Abstract: A novel methodology for rapid, cost-efficient discovery, identification, or improvement of additives and/or admixtures for hydratable cementitious compositions. Multiple formulations comprising hydratable cementitious compositions are deposited into a plurality of receptacles. A first assay output is obtained, such as through x-ray diffraction, which is then correlated to provide a second assay output value corresponding to physical or chemical properties of the cementitious compositions.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for analyzing the maintenance status of liquid-filled electric equipment. An accurate indication of the maintenance state of an electric device and its insulating liquid is obtained using an analysis method comprising a particle analysis of suspended particles and sediment contained in the liquid. The analysis method can further comprise a chemical analysis of the insulating liquid. This analysis results in profiles of the liquid that give an accurate indication of the maintenance state of the electric device.

Abstract: A method including: sonicating a liquid suspension of first particles; and analyzing the liquid phase for second particles. An apparatus including: a sonicator adapted to sonicate a liquid suspension of first particles; and a first analyzer adapted to analyze the sonicated liquid phase for second particles. The method and apparatus can be used to analyze the adhesion force relationships between the main or host first particles and guest or surface additive second particles.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting particles are provided. In one embodiment, capillary electrophoresis is used to separate particles that may be detected by methods including, for example, laser induced fluorescence. The systems and methods are useful for separating and evaluating individual particles including, for example, subcellular particles.

Abstract: Tortuous passageways are provided in a substrate component that is retained within a holding chamber. Fuels and fuel mixtures to be comparatively tested are introduced into the holding chamber and into the tortuous passageways of the substrate component. The substrate component is controllably maintained at an elevated temperature during a specified number of defined test cycles. The substrate component is then removed and its after-test weight compared with an initial weight before the test. The tortuous passageways of the substrate component provide increased surface area subject to deposit formation and extended residence time for fuel to remain in contact with the substrate surface, thereby greatly enhancing the measured difference between tested fuels and fuel mixtures.

Abstract: A simple, economical acid rapid method for determining the contaminate particle size appearing in a fluid being filtered includes a filter housing that eliminates fluid bypass with a multi-layered laminated filter disposed therein.

Abstract: A method including: sonicating a liquid suspension of first particles; and analyzing the liquid phase for second particles. An apparatus including: a sonicator adapted to sonicate a liquid suspension of first particles; and a first analyzer adapted to analyze the sonicated liquid phase for second particles. The method and apparatus can be used to analyze the adhesion force relationships between the main or host first particles and guest or surface additive second particles.

Abstract: An in-line monitoring apparatus for monitoring particulate matter in a liquid stream includes an inlet and outlet for ingress and discharge of a liquid stream. An in-line particulate matter-sampling unit is arranged for accumulation of particulate matter suspending in the liquid flow between the inlet and outlet, including an apparatus for measuring particulate matter accumulation therein. Further, there is apparatus for separating particulate matter from the liquid stream and for providing the particulate matter to the in-line sampling unit and control apparatus for operating the in-line monitoring apparatus in a first and second operative mode.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting the presence of submicron sized particles in a sample taken from the environment includes a collecting a sample from the environment and purifying and concentrating the submicron particles in a sample based on the size of the particles. The purified and concentrated particles are detected with an apparatus which includes an electrospray assembly having an electrospray capillary, a differential mobility analyzer which receives the output from the capillary, and a condensation particle device for counting the number of particles that pass through the differential mobility analyzer. The system is intended to collect a sample containing submicron size particles having a size from about 10 to about 350 nanometers and include submicron size particles selected from the group consisting of viruses, prions, macromolecules, proteins, satellites, and virus fragments. Automated controls can be utilized to control the flow of the sample through the system.

Abstract: A system for detecting the presence of different size groups of submicron size particles in a fluid sample collected from the environment includes apparatus for collecting the environment. The collected a liquid sample containing submicron size particles selected from the group of viruses, prions, macromolecules, proteins and satellites, is directed to an electrospray assembly having an electrospray capillary for ejecting droplets of the fluid sample under the influence of an electric field. The ejected droplets from the electrospray assembly are directed to a differential mobility analyzer which passes the ejected droplets through an electric field, and the particles are then directed to a condensation particle device for counting the number of particles that pass through the electric field.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for retrieving magnetic casing fragments from a well using a shrouded magnet are disclosed. Retrieving casing fragments allows the determination of weight loss from the casing to assist in analyzing the integrity and the condition of the casing and to determine whether more expensive analysis is required. The shrouded magnet, that is formed by a non-magnetic container enclosing a source of magnetic field, recovers metal casing fragments by attracting them and other magnetic materials from oil and gas well fluids passing by the shrouded magnet device, which fragments are easily separated from the device by removing the source of magnetic field from the container.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the deposition of organic and inorganic contaminants, such as biofilm, on a coupon is disclosed. The method and apparatus include a coupon suspended from a weight sensor within a reservoir tank. The reservoir tank includes fluid inlet means for receiving a fluid sample which flows over the surface of the coupon for a predetermined period of time to allow contaminants present in the fluid sample to deposit on the coupon surface. At regular intervals, the reservoir tank is drained and the coupon is allowed to dry and is weighed. The weight of the contaminants which have deposited on the surface of the coupon is determined by comparing the weight of the coupon to its previous weight. In this manner, a computer system attached to the weight sensor can analyze a series of weights and present the results in a time-deposit graph.

Abstract: In-line monitoring apparatus, for monitoring particulate matter in a liquid stream, which includes:

Abstract: A dynamic fluid loss cell apparatus and method for measuring filter-cake build-up on a simulated core of the well-bore and for measuring the effectiveness of a spacer fluid to remove filter-cake. There is also provided, a dynamic fluid loss cell apparatus and method for measuring the dynamic fluid loss during the simulated build-up and removal of the filter-cake. The apparatus and method further provides for performing the measurements under various conditions including temperature and differential pressure.