock samples and analyzed as it is being released to determine composition thereof. Compositions are used for mapping the earth's subsurface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1994
    Assignee: Amoco Corporation
    Inventor: Michael P. Smith
  • Patent number: 5320807
    Abstract: A test kit for determining the `total compost life`, and chemical stability of a moist compost sample, includes a transparent container for holding the compost sample, and a reactant mass, located within the container in the space not occupied by the compost sample. The reactant mass includes a pH basic reactant material, and a color change indicator material, responsive to pH changes in the atmosphere within the container. After the moist compost sample is charged into the container, the container is sealed and allowed to remain undisturbed for a prescribed time period, e.g., about three (3) hours. During this time, carbon dioxide (CO.sub.2) and volatile organic acids are emitted from the sample into the space surrounding the chemically reactant mass. The pH basic reactant chemically reacts with the emitted carbon dioxide (CO.sub.2), in ionic form, or the emitted volatile organic acids, so as to produce a color change. The nature of the color change is an indication of the carbon dioxide (CO.sub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1994
    Inventors: William F. Brinton, Mary D. Droffner
  • Patent number: 5286651
    Abstract: A collective fluid inclusions volatiles sample is released from each of a plurality of sedimentary rock samples and analyzed as it is being released to determine composition thereof. Compositions are used for mapping the earth's subsurface. The sample is released by an automated crushing mechanism and analyzed by a system of concurrently operated mass spectrometers each scanning a specific set of mass to charge ratio responses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1994
    Assignee: Amoco Corporation
    Inventor: Michael P. Smith
  • Patent number: 5153139
    Abstract: Measurements of acids in air can be greatly falsified by the content of carbon dioxide in the air in spite of the low solubility of carbon dioxide in water and its low dissociation constant. When the measurements are made after a simple absorption of the acid residues in the air in an absorption solution. The air separated from the absorption solution on its way to measurement is cleaned of carbon dioxide by exposure to silica gel and soda-lime and then is used to clean the absorption solution of carbon dioxide in a similar exposure of air to the liquid. The measurement of the acidity of the solution thus cleaned of carbon dioxide provides reliable measurements of strong acid residues in air and can be carried out on a continuous basis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1992
    Assignee: Forschungszentrum Julich GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Volz-Thomas, Andreas Vetter, Stefan Gilge, Dieter Kley
  • Patent number: 5147611
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1992
    Assignee: Union Oil Company of California
    Inventors: Scott A. Stout, Rui Lin, Gunnar W. Recht, Joseph T. Senftle, Stephen R. Larter
  • Patent number: 5137830
    Abstract: Measuring of soil gas flux. Particularly a method of measuring soil gas concentration and emission flux during a period of post-compression of the earth's crust. The method includes observing gravitational acceleration on the surface of the earth, as defined by crustal tension and compression and as induced by the Sun and Moon, compensating for variation in acceleration due to geographic location of said observing, locating said crustal tension in the form of a bulge on the surface of the earth, then post-compression measuring of soil gas concentration and emission flux rate during both the long term (approximately 1 to 10 days) and short term (approximately 1 to 8 hours) of maximum soil gas emission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1992
    Assignee: Quadrel Research Corporation
    Inventor: George H. Milly
  • Patent number: 5082787
    Abstract: A method for studying the rate and type of hydrocarbon generated from a hydrocarbon source utilizes hydrous pyrolysis to generate hydrocarbons from the sample and then utilizes cryogenic methods to remove the fluid portions to a transfer vessel. The gaseous components are removed to a further vessel of known dimensions for determination of weight. The hydrocarbons in the transfer vessel are passed through a dryer to separate the water and their makeup determined. The hydrocarbons remaining in the reactor vessel are removed by working with solvents and their weights are determined after separation and evaporation of the solvents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1992
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventors: David G. Nolte, Helen K. Haskin, Edwin L. Colling, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4965209
    Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for analyzing closely adjacent minerals in specimens of naturally occuring minerals. A sectioned mineral sample is mounted on a glass slide and placed in a vacuum chamber. An optical microscope is used to examine the sample through a window in the vacuum chamber. A laser beam is used for pyrolyzing a portion of the specimen causing gases to be released. Gases released from the mineral are analyzed by a mass spectrometer. Relative movement of the sample and laser beam, pyrolysis of target samples, and analysis of released gases can be automated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 23, 1990
    Assignee: Amoco Corporation
    Inventor: Michael P. Smith
  • Patent number: 4898831
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for analyzing fluid inclusions. A sectioned mineral sample is mounted on a glass slide and placed in a vacuum chamber. An optical microscope is used to examine the sample through a window in the vacuum chamber to identify a single fluid inclusion. A linear rotary feedthrough includes a diamond stylus on the end thereof that is received in the vacuum chamber. The feedthrough is manipulated by the operator to urge the diamond stylus against the identified fluid inclusion thereby rupturing the same. The gases, including evaporated volatile liquids, released from the inclusion are analyzed by a mass spectrometer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1990
    Assignee: Amoco Corporation
    Inventor: Michael P. Smith
  • Patent number: 4816412
    Abstract: Method for the determination of the content of solid carbon compounds in soil samples, particularly in humus soils, by converting the solid carbon compounds with a reactant into carbon dioxide and conveying the carbon dioxide gas into an analyzer. To reach the reaction temperature, metal particles are added to a specified amount of the dry, milled soil sample and the dry matter is heated inductively in the presence of the reactant to the reaction temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1989
    Assignee: Leybold-Heraeus GmbH
    Inventors: Manfred Schmidt, Horst Fechter
  • Patent number: 4798805
    Abstract: An apparatus for analysis of samples containing organic matter, especially of rock from oil drilling mud, including a loading arm hinged at its base to be movable from a tilted position when it receives a sample-bearing cartridge, which fits on the top of the arm, to a vertical position in which the arm can be raised to fit the upper end of the cartridge within a selectively electrically heated and air cooled chamber. A channel for carrier gas, e.g. hydrogen, passes up the arm so that gas passes through the cartridge when it is held in the heating and cooling chamber, and through the heating and cooling chamber and then through a conduit to a burner within an ignition an analysis chamber.In use, the container is heated to pyrolyze the sample and the resultant vapors are entrained in the gas, burnt and analyzed by flame ionization. After which the sample-bearing cartridge is cooled in the heating and cooling chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1989
    Assignee: Geoservices, Societe Anonyme
    Inventor: Olivier Issenmann