Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus for measuring fuel thermal stability, deposit formation rate, and in-situ reactivity via optical methods and as well as methods of making and using same. Applicants' apparatus can deliver the rate and amount of degradation as well as the quantifying and qualifying the chemical species in the fuel on a real time basis during a test. As a result, Applicants' apparatus provides significantly improved performance over the current apparatuses.

Abstract: In artificial lift production systems, a reduction in pressure and temperature as production fluids migrate to the surface can cause a buildup in the production tubing that reduces or stops production. To remove buildup, an ESP can be operated at low efficiency and low flow operating conditions to generate heat in the pump. The heat increases the temperature of the production fluid in the pump. When the heated production fluid is transported to the surface, the fluid increases the temperature of the production tubing resulting in a melting of the solidified wax blocking the production tubing. As the wax melts, the production fluid carries it toward the surface. Over time, the heated production fluid will melt enough solidified wax to open the production tubing to a full flow capacity, thus allowing standard production operation to continue.

Abstract: The present application provides a pipeline structural fault diagnosis apparatus and a diagnosis method. The pipeline structural fault diagnosis apparatus includes a signal generating apparatus configured to generate an acoustic wave signal by knocking a pipeline; a signal collecting apparatus configured to collect the acoustic wave signal; a signal storage apparatus configured to store the acoustic wave signal for a signal processing and analyzing apparatus to analyze and determine a fault type, a fault degree, and a fault position. The acoustic wave signal after being generated by the signal generating apparatus is collected by the signal collecting apparatus and stored in the signal storage apparatus. The signal processing and analyzing apparatus extracts the acoustic wave signal in the signal storage apparatus, and performs processing and analysis to determine the fault type, the fault degree, and the fault position of the pipeline structure.

Abstract: A process fluid temperature calculation system includes a first temperature sensor disposed to measure an external temperature of a process fluid conduit. The process fluid temperature calculation system has a stem portion having a known thermal impedance. A second temperature sensor is spaced from the first temperature sensor by the stem portion. Measurement circuitry is coupled to the first and second temperature sensors. A microprocessor is coupled to the measurement circuitry to receive temperature information from the measurement circuitry and to provide an estimate of temperature of process fluid within the process fluid conduit using a heat flux calculation.

Abstract: An estimation system includes an acquirer, an inferrer, a corrector, and an estimator. The acquirer acquires a measured value of an outer surface temperature of a pipe through which fluid flows. The inferrer infers an execution time for a removal process for deposits on an inner surface of the pipe. The corrector corrects an estimated value used for estimating a thickness of the deposits, by using the measured value of the outer surface temperature of the pipe, which is acquired within a predetermined time from an inference result of the execution time for the removal process for the deposits. The estimator estimates the thickness of the deposits based on the corrected estimated value and the measured value of the outer surface temperature of the pipe.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device (1) for measuring the oxidation stability and/or the thermal stability of any type of fuel, including diesel fuel, by miniaturization of the test system by use of a microfluidic technique. The physical phenomena to which fuels are subjected are reproduced by the microchannels (12) of the microfluidic chip (7), which comprise a representation of at least one of the fuel injection and the fuel circulation for a drive system, an internal-combustion engine or an aircraft reactor for example.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a steam sample concentrator and conditioning (SSCC) system. The SSCC finds use in concentrating impurities carried in steam (e.g., used in power generation and other industrial processes) and facilitating steam analysis. A device for determining steam purity includes an isokinetic flow control device that maintain isokinetic flow of a steam sample stream through a nozzle, and a pump that prevents the steam sample stream from becoming superheated after the isokinetic flow control device. A contactor condenses the steam sample stream, and a separator that separates a condensate sample stream from a residual steam stream sample. A flowmeter measures a flowrate of the condensate sample stream and an analyzer is configured to measure impurities.

Abstract: A water hardness mitigation or treatment evaluation system includes a first quartz crystal microbalance cell and a fluid coupling adapted to be fluidly coupled to a pre-treated water to be flowed over a first quartz crystal. A second quartz crystal microbalance cell and a fluid coupling are adapted to be fluidly coupled to a post-treated water to be flowed over a second quartz crystal. A computer processor receives a first frequency data from the first quartz crystal and a second frequency data from the second quartz crystal and based on a difference of frequency over time between the first frequency data and the second frequency data, provides an indication of an effectiveness of a water hardness mitigation or treatment component or system. A method to evaluate and effectiveness of a water hardness mitigation or treatment evaluation system is also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a steam sample concentrator and conditioning (SSCC) system. The SSCC finds use in concentrating impurities carried in steam (e.g., used in power generation and other industrial processes) and facilitating steam analysis.

Abstract: A method of preventing or mitigating the formation of metal sulfide scale in a fluid is provided. The fluid can be treated with an additive comprising thiamine. The fluid can be a production fluid from an oil and gas well. The production fluid can include crude oil. The fluid can include an aqueous fluid. The aqueous fluid can further include crude oil. The metal sulfide scale can include iron sulfide scale and/or zinc sulfide scale.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for continuously monitoring the degree of progress of oxidation of a fuel, comprising at least the following steps: determining at least one indicator for the progress of the oxidation reaction to be monitored, measuring the content of said indicator for the progress of the oxidation reaction in said fuel, classifying the degree of progress of oxidation of said fuel, determining the measures to be taken as a function of said classification.

Abstract: An apparatus for cooling a spent fuel pool having a heat exchanger includes a cooling water pool positioned above the spent fuel pool; a floating device configured to be elevated according to a water level of a cooling water in the spent fuel pool; and an emergency cooling water supply pipe configured to form a path through which the cooling water of the cooling water pool is moved to the spent fuel pool and configured to include a floating valve that opens or closes a flow passage of the cooling water in connection with the elevation of the floating device.

Abstract: A test apparatus for qualifying compositions used to reduce scale deposition in fluid, e.g., wax deposition in crude oil, is disclosed. The test apparatus includes a first reservoir capable of holding a first fluid, and a second rotatable reservoir disposed within the first reservoir, the second reservoir capable of holding a second fluid. The apparatus includes a fluid inlet through which the second fluid enters the second reservoir, and a fluid outlet through which the second fluid exits the second reservoir, wherein a bottom surface of the second rotatable reservoir is configured to be at least partially submerged in the first fluid so that precipitate from the first fluid can be deposited thereon.

Abstract: A system for testing a drilling fluid including a vessel having a fluid inlet, a filtrate outlet, a fluid outlet, and at least one permeable media disposed within the vessel. The system further including a base fluid container in fluid communication with the fluid inlet, a test fluid container in fluid communication with the fluid inlet, a filtrate container in fluid communication with the filtrate outlet, 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 fluid container, the filtrate container, and the collection container. Also, a method for determining sealing characteristics of a drilling fluid including injecting a test fluid having a fluid loss control material from at least fluid container to a vessel, the vessel having a permeable media having two plates disposed to create a variable gap.

Abstract: Methods for monitoring scale deposition in a water-containing industrial process are disclosed. In certain embodiments, the water-containing industrial process is an aqueous cooling system. In certain embodiments, the methods incorporate fluorometric monitoring and control techniques along with a piezoelectric microbalance sensor. A particular embodiment of a piezoelectric microbalance sensor is additionally disclosed, along with at least one method for using the particular embodiment that is independent of whether fluorometric monitoring and control techniques are utilized.

Abstract: Methods for monitoring scale deposition in a water-containing industrial process are disclosed. In certain embodiments, the water-containing industrial process is an aqueous cooling system. In certain embodiments, the methods incorporate fluorometric monitoring and control techniques along with a piezoelectric microbalance sensor. A particular embodiment of a piezoelectric microbalance sensor is additionally disclosed, along with at least one method for using the particular embodiment that is independent of whether fluorometric monitoring and control techniques are utilized.

Abstract: Methods of assessing asphaltene inhibitor/dispersant efficiency are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of assessing solvent/dispersant/cleaner efficacy for remediating asphaltene deposition. The methods are useful in facilitating the production, transportation, storage, and separation of crude oil and natural gas, and more particularly, for preventing the undesired deposition of asphaltene from crude oil.

Abstract: A system and method for sampling fluid from a top land piston crevice of a reciprocating piston engine. Access into the crevice is via a length of tubing inserted into a bore through the piston wall. Two valves, first a relief valve and then a piloted check valve, operate together to capture a sample of fluid from the crevice at a time just before TDC of the piston on its compression stroke. The sampled fluid flows from the check valve into a sample container. The valves further cooperate to close fluid communication from the crevice after a sample is taken, which allows the engine to operate normally.

Abstract: A measurement device measures a liquid flow discharged from a funnel in a lower branch and/or a side branch. A modelling function is established between liquid flows received with the funnel and/or liquid flows discharged through the lower branch and/or the side branch. In drainability measurement, a sensor measures the flow through a wire out of a measurement chamber at least at two points in time. A processor establishes a parameter descriptive of the drainability from flows measured at the different points in time based on a modelling function stored in a memory.

Abstract: A deposition amount measuring apparatus includes a plate-shaped body having a rotating shaft, a plurality of deposition amount sensors along side surfaces of the body, the deposition amount sensors being configured to measure an amount of deposition material, and a housing surrounding the body, the housing including an inflow port that exposes one of the deposition amount sensors.

Abstract: The Invention relates to a method for determining the filterability of beer, said method having the following steps: a) taking a wort or beer sample, b) filtering the sample on a plurality of filters of varying pore size, c) determining the size of the particles on the filter surfaces of the filters, d) qualitative analysis of the particles on the filter surfaces and assigning the measured particles to certain substances or groups of substances present in beer or the wort, wherein evidence on the filterability can be obtained from the size of the particles of different substances or groups of substances of individual fractions.

Abstract: A measuring method of chromium-free coating film thickness on surface of strip steel comprising selecting two water-soluble chemical substances containing elements P, Ca, Ti, Ba or Sr and not reacting with a chromium-free coating liquid; adding the chemical substances into the chromium-free coating liquid and agitating them to be homogeneous, thereafter, fabricating a reference sample of coating film; using a ray emitted by an off-line film thickness instrument to excite the two water-soluble chemical substances so as to obtain characteristic spectrums to obtain a correction function expression between the measured film thickness and the thickness correction value by fitting; adding the water-soluble chemical substance which has a weak characteristic spectrum into a chromium-free coating liquid, and using the expression to obtain the actual coating film thickness. The method is capable to monitor film thickness with no adverse effect on adhesiveness and corrosion-proof of the coating film.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of determining the effectiveness of an asphaltene deposition inhibitor in oilfield applications. Such methods typically comprising the steps of introducing an oil well fluid into a microfluidic/millifluidic system; introducing a mixture of an asphaltene deposition inhibitor and carrier into the microfluidic/millifluidic system; introducing a precipitating agent, typically comprising heptane, into the microfluidic/millifluidic system; and optionally introducing toluene into the microfluidic/millifluidic system; then observing the presence or absence of asphaltene aggregation within the microfluidic/millifluidic system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring dissolved residue concentrations and particulate residue particle concentrations and size distribution in liquids, particularly colloidal suspensions. The method involves separating dissolved and particulate residues in liquids for subsequent analysis of the residue species. The method includes the steps of forming an aerosol from the liquid sample to be analyzed, evaporating the droplets in the aerosol to dryness, detecting and sizing the particles, and determining the liquid volumetric inspection rate. An apparatus for separating dissolved and particulate residues in liquids for determination of the concentrations of the two residue species as well as the size distribution of the particulate species is also disclosed. The apparatus includes a droplet former, a dryer communicatively connected to the droplet former, and a detector communicatively connected to the evaporator for detecting and sizing particles.

Abstract: A submodule is used to know exactly fouling of a membrane surface in a separation membrane module. The membrane separation apparatus of the present invention includes: a separation membrane module (1) configured to produce at least a permeate fluid from a feed fluid; and at least one submodule (2) having a separation membrane (23) made of the same material as a separation membrane in the separation membrane module (1). A deposition member (22) is provided on a surface of the separation membrane (23) in the submodule (2), and the feed fluid is supplied onto the surface.

Abstract: A system for sulfide stress cracking testing comprises an enclosed testing chamber including a fluid bath comprising a liquid saturated with hydrogen sulfide gas. In addition, the system comprises a test fixture disposed in the testing chamber and at least partially submerged in the fluid bath. The test fixture includes a housing having an internal chamber in fluid communication with the fluid bath and a test assembly disposed in the internal chamber. The test assembly comprises a first upper support and a second upper support, a first lower support and a second lower support, and a first platen engaging each of the upper supports and adapted to transfer an applied vertical load to the upper supports. Further, the system comprises a test specimen mounted in the test assembly between the upper supports and the lower supports.

Abstract: Process for evaluating the effect of a refinery feedstock on a refinery process by (i) providing a refinery feedstock (ii) treating the refinery feedstock to produce a plurality of fractions each representative of a feedstock for the refinery process, the plurality of fractions having at least two fractions with different properties; (iii) treating each of the plurality of fractions under experimental conditions representative of those in the refinery process, the treatments being carried out in an essentially parallel manner; and (iv) determining one or more performance criteria for each fraction for the refinery process by analyzing the respective product streams produced from each fraction at least partially in parallel.

Abstract: A system for testing a drilling fluid including a vessel having a fluid inlet, a filtrate outlet, a fluid outlet, and at least one permeable media disposed within the vessel. The system further including a base fluid container in fluid communication with the fluid inlet, a test fluid container in fluid communication with the fluid inlet, a filtrate container in fluid communication with the filtrate outlet, 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 fluid container, the filtrate container, and the collection container. Also, a method for determining sealing characteristics of a drilling fluid including injecting a test fluid having a fluid loss control material from at least fluid container to a vessel, the vessel having a permeable media having two plates disposed to create a variable gap.

Abstract: A thermal oxidation tester is shown for determining thermal stability of a fluid, particularly hydrocarbons when subjected to elevated temperatures. The tendency of the heated fluid to oxidize and (1) form deposits on a surface of a heater tube and (2) form solids therein, are both measured at a given flow rate, temperature and time. The measured results are used to determine whether a fluid sample passes or fails the test. Results of the measurements are recorded. The fluid under test is pumped with a low volume, high pressure, single piston pump with only a small fluctuation (pulsation) in output flow.

Abstract: A thermal oxidation tester is shown for determining thermal stability of a fluid, particularly hydrocarbons when subjected to elevated temperatures. The tendency of the heated fluid to oxidize and (1) form deposits on a surface of a heater tube and (2) form solids therein, are both measured at a given flow rate, temperature and time. The measured results are used to determine whether a fluid sample passes or fails the test. Results of measurements can be recorded in a memory device on one end of the heater tube on which the deposits were made. A method and apparatus is also provided to determine if the isolated heater tube has an electrical short to ground through the test section housing.

Abstract: Novel recognitive hydrogels and sensors are provided, as well as methods of fabricating and using such hydrogels and sensors. Such recognitive hydrogels may comprise a molecularly imprinted polymer having a binding cavity specific for a triggering molecule and a conductive polymer associated with the molecularly imprinted polymer. Such sensors may comprise the recognitive hydrogels and an impedance sensing component. Such methods may comprise providing a triggering molecule, providing a sensor comprising a molecularly imprinted polymer having a binding cavity specific for the triggering molecule, a conductive polymer associated with the molecularly imprinted polymer, and an impedance sensing component, introducing the triggering molecule into the sensor, and detecting a change in impedance of the recognitive hydrogel with the impedance sensing component.

Abstract: A thermal oxidation tester is shown for determining thermal stability of a fluid, particularly hydrocarbons when subjected to elevated temperatures. The tendency of the heated fluid to oxidize and (1) form deposits on a surface of a heater tube and (2) form solids therein, are both measured at a given flow rate, temperature and time. The measured results are used to determine whether a fluid sample passes or fails the test. At the beginning of each test, the test sample is aerated with dry air until saturation. Simultaneously, the test equipment is primed to remove pockets of air there from. After each test, the test equipment is flushed to remove the test sample there from.

Abstract: A thermal oxidation tester is shown for determining thermal stability of a fluid, particularly hydrocarbons when subjected to elevated temperatures. The tendency of the heated fluid to oxidize and (1) form deposits on a surface of a heater tube and (2) form solids therein, are both measured at a given flow rate, temperature and time. The measured results are used to determine whether a fluid sample passes or fails the test. Results of measurements are recorded in a memory device on one end of the heater tube on which the deposits were made.

Abstract: A thermal oxidation tester is shown for determining thermal stability of a fluid, particularly hydrocarbons, when subjected to elevated temperatures. The tendency of the heated fluid to oxidize and (1) form deposits on a surface of a heater tube and (2) form solids therein which are both measured at a given flow rate, temperature and time. The measured results are used to determine whether a fluid sample passes or fails the test. Specifically constructed containers used in a thermal oxidation tester are shown. These containers (1) reduce physical contact to hydrocarbon test fuels, (2) reduce exposure to hydrocarbon fuel vapors, (3) reduce environmental impact by reducing chemical spills, and (4) improve overall work flow of test.

Abstract: A method for monitoring one or more deposits including microbiological deposits on a surface immersed in an aqueous medium of a process is disclosed. The method comprises: (a) providing a QCM that is in contact with an aqueous medium, wherein said QCM has a top side surface contacting the aqueous medium, and a second, bottom side surface isolated from the aqueous medium; (b) providing a composition that is selective for one or more deposit types, including microbiological deposits without the use of an antigen or an antibody; (c) applying said composition to the top side of said QCM surface; (d) measuring the rate of deposition of said deposits from the aqueous medium onto the top side of said QCM surface; and (e) optionally taking corrective action to change one or more process parameters, or chemistry applied to the process, or a combination thereof, to achieve a desired result in regards to microbiological deposition.

Abstract: A device and a method for detecting deposits (9) on walls (2) that are covered by a medium, in which as sensor (1) is integrated in the wall (2). A component (3) of the sensor (1) locally heats the medium in a region (4), and the temperature of the medium around the component (3) is detected. The sensor (1) relays temperature measurement signals to an analysis unit (8), where the degree of deposit formation is determined, e.g., by comparison with stored reference data.

Abstract: A method for forming a semiconductor device, the method includes providing a semiconductor substrate, applying a slurry to the semiconductor substrate, wherein the slurry was tested using a testing method includes taking a first undiluted sample from a top of the slurry; determining a first particle size distribution characteristic of the first undiluted sample; taking a second undiluted sample from a bottom of the slurry; determining a second particle size distribution characteristic of the second undiluted sample; and comparing a difference between the first particle size distribution characteristic and the second particle size distribution characteristics with a first predetermined value.

Abstract: A water quality evaluation method capable of evaluating quality of water to be evaluated with high precision and a substrate contacting apparatus used in the water quality evaluation method are provided. The substrate contacting apparatus 10 has a sealing performance keeping the interior at a vacuum degree lower than or equal to ?0.094 MPa. A substrate W is accommodated in the substrate contacting apparatus 10 and water to be evaluated is fed therein, after stopping feeding water, the interior of the substrate contacting apparatus 10 is sealed, and the substrate contacting apparatus 10 is sent to an analysis device with the substrate W accommodated therein.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of determining the effectiveness of an asphaltene deposition inhibitor in oilfield applications. Such methods typically comprising the steps of introducing an oil well fluid into a microfluidic/millifluidic system; introducing a mixture of an asphaltene deposition inhibitor and carrier into the microfluidic/millifluidic system; introducing a precipitating agent, typically comprising heptane, into the microfluidic/millifluidic system; and optionally introducing toluene into the microfluidic/millifluidic system; then observing the presence or absence of asphaltene aggregation within the microfluidic/millifluidic system.

Abstract: The fouling caused by a refinery feedstock on one or more refinery processes, said process comprising: (i) providing a plurality of refinery feedstocks and/or a plurality of fractions of one or more refinery feedstocks, (ii) providing an array comprising a plurality of metal samples representative of metallurgy present in a refinery, (iii) contacting each of the plurality of metal samples with one or more of said (iv) refinery feedstocks or fractions under non-static conditions, and determining the fouling of said refinery feedstock or fraction thereof. Preferably, the metal samples are in the form of a microfabricated array and the testing is carried out in parallel using high throughput experimentation.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for detecting, locating, and quantifying contamination in a fluid flow system like a pipe or duct. This characterization technique uses a conservative and one or more interactive tracers that are injected into the fluid flow system and then monitored at another location in the system. Detection, location, and quantification are accomplished by analysis of the characteristic features of measured curves of tracer concentration.

Abstract: A system for testing a drilling fluid including a vessel having a fluid inlet, a filtrate outlet, a fluid outlet, and at least one permeable media disposed within the vessel. The system further including a base fluid container in fluid communication with the fluid inlet, a test fluid container in fluid communication with the fluid inlet, a filtrate container in fluid communication with the filtrate outlet, and a collection container in fluid communication with the fluid outlet.

Abstract: A method for calibrating machines suitable to effect an analysis of a blood sample by measuring the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and/or aggregation of the red corpuscles, wherein the measurement is effected by exploiting the optical density kinetics obtained from the measurement of the variation in the optical density of the blood sample in an interval of time, to include measuring in which, by the same machine with which the measurement of the optical density is effected on the blood sample, a measurement is effected of the optical density of two latexes, or turbidimetric samples. Each of the two latexes has a known optical density that is reproducible, measurable and different from each other. The method also calibrates in which the difference is calculated between the values of optical density of the latexes as obtained from the measurement performed by the machine and the known values of optical density, to determine at least one correction factor usable to calibrate machine.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for detecting a coating on a downhole fluid sensor are disclosed. A coating may refer to a solid or liquid film on a sensor interface with the sampled fluid, caused by contaminants. Detecting a coating may be accomplished by determining a sampled fluid type and measuring at least one fluid parameter using one or more downhole fluid sensors. The coating detection further includes determining whether the measured parameters are within ranges corresponding to the determined fluid type. Additionally or alternatively, measured parameter values that remain substantially stable during sampled fluid pumping may also indicate a coated sensor.

Abstract: A heat flux measurement device includes at least two thermocouples disposed within a front portion of the device at different axial distances from a front wall of the device. A correlation between the measured heat fluxes from the device over a period of time is used to estimate a fouling thickness on a wall, for example, a water wall of a radiant syngas cooler (RSC).

Abstract: Novel methods for monitoring and recording fouling of aqueous systems are disclosed. The methods employ a heat transfer test assembly including an outer tube member, a heating rod positioned within the outer tube member, a ribbed tube sleeve fitted over the heating rod and thermocouples for sensing the wall temperature of heating rod. The heat transfer test assembly is connected to a monitoring and recording assembly that is connected to or includes a piping assembly. The piping assembly and the heat transfer test assembly are placed in fluid communication with a heat exchanger. Fouling determinations of fluid flowing through the piping assembly are made at varying flow rates with simultaneous monitoring and recording of the flow rates together with data, such as corrosion, pH, conductivity, and the like.

Abstract: Integrated apparatus and method for hematological analyses, wherein the apparatus comprises, arranged substantially in line and integrated substantially in a single machine, a device (14) of the optical type to detect substantially instantaneously the speed of blood sedimentation (ESR) by measuring the optical density, or absorbance, of the blood sample, and a measuring assembly (18) with a cell-counter function or suchlike.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for solids deposition study. One apparatus embodiment of the invention comprises an internal and an external cylinder positioned between first and second end portions, at least one of the cylinders being rotatable and thus forming a Couette-Taylor cell, the internal cylinder having an exterior surface, the external cylinder having an internal surface, an annular sample flow-through chamber or cell formed between the surfaces, optionally the chamber having an adaptable flow-through chamber geometry, the device having a sample inlet and outlet; and a non-intrusive probe for detecting solids deposition on at least one of the surfaces during sample flow through the apparatus. Apparatus described may be used to studying solids deposition from heavy hydrocarbon oils, hydrates, and other high viscosity compositions. This abstract complies with rules requiring an abstract. It should not be used to limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: The fouling caused by a refinery feedstock on one or more refinery processes, said process comprising: (i) providing a plurality of refinery feedstocks and/or a plurality of fractions of one or more refinery feedstocks, (ii) providing an array comprising a plurality of metal samples representative of metallurgy present in a refinery, (iii) contacting each of the plurality of metal samples with one or more of said (iv) refinery feedstocks or fractions under non-static conditions, and determining the fouling of said refinery feedstock or fraction thereof. Preferably, the metal samples are in the form of a microfabricated array and the testing is carried out in parallel using high throughput experimentation.

Abstract: A low-cost artificial fingerprint liquid for quantitatively and with a good reproducibility evaluating an anti-staining property, and a fingerprint adhering property or a fingerprint removing property on the surface of an optical disk such as a reproduction-only optical disk, optical recording disk, magneto-optical recording disk, various displays such as a CRT, and various substances such as glass including a fine-particle-form substance and a dispersion medium capable of dispersing the fine-particle-form substance.