Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved helium detecting unit particularly adapted to be used under difficult conditions and in places without power supply sources, which comprises an electronic processing stage [means] [implementing the task of] for calculating the helium concentration in the gas mixture to be sampled and an electronic controlling stage [means] for controlling the detecting unit, and wherein there is provided a sampling chamber, coated with a reflecting material and provided with a gap, mounting a sinterized filtering member adapted for cooling the sampled gas flow coming out of a sucking sampling pump equipped with a filter against the impurities.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for quantitatively determining a gas component of a gas flow and an apparatus therefor. The apparatus includes a testing conduit having a throttle through which the gas flow flows. A sample conduit leading to the gas inlet of a gas sensor branches away from the testing conduit upstream of the throttle. The apparatus further includes a pressure sensor connected to the sample conduit, a valve connected to a gas outlet of the gas sensor and a control unit. The method of the invention is improved in that a defined quantity of gas can be supplied to the sensor without a pump being required. An improvement is achieved in that the control unit is so configured that: in a first step, the valve is opened; the gas volume is determined in a second step by computing the time integral of the signal of the pressure sensor; and, in a third step, the valve is closed after the throughflow of a pregiven gas volume or after a pregiven time duration has elapsed.

Abstract: A gas diffusion control assembly comprises a gas inlet; a restriction to the rate of flow of gas or vapor from the gas inlet in the form of a porous diffusion barrier extending across the gas inlet; and a polythene disc for causing all gas or vapor passing out of the inlet into the diffusion barrier to diffuse through part of the barrier along a path with a lateral outward component relative to the direction of action through the gas inlet.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transferring a reaction gas between a high pressure environment and a low pressure environment. A baffle channel is disposed in a fluid communication path between the high pressure environment and the low pressure environment. Also disposed in the path is an element for limiting gas flow conductance. A shield gas is introduced into the baffle channel and a longitudinal laminar counterflow of the shield gas established toward the high pressure environment, opposing the flow of the reaction gas toward the low pressure environment.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for dispersing a sample in a process stream is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a conduit which receives a sample at a first end and passes the sample to a pyrolysis furnace through a second end. A port is provided to admit a carrier gas. A dispersing device, preferably consisting of quartz wool, distributes the sample throughout the conduit, so that the sample may be heated by the pyrolysis furnace without coking. The method comprises the steps of receiving a sample in a conduit, dispersing the sample within a fluid carrier such that the sample is uniformly mixed throughout the fluid carrier.

Abstract: A method to determine the amount of blast furnace slag in a slurry sample. The slurry is preferably a drilling fluid or a wellbore cement slurry. The method comprises correlating the amount of hydrogen sulfide released from acidified slurries with the amount of blast furnace slag in the slurry and acidifying the sample and determining the amount of hydrogen sulfide released from the acidified sample.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to a method for measuring crude oil contained in a gas flowing in a gas line which incorporates the steps of obtaining a sample of gas from the gas line, passing the sample of gas through a selective crude oil trap, measuring the volume of the sample of gas, and measuring the volume of trapped crude oil. The selective crude oil trap includes a cooled coil and at least one cylinder filled with a fluid which is non-soluble with oil and which is preferably refrigerated. The selective crude oil trap may alternatively include a filter device which has a cylinder filled with a polymerized porous medium bound with a phenolic resin. The apparatus for carrying out the method has inlet and outlet connectors which allow the apparatus to be releasably connected to a gas flow line to obtain a sample of gas and to be disconnected and physically transported to a remote facility for completion of the testing.

Abstract: A positive displacement piston flow meter for measuring air flow comprising a hollow flowtube, preferably arranged in a vertical orientation, having a movable piston disposed in the flowtube for movement between a starting position, preferably at the bottom end of the piston stroke, and an elevated position at the top end of the piston stroke. The piston is reciprocated by means of a pressure relief control valve assembly which controls the ascent and descent of the piston. The piston is physically connected to the pressure relief control valve assembly by means of a flexible string, which causes the piston to automatically close the valve assembly for automatic operation on reaching the bottom end of the piston stroke and to reverse direction.

Abstract: An air fuel ratio detecting device has an air-fuel ratio sensor for producing an air-fuel ratio information indicative of the concentration of oxygen in an exhaust gas produced by a burned air-fuel mixture in the internal combustion engine. An air-fuel ratio is calculated on the basis of the air-fuel ratio information. A pressure in the exhaust gas is calculated on the basis of pressure information depending on the pressure of the exhaust gas. The difference between the pressure and a reference pressure which acts on the air-fuel ratio sensor when the air-fuel ratio sensor is placed in a reference environment, is calculated. The air-fuel ratio is corrected with the pressure difference. The corrected air-fuel ratio is free of pressure fluctuations of the exhaust gas, and is highly reliable for accurate air-fuel ratio control.

Abstract: Surface Volatile Material Detector including a vacuum chamber that is adapted to hold a silicon wafer for testing. The surface of the wafer is exposed to a heat source which evaporates the volatile contaminants on the surface of the wafer. A gas composition analyzer samples the atmosphere within the chamber to detect the evaporated contaminants. The device is designed such that the wafer is thermally insulated from the chamber, whereby the wafer is heated while the chamber walls remain cool, and any contaminants which might exist on the walls of the chamber are not evaporated. In the preferred embodiment, the wafer is heated by infrared light illumination.

Abstract: A method of measuring the flow and composition of a fluid or mixture of fluids through a system by determining the temperature, pressure and speed of sound in the fluid or mixture of fluids in the system and calculating the flow, molar density and average molecular weight of the fluid from the equation: ##EQU1## wherein: ##EQU2## c=speed of sound P=pressure of the fluidT=temperature of the fluid.rho.=molecular density of the fluidM=average molecular weight of the fluid.phi.=velocity potentialt=time.

Abstract: An apparatus for sensing chemicals over extended range of concentrations. In particular, first and second sensors each having separate, but overlapping ranges for sensing concentrations of hydrogen are provided. Preferably, the first sensor is a MOS solid state device wherein the metal electrode or gate is a nickel alloy. The second sensor is a chemiresistor comprising a nickel alloy.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the identification of a gas, particularly an anaesthetic gas. The concentration measurement of a gas is carried out by two different methods, the application of at least one of the applied methods being infrared measuring, and said concentration measurements being followed by identification which is effected by utilizing both thus obtained measuring results and the corresponding values of prior known gases.

Abstract: A process for quantitatively and qualitatively substantially continuously analyzing the aroma emitted and rates of emission of the components thereof:(I) from within; and(II) from the outer surface of a living fruit using simultaneously-operating aroma trapping devices connected to (a) the outer surface of the living fruit and (b) an internal portion of the living fruit. Also described is apparatus for carrying out such a process. The living fruit may, for example, be a living pineapple or a living nectarine growing on a nectarine tree.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selective, high speed detection of vapors of specific gas-chromatographically-separable compounds. In the disclosed method separate analyses are performed on two portions of a gas sample formed by flash-heating trapped vapors to successively higher temperatures while flowing hydrogen carrier gas over coatings in/on which the vapors are held. Within a total time interval of about twenty seconds 1) two sample portions are formed, 2) each portion is rapidly separated in two series-connected, high speed, temperature-programmed gas chromatographs, and 3) specific compounds are identified by detection of NO gas formed during an oxidative pyrolysis of each separated portion. One application of the described method and apparatus is the rapid, selective, and sensitive detection of nitrogen-containing compounds such as the drugs methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin.

Abstract: A system for measuring the transmission rate of volatile organic chemicals through a barrier material, where a barrier material sample is clamped in a test cell so as to form a chamber on both sides of the material, with a temperature-controlled test gas conveyed into one chamber and a temperature-controlled carrier gas conveyed through the other chamber. The carrier gas is passed through a cryotrap where the organic chemicals are collected, and the carrier gas with collected chemicals is then burned in a flame ionization detector to measure the quantity of organic chemicals.

Abstract: A process for quantitatively and qualitatively substantially continuously analyzing the aroma emitted and rates of emission of the components thereof:(I) from within the pit section and/or the inner wood section; and(II) the outer bark surface ofa living tree, simultaneously, and optionally from within and from the outer surface of one or more fruits borne by said living tree using simultaneously operating aroma trapping devices connected to the outer tree trunk surface and an inner location within the tree and, if desired, connected to the fruit surface and an internal location within the fruit. Also described is apparatus for carrying out such a process. The living tree, for example, may be a living Douglas Fir or a living Maple Tree or a living Papaya Tree or a living Mahogany Tree or a living Nectarine Tree.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for analyzing fluid by a multi-fluid modulation mode is characterized by subjecting a plurality of sample fluids (which may be different or a single sample fluid divided into a plurality of systems) to a fluid modulation by reference fluids at various frequencies, respectively. An analytical portion provided with only one sensor is simultaneously and continuously supplied with the respective sample fluids. An output signal from the sensor in the analytical portion is divided into signal components of the respective modulation frequencies for the respective sample fluids to rectify and level, whereby obtaining analyzed values about the respective sample fluids is achieved.

Abstract: This invention relates to processes and apparatus for detecting the overall nature of combustion gases using a detector comprising a semi-conducting film of a metallic phthalocyanine which is deposited between two electrodes on an insulating wafer and which is placed in contact with the combustion gases and maintained at a temperature higher than a determined threshold, for example higher than 40.degree. C. for a monoclinic copper phthalocyanine, in order to render the phthalocyanine insensitive to the water vapour contained in the combustion gases.

Abstract: The gas analyzer comprises a detector (3) which is dependent upon the mass flow, with a suction device (4) at the detector output. The detector output is connected to a vacuum regulating circuit (6) which maintains the vacuum constant, generated by the suction device (4), at the detector output in relation to the atmospheric pressure. The detector (3) is preceded by a choke (2) in the pipe-line for the gas to be measured. A second choke (11) is connected in parallel, by way of by-pass, to the series arrangement of the first choke (2) and the detector (3). A further (third) choke (1) is connected in advance of the common gas inlet (12, 13). A second vacuum regulating circuit (14) is connected to the common connection point and maintains the pressure constant, prevailing at said connection point, in relation to the atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A method for processing data produced by a chemical sensor to predict a rate of diffusion and steady-state level of a chemical vapor absorbed by a coating applied to the chemical sensor. A chemical sensor (10) includes a surface acoustic wave device (12) in which a polymer coating (34) is provided to absorb a chemical vapor. As the vapor is absorbed by the polymer coating, a resonant frequency associated with the SAW device changes in proportion to the mass of the vapor absorbed. The change in resonant frequency is periodically sampled by a high-speed counter (58), digitized, and filtered by a microprocessor (100). In processing the filtered data, the microprocessor describes each data point as a constraint line in a (.tau.,C) space, where .tau. corresponds to the rate of diffusion of the chemical vapor into the polymer and C corresponds to the concentration of the chemical vapor in the polymer at a time t. A minimum energy function L(.tau.

Abstract: A method and a device for the treatment of a gas to be analyzed in a gas mixture, including a separation of components from the gas mixture, where the presence of said components is undesirable for performing the analysis. An aerosol filter is employed for the separation of undesired components. A reagent material is admixed to the gas stream, wherein the reagent material forms an aerosol together with the undesired components of the gas mixture. The gas stream passes a reaction path (4) after the entering of the reagent materials. The reaction distance (4) provides a dwelling time for the generation of aerosols in the mixture of gases and the reagent material. The aerosol filter (5) is disposed downstream of the reaction distance (4), which separates the aerosols from the gas stream.

Abstract: Systems for determining the gas compression exponent, k, and the compressibility factor, Z, include a chamber which may be reduced in volume while the pressure, temperature and volume changes are recorded. The system for determining compressibility factor includes a temperature controller and heat exchanger which varies the temperature in the chamber after a compression process or while holding the volume of the chamber constant during multiple temperature changes. Values of pressure, temperature and volume are measured at all conditions. The compression exponent is measured by extrapolating a curve of pressure versus time while allowing the temperature of the gas to decay from heat exchange with the structure forming the chamber.

Abstract: A method and a device which uses a semiconductor type of sensor for detecting and measuring gas of the type such as hydrogen sulfide which depletes the oxygen component from the semiconductor sensor when exposed to the gas and thus lowers electrical resistance through the sensor which uses a pair of semiconductor gas detecting sensors. In one embodiment, the gas sensors are alternatively fed with gas to be sampled and air. In another embodiment, the gas sensors are alternatively turned on and off at predetermined intervals to replenish the depleted oxygen when the sensor is turned off and to sample when the sensor is turned on.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for detecting the presence of gaseous nitrogen dioxide and determining the amount of gas which is present. Though polystyrene is normally an insulator, it becomes electrically conductive in the presence of nitrogen dioxide. Conductance or resistance of a polystyrene sensing element is related to the concentration of nitrogen dioxide at the sensing element.

Abstract: A methane analyzer system having a cutter for preparing a sample gas prior to submission to a hydrogen flame ionization detector includes a source dilution gas that is connected to the hydrogen flame ionization detector, and a flow restrictor line for directing a portion of the dilution gas to the cutter for mixing with the sample gas prior to introduction into the ionization detector. A source of fuel, such as hydrogen, which is connected to the ionization detector, is also metered in measured quantities to the cutter to stabilize the oxidation of the sample gas.

Abstract: The invention relates to equipment which includes a device for the analysis of gaseous compositions (1) to which is attached a device (16) for taking a sample of the substance to be analyzed and then vaporizing it. The analysis device (1) is connected to the sampling device (16) in such a way that it can use the vapors produced by the latter as a gaseous composition. The substance to be analyzed may consist of a liquid, or even of solid particles. The invention makes it possible to detect contaminated zones as well as the composition of the substances which cause contamination.

Abstract: The composition monitor uses a flow driven acoustic resonator whose frequency is simply related to the speed of sound of the gaseous mixture present in the cavity resonator. Because the speed of sound is a function of temperature and composition of mixtures, the oscillator frequency signal may be used to measure the composition and control the process. The aeroacoustic sources have the advantage that they are immune to high pressure and high temperature and are energized by flows leading into or out of reactors. In addition, sound is led to a measurement microphone from the source by a solid rod which isolates it from high pressure and temperature obtaining thereby a robust sensor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a liquid dispensing apparatus which includes a detecting element for detecting the liquid from the vaporized gas surrounding the remaining liquid in a storage tank to be supplied, where the detecting element is disposed at the output end of a liquid supply line, and a discriminator for discriminating the signals and information obtained from such a detecting element. The discriminator generates a lock signal to be fed to a locking means for allowing suspension of the supply of liquid based on a signal generated in the discriminator and fed to the locking means. The detection element includes a first electrode, a second electrode, a gas-sensing member connected to the first electrode and connected to the second electrode, which gas-sensing member is formed of a resin material including a conducting material which furnishes an impedance change upon contacting the vaporized gas of the liquid to be detected.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system for monitoring fugitive emissions in a multi-source fugitive emission environment. The system includes machine readable elements (as bar code) at each fugitive emissions source. These machine readable elements are for identifying the source. The system also has a portable monitor that includes a reader, a detector, and storage. Specifically, the reader reads the machine readable element and generates a machine storable source identification signal corresponding to the element. The detector generates a second machine storable signal. This signal represents the amount or other attribute of fugitive emissions from the fugitive emissions source. Finally, the portable monitor includes storage for storing the source identification signals and the fugitive emissions signals. The portable monitor is used in conjunction with or may even include a computer.

Abstract: A gas (including water vapor) monitor is provided which incorporates a dual chambered, constant volume peristaltic pump and flow meters. A sample gas is pumped at a constant volumetric flow rate into a processing zone where a predetermined component of the sample gas is separated. A make-up gas is then allowed to admix with the resulting gas and the mixture is then pumped at the same constant rate. The measured volume of the make-up gas thus required is equal to the actual volume of the separated component.

Abstract: A battery-powered gas detector comprises a gas sensor coupled to a current source and a power supply. The power supply generates a relatively high voltage when the gas sensor is warming up and a relatively low voltage after the sensor has warmed up. The gas sensor, which is responsive to the presence of a gas, is coupled to an amplifier having a variable sensitivity circuit. The amplifier is connected to a microprocessor that determines the concentration of the sensed gas and provides a visual indication of the concentration on a display. The gas detector can sense the presence of a variety of different gases. The gas concentration of the sensed gas is determined based upon the magnitudes of a gas sensing signal generated by the amplifier, a calibration signal generated during a calibration routine when the detector is in a controlled environment, and an error signal generated when the detector is in a no-gas environment.

Abstract: A method for providing a real time measurement of the purity of one gas in a binary mixture of two known gases applies principles of the fan laws and ideal gas laws in a manner whereby the volume percent purity of the gas may be calculated directly from measured fan differential pressure. The calculated purity is preferably corrected for variations in temperature and pressure. The method requires the determination and use of an appropriate fan constant based on the gas whose purity is to be measured and specific to the fan being used to circulate the gas mixture and the speed at which it operates. An appropriate adjustment factor for differences between design and measured speed may also be applied in accordance with the fan laws. The method can provide real time measurement of hydrogen gas purity in the cooling gas circulated inside a large synchronous AC generator and utilizing a microprocessor to provide a real time output of hydrogen gas purity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for the identification of a gas flow or its disturbances. A gas flowing in a gas pipe is allowed to pass through at least two flow-restricting elements in series, the pressure differences of a flowing gas being measured over said elements and effecting the identification by means of such measured pressure differences.

Abstract: A device for the continuous measurement of the ammonia concentration in gases in the ppm range includes a columnar absorption vessel (1) with a hemispherical bottom (4). The bottom of the column includes an overflow (3) and an outlet (5). The gas introduction pipe (7,8) empties above the bottom (4) and below a sieve bottom (6) arranged in the column (1). A packing material (10) rests on the sieve bottom (6), which packing (10) essentially fills the absorption column (1). A cooling part (11) extends from the absorption column (1). The cooling part (11) includes a cooling zone (15) and a gas collection space (16) above it with a closable connection piece (13). A pipe (14), which may include a serrated crown on each end, runs from the gas collecting space (16) downward in a cooled manner to the packing 10. The liquid absorption agent is introduced through a lateral connection piece (18) into the gas collection space (16).

Abstract: A device for demonstrating the operation of gas contaminant testing apparatus and for training persons to use such apparatus. The device can be portable and allows demonstration of and training on testing apparatus in a location removed from the environment in which the gaseous medium and its gaseous and vaporous contaminants are normally found. The device uses very small contaminant samples for demonstration in order to minimize personnel exposure and inadvertent or deliberate releases to the environment. The device allows the substitutions of, for training and demonstration purposes, a harmless gaseous medium for the actual gaseous medium of interest. In a preferred embodiment, designed for demonstrating the operation of a refrigerant contaminant testing apparatus, air is susbstituted for refrigerant as the gaseous medium in which contaminants are entrained when using the device. In that embodiment, air is caused to flow through a container holding a contaminant sample of interest.

Abstract: Solid-state acoustic sensors for monitoring conditions at a surface immersed in a liquid and for monitoring concentrations of species in a liquid and for monitoring electrical properties of a liquid are formed by placing interdigital input and output transducers on a piezoelectric substrate and propagating acoustic plate modes therebetween. The deposition or removal of material on or from, respectively, a thin film in contact with the surface, or changes in the mechanical properties of a thin film in contact with the surface, or changes in the electrical characteristics of the solution, create perturbations in the velocity and attenuation of the acoustic plate modes as a function of these properties or changes in them.

Abstract: An intubation tube contains both a sampling connector (2) for a gas analyzer and a spirometer (18). Spirometer (18) and sampling connector (2) are manufactured so that, in operation, they make up a single unit which is linked via outflow tubes 6 and 7 to pressure and/or flow measuring elements (12, 13) as well as via a sampling tube (9) to a gas analyzer (10). A microprocessor adjusts the flow rate in accordance with the composition of the gas as determined by the gas analyzer.

Abstract: A method and device involving use of the reaction product of an aldehyde acidified with sulfuric acid in acetone for sensing moisture. The reaction product is used as a coating for colorimetric detection of humidity, the color of the coating changing as a function of the humidity level. The coating is applied to a thin layer chromatography plate which is received in a badge housing to provide a real-time colorimetric dosimeter for monitoring humidity and indicating its presence.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining the propensity of a polymer to emit smoke by measuring the smoke emitted when the polymer is melted and extruded. The polymer is heated to a molten state and extruded under controlled time conditions into a receptacle from which gaseous samples can be collected, then the gaseous samples from the receptacle are analyzed for smoke content to determine the propensity of the polymer to emit smoke.

Abstract: A method for collecting radon in a confined area and testing therefor includes the initial step of providing a container with a molecular sieve material for attracting radon and placing the container in a confined area where radon is suspected to be present. The container has an open inlet end, into which radon will be attracted by the molecular sieve material in the container. The container is left in the confined area for a predetermined time, after which the container is removed so as to remove any radon present within the confined area and the molecular sieve is tested for radon.

Abstract: The oxygen concentration of a gas mixture primarily of oxygen, nitrogen, and argon is determined by measurement of the shell side flow through a hollow fiber permeable membrane module having a tube side and a shell side. A sample of the gas at a low pressure is applied via a gas regulator to the tube side. Compressed air for purge flow is supplied via a first flow controller to one end of the shell side. A small portion of the tube side flow permeates the membrane, enters the shell of the module and combines with the air purge flow. The measurement of the oxygen concentration is determined by the amount of flow exiting the shell side via a flowmeter to a vent. The amount of gas permeating the membrane is dependent on the partial pressure of oxygen on both sides of the membrane. Hence, as the tube side partial pressure increases, a greater quantity of permeated gas passes to the shell side of the membrane. The remaining tube side flow exits the module via a second floor controller to the vent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable gas cylinder safety containment system removably and operably incorporated with a portable, self powered, toxic gas monitoring system, and both removably attached to a delivery cart system, to provide real time monitoring of the delivery cart contents while in transit. This system is designed particularly for the safe transport between storage and work areas of toxic and hazardous gases used in various research, laboratory and production process, such as those in the semiconductor and microcircuit industries.

Abstract: A method for providing a real time measurement of the purity of one gas in a binary mixture of two known gases, which mixture also contains water vapor, applies principles of the fan laws and ideal gas laws in a manner whereby the volume percent purity of the gas may be calculated directly from measured fan differential pressure. The calculted purity is preferably corrected for variations in temperature and pressure. The method requires the determination and use of an appropriate fan constant based on the gas whose purity is to be measured and specific to the fan being used to circulate the gas mixture and the speed at which it operates. An appropriate adjustment factor for differences between design and measured speed may also be applied in acordance with the fan laws.

Abstract: A thin film gas-sensitive device includes an insulating substrate having a pair of electrodes, a gas-sensitive layer having a gas sensitive substance deposited on the insulating substrate and electrodes, and a catalytic layer deposited on the gas-sensitive layer and insulating substrate as a non-continuous layer. The insulating substrate is partly uncovered because the electrodes, the gas-sensitive layer containing the gas-sensitive substance and the catalytic layer do not thoroughly cover the substrate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring metabolic rates such as oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide elimination rates of a patient intubated on a ventilator utilize an inspiration sample of gases provided by the ventilator and end-tidal and ambient pressure samples of expiration gases exhaled by the patient which are collected and analyzed to determine concentrations of the gases along with flow rate data to calculate the desired metabolic rates on a breath-by-breath flow weighted average basis. The ambient pressure sample is taken from a point prior to complete mixing of the gases exhaled in adjacent breaths and after the exhalation valve such that the pressure is essentially ambient room air pressure to facilitate accurate sychronization of the flow rate and concentration signals.

Abstract: A method for the direct presentation of a differential measured quantity, in particular, a differential gas concentration measurement, in terms of its correct physical unit is disclosed. A characteristic curve representing the output of a gas sensor detector as a function of gas concentration is obtained in an absolute coordinate system. A reference level at which the differential measurement is to occur is defined on this characteristic curve by a defined input or, respectively, output value. This reference level defines the origin of a differential coordinate system from which the differential measurement may be directly ascertained.

Abstract: A spectrometer for analyzing a sample substance which comprises a chamber (40) for supporting a sample to be analyzed. A gas drive circuit (42) communicates with the chamber (40) and the gas drive circuit (42) and chamber (40) are at least partly enclosed within a heated jacket (44). The gas flow through the gas circuit and chamber (40) entrains sample molecules in the flow and a nozzle (30) is provided to spray the gas flow and entrained molecules as a supersonic beam seeded with the molecules between a pair of plates (32 and 34) between which an electric field is created. The electrodes (32 and 34) comprise Stark electrodes. A microwave source (50) and a receiver (60) are arranged so that the source (50) produces a microwave beam which passes through the supersonic beam as the beam expands between the electrodes 32 and 34 which is detected by the detector 60. The detector 60 detects an absorption signal of the molecules which seed the supersonic beam.

Abstract: A disposal device for photographic processing waste liquor which concentrates the photographic process waste liquor by evaporation. The disposal device has a gas detecting device for detecting gas which may be generated during the evaporation of the waste liquor and a control device for stopping the evaporation based on the detection of a concentration of a specific gas. The processing method for photographic waste liquor involves evaporating the waste liquor to concentrate it and detecting gases which are generated during the evaporation process. When the concentration of a specific gas reaches a certain level, the evaporation step is halted.

Abstract: A surface contaminated with toxic materials to be tested or monitored is pled using a probe which is shown here to have a rectangular opening typically of several square inches in cross section. A pliable gasket of suitable heat-resistant material is used to cushion and seal the probe in contact with the surface, but small holes are provided of sufficient size (and positioned close to the surface to be tested) to allow ambient air to be drawn at a desired volumetric flow rate through a sampling tube which also forms the handle of the probe, and is connected through a flexible tube or hose to a suitable detector and vacuum pump. The detector and pump can be combined in a single unit. The detector can be one of several kinds of providing sensitive monitoring of agent vapors or simulant vapors, e.g., a flame photometer or a gas chromatograph (with suitable sampling techniques). Within the probe is mounted a lamp that provides intense heat (e.g.