Abstract: A detection system has several conventional computers (1, 2, 3) with one or two IMS detectors (20, 21) mounted in their PCI slots (18, 19). The sieve packs (26, 27) of the detectors (20, 21) may be mounted outside the detector casing itself and within the computer housing (10) so that they can be larger, to extend time between replacement. Power supply and a part at least of the processing of the detectors (20, 21) is provided by the computers (1, 2, 3). The computers (1, 2, 3) are connected in a network system so that an indication of detection of hazardous substances can be provided at a remote location.

Abstract: A substance detection system having an electronic nose and classifier. The system may extract feature from the electronic signals representing the smells from the electronic nose sensing an unknown substance. The features may be formatted as smellprints that are synthesized as data. The features may be classified, and in a binary tournament fashion, as an illustrative example, may be mapped to be compared or correlated with features of known substances. The known substance or substances having the highest scores for good mapping, comparison or correlation with the sensed substance, may be reviewed in view of decision criteria to determine an identification of the sensed substance.

Abstract: A system for detection of gas leakage sources. An open-path FTIR detection system is located before the return filter of recirculating air of a factory to detect gas composition of recirculating air and transmits the result to a data server through a communication network. A multi-port extractive FTIR system is located in the factory to collect and detect gas sample of local area air using pipelines located in different areas and transmits the result of gas composition to the data server through the communication network. An IR monitor system obtains the gas composition from the data server through the communication network. A process exhaust management system obtains the gas composition from the IR monitor system through the communication network for the analysis of a gas leakage source.

Abstract: Method and system for determining chemical composition of a single-component or multiple-component gas, using a discharge holdoff mechanism. A voltage difference V between two spaced apart electrodes is brought to a selected value and held, the holdoff time interval ?t(V;ho) required before gas discharge occurs is measured, and the associated electrical current or cumulative electrical charge is measured. As the voltage difference V increases, the time interval length ?t(V;ho) decreases monotonically. Particular voltage values, V? and V0, correspond to initial appearance of discharge (?t??) and prompt discharge (?t?0). The values V? and V0 and the rate of decrease of ?t(V;ho) and/or the rate of increase of current or cumulative charge with increasing V are characteristic of one or more gas components present.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to nitric oxide sensors and systems.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for sensing gas concentration in a gas stream involves producing a succession of difference values representing differences between successive sample values of a succession of sample values representing instantaneous reflectance of light from a compound produced by reacting a reagent with the gas being sensed and producing a gas concentration value in response to a maximum difference value of the succession of difference values.

Abstract: In a process and device for determining the composition of a gas mixture of the fuel tank of a motor vehicle filled with a CNG gas, the measured values of a pressure sensor and a temperature sensor, which are generally present in conventional fueled motor vehicles, are used to determine the vapor pressure (pd) of at least one of the gases in the gas mixture, in particular ethane, propane and/or butane. If the vapor pressure of one of the components of the CNG gas in the fuel tank falls short, then one relevant, current composition of the gas mixture is determined. This offers the advantage in an internal combustion engine that as much gas can always be injected with the 20 requisite energy value, as is called for by the specified air-fuel ratio (?-value) and the conditions of operation. This achieves optimum combustion with minimal exhaust.

Abstract: A method for determining a carbon content value of a hydrocarbon-containing mixture. At least one composition-dependent bulk property of the hydrocarbon-containing mixture is measured and optionally at least one non-hydrocarbon component concentration is measured with the resulting measurements used in a carbon content correlation for calculating the carbon content of the hydrocarbon-containing mixture. The carbon content may be used in a hydrogen and/or synthesis gas production process for calculating a target flow rate of steam to be combined with the hydrocarbon-containing mixture to form a mixed feed having a target steam-to-carbon ratio.

Abstract: This invention is concerned with apparatus, methods and computer program code for sensing a target substance using one or more very high sensitivity optical sensors such as sensors employing evanescent waves and/or cavity ring-down techniques. The methods and apparatus we describe are particularly useful in reducing false alarm rates. A method of detecting a target substance using an optical sensor, the method comprising: repeatedly measuring a level of said target, with said optical sensor to provide a time series of target levels; determining a first derivative of said target level time series with respect to time and outputting a target detection signal responsive to a profile of said first derivative time series data.

Abstract: A system and method for using path-averaged concentration measurements for estimating the amount of substance being released from a particular location. One or more open-path sensing systems are set up in appropriate locations around possible substance release sites and tuned to detect a particular substance of interest. Path-averaged concentration measurements of the particular substance are collected over time and communicated to an open-path back calculation algorithm. The algorithm calculates time-averaged measurements for a plurality of time periods. Back calculation is then performed with the time-averaged measurements to estimate the release rate and the total release of the substance.

Abstract: A system having an optical remote sensor where sensing can be achieved from distance, and therefore without necessarily making contact with the threat chemical, with one or more in-situ sensors where sampling of air is required, and where at least one sensor is cross-reactive. Aspects of some of the various systems capable of achieving, but not limited to thereto, the following advantages: (a) by the optical sensor: long range advanced warning, rapid large volume analysis, fast response continuous monitoring for protection against bursts, safety to the operator, (b) by the in-situ sensor: high sensitivity, (c) by the combination of sensors, high specificity, better avoidance of interferences by chemicals and (d) by the inclusion of cross reactive characteristics, the ability to learn response to new chemicals.

Abstract: A method for discriminating particle groups comprises generating, by a particle analyzer, a particle characteristic distribution histogram in which the abscissa indicates respective channels for representing the characteristics of the particles, and the ordinate indicates the particle count; setting a valid area selection height in the particle characteristics distribution histogram; and generating an equivalent negative histogram based on the set height and the particle characteristic distribution histogram.

Abstract: A sensor apparatus incorporates a responding gas sensor to measure and display gas concentrations or other indications. Calculation of a gas concentration may be derived from an output signal of a light detector through the use of a linear equation. Through the use of digital processing an output signal may be sampled to calculate a gas concentration based on a rate of change of the output voltage.

Abstract: System for estimation and control of the concentrations of pollutant gases at the discharge of a gas turbine comprising a unit (3) for acquisition of the data relating to the operating state of the turbine, the said data being detected by a control panel (2) of the turbine. The system also comprises a local processing unit (4), which processes the said data in association with the said acquisition unit and makes the data available for consultation by the latter.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method and system for obtaining information on contaminants in ambient air. Multiple detection systems sample the ambient air for the contaminants in real time. Each of the multiple detection systems analyzes contaminants for hazardous substances. The multiple detection systems transmit information on the hazardous substances to a satellite monitoring system. The satellite monitoring system receives the transmitted information. The satellite monitoring system packages the information transmitted from each of the detection systems and analyzes the packaged information. The satellite monitoring system transmits the analyzed information to a console deployed on a computing device at a command station. The console receives the transmitted information from the satellite monitoring system and communicates user interaction based on the transmitted information to the satellite monitoring system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a distributed sensing system in a networked environment for identifying an analyte, including a first sensor array connected to the network comprising sensors capable of producing a first response in the presence of a chemical stimulus; a second sensor array connected to the network comprising sensors capable of producing a second response in the presence of a physical stimulus; and a computer comprising a resident algorithm. The algorithm indicates or selects the most relevant sensor in the network to identify the analyte. The sensors can be separated over large spatial areas, wherein the sensor arrays are networked. Suitable networks include a computer local area network, an intranet or the Internet.

Abstract: A system and method for identifying molecules. Molecules are identified from a gaseous matter having the molecules and flowing at two different flow rates. A system and method for identifying a substance. A particle which is indicative of a substance is identified from matter having the particle and flowing at two different flow rates. After the particle is identified, the substance is identified.

Abstract: A method and device for on-line foam quality acoustic monitoring are suggested. As per the invention, the method provides for the following: at least one emitter/receiver pair is placed in a close vicinity to the foam flow; at least one acoustic pulse is emitted; time, within which the acoustic pulse overcomes the way from the emitter to the receiver, is recorded; acoustic pulse speed (sound speed) is determined by analyzing an acoustic response of the receiver. After that, pressure in the foam in the area between the emitter and receiver is defined and the foam quality ? is calculated as per the equation: ? = 1 2 ± 1 4 - N ? fl ? p C fm 2 , where: Cfm—speed of sound in the foam, p—pressure, ?fl—fluid density, ?—foam quality, N—polytrophic expansion coefficient (N=1 for isothermal process; N=1.

Abstract: A system and method of alternately purging an in-situ sensor with clean fluid and sampling a fluid volume of interest, in order to eliminate drifts and errors associated with the absorption of chemicals to the sensing elements of in-situ sensors. The system and method effectively processes the output of the in-situ sensor using this alternating sample and purge cycle to detect and identify chemicals accurately and reliably. The system and method also effectively reduce errors induced by temperature and humidity drifts in the ambient, and the sampled, fluid.

Abstract: A method of establishing liquid classes of complex mixtures for liquid handling equipment. The mixtures are composed of components and the equipment has equipment parameters. The first step comprises preparing a response curve for the components. The next step comprises using the response curve to prepare a response indicator for the mixtures. The next step comprises deriving a model that relates the components and the mixtures to establish the liquid classes.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method for converting the resistances of an array of metal oxide sensors into constituents and concentrations of a multi-component gas provided around the sensor array. The method includes preprocessing the resistances of the sensor array; selecting a model that calculates the constituents and concentrations of the multi-component gas based on the preprocessed resistances; and post-processing the constituents and concentrations of the multi-component gas generated by the selected model to provide the actual constituents and concentrations of the multi-component gas.

Abstract: A method for estimating the concentration of a particular gas in a gas mixture having a fluctuating pressure is provided. A sensor output signal indicating the concentration of a particular gas in the gas mixture is received from a gas sensor. The received sensor output signal may vary over time due to the fluctuating pressure of the gas mixture. The received sensor output signal may be processed to determine an estimate of the concentration of the particular gas in the gas mixture. The processing may include performing an autocorrelation of the signal. In some embodiments, the particular gas is oxygen and the method is used to estimate the concentration of oxygen in a gas mixture having a fluctuating pressure.

Abstract: Thermodynamic properties of a natural gas stream can be determined in real time utilizing modeling algorithms in conjunction with one or more sensors for quantifying physical and chemical properties of the natural gas. Related techniques, apparatus, systems, and articles are also described.

Abstract: An environmental sampling system and method that collects biological contaminates in a removable cassette device via a sample capture media, such as a filter. The cassette device which is designed to specifically cause mixing of the air stream in a manner to get even distribution of the airborne particulates on the filter media has affixed thereto a data storage unit for storing other environmental parameters sensed and measured by the system in addition to the IAQ questionnaire information inputted by the investigator. After the sample period is complete, the system can be re-deployed in the field or environment by simply replacing the removable cassette device having the data storage unit. The collected biological contaminates in a removable cassette device and stored data in the affixed data storage unit are sent to a laboratory for analysis.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus implementing techniques for separating and/or analyzing fluid mixtures. The techniques employ microfluidic separation devices that include an inlet port for receiving a fluid feed stream, a microscale fluid flow channel in fluid communication with the fluid inlet port, a phase equilibrium control region located along the fluid flow channel for controlling conditions including temperature and/or pressure to provide a thermal equilibrium, a capillary network in the temperature control region, a first outlet port in indirect fluid communication with the fluid flow channel through the capillary network, and a second outlet port in direct fluid communication with the fluid flow channel. A plurality of microfluidic separation devices can be coupled in fluidic communication to provide for separation of complex mixtures. The systems, methods and apparatus can be used to characterize fluid mixtures.

Abstract: Provided are compositions and systems useful in remote monitoring of chemical hazards, air quality, and medical conditions, for example, robotic systems to search for and detect explosives, mines, and hazardous chemicals. In addition, the methods, systems and compositions of the invention provide the ability to mine data from a database containing a plurality of chemical fingerprints.

Abstract: A differential absorption spectrum for a reactive gas in a gas mixture can be generated for sample absorption data by subtracting background absorption data set from the sample absorption data. The background absorption data can be characteristic of absorption characteristics of the background composition in a laser light scan range that includes a target wavelength. The differential absorption spectrum can be converted to a measured concentration of the reactive gas using calibration data. A determination can be made whether the background composition has substantially changed relative to the background absorption data, and new background absorption data can be used if the background composition has substantially changed. Related systems, apparatus, methods, and/or articles are also described.

Abstract: A system and method for analyzing smoke or other emissions are provided. An image is analyzed and processed to identify characteristics associated with the emission, such as color, densities, dispersion rates, fuel mixture characteristics, and other suitable analysis factors. If the analysis indicates that abnormal conditions exist or that any user-defined alerts are warranted, a message is sent to an operator terminal. The system and method may continue to capture subsequent images and thus provide real-time data. The data may be stored in memory and collected over time. The data may be associated with a digital signature and used to create reports for company quality control boards, regulatory control agencies, and the public. The system and method thus provide a cost effective, reliable, and repeatable mechanism for real-time analysis of smoke stacks and other environmental changes.

Abstract: Self-calibrating apparatus and methods for dilution of an analyte-containing fluid, and in particular for dilution of analyte concentrations beyond the normal measurement range of a detector, without the requirement for other detectors. The apparatus is preferably a respirator test system for determining respirator mask fit in the presence of high aerosol challenge concentrations.

Abstract: Spectra data collected from a mixture defines an n-dimensional data space (n is the number of data points), and application of PCA techniques yields a subset of m-eigenvectors that effectively describe all variance in that data space. Bach member of a library of known components is examined based by representing each library spectrum as a vector in the m-dimensional space. Target factor testing techniques yield an angle between this vector and the data space. Those library members that have the smallest angles are considered to be potential mixture members and are ranked accordingly. Every combination of the top y library members is considered as a potential solution and a multivariate least-squares solution is calculated using the mixture spectra for each of the potential solutions. A ranking algorithm is then applied and used to select the combination that is most likely the set of pure components in the mixture.

Abstract: A liquid filled pressure/vacuum valve for underground storage tanks has a body having an inlet coupled to the UST and an outlet coupled to atmosphere. The valve has a suction zone disposed in the body and fluidly coupled to the inlet. The valve has a pressure zone disposed in the body and fluidly coupled to the outlet, with the suction zone in fluid communication with the pressure zone. The valve has a separator disposed in fluid communication with the outlet and the pressure zone, and a fluid that flows between the suction zone and pressure zone. The flow of fluid is determined by an increased force due to a pressure differential between the suction zone and pressure zone.

Abstract: A gas energy meter that acquires the data and performs the processing for an inferential determination of one or more gas properties, such as heating value, molecular weight, or density. The meter has a sensor module that acquires temperature, pressure, CO2, and speed of sound data. Data is acquired at two different states of the gas, which eliminates the need to determine the concentration of nitrogen in the gas. A processing module receives this data and uses it to perform a “two-state” inferential algorithm.

Abstract: A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer program product for predicting initial gas production in a well. A cumulative amount of each gas species present in a gas sample taken from the well is identified. A set of data points corresponding to the cumulative amount of each gas species present in a gas sample for each gas species is generated. A Y-intercept value for each gas species is calculated based on the set of data points. A projected initial amount of the given gas species produced from the well is presented. The projected initial amount of the given gas species produced from the well is determined using the Y-intercept value. The Y-intercept value indicates a cumulative amount of gas for a given gas species.

Abstract: A disclosed detector element includes a substrate including a void, a heating unit including a heat generating electrode bridged across the void, and a temperature sensor including a temperature sensor electrode provided above the void. The heat generating electrode and the temperature sensor electrode are warped, cantilevered, and standing up in space. The temperature sensor measures heat quantity transported from the heating unit. Distribution of an atmosphere surrounding an object surface with respect to the object surface, and the transportation state of the atmosphere are measured by using at least one of temperature, humidity, a direction or velocity of flow, pressure, and composition of gas in the atmosphere. Behavior of the gas adhering and aggregating onto the object surface, and behavior of aggregated liquid undergoing transpiration from the object surface are detected, based on the distribution and the transportation state measured.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer programming for collecting data using a mass spectrometer comprising a particle detector or other mass analyzer. A data collection such as a tree or array structure which includes data records for storing detected data is maintained in volatile or persistent memory. Data is received from the mass analyzer. Whether the collection contains data records corresponding to newly-acquired data signals is determined. If the collection does not contain records corresponding to the newly-received records, a new record is added. In either case, the record corresponding to the received data record is updated to reflect reception of the newly-acquired signal.

Abstract: A method includes the phases of measuring the quantity of a given gas in the gases extracted from a calibration sample of a calibration mud, in at least two stages for extraction under predetermined conditions. A family of curves representing the extraction, under the predetermined conditions, of the given gas from the drilling mud, is established on the basis of the measurements carried out. The method also includes the phases of measuring the quantity of given gas in the gases extracted from an analysis sample of the drilling mud in an extraction stage, under the predetermined conditions; and computing the given gas content of the drilling mud on the basis of the measured quantity of given gas and of a curve of the family.

Abstract: A method for predicting local concentrations of short-lived microparticles having an unstable composition in a room simply and in a short time is provided. The method for predicting the concentration distribution of microparticles includes the steps of determining a flow field in a room, determining the age-of-air distribution in the room on the basis of the flow field in the room, and converting the age of air into the concentration of the microparticles.

Abstract: In assessing the effect of indoor emission sources, such as furniture and building materials which emit hazardous chemical substances to indoor environment, with respect to chemical substances emitted from each emission source; calculating a emission amount (Qn) of each emission source per time using parameter of a emission rate (Fn) of chemical substances emitted from each emission source per area and per time and a surface area (Sn) of each emission source; with the result, calculating individually an indoor concentration of a specific chemical substance when assuming that only each emission source is individually placed indoors; and outputting the individual indoor concentration as the fundamental data.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining a fluid cut measurement of a multi-liquid mixture includes a first device configured to sense at least one parameter of the mixture to determine a fluid cut of a liquid in the mixture. A second device is configured to determine a concentration of gas in the mixture in response to a speed of sound in the mixture; and a signal processor is configured to adjust the fluid cut of the liquid using the concentration of the gas to determine a compensated fluid cut of the liquid. The parameter of the mixture sensed by the first device may include a density of the mixture (e.g., by way of a Coriolis meter), a permittivity of the mixture (e.g., by way of a resonant microwave oscillator), or an amount of microwave energy absorbed by the mixture (e.g., by way of a microwave absorption watercut meter). The signal processor may employ different correction factors depending on the type of fluid cut device used. The second device may include a gas volume fraction meter.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for sensing gas concentration in a gas stream involves producing a succession of difference values representing differences between successive sample values of a succession of sample values representing instantaneous reflectance of light from a compound produced by reacting a reagent with the gas being sensed and producing a gas concentration value in response to a maximum difference value of the succession of difference values.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for the acquisition and interpretation of expirograms comprising: a gas measuring probe that is designed to determine the gas concentration ƒmess of a gas in exhaled respiratory air; a reading device that is connected to the gas measuring probe via signal and is designed to read for a plurality of values x1, . . . , xN of an exhaled volume of the exhaled respiratory air the respective determined gas concentrations ƒmess(x1), . . . , ƒmess(xN) from the gas measuring probe; a storage device that is designed to store the values x1, . . . , xN assigned to the gas concentrations ƒmess(x1), . . . , ƒmess(xN); a function fitting unit that is connected to the storage device via signal and that is designed to determine a non-linear fit function ƒ(x)=g(x)·h(x)+OffsetGas for the stored gas concentrations ƒmess(x1), . . .

Abstract: A method of processing time-discrete measured values, which can be described in their time characteristic by a first exponential function which has a first time constant, the method comprising the steps of: detecting a first measured value and storing the first measured value, detecting a second measured value and storing the second measured value according to a defined time interval with respect to the detection of the first measured value, filtering the first measured value and second measured value by calculating a sum of the first measured value and a weighted difference between the second measured value and the first measured value, thereby generating time-discrete output values which can be described in their time characteristic by a second exponential function having a second time constant different from the first time constant, and outputting the output values is disclosed.

Abstract: A process system adapted for processing of or with a material therein. The process system includes: a sampling region for the material; an infrared photometric monitor constructed and arranged to transmit infrared radiation through the sampling region and to responsively generate an output signal correlative of the material in the sampling region, based on its interaction with the infrared radiation; and process control means arranged to receive the output of the infrared photometric monitor and to responsively control one or more process conditions in and/or affecting the process system.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and a methods for collecting, transmitting and storing fugitive gas emission data. An embodiment of the invention collects fugitive gas with a sampling probe and into a emission monitoring device. The device then sends and stores fugitive gas data into a storage medium, such as a wireless data-logging adapter. The wireless-data logging adapter stores the data and wirelessly sends it to a personal digital assistant or other form of redundant memory such as a data logger. In one embodiment, the PDA can initiate commands to retrieve data from the storage medium or operate the emission gas monitoring device.

Abstract: Provided are compositions and systems useful in remote monitoring of chemical hazards, air quality, and medical conditions, for example, robotic systems to search for and detect explosives, mines, and hazardous chemicals. In addition, the methods, systems and compositions of the invention provide the ability to mine data from a database containing a plurality of chemical fingerprints.

Abstract: Provided are compositions and systems useful in remote monitoring of chemical hazards, air quality, and medical conditions, for example, robotic systems to search for and detect explosives, mines, and hazardous chemicals. In addition, the methods, systems and compositions of the invention provide the ability to mine data from a database containing a plurality of chemical fingerprints.

Abstract: There is provided a mass spectrometric based method for sample identification, including the steps of introducing sample compounds into a vacuum chamber of a mass spectrometer in a seeded supersonic molecular beam, ionizing with electrons the sample compounds, being vibrationally cold molecules, in the supersonic molecular beam during their flight through an electron ionization ion source, mass analyzing the ionized sample compounds with a mass analyzer of a mass spectrometer to obtain a mass spectrum of at least one compound in the sample, identifying the molecular ion group of isotopomers in the mass spectrum, generating various molecular elemental formulas from the identified molecular ion and a pre-allocated list of elements, reducing the number of the molecular elemental formulas by the incorporation of chemical valence considerations and constraints, calculating isotope abundances for the generated elemental formulas, comparing the calculated isotope abundances with the experimentally obtained mass spec

Abstract: An aspect of the present invention features a method for analyzing a signal pattern detected by a sensor array that comprises one or more gas sensors. The method can comprises converting multidimensional data outputted from the sensor array to linear data, the data containing information on one or more reference gases; creating an ADSTM (Angle Difference-based State Transition Model) by using the converted data; and analyzing a gas by using the ADSTM when the sensor array outputs data of the gas. The method for analyzing a signal pattern detected by a sensor array according to the present invention can convert multidimensional values inputted through the sensor array into a single piece of continous data.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling a dimension of an etched feature. The method includes: measuring a mask feature formed on a top surface of a layer on a substrate to obtain a mask feature dimension value; and calculating a mask trim plasma etch time based on the mask feature dimension value, a mask feature dimension target value, a total of selected radio frequency power-on times of a plasma etch tool since an event occurring to a chamber or chambers of a plasma etch tool for plasma etching the layer, and an etch bias target for a layer feature to be formed from the layer where the layer is not protected by the mask feature during a plasma etch of the layer.

Abstract: A remote emissions sensing system and method for sensing exhaust emissions from motor vehicles is provided where the system determines the opacity of an exhaust plume. The system comprises a radiation source that emits radiation which is passed through the exhaust plume of a motor vehicle to one or more detectors arranged to receive the radiation. Multiple wavelength opacity measuring embodiments and monochromatic wavelength opacity measuring embodiments are disclosed.