Abstract: A portable multi-dimensional gas chromatograph, the gas chromatograph including a carrier gas container, a regulator fluidly connected to the carrier gas container, a dopant chamber containing a reference chemical, at least one pre-concentrator which is fluidly connected to the regulator and the dopant chamber, a first separation column fluidly connected to the at least one pre-concentrator, a second separation column fluidly connected to the at least one pre-concentrator, a first detector fluidly connected to the first separation column, and a second detector fluidly connected to the second separation column.

Abstract: The disclosure describes an apparatus including a substrate and a gas chromatograph having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet and being mounted to the substrate. A detector array having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet and is mounted to the substrate, and the fluid inlet of the detector array is fluidly coupled to the fluid outlet of the gas chromatograph. A control is circuit coupled to the gas chromatograph and to the detector array such that the control circuit can communicate with the gas chromatograph and to the detector array, and a readout circuit is coupled to the detector array and to the control circuit such that the readout circuit can communicate with the control circuit and the detector array. Other embodiments are disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: A device using needed hydrogen gas flow and electricity for operation obtained from a fuel cell power supply. Also, water generated by the fuel cell may be recycled for hydrogen generation which may be used by the device and in turn expanded by the fuel cell for further electrical power generation. The device may be a gas chromatograph, a fluid calibration mechanism, a flame ionization detector, or the like.

Abstract: The application relates to a chemical sensor device comprising a substrate (1), a sensor medium (3) formed on the substrate, the sensor medium comprising one-dimensional nanoparticles, wherein the one-dimensional nanoparticles essentially consist of a semiconducting AxBy compound, e.g. V2O5 and detection means (2) for detecting a change of a physical property of the sensor medium e.g. conductivity. The porosity of the sensor medium supports a fast access of the analyte to the sensing material and therefore a fast response of the sensor. The selectivity and sensitivity of the sensor can be tailored by doping the one-dimensional nanoscale material with different dopants or by varying the dopant concentration. Sensitivity of the sensor device to an analyte, preferably an amine, can be increased by increasing relative humidity of the sample to at least 5%.

Abstract: A feeding device for enriching and feeding a fluid sample into a chemical detector, the feeding device comprises (a) a sorbent element having a sorbent material for sorbing at least one target chemical present in the fluid sample; (b) a desorbing mechanism for generating conditions for the sorbent material to desorb the at least one target chemical out of the sorbent material, thereby to provide an enriched fluid sample; and (c) a loose connector, for providing a loose connection between the feeding device and the chemical detector, such that when the sorbent material desorbs the at least one target chemical, the chemical detector is fed by the enriched fluid sample, and when the sorbent material sorbs the at least one target chemical, the chemical detector is fed by environmental fluids.

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: A system and method of measuring volatile and semi-volatile reduced organic compound content and volatile and semi-volatile oxidized organic compound content in a sample, using a dual detection system is provided. The method comprises introducing the sample into a semi-permeable membrane introduction interface, sweeping permeate from the membrane introduction interface with a sweep gas, splitting the permeate into a first stream and a second stream, essentially simultaneously detecting volatile and semi-volatile reduced organic compounds and oxidized and semi-volatile organic compounds with a flame ionization detector and an electron capture detector, and computing differences in detector signals, thereby measuring volatile and semi-volatile reduced organic content and volatile and semi-volatile oxidized organic compound content in the sample.

Abstract: Improved system for gas chromatography wherein use is made of a separation column and a TCD (Thermal Conductivity Detector), characterized in that the outflow from the separation column is ionized, and the ionization takes place upstream of the TCD. The ionization of the outflow from the separation column upstream of the TCD is surprisingly found in many cases to have a favourable effect on the response of the TCD. The sensitivity of the TCD is found in many cases to increase substantially. For ionization purposes use can be made of electromagnetic radiation, ionizing radiation or pyrolysis. The degree of ionization is preferably measured by means of measuring means provided for the purpose. The response of the TCD and the measurement data obtained with the measuring means are found together to give in many cases even more and better information relating to components present in the outflow from the separation column.

Abstract: An array of sensor elements is formed by the incorporation of sensing materials into porous structures, creating sensing systems with extremely large surface areas with sensing molecules attached to mimic the large number of cilia of an olfactory system. In each sensor element, the sensing material or molecules are attached to spacer molecules or groups, which are attached to linker molecules or groups, which are attached to the porous substrate material. More specifically, a porphyrin doped aerogel material is used. The porphyrin sensing material is attached to the aerogel throughout its high surface area pore space. The porphyrin is covalently bonded to the silica network of the aerogel with a triethoxysilyl group linker that covalently attaches to the aerogel, and an alkyl group spacer.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a cascaded gas chromatograph including a first gas chromatograph having a first temperature control and a second gas chromatograph coupled to the first gas chromatograph. The first and second chromatographs have individual temperature controls that can be controlled independently of each other. Other embodiments are disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: An example of a gas detection system includes a gas chromatograph oven, a gas detector, a sample gas moving device, and a flow detector. An example of a method for detecting gas includes flowing a sample gas from the oven, determining whether the flow rate equals or is less than a minimum, and determining whether the concentration of a first gas of the sample gas, such as a combustible gas, equals or exceeds a maximum. If either the flow rate or the concentration indicates an error condition or is out of bounds, an alarm response is initiated. The alarm response may include shutting off the flow of the first gas to the oven, and flowing a second gas, such as a safe gas, to the oven.

Abstract: A fully integrated portable screening system includes a main housing and a contact pad. The contact pad is removably positioned in the main housing and covered by at least one sample sheet. The contact pad is preferably constituted by a cylindrical baton which carries a roll of sample collection sheets. A test subject interacts with the contact pad, leaving a trace sample on the sample collection sheet. The contact pad is then placed within the main housing and the trace sample is exposed to a test medium designed to interact with a specific analyte of interest potentially present in the trace sample. After exposure to the test medium, the sample sheet is subjected to a testing mechanism which exposes any interaction between the test medium and the analyte of interest to produce a test result.

Abstract: A portable multi-dimensional gas chromatograph, the gas chromatograph including a carrier gas container, a regulator fluidly connected to the carrier gas container, a dopant chamber containing a reference chemical, at least one pre-concentrator which is fluidly connected to the regulator and the dopant chamber, a first separation column fluidly connected to the at least one pre-concentrator, a second separation column fluidly connected to the at least one pre-concentrator, a first detector fluidly connected to the first separation column, and a second detector fluidly connected to the second separation column.

Abstract: A portable multi-dimensional gas chromatograph, the gas chromatograph including a carrier gas container, a regulator fluidly connected to the carrier gas container, a dopant chamber containing a reference chemical, at least one pre-concentrator which is fluidly connected to the regulator and the dopant chamber, a first separation column fluidly connected to the at least one pre-concentrator, a second separation column fluidly connected to the at least one pre-concentrator, a first detector fluidly connected to the first separation column, and a second detector fluidly connected to the second separation column.

Abstract: An apparatus, according to one aspect, may include a chromatograph and a bulk acoustic resonator. The chromatograph may include a channel that is defined at least partially in a monolithic substrate. The channel may have an inlet to receive a sample and an outlet. A chromatography material may be included in the channel. The bulk acoustic resonator may have a first electrode and a second electrode that has a chemically functionalized surface. The chemically functionalized surface may be included in a chamber that is defined at least partially in the monolithic substrate and that is coupled with the outlet of the channel. Methods of making and using such apparatus, and systems including such apparatus, are also disclosed.

Abstract: An airtight preconcentrator housing and/or a sensor housing for chemical testing, the housing(s) comprising internal dimensions such that a pre-manufactured preconcentrator and/or sensor can be disposed therein. The housings can also comprise electrical contacts disposed therein which align with and thus provide electrical connection to the preconcentrator and/or sensor. The preconcentrator and/or sensor can be easily and quickly replaced.

Abstract: The disclosure describes an apparatus including a substrate and a gas chromatograph having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet and being mounted to the substrate. A detector array having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet and is mounted to the substrate, and the fluid inlet of the detector array is fluidly coupled to the fluid outlet of the gas chromatograph. A control is circuit coupled to the gas chromatograph and to the detector array such that the control circuit can communicate with the gas chromatograph and to the detector array, and a readout circuit is coupled to the detector array and to the control circuit such that the readout circuit can communicate with the control circuit and the detector array. Other embodiments are disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to optimize the analysis of substances separated by gas chromatography with a gas chromatograph, comprising a separating device and a mass spectrometer situated down there from. To this end, a detector that detects the separated substances in a nondestructive manner is placed in-line between the output of the separating device and a controllable inlet valve of the mass spectrometer. An evaluating device situated down from the detector evaluates the detector signals and, based on the evaluation, controls the inlet valve for introducing predeterminable substances into the mass spectrometer.

Abstract: A gas sensor comprises a cavity for containing a gas, means for generating radiation which is transmitted through the cavity and includes one or more wavelengths which is absorbed in use by a gas to be detected; and a detector for detecting radiation which has passed through the cavity. The walls of the cavity are sufficiently reflective to the radiation that the cavity is substantially uniformally illuminated with the radiation.

Abstract: The application relates to a chemical sensor device comprising a substrate (1), a sensor medium (3) formed on the substrate, the sensor medium comprising one-dimensional nanoparticles, wherein the one-dimensional nanoparticles essentially consist of a semiconducting AxBy compound, e.g. V2O5 and detection means (2) for detecting a change of a physical property of the sensor medium e.g. conductivity. The porosity of the sensor medium supports a fast access of the analyte to the sensing material and therefore a fast response of the sensor. The selectivity and sensitivity of the sensor can be tailored by doping the one-dimensional nanoscale material with different dopants or by varying the dopant concentration. Sensitivity of the sensor device to an analyte, preferably an amine, can be increased by increasing relative humidity of the sample to at least 5%.

Abstract: A system and method of measuring volatile and semi-volatile reduced organic compound content and volatile and semi-volatile oxidized organic compound content in a sample, using a dual detection system is provided. The method comprises introducing the sample into a semi-permeable membrane introduction interface, sweeping permeate from the membrane introduction interface with a sweep gas, splitting the permeate into a first stream and a second stream, essentially simultaneously detecting volatile and semi-volatile reduced organic compounds and oxidized and semi-volatile organic compounds with a flame ionization detector and an electron capture detector, and computing differences in detector signals, thereby measuring volatile and semi-volatile reduced organic content and volatile and semi-volatile oxidized organic compound content in the sample.

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: The present invention provides a gas detection method and detection apparatus that provide better sensitivity and faster recovery after response than conventional gas detection methods and apparatus, by improving on these conventional methods and apparatus. The present invention is a gas detection method, in which the target gas is detected while oxygen is supplied to a sensor element 11a of a metal oxide-type gas sensor 11, wherein the target gas is detected while water vapor is supplied to the sensor element 11a, and is also a gas detection apparatus equipped with an oxygen supply means 14 for supplying oxygen to a sensor element 11a of a metal oxide-type gas sensor 11, said gas detection apparatus being provided with a water vapor supply means 15 for supplying water vapor to the sensor element 11a.

Abstract: A heat transfer line assembly is disclosed for microwave heated chromatography instruments. Analytical instruments incorporating a microwave oven including the heated transfer lines are also disclosed as well as methods for making and using same.

Abstract: A portable analytical system for detecting organic chemicals in water comprising a miniature preconcentrator and a SAW detector, the latter being characterized by a nanoporous carbon coating that provides improved response compared to prior art polymer coatings, particularly when detecting low concentrations of trihalomethane chemicals, such as chloroform and bromoform.

Abstract: Provided is a rosuvastatin triol and its use as a reference standard for analysis of rosuvastatin. Also provided are methods for preparation of rosuvastatin.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for determining a total concentration of a component in a sample, including a reactor for oxidizing or reducing the sample, a chromatographic column coupled to the reactor for separating the component in the sample, and an electrochemical gas sensor coupled to the chromatographic column for detecting the component. In further embodiments, a filter may be used instead of or in addition to the column. Moreover, multiple sensors may be used instead of or in addition to the column for simultaneously detecting multiple components.

Abstract: A differential microdischarge detector system. The system comprises two microdischarge detectors (MDDs). One of the MDDs is connected to receive sample analytes to be measured, while the other MDD is connected to receive a reference sample that contains interfering gases and none or a much lower concentration of the sample analytes to be measured. The outputs of the two MDD's are fed to a circuit that generates either a difference or a ratio between the measurements of the two MDDs. In addition, the current, impedance or voltage across the electrodes of the two MDDs may be measured and processed to generate either a difference or a ratio signal, thus obtaining additional information about the sample gas analytes.

Abstract: A digital data recording apparatus, which can record the exact acquisition time of data, a sampling data identification method thereof, and a program for identifying sampling data, are provided. A CPU 11 reads out the program of a first conversion formula. The CPU 11 uses the first conversion formula to convert a time series of detection temperature data into a time series of actual oscillation frequencies f? of a reference clock signal. At a subsequent step, the CPU 11 calculates the respective normal sampling timings employing the current time as a reference time by dividing a time series of count values by each of the actual oscillation frequencies f? corresponding to the respective count values.

Abstract: A single stage flow modulator for performing comprehensive chromatography comprises a first chromatographic column, a valve fluidically coupled to at least two fluid conduits, wherein when in a first position, the valve directs a control flow to direct an output of the first chromatographic column to a first detector, and wherein when in a second position, the valve directs a control flow to direct a portion of an output of the first chromatographic column to a second chromatographic column, wherein the portion of the output of the first chromatographic column directed to the second chromatographic column is continuously modulated throughout a sample run.

Abstract: An example of a gas detection system includes a gas chromatograph oven, a gas detector, a sample gas moving device, and a flow detector. An example of a method for detecting gas includes flowing a sample gas from the oven, determining whether the flow rate equals or is less than a minimum, and determining whether the concentration of a first gas of the sample gas, such as a combustible gas, equals or exceeds a maximum. If either the flow rate or the concentration indicates an error condition or is out of bounds, an alarm response is initiated. The alarm response may include shutting off the flow of the first gas to the oven, and flowing a second gas, such as a safe gas, to the oven.

Abstract: An analyzer includes a reforming unit which reforms fuel containing an organic compound which contains carbon and hydrogen into a reformed gas containing hydrogen, a flame ionization detector which is connected to the reforming unit, and detects an ion generated by combusting the reformed gas supplied from the reforming unit and a sample gas, or ionizing a sample gas by reaction with the reformed gas supplied from the reforming unit, and outputs an output signal representing the ionic amount, and an analysis controller which analyzes the output signal from the flame ionization detector, and provides data capable of identifying a component contained in the sample gas.

Abstract: A thermal conductivity detector (TCD) utilizes a modular thermistor assembly that mounts to the TCD body. The thermistor assembly is easily replaceable in the TCD. Within the TCD, a thermistor bead is always held in the same relative location in a gas flow path, which is designed to produce laminar, low velocity gas flow across the thermistor bead. Two TCDs, each having a heater, are mounted in an insulated enclosure. The heaters are activated to bring the TCDs to operating temperature, and are then deactivated during analysis.

Abstract: A hand-held, ultra-sensitive gas chromatograph which provides real time detection and analysis of chemical compounds or impurities is disclosed. The detection sensitivity ranges from parts per trillion to parts per million with an average retention time ranging from thirty to forty-five seconds. Optimum calculated effective plate number is 55,000, with a response time on the order of two minutes. The self-contained apparatus operates on twenty-four watts, weighs twelve pounds, and measures 8?×6?×13.

Abstract: A (MEMS)-based gas sensor assembly for detecting a fluorine-containing species in a gas containing same, e.g., an effluent of a semiconductor processing tool undergoing etch cleaning with HF, NF3, etc. Such gas sensor assembly in a preferred embodiment comprises a free-standing silicon carbide support structure having a layer of a gas sensing material, preferably nickel or nickel alloy, coated thereon. Such gas sensor assembly is preferably fabricated by micro-molding techniques employing sacrificial molds that are subsequently removable for forming structure layers.

Abstract: The invention includes a method and apparatus for a chromatography system having a chromatographic column for separating gases in a mixture from one another and an electrochemical gas sensor coupled to the chromatographic column for detecting a gas being emitted from the column. The electrochemical gas sensor further includes a substrate having a surface for depositing electrodes thereon, an ionomer membrane in contact with the surface, an electrode in contact with the surface, and an opening in the ionomer membrane in a location proximate to the electrode for permitting a gas to diffuse through the opening to simultaneously contact the electrode and the ionomer membrane within the opening.

Abstract: A protective coating for a surface comprising a layer permeable to hydrogen, said coating being deposited on a catalyst layer; wherein the catalytic activity of the catalyst layer is preserved.

Abstract: A powder filler is stuffed in a filler space defined between a housing and a gas sensing element so as to airtightly seal a clearance between the housing and the gas sensing element. The powder filler contains grains whose diameter is in a range from 80 ?m to 5,000 ?m when measured before being stuffed into the filler space. A weight percentage of the grains having the diameter of 80 ?m to 5,000 ?m is equal to or larger than 80% with respect to an overall weight of the powder filler.

Abstract: Screening of items for the presence of contaminants, such as explosives residue, is accomplished by subjecting an item loaded into a pressure chamber to a pressure substantially in excess of atmospheric pressure conditions and rapidly decompressing the item to the ambient atmospheric pressure. The rapid decompression serves to scavenge vapors and particles from the exterior and interior of the item and any objects it contains. A sample of the vapors and particles removed from the item by the rapid decompression is sampled and is tested to determine whether a predetermined contaminant is present in the sample. Depending on the types of contaminants for which the sample is tested, it is possible to detect whether explosives, biological or chemical agents, and/or narcotics residues are present on or in the item being screened.

Abstract: A process for protecting a filament in a thermal conductivity detector from chemical corrosion includes changing the flow direction of the column effluent in the thermal conductivity detector to allow the column effluent to bypass the filament when an undesired compound appears in the column effluent. The flow direction of the column effluent in the thermal conductivity detector is changed when the undesired compound disappears from the column effluent to allow the column effluent to pass through the filament. A thermal conductivity detector that allows the column effluent to (1) bypass the filament when an undesired compound appears in the column effluent and (2) pass through the filament when the undesired compound disappears in the column effluent is also described.

Abstract: A method for detecting substances or mixtures of substances within a sample in an apparatus for comprehensive two-dimensional gas-chromatographic analysis according to the present invention, comprising the steps of: subjecting the sample to a first separation within a first capillary column; modulating in time the effluents from the first column by means of the subdivision into adjacent fractions of the effluents from the first column and subsequently sending each fraction into a second capillary column, the modulation of the effluents being periodic with a first modulation frequency f1 of the sample; separating each of the fractions in the aforesaid second capillary column; and detecting, at the end of the second capillary column, the effluents by means of periodic sampling by discrete time points at a second frequency f2.

Abstract: A gas detector especially adapted for use with gas chromatographs contains two capillary tubing electrodes through which a gas flows. The inner ends of the electrodes are coaxial and are separated by a gap. The outer end of one of the electrodes forms a gas inlet. The gas detector also contains a coaxial dielectric tube spaced apart from and surrounding the electrodes axially, a means for applying a sufficient voltage across the gap between the electrodes to create a discharge within the gas, and a means for measuring a change in properties of the gas as it passes through the gap between the electrodes.

Abstract: A chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear weapon detection system is disclosed that comprises an array of spatially-disparate hazardous material sensors and an array of spatially-disparate video cameras. The telemetry from the sensors and the video feed from the cameras are all fed back to a centralized system control center. When the illustrative embodiment suspects that an attack has occurred, it switches the feed from the video cameras in the vicinity of where the attack is believed to occur to a monitor. This enables the personnel who monitor the illustrative embodiment to further verify the attack.

Abstract: A protective system having an upstream detection subsystem to detect a contaminant in an airflow and to provide a contaminant signal, an upstream detection subsystem, a filtration subsystem to filter the contaminant from the airflow, a valve adapted to allow selective routing of the airflow, and a control system adapted to control the valve to route the airflow through the protective system upon receiving the contaminant signal from the upstream detection subsystem. In one embodiment, the upstream detection subsystem includes at least two different types of detectors for detecting same type of contaminants. In another embodiment, the upstream detection subsystem is adapted to detect a contaminant, and a daughter compound. In another embodiment, the protective system includes a downstream detection subsystem. In yet another embodiment, the protective system includes a vehicle data link subsystem.

Abstract: A system and methods of the present invention advantageously provide efficient mail processing and handling that, as compared to existing procedures, enhances detection within the mail being processed or handled of biological, germ, chemical, or other harmful agents. A system and methods provide additionally a higher level of quality and consistency for processing and handling mail so that concerns over contamination of postal workers and potential mail recipients are reduced. A system and methods further provide enhanced disabling of contaminated mail contents, mail, mail equipment, mail containers, and mail personnel due to exposure or contact with harmful agents associated with mail.

Abstract: The invention includes a method and apparatus for a chromatography system having a chromatographic column for separating gases in a mixture from one another and an electrochemical gas sensor coupled to the chromatographic column for detecting a gas being emitted from the column. The electrochemical gas sensor further includes a substrate having a surface for depositing electrodes thereon, an ionomer membrane in contact with the surface, an electrode in contact with the surface, and an opening in the ionomer membrane in a location proximate to the electrode for permitting a gas to diffuse through the opening to simultaneously contact the electrode and the ionomer membrane within the opening.

Abstract: In a gas chromatograph, an injected sample for analysis (3) is passed through a separation device (5) to separate components present in the sample; at the end of the separation device, selected components are detected by a detector (12) and determined quantitatively on the basis of the detector signal (13) supplied by the detector. To permit validation and also to increase the accuracy of the analysis, the sample (3) is determined nondestructively by an additional detector (16) upstream from the separation device (5) and is determined quantitatively on the basis of the additional detector signal (17) supplied by the additional detector (16). The result of the quantitative determination of the sample (3) is used to verify the analysis.

Abstract: Screening of items for the presence of contaminants, such as explosives residue, is accomplished by subjecting an item loaded into a pressure chamber to a pressure substantially in excess of atmospheric pressure conditions and rapidly decompressing the item to the ambient atmospheric pressure. The rapid decompression serves to scavenge vapors and particles from the exterior and interior of the item and any objects it contains. A sample of the vapors and particles removed from the item by the rapid decompression is sampled and is tested to determine whether a predetermined contaminant is present in the sample. Depending on the types of contaminants for which the sample is tested, it is possible to detect whether explosives, biological or chemical agents, and/or narcotics residues are present on or in the item being screened.

Abstract: An integrated optical capillary electrophoresis system for analyzing an analyte. A modulated optical pump beam impinges on an capillary containing the analyte/buffer solution which is separated by electrophoresis. The thermally-induced change in the index of refraction of light in said electrophoresis capillary is monitored using an integrated micro-interferometer. The interferometer includes a first interferometer arm intersecting the electrophoresis capillary proximate the excitation beam and a second, reference interferometer arm. Changes in index of refraction in the analyte measured by interrogating the interferometer state using white light interferometry and a phase-generated carrier demodulation technique. Background thermo-optical activity in the buffer solution is cancelled by splitting the pump beam and exciting pure buffer solution in a second section of capillary where it crosses the reference arm of the interferometer.

Abstract: A focusing device for volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds in the gaseous phase, comprising a support structure, a container for said organic compounds, a cooling element and a heating element for their transfer to the analysis system, characterized in that said cooling element and said heating element are positioned in two separate regions of said support structure and form a single block movable relative to said container.