Abstract: This invention generally relates to methods and systems for dispensing a droplet, in particular a picolitre volume droplet containing one or more entities.

Abstract: An analyzer determining/classifying aircraft air contaminants using a contaminant collector comprises a microporous medium, a bypass; a sensor generating frequency response when contaminant mass is added to/removed from the sensor, receiving contaminants desorbed from the medium; a first sample flow path, passing through the collector; a second sample flow path, bypassing the collector; a frequency measurement device, measuring response generated by the sensor as contaminant is added to and removed; a computer readable medium bearing a contaminant recognition program and calibration data; and, a processor executing the program, the program including a module classifying the contaminant and measuring response signal magnitudes, and a module using the data for comparison with magnitude of the response generated by the sensor to calculate contaminant concentration and determine a target value for contaminant type, and using measured response magnitudes to adjust first sample flow rates and/or flow durations base

Abstract: A method of detecting a seizure includes collecting volatile organic compounds with a collector material of a collector; separating a mixture of the volatile organic compounds into its constituent chemicals with a gas chromatography column; ionizing the constituent chemicals to create ionized chemicals and detecting the ionized chemicals; and analyzing the ionized chemicals to identify seizure-indicative volatile organic compounds.

Abstract: A measurement device includes: a container into which sample gas is to be injected; a liquefaction mechanism configured to liquefy the sample gas in the container; a near-infrared probe extending from inside to outside the container; and a near-infrared measuring instrument configured to measure an absorbance spectrum of the sample gas in a state of being liquefied by the liquefaction mechanism, via the near-infrared probe.

Abstract: Reduced column loading of a sample onto a chromatographic column may be mitigated by excluding diffuse portions of the sample from introduction to the column. Systems and methods are provided for detecting and removing the diffuse portions from the feed solution delivered to the chromatography column. The systems and methods herein permit use of a single detector to detect and remove the diffuse portions and can accommodate a recovery/collection/recycling mechanism permitting reuse of removed sample from the diverted diffuse portions.

Abstract: Provided is a water retort apparatus, methods of using the water retort apparatus, and systems including the water retort apparatus. An example of the water retort apparatus comprises a sample test cell, a heating element configured to heat the sample test cell to a temperature between about 212° F. and about 400° F., a condenser in fluidic communication with the sample test cell, a sight glass in fluidic communication with the condenser, a camera configured to capture images of the sight glass, and a controller configured to analyze the images captured by the camera and estimate a volume of water in the sight glass.

Abstract: Systems and methods for speciation of chemicals of interest with inline and automatic dilution or addition of other fluids prior to or following speciation with subsequent analysis by ICP instruments are described. A system embodiment includes, but is not limited to, a first valve having a first valve configuration to receive a sample into a holding loop coupled to the first valve and a second valve configuration to transfer the sample from the holding loop; and a second valve having a first valve configuration configured to receive the sample from the first valve and direct the sample to a speciation column to separate one or more species of the sample, the second valve further including a fluid addition port configured to receive a fluid into the second valve to mix with the sample after the sample exits the speciation column.

Abstract: A gas chromatograph, which may have a complex device configuration, capable of starting an analysis by replacing residual gas in a column with a carrier gas in starting up the gas chromatograph and by increasing the temperature of a column oven to an analytical initial temperature immediately after completion of the replacement. Upon command to start a gas chromatograph, a control unit calculates the average linear velocity of a carrier gas using a formula based on information such as the inner diameter and the length of a column, the column head pressure and the column outlet pressure, and the type of carrier gas, which are set as analytical conditions, and, for example, based on a detected temperature of a column oven and further calculates gas replacement necessary time from the average linear velocity and the length of the column. Based on the calculated time, a start time is determined.

Abstract: A long term portable gas detecting and monitoring apparatus includes a case having a continuous sidewall including a first end closed by a first end cap, and a second end closed by a second end cap connected sealably and removably to the continuous sidewall. The continuous sidewall is triangular between the closed end and the open having three sides and three corners, two of the three sides being straight and equal in length, one of the three sides being rounded, and each of the three corners being rounded. A long term gas detection and monitoring unit mounted in the case includes gas, and temperature and humidity sensors in communication with an ambient atmosphere outside the case, a data processor operatively connected to the sensors, data storage, an information display viewable through the case, and a calibration unit for calibrating the gas sensor to a predetermined gas concentration measured by the gas sensors.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of providing a structure having two electrodes connected by nanowires, exposing the structure to an analyte that can adsorb onto the nanowires, and passing an electrical current through the nanowires to heat the nanowires to desorb the analyte. Also disclosed herein is an apparatus having the above structure; a current source electrically connected to the electrodes, and a detector to detect the analyte.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a first column heating apparatus, which includes: a first substrate; a second substrate including silicon; and a first heating element disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. The apparatus also includes a second column heating apparatus, which includes: a third substrate; a fourth substrate including silicon; and a second heating element disposed between the third substrate and the fourth substrate.

Abstract: A method for measuring, in particular simultaneously measuring, different particle concentrations, in particular particulate matter concentrations, preferably in a flow, using a particle measuring system, in particular a particulate matter measuring system, comprising a photometric scattered light unit (1) with a measurement volume (16), wherein the scattered light unit (1) consists of at least one light transmitter (7) which emits (13) light signals, in particular pulsed light signals, and of at least one light-sensitive receiver system (8), which is arranged at at least one angle (15) and which receives the scattered light (14) from the particles (12) forming the particle concentration, characterized in that the scattered light unit (1) with measurement volume (16) is hermetically sealed with the exception of at least one fluid inlet (1a) and/or at least one fluid outlet (1b), which are provided with blocking devices (2, 3), wherein a sample of the fluid to be examined is applied to the scattered light unit

Abstract: When a flow rate of a carrier gas calculated by a column flow rate calculation unit is controlled to be a first flow rate, and when the flow rate of the carrier gas is controlled to be a second flow rate, the flow rates of the carrier gas are detected by a whole flow rate detection unit, and a gas leakage determination unit determines of leakage of the carrier gas on the basis of the rates. Since the flow rate of the carrier gas is changed and the detected value of the whole flow rate detection unit is used at different flow rates, a case can be discriminated where an offset occurs in the detected value of the whole flow rate detection unit and a case where leakage of the carrier gas occurs. Thus, it is satisfactorily determined the presence or absence of the leakage of the carrier gas.

Abstract: A flameproof housing (202) includes a display aperture (212), a shoulder (207) adjacent to the display aperture (212), a transparent panel (230) including an outer face (231) and a perimeter (232), and a fastener element (236) configured to hold the transparent panel (230) against the shoulder (207). A perimeter interface region (264) between the perimeter (232) of the transparent panel (230) and the interior surface (203) of the flameproof housing (202) creates a perimeter gap that does not exceed a predetermined flameproof gap limit and a face interface region (260) between the outer face (231) of the transparent panel (230) and the shoulder (207) creates a face gap that does not exceed the predetermined flameproof gap limit.

Abstract: The present application relates to microfabricated columns having a sealed flow channel. In particular, the channel is sealed during dicing, thereby preventing debris from accumulating within channels. In use, the seal is ruptured mechanically to connect one or more fluidic connections, which deliver analytes to the flow channel. Additional details are provided for making and using sealed columns.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed that may include a substrate that may have a surface, a channel of a volume that may be defined, at least in part, by the substrate, wherein the channel may have a first end and a second end, a valve may be coupled to the channel at the first end, wherein the valve may be configured to allow a fluid to pass into the channel when the valve is open, and a continuity detector, which may be coupled to the channel at the second end, wherein the continuity detector may be activated when the fluid contacts the continuity detector, wherein the continuity detector may further be configured to provide a signal to close the valve and remove the fluid from the channel. A method for calculating a rate of flow of a fluid collected from a bodily surface into a body-worn device is disclosed.

Abstract: In a gas sample analysis device including a metering tube, sample gas supply channel, carrier gas supply channel, evacuation channel and collection tube, there is provided a first channel switching valve which switches between a load state in which the metering tube is interposed between said sample gas supply channel and the evacuation channel and an injection state in which the metering tube is interposed between the sample gas supply channel and gas analysis device; and a second channel switching valve which, in the load state or injection state, switches between a collection tube interposition state in which the collection tube is interposed between the sample gas supply channel and the metering tube or between the metering tube and the gas analysis device, and a collection tube shunt state in which the collection tube is not interposed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for elemental analysis of a formation fluid from a subsurface tool having a housing, a sampling probe for collecting a sample of the formation fluid external to the housing, and a microplasma device within the housing and in fluid communication with the sampling probe. The microplasma device includes an upstream gas system, a sampling valve in fluid communication with the sampling probe and the upstream gas system, an expansion chamber for volatizing the formation fluid sample obtained from the sampling valve, and a microplasma chamber in fluid communication with the expansion chamber for ionizing the volatilized fluid sample.

Abstract: Disclosed is a gas chromatography chip including: a substrate having an upper substrate and a lower substrate; a gas supply connecting part formed on one plane of one surface of the substrate or on one plane of an opposite surface of the substrate; a gas discharge connecting part formed another plane of the one surface of the substrate or on another plane of the opposite surface of the substrate; a micro channel continuously extending from the gas supply connecting part to the gas discharge connecting part to form a micro channel part and having a circular cross-section; at least two position alignment markers formed on one surface or an opposite surface of the opposite surfaces of the substrate; and a heat transfer part and a temperature control unit for controlling a temperature of the substrate.

Abstract: Flow through pressure sensors for use in fluid chromatography systems include a planar device formed from diffusion bonding of a plurality of metallic sheets and at least one sensing element. The planar device has a top surface, a bottom surface and a flow through channel. A diaphragm formed from a portion of one of the top or bottom surfaces is located adjacent to a sensing region of the flow through channel and is attached to the sensing element. The diaphragm is sized to deflect a distance in response to fluid pressure in the sensing region, which has an internal volume of less than about 25 microliters. The diaphragm and attached sensing element form a pressure sensor that measures strain or deflection of the diaphragm to calculate a pressure within the sensing region.

Abstract: A sample introduction device having a channel configuration which allows recapture of samples and in which thorough purging is performed so that no sample components remain inside the channel. In the trap capture process, a first six-way switching valve is placed in state where ports a-f, b-c and d-e are connected, a second six-way switching valve is placed in state where ports a-b, c-d and e-f are connected, and an electromagnetic valve is opened. Carrier gas is introduced through a carrier gas channel, and is discharged via the first six-way valve-sample channel-second six-way switching valve-trap channel-second six-way switching valve-channel-first six-way valve-discharge channel. Carrier gas is also introduced through the path going through the electronic control flow controller, so the operation of stabilization of the analysis channel continues to be performed.

Abstract: A method for restoring a volatile compound from a trapping means, wherein the method includes a flowing step wherein a carrier gas flows through the trapping means, at a controlled rate, by increasing the volume of a chamber located downstream of the trapping means is disclosed. The invention also relates to a device for implementing the method. The invention allows to faithfully restore the compounds that have been previously trapped and to faithfully restore the trapped odors.

Abstract: A switching valve includes a stator and a rotor. The stator includes multiple connection ports. The rotor has predetermined switching positions and interacts with the stator to form a fluidic connection or a fluidic disconnection of predetermined connection ports. The rotor can be mounted rotatably via a bearing and pressing device loaded with a predefined pressing force in a direction of the stator. The bearing and pressing device includes a compensation element to load the rotor and transmit the pressing force. The compensation element is configured to make an elastic flexural deformation so that the compensation element loads the rotor when the rotor is wobbling with respect to an axis of rotation.

Abstract: A liquid sampling system includes a liquid sampling valve for transferring a liquid sample from a primary stream to a secondary stream. The liquid sampling valve includes a rotor having a movable shuttle that is in selective fluid communication with the primary stream or the secondary stream. The rotor shuttle passes through a discharge station prior to completion of the valve cycle to discharge contaminants prior to re-exposure to the primary stream.

Abstract: Chromatography assembly for multi-dimensional chromatography, includes a first separating column (12; 112) for separating a sample into components; a second separating column (13; 114) having different separating characteristics for further separating the components separated in the first separating column (12; 112); a collecting volume (20; 120, 121) for collecting the components from the first separating column (12; 112) before entering the second separating column (14; 114); a switching assembly (22, 24; 122, 124) for switching from a first state (FIG. 1; FIG. 3), where the components leaving the first separating column (12; 112) are collected in the collecting volume (20; 120, 121) to a second state (FIG. 2; FIG. 4) where the components collected in the collecting volume (20; 120, 121) are transferred to the second separating column (14; 114); and a detector (18; 118) for detecting sample components leaving the second separating column (14; 114).

Abstract: A heatable flow-through measuring cell for a gas analyzer having an inner tube made of a corrosion-resistant material, such as stainless steel, and is terminated at each end with a respective end piece and a radiolucent window held therein. The measuring cell also includes an electrical heating apparatus for heating each end piece, an outer tube that coaxially surrounds the inner tube so as to form a narrow gap and is made of material with good thermal conductivity, such as aluminum, and includes thermal insulation that surrounds the outer tube.

Abstract: Certain embodiments described herein are directed to devices that can be used to control fluid flow through one or more detectors. In some configurations, the device can be configured as a manifold that can receive a positive pressure to decouple the flow of fluid through a chromatography column from fluid flow through a detector. In certain configurations, sample flow can be accelerated into a detector cell comprising one or more filaments.

Abstract: A self-contained analysis system operable to assess gas to oil ratio (GOR), shrinkage of reservoir fluid, and composition of pressurized reservoir fluids. The analysis system can be used for extended compositional analysis of rich flashed gas and lean gas samples as well as flashed equilibrium liquids, condensates, and black oils. Analysis of the various samples is achieved without cross contamination, for example, between rich flashed gases and lean gases or between extended natural gas and liquids (e.g., black oils and condensates). The system yields accurate results up to and including C20 for gas samples and up to and including C36+ for liquid samples, and entrained water.

Abstract: The disclosure describes embodiments of an apparatus including a first gas chromatograph including a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and a first temperature control. A controller is coupled to the first temperature control and includes logic to apply a first temperature profile to the first temperature control to heat, cool, or both heat and cool the first gas chromatograph. Other embodiments are disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: Certain embodiments described herein are directed to chromatography systems that include a microfluidic device configured to provide three-way switching or switching between three or more inputs or outputs. The microfluidic device can be fluidically coupled to one or more switching valves to provide for selective control of fluid flow in the chromatography system.

Abstract: A gas analyzer system to determine the concentration of gases in an automotive air conditioning system comprising: an infrared multi-detector device equipped with a gas analysis chamber; an emitter source emitting infrared radiation in the analysis chamber; infrared multi-detectors generating an electrical measurement quantity based on the absorption of radiation by the gas; a suction pump creating a depression inside the analysis chamber; and an electronic control unit determining a main automotive refrigerant gas concentration and the contaminant gases concentration, based on electrical measurement quantities provided by the multi-detectors and a reference electrical quantity. The control unit controls the pump to suck the gases in the analysis chamber until a condition of absence of gases is achieved, wherein the internal pressure of the chamber reaches a minimum pressure, and then determines the reference electrical quantity, based on the electrical quantity generated in the condition of absence of gases.

Abstract: A gas chromatograph having a column which separates respective components contained in a gas sample introduced via a carrier gas over time, wherein an analysis mode and a standby mode can be switched and executed. The gas chromatograph apparatus comprises: a carrier gas flow path, a column protection gas flow path, a flow path switching part provided between the carrier gas flow path and the column protection gas flow path and a column so that only one of the carrier gas or a column protection gas is introduced into the column, and a flow path control part for controlling the flow switching part so as to introduce the carrier gas into the column at the time of the analysis mode and introduce the column protection gas into the column at the time of the standby mode.

Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatus and systems, as well as methods, may operate to draw a formation fluid sample into a sampling port included in a down hole tool, to vaporize some part of the fluid sample to substantially fill an injection port with a gas phase, to differentiate gas components in the gas phase to provide differentiated gas components along a concentration gradient, to detect the differentiated gas components, and to determine a fingerprint of the differentiated gas components. Other apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are two stage thermal modulators that are useful in the separation of the components of an analyte sample in an analytical method, such as gas chromatography. In some embodiments, the thermal modulators described herein include a modulator column coupled to at least one ground point so as to define a plurality of stages that may be independently temperature modulated. In some cases, the modulator column (or stages thereof adjacent to a ground point) and the ground point are thermally matched, so as to limit or eliminate the formation of a temperature differential between the modulator column and a ground point.

Abstract: This invention is related to a gas chromatograph wherein more substitutable modules are foreseen, in particular injector modules and/or detector modules, as well as one embodiment in an oven module. Each module is insertable in a seat of the gas chromatograph mainframe with fast connections of its electronic and pneumatic means to corresponding outlets on said mainframe. Each module has its own heating element.

Abstract: Plungers and plunger assemblies for a diaphragm-sealed valve are provided. Each plunger is adapted to be received in a passage of the valve body and includes a base member and an upper member having a transversal play in this passage with respect to the base member. A resilient middle element is provided between the upper and base member. The base member is connected to a plunger actuating mechanism within the valve body. The upper member may therefore be self-aligning within the passage.

Abstract: A non-seizing taper used for purged capillary tubing connections in gas chromatography that stops capillary tubing at a predictable position within the taper during installation and maintains space for gas to flow past the capillary tubing. The disclosed taper is an improved component of commonly used purged devices such as inlet liners and purged unions. The arresting aspect of the taper simplifies the process of capillary tubing installation while ensuring that the tubing will reproducibly be positioned in the taper. One or more features of the taper prevent tubing from seizing within the taper so that the devices can be reused and ensure that there is open space for a portion of gas to flow around and past the tubing. The angle of the taper, the dimensions of the taper, and the nature of the features within the taper can be adjusted to meet specific performance, usability and/or manufacturability requirements.

Abstract: A gas chromatograph includes a sample inlet configured to receive a sample of interest and a carrier gas inlet configured to receive a carrier gas. A plurality of fluid flow valves are operably coupled to the sample inlet and the carrier gas inlet. A detector is operably coupled to the plurality of fluid flow valves and is configured to provide an analytic indication relative to the sample of interest. A controller is operably coupled to the plurality of fluid flow valves and is coupled to memory storing user-configurable information that is accessed by the controller to affect operation of the gas chromatograph.

Abstract: A gas chromatograph (GC) inlet device includes a multi-capillary liner capable of separating components of a sample matrix prior to injecting the sample into an analytical GC column. The device is switchable between different modes, such as a normal injection modes, splitless modes, split modes, a backflush modes, and cut modes.

Abstract: A pneumatic multiport selector valve and analytic instrument employing said valve are provided. The valve includes a base having a mounting surface configured to mount to the analytic instrument. The mounting surface has a plurality of apertures therein for coupling to flow conduits of the analytic instrument. At least one piston plate has a number of apertures therethrough. The apertures are configured to slidably receive respective pistons. Pistons are disposed in respective apertures of the at least one piston plate. A cushion layer is disposed between the at least one piston plate and the base. The cushion layer has a plurality of apertures to allow actuation gas therethrough. A plate clamps the at least one piston plate to the base.

Abstract: Embodiments of an apparatus including a front-end pre-concentrator module including an inlet, an outlet, and at least one valve to control flow through the inlet, the outlet, or both. The apparatus includes a back-end pre-concentrator module including an inlet, an outlet, and at least one valve to control flow through the inlet, the outlet, or both, and also includes a gas analysis module having an inlet and an outlet and including a gas chromatograph having an inlet and an outlet. The outlet of the front-end pre-concentrator and the outlet of the back-end pre-concentrator are coupled to the inlet of the gas analysis module. Other embodiments are also disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: Plungers and plunger assemblies for a diaphragm-sealed valve are provided. Each plunger is adapted to be received in a passage of the valve body and includes a base member and an upper member having a longitudinal play in this passage with respect to the base member. A resilient middle element is provided between the upper and base member. The base member is connected to a plunger actuating mechanism within the valve body. Optionally, the upper member may be self-aligning within the passage. The plunger can be used to compensate for temperature variations experienced by the valve in use.

Abstract: A planar manifold includes a first, generally planar, layer having a plurality of apertures therethrough. A second layer has a plurality of apertures therethrough. A channel layer defines a plurality of channels therein and is interposed between the first layer and the second layer. At least one channel extends in a direction parallel to a plane of the planar manifold and couples an aperture of the first layer to an aperture of the second layer.

Abstract: A non-seizing taper used for purged capillary tubing connections in gas chromatography that stops capillary tubing at a predictable position within the taper during installation and maintains space for gas to flow past the capillary tubing. The disclosed taper is an improved component of commonly used purged devices such as inlet liners and purged unions. The arresting aspect of the taper simplifies the process of capillary tubing installation while ensuring that the tubing will reproducibly be positioned in the taper. One or more features of the taper prevent tubing from seizing within the taper so that the devices can be reused and ensure that there is open space for a portion of gas to flow around and past the tubing. The angle of the taper, the dimensions of the taper, and the nature of the features within the taper can be adjusted to meet specific performance, usability and/or manufacturability requirements.

Abstract: Certain embodiments described herein are directed to chromatography systems that include a microfluidic device. The microfluidic device can be fluidically coupled to a switching valve to provide for selective control of fluid flow in the chromatography system. In some examples, the microfluidic device may include a charging chamber, a bypass restrictor or other features that can provide for added control of the fluid flow in the system. Methods of using the devices and methods of calculating lengths and diameters to provide a desired flow rate are also described.

Abstract: Embodiments of a front-end pre-concentrator module, a back-end pre-concentrator module and a gas analysis subsystem are disclosed, as well as gas analysis systems using combinations of the front-end pre-concentrator module, the back-end pre-concentrator module and the gas analysis subsystem. Embodiments of disposable and re-usable moisture removal filters are disclosed for use alone or in combination with a gas analysis system.

Abstract: A gas chromatography system comprising a sample introduction device, an oven coupled to the sample introduction device and a detector coupled to the oven is disclosed. In certain examples, the oven may be configured to receive a chromatography column in a space in the oven. In some examples, the oven may be constructed and arranged to provide a substantially constant temperature to the space during an analysis stage of the gas chromatography system.

Abstract: A gas chromatograph operable to analyze a sample gas comprising a carrier gas and components. The gas chromatograph includes a bridge circuit with a sample sensor connected therein. A servo amplifier is connected to the bridge circuit and is operable to maintain the sample sensor at a constant temperature. An output of the servo amplifier is digitized and is used to quantify the components in the sample gas.

Abstract: The present invention aims at realizing an energy-saving mode in which the usage of a carrier gas and the power consumption are sufficiently suppressed without causing damage to the apparatus. When a command for executing the energy-saving mode is entered (S1), the column flow rate after the transition to the energy-saving mode (when the temperature decreases) is computed by using control parameters determined in correspondence to the energy-saving mode. If the flow rate exceeds the allowable upper limit determined by the configuration of the apparatus (S3 and S4), a warning for urging users to decrease the column inlet pressure and enter the command again is displayed (S11). If the computed flow rate is not higher than the allowable upper limit, a constant pressure control is performed aiming at the inlet pressure at that point in time (S5 and S6). Although the column flow rate gradually increases after the heater of the column oven is turned off, it will not exceed the allowable upper limit.

Abstract: The invention provides improved methods and apparatus for fluid chromatography, and is particularly appropriate to high-pressure liquid chromatography carried out using eluent flow rates less than 1 ?l/minute, for example on nanoflow columns. In both single- and multi-dimensional chromatography systems, especially those comprising trapping media to facilitate injection of relatively large volumes of sample on to nanoflow columns, the on-line addition of a diluting solvent enables stronger eluents and sample solvents to be employed without causing premature release of analytes from the trapping media or the degradation of the second dimension chromatographic separation. The invention may be advantageously used for two-dimension reverse phase/reverse phase separations, especially for the separation of complex mixtures of peptides.