Abstract: A system and method for controlling a microwave heated chemical process is disclosed. Time varying concentrations of some chemical substances within fumes in the microwave oven are monitored to detect concentration variations for which responses are known. Responses to the detected variations are initiated to control the chemical process without terminating the process. Examples of responses include varying microwave radiation energy, initiating safety systems, increased venting of the microwave oven, and so forth.

Abstract: A device for the investigation of liquids, in particular of waste water, includes at least one reaction chamber for receiving the liquid to be investigated as well as liquids for analysis from storage containers. The reaction chamber is disposed in a housing while the storage containers are accommodated within the housing or are set up outside. The housing may be positioned in a freely floating manner within the liquid to be investigated or may be set up outside.

Abstract: A method for measuring NO.sub.x in biochemical processes which includes a) isolating a liquid sample; b) adjusting the pH or ionic strength of the sample; c) recording mV values present in the sample after predetermined time periods; d) determining NO.sub.x concentrations in the sample at each of the predetermined time periods from the mV values; e) determining the difference in NO.sub.x in the sample from the NO.sub.x concentrations at each of the predetermined time periods; and f) determining the NO.sub.x concentration of the liquid sample from the difference in NO.sub.x and the predetermined time periods.

Abstract: The organic content of a fluid is determined by: (a) reacting a sample of a fluid containing organic matter (such as viable biomass or soluble or insoluble organic compounds) with excess oxidizing agent; (b) permitting an enzyme catalyzed release of oxygen from any unreacted oxidizing agent; and (c) measuring the volume of oxygen liberated from the sample; wherein the volume of oxygen liberated provides a measure of the organic content of the fluid.

Abstract: A method for microwave assisted chemical processes is disclosed that comprises applying sufficient microwave radiation to a temperature-monitored mixture of reagents, with at least one of the reagents being thermally responsive to electromagnetic radiation in the microwave range, and based on the monitored temperature, to maintain the added reagents at or closely about a predetermined temperature while substantially avoiding thermal dilution (or before substantial thermal dilution can occur) that otherwise would have been caused by the addition of the reagents to one another.

Abstract: A reusable immobilized microbial composition is formulated. The formulated microbial composition comprises a synergistic mixture of the bacterial strains of Enterobacter cloaca, Citrobacter amalonaticus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa,Yersinia enterocolitica, Klebsiella oxytoca, Enterobacter sakazaki and Serratia liquefaciens. The formulated microbial composition is immobilized on an appropriate immobilizing agent to form beads. The said beads are tested as microbial seeding material for BOD analysis using Glucose Glutamic Acid (GGA) as a reference standard. The obtained BOD values by the formulated beads are compared with BOD values obtained by sewage as seeding material using synthetic samples as well as industrial effluents. The formulated microbial beads are ready-to-use as well as reusable seeding material in BOD analysis. The said beads can be reused up to five times with same efficacy.

Abstract: A method of pretreating aqueous chemical oxygen demand (COD) samples to remove the risk of potential chloride ion interference. The method comprises acidifying an aqueous COD test sample, and thereafter passing the acidified sample through a source of pentavalent bismuth (Bi.sup.5+) such as sodium bismuthate.

Abstract: A continuous, quick measurement method of BOD, and an apparatus therefor is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a sample tank in which a sample is prepared suitably for the measurement, a reactor in which microorganisms maintain their activity, a medium reservoir which contains nutrients for the growth of the microorganisms, pumps for transferring liquids, and a microprocessor which controls the operation of all means including a magnetic stirrer for mixing the liquid in the reactor and diagnoses of the apparatus itself. Using the apparatus, the method comprises a continuous culture stage, an endogenous respiration stage, a endogenous respiration rate-measuring stage, a sample feeding stage and a BODq measuring stage. The apparatus can detect BOD in one hour and is very low in error rate. Further, because microorganisms can be continuously cultured, the apparatus is semi-permanent, easy to manage, low in cost and suitable to be operated at a treatment site.

Abstract: The organic content of a fluid is determined by: (a) reacting a sample of a fluid containing organic matter (such as viable biomass or soluble or insoluble organic compounds) with excess oxidizing agent; (b) permitting an enzyme catalyzed release of oxygen from any unreacted oxidizing agent; and (c) measuring the volume of oxygen liberated from the sample; wherein the volume of oxygen liberated provides a measure of the organic content of the fluid.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a microbiological process in a fluid supply involving isolation of a fluid sample from a fluid supply, measuring the pH of the fluid sample at selected time intervals, then calculating changes in pH, if any, to determine a pH variation rate for the sample. The dissolved oxygen in the sample is also measured at selected time intervals substantially synchronously with the pH measurements, and changes in dissolved oxygen, if any, are calculated to determine a biological oxygen consumption rate for the sample.

Abstract: A method for microwave assisted chemical processes is disclosed that comprises applying sufficient microwave radiation to a temperature-monitored mixture of reagents, with at least one of the reagents being thermally responsive to electromagnetic radiation in the microwave range, and based on the monitored temperature, to maintain the added reagents at or closely about a predetermined temperature while substantially avoiding thermal dilution (or before substantial thermal dilution can occur) that otherwise would have been caused by the addition of the reagents to one another.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus (1) for monitoring condition of a biomass, particularly that naturally occurring in activated sewage sludge, comprising a vessel (2) for holding a liquid in the form of the activated sewage sludge containing a biomass (3), a device in the form of an aeration ring (4) for continuously aerating the sludge (3) in use, a hopper (5) and valve V2 arrangement to dose the biomass (3) in the vessel (2) with an additive in the form of an additional dose or charge of a feed solution, and a dissolved oxygen probe (6) to measure the dissolved oxygen content of the sewage in the vessel (2) whereby to monitor the condition of the biomass. Poisoning of the biomass is detected using the probe and associated electronic equipment (FIG. 3), such poisoning being shown by a sudden reduction in the measurement of the current of oxygen used per dose of sewage feed solution.

Abstract: An analytical device for determining the gas consumption of matter, specifically the oxygen demand of organic matter includes a container for holding the sample which is to be analyzed and a cop to seal the container gas-tight. Electrical and/or electronic measurement components are integrated in the cap. These components include an electrical pressure sensor which communicates with the interior of the container through a pressure connection, electronic measuring circuitry to which the pressure sensor output signal is sent in order to calculate a value which is proportional to gas consumption, keys for operating the electronic measuring circuitry, and a display for displaying measured, calculated, or stored values. The cap also contains a power source for the electrical/electronic components.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for providing periodical measurements of the real-time readily biodegradable chemical oxygen demand (RBCOD) of a wastewater stream. The apparatus includes a bio-reactor having an inlet for accepting a feed from the stream and an overflow outlet, whereby a sample volume can be maintained within the reactor. A feed rate is chosen to ensure an hydraulic retention time (HRT) in the reactor sufficient for substantially complete oxidation of the readily biodegradable compounds in the feed. Air is periodically passed through the sample volume for set periods and the oxygen up-take (OUR) is determined by measuring the dissolved oxygen content via a probe during the air-off periods. An RBCOD value is then calculated for each OUR value. The invention may be used to monitor the performance of wastewater treatment plants.

Abstract: A method is directed to a measurement of the biodegradation of a product organic carbon source by the measurement of the change in conductivity of a solution that has absorbed carbon dioxide evolved from the biodegradation of a product organic carbon source. The carbon dioxide that is absorbed is a direct measure of the biodegradability of the organic carbon source.

Abstract: A method of pretreating aqueous chemical oxygen demand (COD) samples to remove the risk of potential chloride ion interference. The method comprises acidifying an aqueous COD test sample, and thereafter passing the acidified sample through a source of pentavalent bismuth (Bi.sup.5+) such as sodium bismuthate.

Abstract: A method of pretreating aqueous chemical oxygen demand (COD) samples to remove the risk of potential chloride ion interference. The method comprises acidifying an aqueous COD test sample, and thereafter passing the acidified sample through a source of pentavalent bismuth (Bi.sup.5+) such as sodium bismuthate.

Abstract: The invention relates to devices and methods for ultrasonically degassing a sealed container of fluid such as a container of beer, wine or soda. The invention further relates to methods and apparatus for measuring the respiration rate of bacteria in a test liquid containing bacteria such as waste water or activated sludge. The invention also relates to methods for measuring one or more components of the gas released from the sealed container utilizing ultrasonic and other degassing techniques and to methods for expanding head space of the container.

Abstract: A method of assay of antioxidant activity of a sample of water, which comprises monitoring the change exerted by the sample on a luminescent reaction.

Abstract: A method of analyzing aqueous samples for Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) which involves using an analysis reagent comprised of a mixture of stabilized Manganese III ion and an inorganic non-oxidizing acid such as sulfuric or phosphoric acid. Manganese III ion (or manganosulfuric acid complex) is purple, and, as it is reduced to Manganese II ion, the purple color decreases to colorless. Manganese III Chemical Oxygen Demand test is preferred over the presently available chromium reagent test because Chromium VI ion is a known carcinogen, the reagent is photosensitive and a silver catalyst is required. Manganese III is not carcinogenic or photosensitive and does not require a silver catalyst.

Abstract: The biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) of aqueous liquids containing organic matter is determined. A microorganism culture is aerated to exhaust the organic matter available to the microorganisms. An aqueous liquid test sample containing organic matter is added to the exhausted culture to measure the amount of oxygen consumed by the microorganisms. The determination of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) of the sample is determined in as little as 20 minutes. An apparatus is provided for determining BOD comprising a magnetic stirrer, an aerating instrument, a dissolved oxygen/temperature sensor, tubing pumps and a quick biochemical oxygen demand (QBOD) bottle. The BOD may be automatically calculated using the apparatus.

Abstract: A topical composition comprising LYCD together with known topically active useful medicinal agents such as anti-wrinkling, antibiotic, anticancer, antifungal, antiinflammatory such as anti-acne, antiviral, wound healing, and hair-growing agents. The LYCD works together with the other active agents to achieve a synergistic result more effective than can be obtained from the topical agents individually, and more effective than could be predicted from the mere addition of the known efficacies of the individual ingredients.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a BOD analyzer comprising a microbe sensor containing an oxygen electrode and a microbe membrane. The microbe membrane is made by immobilizing microorganisms belonging to the genus Klebsiella in membrane. Specifically, the present invention relates to a BOD analyzer comprising flow cell equipped with a microbe sensor containing an oxygen electrode and a microbe membrane; and a liquid passage which is connected with the entrance of the flow cell and which is equipped with an outlet. The microbe membrane is made by immobilizing microorganisms belonging to Klebsiella oxytoca 12092 strain in a porous hydrophilic membrane having an average pore size of 0.65-3 .mu.m in diameter by using at least one gelating agent selected from the group consisting of alginic acid or salts thereof, agar, gellan gum, xanthane gum, gelatine, carageenan, locust bean gum, methylcellulose, pectin, and pullulan.

Abstract: To analyze the oxidizable substances, for example the chemical oxygen demand (COD), contained in an aqueous sample liquid, for example sewage water, the aqueous sample liquid is diluted with dilution water and fed into a reaction container where it is mixed with ozone from an ozone generating device. After passing through a second reaction container, for example a tubular reactor, the sample liquid reaches an ozonometer appliance. Ozone being added continuously, the ratio of sample liquid to dilution water of the mixture is regulated in such a manner that the residual ozone content measured by the ozonometer appliance remains constant at a predetermined level. The ratio of sample liquid to dilution water of the mixture required to maintain the reading on the ozonometer at the predetermined level is used to determine oxidizable substances contained in the water, in particular COD.

Abstract: A pressure/vacuum method and instrument for detecting biological activities in blood culture vials, that is non-invasive, does not require chemical sensors, does not require high-brightness short-wavelength light sources, is safe against eventual extreme high pressure values, and is head-space-temperature compensated. A culture medium and blood specimen are introduced into a sealable glass vial. The normally incompressible fluid suspension is made compressible through the use of a partially inflated gas bag submerged within the medium. The changes in fluid position that result from bacterial growth related pressure changes within the vial head space are measured to detect biological activities.

Abstract: A fouling monitor and method for sensing fouling in commercial waters and for differentiating between microbiological fouling and chemical fouling, which includes a dissolved oxygen probe disposed in a slip stream of water and means for providing an abundance of oxygen and nutrient to the microbial activity whereby a decrease in dissolved oxygen level is sensed due to the increased respiration of the microbes when microbiological fouling occurs. A polyester screen is mounted over the sensing end of the dissolved oxygen probe to promote microbiological fouling by providing a means for engaging the microbes and to enhance differentiation between the biological component and the non-viable/chemical component.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for detecting the effects of cell affecting agents on living cells. The method steps include providing living cells that are retained in a micro flow chamber. The micro flow chamber is adapted for either continuous or intermittent flow of solutions or suspensions in intimate contact with the cells. The solutions or suspensions, which contain a cell affecting agent, are then flowed in intimate contact with the cells and at least one effect of the cell affecting agent on the cells is measured by an appropriate detecting means, which is operatively associated with the micro flow chamber.

Abstract: A fouling monitor and method for sensing fouling in commercial waters and for differentiating between microbiological fouling and chemical fouling, which includes a dissolved oxygen probe disposed in a slip stream of water and means for providing an abundance of oxygen and nutrient to the microbial activity whereby a decrease in dissolved oxygen level is sensed due to the increased respiration of the microbes when microbiological fouling occurs. A polyester screen is mounted over the sensing end of the dissolved oxygen probe to promote microbiological fouling by providing a means for engaging the microbes and to enhance differentiation between the biological component and the non-viable/chemical component.

Abstract: In order to simplify the operation for determination of the acid-base status of blood, composed of the values for pH, pCO.sub.2 and the base excess BE, the base excess BE is determined through measurement of the pH-value at a pCO.sub.2 of about 0 mn Hg. The pH-values may be determined photometrically, in which case the indicator solution for measuring the actual blood-pH is an aqueous solution of 40 micromol/l bromthymol blue plus 0.2 g/l sodium dodecylsulfate plus 1% ethanol; and for measurement of the base excess BE is an aqueous solution of 65 micro mol/l naphtholphthalein plus 0.2 g/l sodium dodecylsulfate plus 15% dimethylsulfoxide, which are measured at a wavelength of 635 nm. If desired, one may use a single solution for measuring both actual blood-pH as well as the base excess BE, composed of 16 micromol/l bromthymol blue plus 34 micromol/l naphtholphthalein plus 0.15 g/l sodium dodecylsulfate, which is measured at 615 nm wavelength.

Abstract: Method and device for determining the respiration rate of a respiring material such as active sludge in a continuous process flow before and after holding thereof in a respiration chamber. The oxygen content in the continuous process current is done at a single measurement point. This is done by reversing the incoming and outgoing current of the respiration chamber. Preferably the process flow consists of a mixture of respiring material and waste water to be biologically purified.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for monitoring and rapid predetermining of the oxygen demand for the combustion of hydrogen sulfide-containing gas mixtures which allows a quick adjustment to changing gas compositions by regulation of the oxygen supply.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for measuring the degree of pollution, the degradableness, and the level of toxicity of aqueous liquids, for example, effluent. A partial stream is withdrawn from the liquid undergoing examination and diluted with biologically neutral water. The diluted partial stream is oxygenated and continuously flows through a biological bath in a reaction vessel having a constant living mass. The dilution of the partial stream is regulated in such a manner through measurement of the oxygen content upstream and downstream of the reaction vessel, that with constant volume flow through the reaction vessel, the difference between the measurement values obtained remains essentially constant at a predetermined value, so that the amount of dilution serves for the indication of the level of pollution. Additional reaction vessels connected in parallel or in series with the first reaction vessel and having associated oxygen electrodes allows measurement of the toxicity and degradableness of the pollution.

Abstract: Oxygen feed to a Claus plant is controlled by calibrating a hydrocarbon-representative response signal, but not a hydrogen sulfide representative response signal, responsive to the ratio of hydrogen sulfide:sulfur dioxide in effluent from the Claus plant.

Abstract: Perfluoroethers having a spherical shape are described. The perfluoroethers can be represented by the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.f1, R.sub.f2, R.sub.f3 and R.sub.f4 are the same or different and are selected from short, straight or branched chain perfluoroalkyl or perfluoroether groups. The perfluoropolyethers are designed to act like "molecular ball bearings" and have high thermal stability and lubrication properties. They are useful as stable fluids, heat transfer fluids, vapor phase soldering fluids and oxygen carriers.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for measuring the degree of pollution, the degradableness, and the level of toxicity of aqueous liquids such as effluent. A partial stream is withdrawn from the liquid undergoing examination and diluted with biologically neutral water. The diluted partial stream is oxygenated and continuously flows through a biological bath in a reaction vessel having a constant living mass. The dilution of the partial stream is regulated in such a manner through measurement of the oxygen content upstream and downstream of the reaction vessel, that with constant volume flow through the reaction vessel, the difference between the measurement values obtained remains essentially constant at a predetermined value, so that the amount of dilution serves for the indication of the level of pollution. Additional reaction vessels connected in parallel or in series with the first reaction vessel and having associated oxygen electrodes allows measurement of the toxicity and degradableness of the pollution.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a method for analyzing the biochemical decomposibility of aqueous substrates by microorganisms and particularly to a method for analyzing the quality or biological toxicity of incoming sewage to a sewage disposal plant. The process comprises: placing a preselected amount of bacterial culture, in the form of a dried powder, in contact with a preselected amount of aqueous waste containing greater than 5 mg/l dissolved oxygen, the bacterial culture being capable of effecting aerobic biodegradation of organic waste; measuring the dissolved oxygen content of the aqueous waste during rehydration and respiration development of the microorganisms as a function of time; determining the rate of dissolved oxygen decline at a preselected time; and then comparing the rate of dissolved oxygen decline to the rate of dissolved oxygen for a preselected baseline standard substrate.

Abstract: Waste water to be analyzed is brought into a reactor continuously supplied with samples of activated sludge taken from the biological treatment plant; oxygen is also constantly supplied to the reactor and the content of oxygen dissolved inside the reactor is measured in order to automatically regulate the waste water flow admitted into the reactor in relation the measured value of dissolved oxygen content and thus keep the load applied to the reactor substantially constant; a toxicity alarm is released in case of abnormal reduction of respiration when the waste water admission flow is maximum.

Abstract: The amount of organic, phosphorous containing grain refiners in phosphate conversion coating baths is determined by precipitating the grain refiners and determining the difference in the chemical oxygen demand of the bath before and after the precipitation.