Abstract: A method and system for evaluating a fluid in a machine entails periodically evaluating a permittivity of the fluid and based on periodically evaluating the permittivity of the fluid, observing a change in the permittivity of the fluid. Based on the observed change in the permittivity of the fluid, it is determined whether the fluid is exhausted or contaminated.

Abstract: Disclosed is a permeameter for in-situ measurement of saturated hydraulic conductivity. The permeameter includes a chamber fixedly installed into a streambed sediment such that the inside of the chamber is filled with a medium, sediment at water-sediment interface. First and second hydraulic head-measuring lines are respectively connected to upper and lower portions of an outer circumferential surface of the chamber, these are designed for measuring a hydraulic head difference of the inside of the chamber. A flexible tube is interconnected the chamber with the storage pipe. A storage pipe is designed to regulate a hydraulic head difference from the chamber and to measure a quantity and a flow rate of water introduced from the chamber under the streambed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally provide a containment system having integrated bubble tight-dampers. In another embodiment, the containment system includes an integral auto-scan mechanism disposed in the housing of the containment system so that a filter element, disposed in the housing, may be leak tested without accessing the interior of the housing. In yet another embodiment, a method for testing a filter disposed in a containment system includes challenging an upstream side of a filter element disposed in a housing of the containment system with a test aerosol, and automatically moving a probe disposed within the housing to obtain samples for leak testing.

Abstract: An intelligent pipeline pressure sensing device is disclosed. Conventionally, both blower and exhaust fan use the motor with fixed rotation speed to drive the fan blade, so the input/output airflow and pressure are also fixed. When the air inlet duct and air outlet duct are longer or have angle, or the filter is clogged, the drag in the air inlet and outlet ducts increases to cause the airflow or pressure therein to drop, which leads to inefficiency of the equipment and energy usage. The present invention is advantageous because the extent of clogging of the filter can be automatically detected and the user will be notified to wash or replace the filter, so the equipment can be operated at its best condition and in an energy-saving manner.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for estimating porous-media longitudinal dispersion and adsorption coefficients. According to various embodiments of the invention, a method for estimating porous-media longitudinal dispersion coefficients is provided, which includes introducing a pure phase component though a porous medium, and introducing a component having a same phase as the pure phase component through the porous medium. The component includes a viscosifying agent having a non-linear viscosity-concentration dependence. The method further includes measuring, using a permeability analyzer, a pressure drop across the porous medium after each introduction at a plurality of intervals over a period of time. Further, the method includes determining, using the measured pressure drops, a pressure transition, and analyzing the pressure transition across the porous medium to determine a dispersion coefficient for the porous medium.

Abstract: A method for determining a buffer effect of an activated carbon filter for a tank venting system of a fuel container for hydrocarbon-containing fuels involves feeding a defined quantity of hydrocarbon molecules to the activated carbon filter (320) via a tank connection (320—1) of the activated carbon filter (320) by a hydrocarbon feed system (310). A carrier gas flow is introduced into the activated carbon filter (320) via an air connection (320—2) of the activated carbon filter (320), and a defined volumetric flow is sucked out of the activated carbon filter (320) via an engine connection (320—3) of the activated carbon filter (320) by a hydrocarbon measuring device (340), and its content of hydrocarbon molecules is measured. The defined quantity of hydrocarbon molecules is made available by the hydrocarbon feed system (310) in the form of a thermodynamically isolated gas quantity.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a diffusion cell for testing the permeation of a compound(s) across a membrane. Also, the present disclosure relates to a method of manufacturing a diffusion cell. Further, the present disclosure relates to a method of performing an assay using a diffusion cell.

Abstract: A pore diffusion type flat membrane separation apparatus X including a plurality of flat membranes 7 and a plurality of flat plate-like supports 1 arranged alternately with each other, each flat membrane 7 defining a plurality of pores and configured to separate a predetermined dispersed substance contained in a solution by a pore diffusion technique, each flat plate-like support 1 having a flow conduit 2 on one or both faces thereof. A ratio between a spatial volume of the flow conduit 2 and a membrane area of the flat membrane 7 is set from 0.04 to 0.4 cm. The flat plate-like support 1 includes, in at least two positions in a lateral face thereof, water conduits 3 in communication with the flow conduit 2, so that flow directions of the solution in the flow conduits 2 of upper and lower flat plate-like supports 1 across the flat membrane 7 may be substantially same directions. The flat plate-like support 1 and the flat membrane 7 can be assembled with and disassembled from each other.

Abstract: An improved method of testing the integrity of a porous filter is provided. The test method is an improvement over a gas-liquid diffusion test wherein the improvement comprises providing a conduit downstream of the filter and filling the conduit with a liquid, the conduit having a length to cross sectional area ratio selected to substantially resist diffusive flow of the gas through the liquid downstream of the filter material.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, a method may include supplying a gas to an upstream side of a core holder containing a core sample, accumulating permeated gas that has flowed through the core sample in a cavity coupled to a downstream side of the core holder, measuring an elapsed time during which the permeated gas accumulates in the cavity using a timer, measuring a pressure of the permeated gas using a pressure transducer coupled to the cavity, and determining a gas permeability of the core sample based at least in part on the pressure of the permeated gas and the elapsed time.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for simulating production conditions in hydrocarbon-bearing reservoirs, as an example, by flooding of core samples from such reservoirs, are described. Full recirculation flow measurements permit several fluids (for example, crude oil, brine, and gas) to be simultaneously injected into core samples having varying dimensions. Accurate and stable back pressures are maintained at total flow rates of as high as 200 cc/min., for a large range of fluid viscosities. Accurate and stable net overburden pressures relative to pore pressure are also maintained, thereby simulating the formations at depth. Core samples from formations may also be investigated using the apparatus and method hereof, for carbon dioxide sequestration potential, as another example.

Abstract: Methods and systems for processing samples fixed to a porous substrate generally comprising, a compressor defining one or more fluid isolation areas, a support, for the porous substrate, having an opening corresponding to one or more of the fluid isolation areas of the compressor, an actuator that causes at least a portion of the compressor to press against the porous substrate, a fluid inlet having access to the fluid isolation area at least when the compressor is pressed against the porous substrate, and a fluid outlet to receive fluid, through the opening in the support corresponding to the fluid isolation area of the compressor, at least when the compressor is pressed against the porous substrate.

Abstract: A method for in situ monitoring of a membrane of a membrane separation system comprises measuring a complex impedance of the membrane at a plurality of frequencies to provide an indication of the electrical conduction and electrical polarization properties of the membrane. The membrane based separation system for removing or reducing the concentration of materials carried in a fluid including a separation membrane has a first pair of electrodes separated by the membrane and arranged for measurement of the complex impedance of the membrane at a plurality of frequencies to provide the indication of the membrane properties. There may also be a second pair of electrodes separated by the membrane for injecting the stimulus current such that the injecting and monitoring functions are separated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods for measuring the permeability of dentin. More particularly, the invention relates to devices and methods of quickly and accurately measuring the permeability of dentin using a flow cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods for measuring the permeability of dentin. More particularly, the invention relates to devices and methods of quickly and accurately measuring the permeability of dentin using a flow cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods for measuring the permeability of dentin. More particularly, the invention relates to devices and methods of quickly and accurately measuring the permeability of dentin using a flow cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods for measuring the permeability of dentin. More particularly, the invention relates to devices and methods of quickly and accurately measuring the permeability of dentin using a flow cell.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a containment system having a primary air inlet and an alternate inlet. In one embodiment, a containment system includes a housing configured to retain a main filter, the housing having a primary air inlet and an access door configured to access an interior of the housing. The access door has an alternate airflow inlet. In another embodiment, an air distribution plate includes a front surface having a first edge and an opposing second edge, wherein the front surface is configured to allow air to pass therethrough. Flow resistance through the front surface is greater proximate the second edge relative the first edge. In yet another embodiment, a method for testing a filter includes closing a damper and flowing air into a containment housing through an inlet formed though an access door and across an air distribution plate to a filter, and testing the filter.

Abstract: A porous medium sensor comprises: a sensing portion, a gas exchange tubing, a gas permeable protection sleeve, and a water impermeable distal end collar. The sensing portion is at least partially insertable in a porous medium and has a housing with a gas exchange aperture defined therein and a parameter sensor mounted in the housing for measuring a parameter of the porous medium in which the sensing portion is insertable. The gas exchange tubing is in gas communication with the gas exchange aperture of the sensor portion and has a water-repellent membrane inserted therein. The water-repellent membrane prevents water infiltration in the housing through the gas exchange aperture. The gas permeable protection sleeve covers at least a section of the gas exchange tubing. The water impermeable distal end collar covers a distal end of the gas permeable protective sleeve and the water-repellent membrane.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are improved therapeutic devices and methods and improved porous structures and measurement apparatus for use with therapeutic devices. In many embodiments, a porous structure is measured based on diffusion of the gas through the porous structure. The gas measurement may comprise an amount of gas measured to determine a resistance of the porous structure to diffusion. The diffusion of the gas through the porous structure can be used to determine release of a therapeutic agent through the porous structure, such that targeted amounts of therapeutic agent can be released for extended times and such that therapeutic device reservoir volume and porous frit structure can be tuned to release the therapeutic agent for an extended time above a target amount for the extended time.

Abstract: A device for measuring permeability of a filter cartridge seal includes a blocking member for blocking an input to the filter cartridge and a housing for tightening the seal. A removable chamber wall is configured to form a sealed chamber with the housing and the blocking member. Pressure in the sealed chamber is varied to test the seal and to detect leaks.

Abstract: A pressure and prevacuum testing system for an AC system in a vehicle includes an air pressure source for pressurizing a cooling circuit of the AC system to a predetermined high pressure threshold and a vacuum source for prevacuuming the cooling circuit either to a predetermined prevacuum low pressure level or for a predetermined time period. The system also includes a pressure gauge for operatively measuring a pressure level in the cooling circuit. A controller is operatively connected to the air pressure source, the vacuum source and the pressure gauge. The controller compares the pressure level as measured by the pressure gauge to the predetermined high pressure threshold during a pressurized test of the cooling circuit and to the predetermined prevacuum low pressure level during a prevacuum test of the cooling circuit to determine if leaks are present in the cooling circuit.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing the gas permeability on the inward facing direction of a pre-impregnated resin matrix composite material layer includes a mold, a loading apparatus, a temperature control apparatus, a vacuuming apparatus, and a flow detecting element. A test specimen is laid flat inside the mold between airtight sealing elements that leave exposed two ends of the test specimen on the inward facing direction of the layer. An air inlet and an air outlet respectively are arranged on the mold and correspond to the two exposed ends of the test specimen. The inlet is connected to the flow detecting element, and the outlet is connected to the vacuuming apparatus. Air is forced to move in a vacuumed cavity along the inward facing direction of the layer. Testing of air permeability of pre-impregnated material in solidification technique is allowed via adjustments of pressure and temperature.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing the air permeability in the thickness direction of a resin matrix composite material layer includes a mold having a cavity and a covering plate, a loading apparatus, a temperature controlling apparatus, a vacuuming apparatus, and a flow detecting element. An air inlet is connected to the flow detecting element, and an air outlet is connected to the vacuuming apparatus. The covering plate has a through-hole with upper and lower ventilation pieces. The loading apparatus addresses the upper ventilation piece. A test specimen is laid flat between the ventilation pieces. Employment of the present invention allows for accurate testing of air permeability of pre-impregnated material in the thickness direction of the resin matrix composite material layer under different pressure and temperature conditions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for measuring the transmission rate of a substance through a material, such as a packaging film. The transmission rate of the substance during the test can be increased, or decreased, by increasing the pressure, or decreasing the pressure, respectively, at which the test is conducted. Embodiments can use a probe that does not consume the substance. Specific embodiments can utilize flowing gases. Other embodiments do not require any flowing gas during the measurement.

Abstract: A porous medium sensor apparatus includes a sensing portion at least partially insertable in the porous medium. The sensing portion has a housing with a gas exchange aperture defined therein and a water-repellant membrane mounted in the gas exchange aperture, the water-repellant membrane preventing water communication through the gas exchange aperture. The sensing portion also has a parameter sensor mounted in the housing for measuring a parameter of the porous medium in which the sensing portion is inserted.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention relates to methods and devices for detecting membrane fouling in a membrane-based water processing system. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.

Abstract: A multi-function testing apparatus contains a test cell, a piston positioned within the test cell and an adjustable piston depth-setting rod. The testing apparatus may be used to assess carbon dioxide resistance and hydraulic bonding strength of a set cement as well as to evaluate the self-healing capabilities of a set cement. Testing on the set cement may be conducted at simulated downhole conditions.

Abstract: Determination of hydraulic properties such as porosity and permeability of soil is of paramount importance in hydrology and civil engineering. In order to achieve greater accuracy in determination of permeability of soil using falling head permeameter, the two important known constraints of human monitoring error in noting the falling water level between two selected levels and elapse time between these two levels had overcome through electronically sensing the levels between two selected points and activating the timer clock automatically by the pulses coming from senor. The precision in measurement of time lapse in 1/100th of a second enables greater accuracy in estimation of permeability. Provision of perforated Teflon disc above and below the soil core facilitates in application of water uniformly over the entire surface area of soil core at top and similar way permeated water leaving the soil core uniformly without any obstruction.

Abstract: The measuring device is an on-line measuring device including a pressure generator and a sensor, by which is determined porosity of paper or board, constituting an object of measurement, by directing known suction effect to the paper or board and measuring low pressure produced by the suction effect for the determination of porosity.

Abstract: The device for testing reverse osmosis membranes provides for the quick and efficient testing of the transport properties of reverse osmosis membranes at a fixed pressure over a fixed period of time. The device includes a first chamber adapted for receiving a volume of de-ionized water and a second chamber adapted for receiving a volume of brine. In use, a reverse osmosis membrane to be tested is clamped between the first and second chambers and a pressurized inert gas, such as gaseous nitrogen, is injected into the second chamber at known pressure to initiate reverse osmosis transport. The transport is carried out at the known pressure for a fixed period of time, after which the concentration of brine volume of water in the first chamber is measured.

Abstract: Fluid transfer apparatus including a body having a bore formed through at least a portion of its interior. Contained within the bore is a movable plunger that moves without changing the axial dimensions of the body. A first end of the body contains a face designed to be attached to an upstream component. A second end of the body is connected to a downstream component such as a filter, pipeline, etc. A first end of the plunger, when it is in the closed position, is in alignment with the face of the body, which combined form a steamable surface and a sterile barrier against the environment to the remainder of the interior of the body, the plunger and downstream components. An outer annular collar is rotatable relative to the body and causes the plunger to move axially within the bore from an open to a closed position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for determining the permeation rate of barrier elements and ultra-barrier elements according to an isostatic permeation measurement method. In the process, the convective mass transfer of a permeate permeated through a barrier element is replaced by a diffusion-controlled mass transfer along a diffusion path in a subsequently arranged measurement chamber with a hollow conducting element and permeate sink. The permeate sink ensures that permeate is removed continuously, and so a mass flux equilibrium of the permeate is set through the barrier element and through the diffusion path. The concentration gradient of the permeate and, from this, the permeation rate of the barrier element is then determined by non-invasive determination of the concentration of the permeate along the diffusion path.

Abstract: A device measuring air permeability of a building, including: an airtight duct, open at both its ends; a motorized fan; an air induction member positioned in the duct with its axis of rotation substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the duct; a mechanism measuring pressure difference between an inside of a part of the building and an outside of the building; an adjustable shut-off member shutting off the duct, and configured to vary locally cross section for air flow through the duct, the shut-off member being continuously adjustable between a configuration of minimal shutting-off of the duct and a configuration of complete shutting-off of the duct; and a mechanism determining a degree to which the duct is shut off by the shut-off member for a reference pressure difference determining, from the degree of shutting-off, either corresponding air flow rate through the duct, or a parameter representative of the air permeability.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing a drilling fluid includes a vessel having a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and a pair of opposed impermeable platens disposed within the vessel. The apparatus further includes a test fluid container in fluid communication with the fluid inlet, and a collection container in fluid communication with the fluid outlet. Additionally, the system includes a data acquisition device configured to receive data from at least one of the vessel, the test fluid container, and the collection container. Also, a method for determining sealing characteristics of a drilling fluid includes injecting a test fluid having a fluid loss control material from a test fluid container to a vessel, the vessel having a first impermeable platen and a second impermeable platen with a gap between the two platens. The methods further includes measuring a fracture tip fluid loss through the gap.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for measuring the oxygen transmission rate (OTR) of a material, such as a perforated film packaging material. The method and apparatus can use a fiber optic oxygen sensor that does not consume oxygen and does do not require any flowing gas during measurement of the OTR.

Abstract: According to the method for controlling a filter (3) for an air intake duct of a turbine: the filter (3) is exposed to an incident flow of sprayed salt water; and parameters of the flow on either side of the filter, which are representative of the salt retention capability of the filter, are measured.

Abstract: Embodiments disclose methods of estimating porosity from a pore volume and bulk density. The porosity is obtained by multiplying the pore volume and bulk density. Methods disclosed in the subject disclosure are minimally affected by errors in the bulk density measurement.

Abstract: A portable filter testing assembly for testing filter elements is provided. The portable filter testing assembly includes a first modular component including filter elements disposed within an interior and a fluid flow inlet. The testing assembly further includes a second modular component in fluid communication with the first modular component and includes fluid flow drawing means for drawing fluid flow through the filter elements of the first modular component such that the fluid flow is filtered by the filter elements. Each of the first modular component and second modular component includes an external structure of a modular International Organization for Standardization (ISO) shipping container. A kit of plural modular components for testing filter elements is provided. A method of using ISO modular components for testing filter elements is also provided.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are presented for quality control of a process to produce concrete goods products. The quality control is effected on the basis of measurements that are carried out on the concrete goods products in an intermediate step of the process after shaping and compacting in the fresh concrete phase. Measurement values are determined on a test fresh concrete product from the intermediate step of the process, which measurement values comprise a measure of the bulk density and the gas permeability of the test fresh concrete product. Subsequently, an estimated value for a quality measure of the hardened concrete product is determined on the basis of a predetermined predictive model. The predictive model relates the measurement values of fresh concrete products from the intermediate step of the process to the quality measure of the corresponding hardened concrete products.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the determination of the pore-mouth size distribution at the surface of porous materials. (i) While the backside of the sample is purged with a gas, the sample is immersed into a liquid wetting agent. (ii) The gas pressure is gradually decreased, and the gas flowrate is monitored; or, the gas flowrate is gradually decreased, and the gas pressure is monitored. (iii) When the gas flow stops, the remaining pressure in the system corresponds to the largest pore-mouth size. (iv) The pore-mouth size distribution can be calculated through a “dry curve” and a “wet curve”, which are curves of the gas flowrate vs. pressure at the dry and wetted states of the sample. The calculation of the pore-mouth size and the pore-mouth size distribution is the same as that based on the conventional bubble point method. The measurement of the pore-mouth size of the porous materials is of great importance when they are used as the substrates for surface coatings.

Abstract: Methods for processing a vessel, for example to provide a gas barrier or lubricity, are disclosed. First and second PECVD or other vessel processing stations or devices and a vessel holder comprising a vessel port are provided. An opening of the vessel can be seated on the vessel port. The interior surface of the seated vessel can be processed via the vessel port by the first and second processing stations or devices. Vessel barrier, lubricity and hydrophobic coatings and coated vessels, for example syringes and medical sample collection tubes are disclosed. A vessel processing system and vessel inspection apparatus and methods are also disclosed, for example using material outgassed from a surface to inspect the properties of a surface coating.

Abstract: A process and a device for testing a hollow fiber membrane filter comprises two compartments separated by a porous membrane. A specific amount of testing liquid is provided via a line from a testing liquid reservoir.

Abstract: Systems and methods for generating low or ultra-low concentrations of oil-based challenging compounds for filtration media are provided. Embodiments of the generators utilize bypass air in addition to the source of challenge. A HEPA filter which utilizes spunbond scrim material and ePTFE membrane for use in an aseptic pharmaceutical filtration air handling system for installation and testing is provided. The installation and testing configuration includes the ePTFE filter with a low or ultra-low concentration of challenging aerosol in the upstream side of the filter along with a scanning device for determining the upstream concentration, all completed in situ within a pharmaceutical air handling system. At the downstream side of the ePTFE filter is positioned another scanner which may be a discrete particle counter. The system and configuration allows for exposure to ePTFE filtration media for certification by low or ultra-low concentrations of oil based challenging compounds.

Abstract: A calibration standard or check plug provides calibration standards in the permeability range of 10-10,000 nanoDarcy. The check plug is of similar exterior dimensions to a core sample that would be used with existing permeameters. The check plug is constructed from an impermeable material that is insensitive to moisture. The check plug has one or more channels of known diameter from which the permeability may be calculated. Methods for use thereof and methods of manufacture thereof are also disclosed.

Abstract: A differential pressure measurement device may include a piston arranged in a cylinder and configured to define a first pressure space from a second pressure space within the cylinder. A first piston rod may be fixed to the piston and guided through the first pressure space out of the cylinder. A pressure sensor may be configured to interact with the first piston rod to measure a compressive force with which the first piston rod presses against the pressure sensor. A second piston rod may be fixed to the piston and guided through the second pressure space out of the cylinder. The chamber may be connected to a surface section of the pressure sensor which interacts with the first piston rod.

Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus and a method of measuring porosity and permeability of a carbon dioxide underground storage medium. Both of the porosity and the permeability are measured in the state that the confining pressure is applied once. The variation characteristic in the porosity and the permeability of the core sample according to the salt precipitation occurring when supercritical carbon dioxide is injected is continuously measured. The apparatus includes a holder receiving a core sample, a pressure pump applying a confining pressure to the core sample, a gas chamber storing gas and supplying supply the stored gas to the core sample, first to third pressure gauges measuring an internal pressure of the gas chamber and front and rear portions of the holder, and a gas flow meter measuring a flow rate of gas.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a method by which quantities of water vapor passing through a measured object can be measured with high sensitivity and in a short time period. The apparatus and method measure water vapor permeability of the measured object based on a dew point temperature in a second space measured after introducing water vapor into a first space, wherein the first space and the second space are parted from each other by the measured object, and wherein the first space is maintained at a predetermined temperature and a predetermined humidity under atmospheric pressure, and the second space is maintained in a dry state with a dew point temperature of ?70° C. or less under atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for determining the gas permeability of barrier coatings (1) in the region of container walls (2). A quantity of gas to be analyzed emerging from the region of the wall of the container into an analysis chamber that is at least partially defined by the barrier coating is measured in said analysis chamber (8). Before entering the analysis chamber, the gas to be analyzed is located in the region of the wall. The measuring element can be integrated into a coating device for the container. To this end, a testing device provided with the measuring element is arranged in the transport direction of the container behind the coating device.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the permeability and diffusivity of a porous solid includes a device for measuring permeability of the solid; a device for measuring diffusivity of the solid; a sample chamber for holding a sample of the solid, the arrangement being such that the permeability and diffusivity can be measured without removing the sample from the sample chamber.