Abstract: Provided are a suspended particulate matter measurement apparatus capable of automatically measuring a nitrate ion content and a sulfate ion content in the atmosphere, and a suspended particulate matter measurement method using the same. The suspended particulate matter measurement apparatus includes a filter, suction part, extraction part, measurement part, and a recording part. The suction part suctions air in the atmosphere at a constant flow rate to cause particulate matter contained therein to be adsorbed onto the filter. The extraction part extracts components of the particulate matter adsorbed onto the filter, by dissolving the particulate matter into a solvent, and collects a resultant solution. The measurement part measures at least one of a nitrate ion content and a sulfate ion content in the solution collected by the extraction part, and outputs the measurement result. The recording part records the measurement result outputted from the measurement part.

Abstract: The present invention is an improvement to two-dimensional comprehensive gas chromatography. The improvement is a one valve switching modulator connecting the two separation columns. The valve includes either a two position eight-port valve or a two position twelve-port valve, and two transfer lines.

Abstract: A method of multi-dimensional moment analysis for the characterization of signal peaks can be used to optimize the operation of an analytical system. With a two-dimensional Péclet analysis, the quality and signal fidelity of peaks in a two-dimensional experimental space can be analyzed and scored. This method is particularly useful in determining optimum operational parameters for an analytical system which requires the automated analysis of large numbers of analyte data peaks. For example, the method can be used to optimize analytical systems including an ion mobility spectrometer that uses a temperature stepped desorption technique for the detection of explosive mixtures.

Abstract: A detection device capable of giving atomic and molecular compositions of gases made of concentric tubes and a fiber optic. The body of the detector holds these constituents in their relative positions. A micro-discharge is created between two of the concentric tubes at the tip of the device. The small size of the tubes allows a stable discharge to be achieved. The light from this discharge is delivered from the discharge area to an optical sensing device through the fiber optic. The optical sensing device, along with a computer, analyzes the light to determine the composition of the gas in the discharge. Gas and vacuum are applied through the tubes as needed to aid operation. The detector can be battery powered and used in both hot and toxic environments. Alternatively, a voltmeter can be used to measure impedance across the discharge thus providing another means to determine relative changes in gas composition.

Abstract: GC-MS analysis apparatus has an interface section between GC and MS sections, which is located with respect to the direction of an analyte flow downstream of the GC section and upstream of the MS section. The interface section comprises at least one membrane with at least one orifice capable of establishing a molecular flow condition in the analyte passing between the GC and MS sections through the membrane. The membrane is subjected to a pressure differential such that the pressure pa in a region located upstream of the membrane is higher than the pressure pb in a region located downstream of the membrane.

Abstract: To provide a mercury measuring apparatus of a closed system capable of performing automatically a process ranging from collection to injection of the sample composed mainly of hydrocarbon, which is effective to accomplish a highly reliable measurement. The mercury measuring apparatus 100 includes a column 1 filled with a first adsorbent 11 and a reducing agent 13, an injecting unit 3 for injecting a sample into the column 1, a first heating unit 12, a second heating unit, a mercury collecting tube 18 filled with a second adsorbent 17, a third heating unit 19, a mercury measuring unit 2, gas flow passages FP1, FP2 and FP4, flow switching valves V1 to V3, V5 and V6 for selecting one of the gas flow passages FP1, FP2 and FP4, and a control unit 4.

Abstract: In various embodiments of the invention, a cargo container can be monitored at appropriate time intervals to determine that no controlled substances have been shipped with the cargo in the container. The monitoring utilizes reactive species produced from an atmospheric analyzer to ionize analyte molecules present in the container which are then analyzed by an appropriate spectroscopy system. In an embodiment of the invention, a sorbent surface can be used to absorb, adsorb or condense analyte molecules within the container whereafter the sorbent surface can be interrogated with the reactive species to generate analyte species characteristic of the contents of the container.

Abstract: Improved gas analysis for non-gaseous samples is provided by placing the sample in direct contact with an inductive heating element, followed by inductively heating the heating element to provide gas for analysis. Disposable sample vials including such a heating element can be employed, or a sample tube including an inductive heating element can be configured to mate to the input gas line of a gas analysis system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for synthetizing a compound of the following formula (I): wherein R is a methyl or ethyl group, n is 1 or 2, and X is a CH2 or CD2 group, from a compound of the following formula (II): wherein R and n are as defined above, and also relates to a method for assaying the compounds of the formula (I) using a corresponding deuterated derivative as an internal reference, as well as to the use of ketal derivatives of compounds of the formula (I) as a stable precursor, in particular in a flavoring composition.

Abstract: A method for the superficial-phase chromatography of a product comprises the steps which are performed continuously in the following order, namely: an operation consisting in pumping a supercritical fluid; and operation consisting of injecting at least one sample of product into at least one chromatography column, a detection operation, and a fraction collection operation. The method comprises at least a first diversion along between an analytical channel and a preparatory channel, which diversion is performed prior to the supercritical fluid pumping operation and the analytical and preparatory channels each including respective supercritical fluid pumping operations. The method is also characterized in that the collection operation is common to both the analytical and preparatory channels. An installation used to implement one such method is described.

Abstract: There is provided a method of monitoring for the presence of phosphate esters in jet fuel. The method comprises obtaining from a jet fuel source a jet fuel test sample suspected of containing phosphate esters. The method further comprises combining the jet fuel test sample with a polar solvent and a nonpolar solvent to form a mixture. The method further comprises agitating the mixture. The method further comprises extracting the polar solvent from the mixture. The method further comprises performing a combined gas chromatography and mass spectrometer analysis of the polar solvent to monitor for the presence of any phosphate esters and to obtain an actual concentration level of any phosphate esters. The method further comprises comparing the actual concentration level of any phosphate esters with a calibration standard concentration of phosphate esters in clean jet fuel.

Abstract: A chromatographic mass spectrometer 100, 150 is provided with a measuring portion 21 for measuring n-alkane of a number of different carbon numbers, and characterized by further having: a mass number storing portion 31 for storing the mass number for each n-alkane; and a mass chromatogram preparing portion 22 for preparing a mass chromatogram for each mass number by focusing on the mass number on the basis of the mass spectrum.

Abstract: A system and method for identifying, reporting, and evaluating a presence of a solid, liquid, gas, or other substance of interest, particularly a dangerous, hazardous, or otherwise threatening chemical, biological, or radioactive substance. The system comprises one or more substantially automated, location self-aware remote sensing units; a control unit; and one or more data processing and storage servers. Data is collected by the remote sensing units and transmitted to the control unit; the control unit generates and uploads a report incorporating the data to the servers; and thereafter the report is available for review by a hierarchy of responsive and evaluative authorities via a wide area network. The evaluative authorities include a group of relevant experts who may be widely or even globally distributed.

Abstract: The invention provides a gas oil composition wherein the molar ratio of isoparaffins with carbon number of m and two or more branches to isoparaffins with carbon number of m and one branch within the range of C10-21 is 0.05-3.5, wherein m is an integer of 10-21, and the molar ratio of isoparaffins with carbon number of n and two or more branches to isoparaffins with carbon number of n and one branch within the range of C22-25 is 0.1-10.0, wherein n is an integer of 22-25. The invention also provides a gas oil composition wherein the molar ratio of isoparaffins with carbon number of m and two or more branches to isoparaffins with carbon number of m and one branch within the range of C10-23 is 0.05-4.0, wherein m is an integer of 10-23, and the distillate volume at a distillation temperature of 250° C. (E250) is 15-65%.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for detecting degradation of an engine oil, by separation into a polar component and a non-polar component via admixture with a polar solvent having a polarity index greater than or equal to 5 and optionally a non-polar solvent having a polarity index of less than or equal to about 1. The polar component is analyzed for one or more degradation indicators selected from the group consisting of antioxidants, acid content, and combinations thereof. Such degradation indicators relate to a degree of engine oil degradation. The polar component may be analyzed by Gas Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) for the one or more degradation indicators, which can provide a semi-quantitative level of such degradation indicator species. The non-polar component identifies combustion products that help to explain the level of degradation.

Abstract: This unique process is a feed forward control of hydroprocessing by on-line sulfur speciation. An on-line gas analyzer such as (GC) with a sulfur specific detector (AED) would be installed to analyze the feed to a hydrotreating unit. The analyzer would be calibrated to quantify the individual sulfur compounds or classes of sulfur compounds present in the feed. The output from the analyzer would be linked to the unit's distributed control system to automatically change temperatures and feed rates to change hydrotreating severity. This invention could bring economical benefits by increasing the life of the hydrotreating catalyst, reducing operating cost, and decreasing the potential amount of offspec product. In one embodiment, the hydrotreating is a hydrodesulphurization process.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a convective system for a dryer installation for a passing web, more particularly paper. The convective system 7 is an assembly of an exterior casing 13 for suction of combustion products with opening 14 towards the web, with a first 15 and second 16 suction ducts sucking the combustion products into the convective system 7. The combustion products coming from the first suction duct 15 are guided through the exterior casing 13 to a mixing and blowing device 17. Cold air 18 is mixed in this mixing and blowing device 17 with the combustion products 19, resulting in a gas mixture with lower temperature 20. The convective system 7 also has an internal casing 21 inside the external casing 13. This internal casing 21 has at least one opening towards the web 22 and has also openings 34 allowing gas flow from the mixing device 17 to the internal casing 21 of said gas mixture 20. Under the internal casing 21, there is also a blowing duct 23.

Abstract: A mass spectrometer system comprises a chamber having an ion emitting unit to emit metal ions in the chamber with a communicating hole; a neutral molecule introduction unit; another gas introduction unit; a controller controlling a temperature of a region where metal ions attach to the neutral molecules; and a mass analyzer for the neutral molecules with the metal ions, wherein plotting an attachment energy of the metal ions attached to the neutral molecules in the chamber along an abscissa and the temperature of the region where the metal ions attach to the neutral molecules along an ordinate, the controller adjusts the temperature of the region so as to fall within a range obtained by excluding a range corresponding to the temperature of the region from 150 to 200° C. from a range surrounded by the temperatures of the region [° C.]=150×attachment energy [eV], 100×attachment energy [eV]?50, and 20° C., and attachment energies [eV]=2.1 and 0.5.

Abstract: A method for detecting contamination of a conventional petroleum-based fuel used in an internal combustion engine is provided. A sample of engine oil is separated into a polar component and a non-polar component by a polar solvent. The polar component is analyzed for one or more biodiesel chemical components selected from the group consisting of plant sterols, fatty acid methyl esters, cetane, and combinations thereof, which relate to a degree of engine oil contamination. The polar and non-polar component may be analyzed by Gas Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) and optionally Flame Ionization Detection (FID) for the one or more biodiesel chemical components, which can provide a semi-quantitative level of such biodiesel chemical components. Fuel samples can also be analyzed for biodiesel contamination species via GC/MS.

Abstract: A device and method is described for direct analysis of solvents used to chemically bind with CO2 present in flue gases, and for the monitoring of large-scale CO2 solvent-capture reaction to improve process efficiency, thereby reducing the cost of CO2 capture.

Abstract: Semiconductor devices, chromatography devices and integrated circuits for detecting one or more molecules and methods for forming a semiconductor device for detecting one or more molecules are presented. For example, a semiconductor device for detecting one or more molecules includes a channel formed within a semiconductor structure, and at least one detector formed within the semiconductor structure. The at least one detector detects the one or more molecules in the channel The semiconductor device may optionally comprise one or more additional channels formed within the semiconductor structure. The semiconductor device may, for example, be operative to detect a single molecule.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and to an apparatus for providing a gaseous substance for the analysis of chemical elements or compounds. In one embodiment, a starting substance is continuously admixed with a reagent substance. This results in a gaseous reaction product which contains information about the elements of the starting substance, and a residual substance. The gaseous reaction product is separated from the residual substance and removed for analysis. One application is the isotopic analysis of oxygen or hydrogen from water.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided to measure isotopic characteristics of a number of sample types. Embodiments of the invention combine novel and existing components to produce more accurate isotopic information. Further, embodiments of the invention allow for isotopic readings to be taken and analyzed outside of a laboratory. An example of such an embodiment is an apparatus comprising a combustion furnace; a reactant tube passing through the combustion furnace; an injector coupled to one, or a combination of, the combustion furnace, and reactant tube, to introduce a sample; a laser isotopic measurement device coupled to the reactant tube on the exit end; and a processor electrically coupled to one, or a combination of, the injector, the combustion furnace, the reactant tube, and the isotopic measurement device, in which a carrier gas transports the sample through the apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention includes a heat sealable capsule adapted for use in analysis devices such as GCs, and methods for using the capsules to perform analysis in such devices. The capsules include a tube having an end that is heat-sealed to contain a sample that is to be analyzed at an injection temperature. The tube includes a heat sealable medium having a heat seal that closes the end, the tube having an inner and outer surface, both of the surfaces being substantially chemically inert with respect to the sample. The tube is substantially free of any material that outgases at the injection temperature. The tube is openable without breaking into pieces, and remains intact at the injection temperature. The capsule can include a programmable tag that stores information related to the sample contained therein.

Abstract: A system for recycling helium carrier gas comprises: a bladder, the bladder interior fluidically configured so as to receive helium-bearing gas output from at least one of a split vent and a septum purge vent of a gas chromatograph; a compartment containing the bladder; a source of pressurized air or gas operable so as to supply pressurized air or gas into the compartment interior so as to compress the bladder containing the helium-bearing gas; a gas reservoir fluidically coupled to the bladder interior so as to receive the helium bearing gas from the compressed bladder interior; and at least one gas purification module configured so as to receive the helium-bearing gas from the gas reservoir and operable to remove contaminants from the helium-bearing gas, an output of the at least one gas purification module being fluidically coupled to a carrier gas inlet of the gas chromatograph.

Abstract: The invention relates to a miniaturized gas chromatograph and injector for the same. Said micro-GC is compact and simple and economical to construct. Dead volumes are largely avoided in order to achieve reliable and reproducible measured results. Said miniaturized gas chromatograph comprises at least one injector, one separation column and a detector which are combined on a circuit board to give a gas chromatography module. The injector comprises a first sheet with channels, which is provided with a second sheet with channels and which may be displaced relative to the latter, whereby at least one of the sheets is provided with a layer of plastic, in particular a chemically inert plastic on the side of the sheet facing the other side.

Abstract: For the achievement of data transfer time reduction, removal of noise data, and analytical efficiency improvement in an ADC data processing function of a time-of-flight mass spectrometer, the mass spectrometer comprises a data acquisition circuit including: an A/D converter; a signal intensity addition memory that stores data of ion signals such as a time range and the number of measurements and performs an addition process; a voltage value frequency addition memory that performs an addition process of frequencies of voltage values of the predetermined time range and the number of measurements and stores addition results; a threshold level computation circuit that computes a predetermined threshold level from the results in the memory; a compression memory that extracts only data exceeding the threshold level from the data in the signal intensity addition memory; and a counter that controls a measurement time for data acquisition and the operation of each circuit.

Abstract: A process is described for measuring a property of oil extracted from a sample, for example, the viscosity or density. The oil is extracted from the sample using a volatile polar first solvent. A portion of the extracted oil is used to determine a concentration factor. A dry weight of the oil in the sample is calculated using the concentration factor. A second solvent less volatile than the first solvent is added to the remaining extract. The first solvent is substantially removed from the remaining extract. Different amounts of the second solvent are removed from each of a series of sub-samples taken from the remaining extract. Solvent concentrations and viscosity values and/or density values of the solvent-oil mixtures are measured for each sub-sample. Based on the measured solvent concentrations and viscosity values and/or density values, the second-solvent free viscosity and/or density of the oil in the sample is estimated.

Abstract: To provide a process, whereby a low molecular weight organic compound having at most 20 carbon atoms present in a trace amount in a cloth made of chemical fibers treated with a water and oil repellent agent, can be accurately analyzed.

Abstract: Provided are a suspended particulate matter measurement apparatus capable of automatically measuring a nitrate ion content and a sulfate ion content in the atmosphere, and a suspended particulate matter measurement method using the same. The suspended particulate matter measurement apparatus includes a filter, suction part, extraction part, measurement part, and a recording part. The suction part suctions air in the atmosphere at a constant flow rate to cause particulate matter contained therein to be adsorbed onto the filter. The extraction part extracts components of the particulate matter adsorbed onto the filter, by dissolving the particulate matter into a solvent, and collects a resultant solution. The measurement part measures at least one of a nitrate ion content and a sulfate ion content in the solution collected by the extraction part, and outputs the measurement result. The recording part records the measurement result outputted from the measurement part.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a spirally wrapped chromatographic structure, a system incorporating such structure and a method of providing such structure. The structure may include an absorber layer having a first surface and a second surface, wherein one or a plurality of channels are defined in the first surface. The structure may also include a support layer having a first surface and a second surface, the first surface of the support layer disposed on the second surface of the absorber layer, wherein the absorber layer and the support layer comprise a spiral configuration such that at least a portion of the first surface of the absorber layer contacts at least a portion of the second surface of the support layer.

Abstract: A system for interfacing a gas chromatograph (GC) to a mass spectrometer the GC comprising a GC column partially contained within a GC oven, the mass spectrometer comprising a housing enclosing an interior having an ion source, the system comprising: a conduit extending from the GC oven to the mass spectrometer and comprising an interior volume that is contiguous with an interior volume of the GC oven; and a duct extending from a region of relatively high or relatively low pressure within the GC oven to the conduit interior volume and operable so as to transmit a flow of air or gas between the region of relatively high or relatively low pressure and the conduit interior volume, wherein a portion of the GC column extends through the conduit interior volume to the ion source.

Abstract: A device is provided for delivering gases to an analyzer, such as an isotopic ratio mass spectrometer. The device includes first and second reactors, preferably arranged in parallel. At least one of the reactors may be selectively activated, or means may be incorporated to circumvent one of the reactors, such that different types of gas conversions may be achieved.

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: A method for the indirect determination of the waste gas rate in metallurgical processes. A reference gas such as helium is first added to the waste gas, specifically at a time which, with respect to flow, sufficiently precedes the taking of a sample such that a thorough mixing of the reference gas and waste gas is carried out, i.e., a virtually homogeneous distribution is achieved, and a quantitative helium analysis and nitrogen analysis of the waste gas, measured by a mass spectrometer, is carried out while taking into account the added amount of helium.

Abstract: Methods and systems for analyzing samples, such as gas samples, are described. One method comprises providing a gas sample, increasing pressure applied to the gas sample to compress the sample to a smaller volume and provide a pneumatically focused gas sample, and analyzing the pneumatically focused gas sample using any of a variety of analytical techniques. Also disclosed are systems for gas analysis, including systems for analysis of pneumatically focused, and thereby concentrated, gas samples and for analysis of particulate matter in gas samples. Analytical systems constructed within personal computer cases also are disclosed.

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: A gas chromatograph-combustion apparatus and method are disclosed in which the carrier gas type and flow rate is continuously exchanged to facilitate high speed, high sensitivity compound specific isotope analysis. Samples are injected into a gas chromatograph that uses H2 as the carrier gas. The gas stream exiting the gas chromatograph is passed through a combustion system in which H2 and the samples are combusted, simultaneously and totally, to oxidize the sample to CO2 and/or N2 gas, and to convert H2 gas to water vapor. Water vapor is removed using a water separator. Therefore, combustion serves the dual purpose of preparing the samples for isotopic analysis and converting H2 to water vapor, which can be easily separated out. A second carrier gas may be used to convey the CO2 and N2 to a mass spectrometer where the isotopic composition (e.g. 14C or 15N) is determined.

Abstract: This device comprises a means (111) for forming a gaseous flow from the sample and a means (121) for separation of each specific gaseous constituent. It comprises a means (115) for quantifying the relative contents of the two isotopes to be analysed which comprise an optical measurement cell (127). The cell (127) comprises two mirrors (137A, 137B) which delimit a measurement cavity (147). The device comprises a means (161) for introducing an incident optical signal into the measurement cavity (147), a means (161) for generating a plurality of reflections of the signal in separate points (174A, 174B) on each mirror (137A, 137B) during its travel in the cavity, a means (133) for measuring a transmitted optical signal resulting from an interaction between the optical signal and each isotope in the measurement cavity (147), and a means (125) for calculating said relative contents on the basis of these signals.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions comprising at least one isoprene synthase enzyme with improved catalytic activity and/or solubility. In particular, the present invention provides variant plant isoprene synthases for increased isoprene production in microbial host cells. Biosynthetically produced isoprene of the present invention finds use in the manufacture of rubber and elastomers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for collecting and storing an atmospheric sample for eventual analysis, where the atmospheric sample includes a mixture of at least a matrix and an analyte. In one implementation, the system includes a housing; a sample cartridge removably attached to the housing, and a pump integrated with the housing and in fluid communication with the sample cartridge, the pump being configured to draw the atmospheric sample through the sample cartridge and to subsequently evacuate the matrix from the sample cartridge. The sample cartridge includes a low thermal mass cylinder with a first end and a second end; an inlet port with a gas-tight inlet valve at the first end of the cylinder, an outlet port with a gas-tight outlet valve at the second end of the cylinder, and a sorbent material disposed within the cylinder and adapted to trap the analyte from the atmospheric sample.

Abstract: A radiative transport band model method for prediction and analysis of high spectral resolution radiometric measurements. Atomic and molecular line center absorption is determined from finite spectral bin equivalent widths. A mathematically exact expansion for finite bin equivalent widths provides high accuracy at any desired spectral resolution. The temperature and pressure dependent Voigt line tail spectral absorption contributing to each spectral bin is pre-computed and fit to Padé approximants for rapid and accurate accounting of neighboring-to-distant lines. A specific embodiment has been incorporated into the MODTRAN™ radiation transport model.

Abstract: Isopotential heaters used in the preconcentration stage of sample detection systems are described. The heaters have at least two electrically conducting paths of which the resistances of the electrically conducting baths are substantially equal such that in use uniform heat distribution is achieved.

Abstract: In the case where a given mass range is repeatedly scanned to sequentially create mass spectra and create a mass chromatogram or the like, when a number of data, which are arranged on the mass axis and constitute a mass profile of the given mass range, are collected for a predetermined number of the alignment (S1 and S2), a two-dimensional filtering process is performed by correcting the target data, for each data aligned in the mass axis direction, using the data contiguous before and after in the mass axis direction and the data contiguous before and after in the time axis direction (S3). For the mass profile constituted of the data thus processed, a peak detection is performed (S4) and the peak's mass number is determined to create a mass spectrum (S5). Consequently, the mass numbers' fluctuation in the mass spectrum is moderated, the mass resolution is increased, and the accuracy of the mass chromatogram is also increased.

Abstract: An aliphatic hydrocarbon solvent solution obtained by extracting dioxins contained in a specimen such as soil with an aliphatic hydrocarbon solvent is supplied to an alumina layer 33 side of a sample-preparation column 30 in which the alumina layer 33 is placed on a carbon material layer 32. Upon flowing and passing of an aliphatic hydrocarbon solvent through the alumina layer 33 and the carbon material layer 32 in this order, the dioxins contained in the aliphatic hydrocarbon solvent solution are trapped in these layers. Then, one extracting solvent among toluene, a mixed solvent of toluene and an aliphatic hydrocarbon solvent, and a hydrophilic solvent capable of dissolving dioxins is supplied to the sample-preparation column 30 in the direction opposed to the passing direction of the aliphatic hydrocarbon solvent, the dioxins trapped in the carbon material layer 32 and the alumina layer 33 are extracted to obtain a sample for analysis of dioxins.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gas chromatograph for the analysis of gas samples. It has a feed arrangement for feeding the sample, an open tubular capillary column for separating the components of the sample, temperature control means for controlling the temperature of the column, and a detector for detecting the separated components of the sample. The efficiency has been improved and a convenient hand-held version has been made possible by constructing the column of a bundle of open tubular capillaries having a gas permeable wall comprising a polymer membrane. The invention also relates to the use of such a column together with a detector for identifying gaseous samples.

Abstract: A method and system for rapid determination of a composition, such as crude oils and fractions thereof, and s obtaining the information necessary to assess the yield of commercially valuable fuel and lube oil fractions in a single process, variations of the method and system use Gas Chromatography—FID/Mass Spectrometry and other features, including an auto sampler, a wall coated capillary column, a temperature programmable injector, and a data processing system for compiling and processing the experimental data. The system and method further include a computer system with application software or other processing mechanism and optionally a communication network. One variation provides a graphical user interface for the entry of data and for displaying information, such as in a graphical manner, to show the relationship of various determined outputs and results.

Abstract: A method for the superficial-phase chromatography of a product comprises the steps which are performed continuously in the following order, namely: an operation consisting in pumping a supercritical fluid; and operation consisting of injecting at least one sample of product into at least one chromatography column, a detection operation, and a fraction collection operation. The method comprises at least a first diversion along between an analytical channel and a preparatory channel, which diversion is performed prior to the supercritical fluid pumping operation and the analytical and preparatory channels each including respective supercritical fluid pumping operations. The method is also characterized in that the collection operation is common to both the analytical and preparatory channels. An installation used to implement one such method is described.

Abstract: A non-invasive and non-destructive apparatus and testing method for analytes in sealed containers are provided, which are especially useful for identifying bottles of wine that are contaminated with 2,4,6-trichloroanisole (TCA) without destroying the value of uncontaminated wine by opening the bottles or marring the containers or labeling. The apparatus and method are applicable to non-destructively testing any “stream-of-commerce” containers such as shampoo bottles, aerosol containers, toothpaste tubes, and soft drink cans, and other such containers for the presence of contaminants, explosives, poisons, drugs, and other dangerous or illegal materials. The method provided is orders of magnitude more sensitive than other methods, and can detect the presence of diffused substances at the nanogram per liter (parts-per-billion) level.

Abstract: A radiative transport band model algorithm has been developed for prediction and analysis of high spectral resolution radiometric measurements. Atomic and molecular line center absorption is determined from finite spectral bin equivalent widths. A new mathematically exact expansion for finite bin equivalent widths provides high accuracy at any desired spectral resolution. The temperature and pressure dependent Voigt line tail spectral absorption contributing to each spectral bin is pre-computed and fit to Padé approximants for rapid and accurate accounting of neighboring-to-distant lines.