Abstract: System and method for predicting the rate of deterioration in one or more items of process equipment which are subject to deterioration by one or more deterioration mechanisms. The system includes a first item of process equipment which receives an inlet stream including a feedstock or derivative thereof, and discharges one or more outlet streams which can be fed to the item of process equipment. A data processor which is a programmed computer including at least one rate model for the first item of process equipment receives values of one or more properties of the feedstock and calculates predicted rates of deterioration by the one or more deterioration mechanisms for the first item of process equipment from the values of one or more of the feedstock properties. The data processor additionally provides an output containing information relating to the predicted rates of deterioration by the one or more deterioration mechanisms for the first item of process equipment.

Abstract: A method includes pouring in a container a sample of oil and a pre-established amount of a solution suitable for extracting the acid fraction of the sample; stirring the content of the container and waiting for the separation from the sample of an extract phase. A titrant solution of KOH is dosed in the extract phase until an acid-base indicator present therein changes color. The TAN is calculated on the basis of the volume of dosed titrant solution according to the formula: TAN (mgKOH/goil)=(V×56.1×M)/m wherein V is the volume of dosed titrant solution expressed in ml, 56.1 is the molecular weight of KOH, M is the titre of the KOH solution expressed in moles per litre and m is the mass of the sample expressed in g.

Abstract: A method of simultaneously detecting peroxide and nitrogen-based explosives includes the steps of applying a conversion reagent to a sample, the conversion reagent oxidizing in the presence of peroxide and inorganic nitrate explosives; applying a test reagent including a luminescent compound to the sample; exciting the luminescent compound with ultraviolet light; and simultaneously determining the presence of one or more explosives based on quenching, brightening or a shift in wavelength of the luminescence over time. Explosives may also be detected based on color changes of the sample. Optionally, phase transfer reagents, catalysts, colorimetric agents and zinc dust may be added to improve detection of explosives. Alternatively, an assay-type method may be utilized wherein a sample is added to the conversion and/or test reagents and the reagent is spotted on a substrate before exposure to ultraviolet light.

Abstract: Herein are disclosed methods and devices for evaluating the quality of oils (e.g., cooking oil or flying oil). The methods can provide an indication of the free fatty acid content of the oil. The methods use an optical interrogation device to provide an indication of free fatty acid based on quantitative measurements of optical reflectance from test zones on a sampling substrate.

Abstract: A system and method of characterizing an at least partially hydrophobic sample. The method includes providing an ethanolic solution of ethanol and sodium hydrogen cyanamide, adding a first portion of the ethanolic solution to a sample to produce a reagent-sample mixture, performing infrared spectroscopic testing of the reagent-sample mixture to generate mixture absorption data representing at least one absorption characteristic of the reagent-sample mixture, and generating acidity data for the sample based on the mixture data.

Abstract: Herein are disclosed methods and devices for optically monitoring multiple parameters of an oil sample. In one embodiment, the methods and devices can be used for determining the quality of cooking or flying oil in terms of the free fatty acid content and total polar compound content of the oil. The methods use an optical absorbtive/reflective property in evaluating the free fatty acid content, and use optical fluorescence in evaluating the total polar compound content, with both measurements using a single sampling substrate and a single measuring device.

Abstract: A method allowing an accurate diagnosis of a failure of an oil-filled electrical apparatus resulting from production of copper sulfide even with a small amount of an insulating oil is implemented. A diagnostic method for an oil-filled electrical apparatus for diagnosing a failure of the oil-filled electrical apparatus having a copper part disposed in an insulating oil is implemented by detecting at least one compound of bibenzyl and dibenzyl sulfide in the oil of the oil-filled electrical apparatus, to diagnose a failure of the oil-filled electrical apparatus in accordance with the detected amount of the compound. It is configured such that a failure of the oil-filled electrical apparatus resulting from production of copper sulfide can be diagnosed by detecting a specified substance, which allows an accurate diagnosis of a failure even with a small amount of the insulating oil.

Abstract: Herein are disclosed methods and devices for optically monitoring multiple parameters of an oil sample. In one embodiment, the methods and devices can be used for determining the quality of cooking or flying oil in terms of the free fatty acid content and total polar compound content of the oil. The methods use an optical absorbtive/reflective property in evaluating the free fatty acid content, and use optical fluorescence in evaluating the total polar compound content, with both measurements using a single sampling substrate and a single measuring device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method to analyze the condition of a functional fluid comprising: (1) obtaining a sample of the used fluid; (2) placing the sample of the fluid to a test medium; (3) reacting the fluid with an indicator in the test medium; (4) analyzing visually the results of the reactor resulting in the determination of the condition of the fluid. Further an apparatus for analyzing functional fluids is disclosed in the form of a test medium consisting of an absorbent or nonabsorbent material which has been treated with a chemical indicator, marker substance or a developer or detector reagent upon which a sample of the fluid to be tested is placed. The components in the treated test medium react with components in the test fluid providing a visual indication, for example a color change, to judge the condition, the presence of a marker substance or another parameter of the fluid.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for determining the TBN of a used lubricating oil by measuring with a single device at least one element, such as sulfur, and correlating the measured amount to the oil's TBN. Preferably, a spectroscopic device is used to make the measurement.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for characterizing the type of a blood sample and a variety of blood components are provided wherein a transmission spectrum of the sample is collected over a predetermined wavelength range. For blood typing, this spectrum is then compared with a set of control spectra collected from control blood samples having known blood types, from which the type of the blood sample can be determined. Further methods and apparatus are provided for determining the viability of and for cross matching a platelet unit Additional method and apparatus permit analysis of the sample for the presence of a contaminant, Particles can also be counted in the sample, even when present in low concentrations, including white blood cell.

Abstract: A method for determining the TAN value of a hydrocarbon-containing composition, in which the sample is cleared of free water, heated to an elevated temperature in an oxygen free environment, conditioned at the elevated temperature for an extended period of time, cooled down to a temperature near to room temperature, and titrated against alcoholic potassium hydroxide, whereby the TAN value may be calculated.

Abstract: Methods are provided for determining the surface fatty acid content in a wood pulp or whitewater sample. The methods comprise reacting free fatty acids which are present on the surface of the wood pulp fibers in the sample or in the whitewater with one or more reagents to form a measurable species, and determining the fatty acid content from the quantitative measurement of the measurable species. The method is useful as a quick, portable, accurate and low cost assay for assessing the fatty acid content present at various sample points in pulp and paper mills. The method for determining the free fatty acid content can be conducted in a batch process (e.g. where samples are collected periodically and the test is conducted offline). Alternatively, the method for determining the free fatty acid content can be conducted in a continuous or semi-continuous process (e.g., online sampling/analysis).

Abstract: Oil aging and particulate building in a lubricant other than one exposed to combustion products is monitored by detecting light transmitted through the lubricant at least one, and preferably, two or more preselected wavelengths over a pathlength greater than about 0.5 cm wherein one wavelength is in the near infra-red spectrum and/or one wavelength is in the visible or near infra-red spectrum. The detected light when compared to predetermined values provides an indication of the condition of the lubricant.

Abstract: The instant invention involves the use of a combination of preparatory steps in conjunction with mass spectroscopy and time-of-flight detection procedures to maximize the diversity of biopolymers which are verifiable within a particular sample. The cohort of biopolymers verified within such a sample is then viewed with reference to their ability to evidence at least one particular disease state; thereby enabling a diagnostician to gain the ability to characterize either the presence or absence of at least one disease state relative to recognition of the presence and/or the absence of the biopolymer, predict disease risk assessment, and develop therapeutic avenues against disease.

Abstract: Method and apparatus used to calculate the hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide loading of both rich and lean amine solutions used to remove acidic gas components from sour or production gases in order to produce a sweet or sales gas for transmission purposes. The amine solution is divided into three (3) liquid streams carrying different proportions of heat stable salts, hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide. Conductivity measurements are made on each of the streams and are converted to acid loading values for the amine. The acid loading values of the amine are used to obtain the hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide loading for the amine solution.

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.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method to directly measure a lubricating oil's Total Base Number (TBN) during engine operations using an infrared (“IR”) sensing device. The method measures either the actual TBN of the oil, or the TBN depletion of the oil. Either value may be determined without comparison to a reference oil. The method comprises determining the IR spectrum for the oil, pre-selecting a certain frequency range, finding the peak within that range, calculating the absorbance of the peak and determining the TBN or TBN depletion from that value.

Abstract: A test kit for testing acidity of a lubricant in a climate control system containing a naphthalimide dye contains an aqueous solution having a salt and a known amount of hydroxide and an organic solution containing an alcohol and an organic solvent having a flash point of at least 130° F. When a lubricant is added to a combination of the aqueous solution and the organic solution, the color of the bottom layer indicates the acid content of the lubricant.

Abstract: Method and apparatus used to calculate the hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide loading of both rich and lean amine solutions used to remove acidic gas components from sour or production gases in order to produce a sweet or sales gas for transmission purposes. The amine solution is divided into three(3) liquid streams carrying different proportions of heat stable salts, hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide. Conductivity measurements are made on each of the streams and are converted to acid loading values for the amine. The acid loading values of the amine are used to obtain the hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide loading for the amine solution.

Abstract: The invention relates to the study and the manufacture of lubricants used in particular in diesel engines. According to the invention, the neutralization capacity of a lubricant comprising detergent additives is determined by a method which consists in reacting, in a leaktight tank, at a constant temperature, the bases contributed by the additives present in a lubricant film of known mass with a predetermined amount of a liquid acid and in recording, as a function of the time, the values of the pressure within the leaktight tank, and in then determining, from the recorded values of the pressure, at lest one of the following three characterizing parameters: an initiation period for the reaction, a neutralization potential and a reaction rate. The invention finds its application in research and control laboratories of manufacturers of lubricants and in those of engine manufacturers.

Abstract: In an HF alkylation process where an acid catalyst regeneration column separates HF acid from ASO and water to provide regenerated catalyst for a catalyst circulation stream, and where buildup of ASO in the catalyst circulation stream is encountered, an improved control scheme uses an on-line analyzer/controller to maintain desired concentrations of HF acid, or ASO or water in the catalyst circulation stream. In one embodoment, a continuously flowing catalyst slip stream is piped to the analyzer/controller for simultaneously determining concentration of HF acid, ASO and water, and in a preferred embodiment the ASO concentration is maintained at a desired low level by manipulating temperature of a stripping fluid charged to a lower section of the column. An alternate manipulated variable is temperature of the acid catalyst feed to the regenerator column. Alternate controlled variables are the HF acid, and water concentration in the catalyst circulation stream.

Abstract: An indicator system provides a visual indication of the cumulative level of an airborne contaminant. The indicator is a transparent sheath with support medium having an acidic surface and treated with a color pH indicator. As a basic contaminant is adsorbed by the medium, the medium color changes. As additional contaminant is adsorbed, the color front progresses the length of the indicator. The indicator system may be used with an adsorptive filter system to predict the life of adsorption bed assemblies. A sample flow is taken upstream of the adsorption beds and is passed through the indicator. Preferably, the flow rate is calibrated so that the rate of the color change in the indicator is proportional to the rate of depletion of the adsorption bed. By monitoring the indicator, an accurate prediction of adsorption bed life may be made.

Abstract: A reagent for the acid value determination in oils. The reagent contains a tertiary amine, such as triethanolamine, in a water-alcohol mixture as solvent. Preferred is isopropanol/water. The reagent allows determinations of acid values in oils in a two phase system. The use of the reagent is based on a pH-metric technique with conditional pH-measurement before and after the addition of an oil sample to the reagent.

Abstract: A neutralization testing apparatus and a neutralization testing method which allow a neutralization reaction rate of a liquid sample such as lubricant oil to be accurately measured are provided. Reagent injecting device for injecting a reagent which neutralizes the liquid sample is provided on a lid member of a closed container into which the liquid sample is charged. The reagent injecting device is an acid injecting port which penetrates through the closed container and an air-tight sealing member which closes the acid injecting port and which permits an injector needle for injecting the reagent to penetrate therethrough. Because no gas leakage occurs even when the injector needle is penetrated because of the elasticity of the air-tight sealing member, the measuring conditions within the closed container do not change and the neutralization reaction rate may be found accurately.

Abstract: An indicator system provides a visual indication of the cumulative level of an airborne contaminant. An indicator has a transparent sheath with support medium treated with acid and a pH indicator, as the contaminant is adsorbed, the color changes along the medium. The indicator system may be used with an adsorptive filter system to predict the life of adsorption bed assemblies. A sample flow is taken upstream of the adsorption beds and is calibrated with a flow meter and valve. By monitoring the indicator, an accurate prediction of adsorption bed life may be made.

Abstract: The total base number of an oil sample of measured volume is determined by solvating the oil sample, adding a predetermined amount of acidic species to the solvated sample to react the acidic species with any basic species contained in the oil sample, extracting the remaining acidic species into an extractant phase, separating the extractant phase from the oil sample, and measuring the acidic species content of the extractant phase to determine the quantity of basic species in the oil sample. The same technique may be used to determine the total acid number of an oil sample by adding a predetermined amount of basic species to the sample and measuring the basic species content of the extractant phase.

Abstract: A method for determining the acid value of oilseeds. A reagent kit for the rapid extraction of the free fatty acids from oilseeds which consists of reagents: "A" and "B". Reagent "A" contains a tertiary amine (such as triethanolamine) in water and an alcohol--hydrocarbon mixture as solvent. Preferred is water/isopropanol/heptane. Reagent "A" allows rapid (1-2 min) solid-liquid extraction of the free fatty acids and some other acids from oilseeds. Reagent "B" contains a strong acid and an inorganic salt in water. Reagent "B" enables the rextraction (liquid-liquid; about 5 min) of the free fatty acids only into a separate hydrocarbon phase, which can be used for the acid value determination.

Abstract: A process for measuring and controlling at an aim point the neutralization of an organic acid in an organic polymer solution using a near-infrared analyzer.

Abstract: Both a method and a kit for testing the fitness of a polyolester lubricant of the type used in a refrigerant compressor are provided. In the method of the invention, a solution for indicating an excess acidity of the polyolester lubricant is obtained by mixing a color acidity indicator, such as alizarin, with a sufficient amount of an alkaline to neutralize the inherent acidity of the lubricant. The resulting solution changes color only upon the presence of an excess acid condition associated with a compressor malfunction, such as burn out. Both the method and the kit are particularly well adapted to determine the fitness of polyolester lubricants of the type prepared by the reaction of trimethylolpropane with a mixture of a branched and a linear acid.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling an HF alkylation system comprising a reactor, a settler, an HF acid regenerator and a source of fresh HF acid wherein a stream of olefins and a stream of isobutanes are contacted in the reactor in the presence an HF acid catalyst. At least the reactor feed is sampled, and the sample is passed to an analyzer using an attenuated total reflectance cell. Signals are generated which are representative of infrared spectra of the samples in a range providing information on the amount of at least one of HF, water, ASO and sulfolane. These signals are simultaneously determined and generated because all absorb in the same spectral region. This aspect provides for viewing these distortions of the main HF absorption band to quantify these three components. The infrared spectra signals are compared with stored signals to generate control signals; and at least one of HF, water and sulfolane fed to the reactor feed is adjusted in response to the control signal.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of determining the presence of glycol in an aqueous solution comprising providing a container containing a mixture of potassium dichromate, a catalyst comprised of mercuric sulfate and silver sulfate, the mixture provided in an acidic solution. To the container is added a controlled volume of aqueous solution containing glycol. The mixture is permitted a time sufficient to change color, the time not being in excess of 15 minutes. The color is compared to a set of color standards to determine the presence of glycol in said aqueous solution.

Abstract: A method for the qualitative or quantitative determination of the deleterious agent in a substantially non-aqueous medium, such as an oil. The method involves using a non-azo 1,8-naphthalimide dye for the detection or quantitation of the total hydrogen ion activity in a substantially non-aqueous medium. The method includes the steps of: Mixing the dye with the substantially non-aqueous medium, which may or may not contain any hydrogen ion, to form a mixture; irradiating the mixture with a fluorescent light sufficient to cause the mixture to emit a detectable fluorescent emission spectrum; detecting the fluorescent emission spectrum of the mixture; and comparing the detected fluorescent emission spectrum with standard fluorescent emission spectra generated by reacting the dye with different known hydrogen ion activities, wherein differences between the fluorescent emission spectra compared are dependent upon the presence or levels of the hydrogen ion activity present in the mixture.

Abstract: Organometallic compounds such as tricarbonyl-(.eta..sup.4 -1,3-cyclo-hexadiene)lron(O) display an infrared spectrum which varies according to the solvent polarity, pH and similar factors. By comparing the wavenumber position and shape of the peak of a test spectrum with reference spectra by interpolation or extrapolation, information is obtained about the test sample, even a quantitative analysis in some cases. More than one organometallic compound may be used in one experiment (for double checking), and/or a mixture of analytes may be investigated, for obtaining information about the combination.

Abstract: A method of determining acid value with high accuracy, using an infrared spectrometer is provided, in which the absorbance is determined attributable to carboxylic group based on an infrared absorption spectrum at wave numbers around 3300 cm.sup.-1.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling an HF alkylation system comprising a reactor, a settler, an HF acid regenerator and a source of fresh HF acid wherein a stream of olefins and a stream of isobutanes are contacted in the reactor in the presence an HF acid catalyst. At least the reactor feed is sampled, and the sample is passed to an analyzer using an attenuated total reflectance cell. Signals are generated which are representative of infrared spectra of the samples in a range providing information on the amount of at least one of HF, water, ASO and sulfolane. These signals are simultaneously determined and generated because all absorb in the same spectral region. This aspect provides for viewing these distortions of the main HF absorption band to quantify these three components. The infrared spectra signals are compared with stored signals to generate control signals; and at least one of HF, water and sulfolane fed to the reactor feed is adjusted in response to the control signal.

Abstract: An improved vapor compression refrigeration system that has an indicator for detecting the presence of acid contamination in the refrigerant contained in the system. The indicator is permanently or semipermanently installed so that continuous monitoring of the refrigerant for acid is possible. The indicator is located in a portion of the system where the refrigerant is always in a gaseous state. In a preferred embodiment, the indicator is located in a bypass line between the suction and the discharge of the system compressor. The indicator preferably shows the presence of acid by a color change, visible from a point external to the indicator, in an indicator bed in the indicator. The color change may be either permanent or the indicator bed may return to its original color when the acid contamination is no longer present in the refrigerant.

Abstract: The total base number of an oil sample of measured volume is determined by solvating the oil sample, adding a predetermined amount of acidic species to the solvated sample to react the acidic species with any basic species contained in the oil sample, extracting the remaining acidic species into an extractant phase, separating the extractant phase from the oil sample, and measuring the acidic species content of the extractant phase to determine the quantity of basic species in the oil sample. The same technique may be used to determine the total acid number of an oil sample by adding a predetermined amount of basic species to the sample and measuring the basic species content of the extractant phase.

Abstract: The free fatty acid content of an edible oil is measured by a system including a supply of a carrier solution containing an organic solvent for dissolving the oil and a color indicating reagent and an oil sample supply connected to a flow-through colorimetric detector via a sample injection valve. The sample injection valve is movable between a load position wherein a sample stream of the oil is routed to a sample waste collector via a sample loop and a stream of the carrier solution passes through the detector via a carrier solution conduit and a measure position wherein a slug of the oil in the sample loop is introduced into the carrier solution conduit and mixed with the carrier solution prior to passing through the detector. The free fatty acid in the oil reacts with the color indicating reagent in the carrier solution to produce a color of an intensity indicative of the free fatty acid content which is measured by the detector.

Abstract: Method for dectecting the presence of impurities in an oil sample is provided. The method involves the steps of introducing an oil sample into a first flexible container, breaking the capsule within it by squeezing the flexible container in the vicinity of the capsule, transferring the aqueous layer to the second container, and breaking the capsule within the second container in the same manner. A chemical reaction occurs in the second container indicating whether the impurity is present at a given threshold concentration.

Abstract: A urine specimen is preserved from bacterial deterioration as to relative constituents by adding thymol. To the thymol-treated specimen, lithium-solution volume-marker is added, then is divided into two (first and second) separate portions. Thereupon, using the first portion, standard conventional measurements and/or analysis is conducted for total volume, pH/acidity, uric acid, citrate, sodium, and potassium. To the second portion, there is added boric acid and hydrochloric acid, followed by standard/conventional measurement and/or analysis for ammonium ion, citrate, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, oxalate and sulfate. Thereafter the findings are charted and compared to controls.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting oil and other lighter-than-water contaminants in an effluent stream in a sewage system. The apparatus includes a disposable detector which floats in the effluent stream and detects oil and other contaminants having a specific gravity lighter than the water by absorbing the oil and such contaminants in an oleophilic material, permitting the oil and other contaminants to rise and collect in a collection tube. The acidity of pH of the effluent being monitored is determined by routing a portion of the effluent stream across a litmus paper.

Abstract: A new and improved on-site method for protecting an internal combustion engine in the field for maximizing service time by determining the change point of the lubricating oil. The on-site method utilizes a new colorimetric method and apparatus which serves as an indicator of the amount of acid build-up in the lubrication oil. The apparatus is a test strip formed from a polymeric matrix comprised of ion-rich domains known as an ionomer. A dye is bonded to the ion-rich domains and then activated by dipping the test strip in a basic solution.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of measuring the depletion of basic additives in a lubricating oil. A sensor is immersed into the oil, an electric current is passed through the sensor, and the resistance of the sensor is measured. The sensor is made of copper, lead, mixtures of copper and lead, copper alloys, lead alloys, or mixtures thereof. Also disclosed is apparatus for indicating when the basic additives in a lubricating oil have been depleted. The apparatus consists of a sensor which is immersed in the oil, a first pair of electrodes for passing an electric current through the sensor, a second pair of electrodes for measuring the electrical resistance of the sensor, and an indicator for indicating when the electrical resistance has increased to a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A composition and test kit for determining the amount of polar substances in fat are disclosd by employing a test solution which is immiscible with the fat in question, and which provides a polychromatic visible or fluorescent color change in the test solution in response to characteristic amounts of polar substances in the fat. The visible or fluorescent color change can be used to compare to a known standard to determine the amount of polar substances in the fat.

Abstract: An article for testing liquid for free fatty acid comprises a substantially nonreactive, neutral and non-buffering, porous, absorbant support material having at least one portion thereof which contains a composition comprising an effective amount of acid-base indicator capable of changing color, when the predetermined amount of base has reacted with the known amount of free fatty acid, in a pH range on the order of 6-10, a predetermined amount of base compound reactive with free fatty acid and being present in an amount equivalent to a known concentration of free fatty acid, and about 30-99.5 parts by weight of non-volatile material of a substantially colorless, substantially neutral, humectant polyalkylene glycol organic solvent which is substantially non-volatile under ambient conditions. An organic liquid to be tested is contacted with the article and any color change in the article after the passage of sufficient time is observed.