Abstract: An exhaust system includes an exhaust duct having an internal surface defining an exhaust gas passage extending along an axis, at least one sensor opening in the exhaust duct that is configured to receive an exhaust gas sensor, and a sensor housing positioned within the exhaust gas passage. The sensor housing has a wall that extends at least partially around the at least one sensor opening. The wall has an inner wall surface defining an internal volume and includes at least one outlet opening. At least one tube is in fluid communication with the internal volume and extends from a first end, which is open to an inlet of the internal volume, to a second end that is distal from the first end. The at least one tube includes a plurality of inlet apertures.

Abstract: A sampling method, fluid collection system, and auxiliary sampling device to assist an autosampler in collecting samples from a fluid source. The sampling device includes a support frame and a motorized actuator, with a piston, attached to an end of the support frame. A sample arm has an upper end disposed at an end of the support frame opposite the motorized actuator and a lower end with an inlet to receive a fluid sample. A cable and pulley mechanism links the sample arm to the piston. A fluid conduit within the sample arm has a fluid intake end connected to the inlet and a fluid discharge end connected to an autosampler. The cable and pulley mechanism pivots the sample arm when the motorized actuator pushes or retracts the piston to position the inlet at desired positions within the fluid source so that the autosampler collects multiple samples at various depths.

Abstract: Methods and systems for automatically sampling and measuring tracers in a reservoir are disclosed. One system includes an inline system containing a filtering system, a phase separation device, and a measurement device, wherein the system is connected to a data communication network for displaying results regarding the concentration of at least one tracer in the measured sample.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for selectively capturing substantially separate phases from a multiphase fluid mixture flowing through a flowline. The apparatus is preferably substantially aerofoil shaped, and includes sample ports which are positioned on the apparatus in such an orientation that takes advantage of the low density and high density flow around the aerofoil shape, as well as the pressure distribution around the aerofoil shape.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fluid sampling device comprising a plurality of inlet channels, each of which is arranged to receive an airflow from an associated direction, such that a sampling medium associated with a particular inlet channel is exposed to airflow from the associated direction.

Abstract: A method for operating a weighing apparatus and system contemplates that the system is operated in a ratio of two modes of operation, including a first, non-sampling mode, and a second, sampling mode. Operating in the first mode, wherein verification of a dose weight is not effected, promotes high cycle rates. Operation in the second, sampling mode requires operation at a slower cycle rate, but permits optimization of the accuracy of the overall weighing process. Operation in the two modes of operation, and adjustment of the ratio of the modes of operation, promotes optimization of weighing accuracy and cycle speeds.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for obtaining a sample of a fluid solids, such as a coke and hydrocarbon mixture, from a fluid solids process is provided. A sample vessel is provided that contains a first end, a second end, an aperture in the first end and an interior cavity. A cooling device can be provided for cooling material in the interior cavity of the sampling vessel. In operation, fluid solids can be routed through the aperture and collected in the interior cavity. The collected sample material can then be cooled by the cooling device and used for testing.

Abstract: The gas trap collects formation gases from oil well fluid flow in real time. Gases are released by the fluid when agitated by an agitating pipe which stirs the fluid flow; the gases are then collected and separated from the fluid to be analyzed. The gas trap does hinder the flow of formation cuttings in the drilling fluid flow line, but allows the formation cuttings to flow around the agitator pipe and out to the sample box.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in sampling multiphase fluid in a fluid transport pipeline, the apparatus comprising: a process fluid conduit comprising a blind leg connected to an upstream section and a downstream section; and wherein a fluid sampling port is provided in the blind leg.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a gas sensor, including: a gas collecting chamber including: (a) a nanoporous wall including alumina, on a portion of the gas collecting chamber in the near vicinity of the solid propellant fuel; a micro pump attached to the gas collecting chamber; and a gas analysis device connected to the gas collecting chamber. The gas analysis device measures both type and concentration of gases collected in the gas collecting chamber via the nanoporous wall, the gases measured being selected from the group consisting of CO, CO2, NO, N2O, NO2 and combinations thereof. The present disclosure also relates to a method of sensing propellant degradation in solid fuel and a method of using a gas collecting chamber to sense such degradation.

Abstract: A method and device is provided for measuring dust in a flowing gas, particularly atmospheric air. The device includes an intake nozzle which is configured such that aerodynamic forces continuously position the intake nozzle along the direction of gas flow. The velocity of the measuring stream in the inlet of the intake nozzle is compared with the velocity of gas flowing around the intake nozzle. The possible difference between the measured velocities is compensated by changing the velocity of the measuring stream in a mechanical way such as with a suction pump.

Abstract: In a gas analyzer 3 and a gas analyzing system 100 adapted to introduce and analyze a part of a measurement target gas flowing through a measurement target gas flow passage 12, in order to ensure accuracy in controlling the measurement target gas flowing through the measurement target gas flow passage 12 and accuracy in its own and other measurements, there are provided an object measurement device 35 adapted to acquire a part of the measurement target gas introduced from the measurement target gas flow passage 12 so as to measure a quantity etc. of a measurement object contained in the measurement target gas, an acquired gas flow rate measurement device 34 adapted to measure a flow rate of the measurement target gas acquired by the object measurement device 35, and a gas supply device 36 adapted to supply another gas of a flow rate equal to the gas flow rate measured by the acquired gas flow rate measurement device 34 to a portion downstream of a shunt point in the measurement target gas flow passage 12.

Abstract: A partial dilution exhaust sampling system has an expanded ability to simultaneously perform two different evaluations on exhaust from a power source. Beyond testing for particulate matter production, the system may simultaneously evaluate exhaust for undesirable gaseous emissions such as NOx and carbon dioxide and/or concurrently evaluate particle size and distribution in the exhaust sample. After extracting sample flow from the exhaust stream of the power source and adding diluent to the sample flow, the diluted sample flow is divided into a first portion flow and a second portion flow. Depending upon whether the additional exhaust evaluation device is in parallel with the particulate measurement gravimetric filter or in series with the filter, a dilution flow actuator and/or an exit actuator may be adjusted to account for a fraction of diluted sample flow directed to the auxiliary exhaust evaluation device.

Abstract: A system for on-stream sampling of pressurized process gas such as natural gas or the like, said pressurized process gas having liquid entrained therein, or otherwise referenced as “wet”. The preferred embodiment of the present invention contemplates a system for obtaining an accurate sample of said wet process gas, as well as providing an apparatus for obtaining same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device (1) for sensing a fluid, such as in a ventilation duct, comprising a sensing element (6), a first housing portion (27) adapted to be arranged outside said object and accommodating the sensing element (6), a supply opening (13) and an outlet opening (37), which openings provide communication between the said first housing portion (27) and the object containing the fluid that is to be sensed. The device (1) further comprises a second housing portion (28), adapted to be arranged outside said object and accommodating electrical connection components, wherein said first and second housing portions (27, 28) are arranged and configured such that they may be connected to each other in geometrically different configurations by use of mechanical fastening means (22) and electrical interconnection means (19, 26).

Abstract: An in situ sampling device for capturing a material sample from a vessel. Embodiments of the present invention may be disposed as elongate probes having extendable sample capture elements. A sample capture element of such a device may include a concave sample capture pocket located near a distal end thereof. The sample capture pocket is adapted to capture a known volume of material when the sample capture element is extended into said material. The material sample remains trapped in the sample capture pocket upon sample capture element retraction. The sample capture pocket may be provided with a port for receiving material therein and a port for expelling material therefrom. These ports may be placed in communication with corresponding material transfer channels extending through the sample capture element. A device of the present invention provides for substantially contemporaneous sample capture and sample processing.

Abstract: A system for measurement and analysis of pipeline contaminants is provided. The system includes a first assembly for engaging a pipeline from which a first fluid flow sample may be isokinetically collected for measurement of aerosol contaminants. The system also includes a second assembly for engaging the pipeline from which a second fluid flow sample may be collected for chromatographic analysis of the aerosol contaminants. The system may further include a third assembly for engaging the pipeline from which a fluid flow sample may be obtained for measurement of solid contaminants. Information on aerosol contaminants and solid contaminants can subsequently be used to select an appropriate extraction technology to control the presence of aerosol and solid contaminants within the pipeline.

Abstract: The invention relates to an accessory for a drilling apparatus for drilling holes into the ground and into which explosives can be filled for blasting purposes. Such drilling commonly occurs in open cast mining for mining of mineral deposits. It is known to take samples from materials blown from holes during drilling, permitting analysis of the samples in order to estimate accurately the mineral content in the area being mined. The accessory is operatively supported on a drilling apparatus and includes a dust particle catcher, for catching dust particles blown from a hole to form dust particle samples, and a collection arrangement including receptacles in which dust particle samples are collected. A control arrangement of the accessory controls the operation thereof and serves also to enable the hole and the depth region of the hole, from which each sample was collected, to be identified.

Abstract: A particle monitor (1) including a module (3) for measuring a particle content of a sample, the module including an analysis chamber (4) for receipt of the sample and a heating unit (24) for maintaining an operating temperature of the chamber (4) and for heating the air used for purging the sample from the chamber (4). The invention also relates to a particle monitor (1) with a vibrator assembly (6) and to a particle monitor (1) with a valve assembly (8) for effecting a fast purge mode, for clearing a sample tube (5), and a slow purge mode.

Abstract: In the method, for collecting and diluting a gaseous sample disposed at a temperature substantially higher than the normal temperature from a sample space (2), a flow of sample is collected into a sampling tube (3); the flow of sample is introduced from the sampling tube into a sample channel (8) formed by a gas permeable first jacket (7); dilution gas is introduced into a dilution gas space (10) formed by a second jacket (9) enclosing the first jacket and connected by its end to the sampling tube, and further from it, through the first jacket into the sample channel; and heat is conducted from the sample space (2) into the dilution gas space (10) for warming up the dilution gas that comes into contact with the sampling tube (3). According to the invention, in the method, a substantially laminar protection flow, which encloses the flow of sample being released from the sampling tube (3) into the sample channel (8) and is disposed longitudinally to the sample channel, is formed from the warmed up dilution gas.

Abstract: A sampling method, fluid collection assembly, and auxiliary sampling device to assist an autosampler in collecting samples from a fluid source. The auxiliary sampling device includes a support frame with a pivot member. A linear actuator having a piston is attached to the support frame. A rotatable sample arm assembly has an upper end attached to the piston and to the pivot member of the support frame, and a lower end with an inlet to receive a fluid sample. A fluid conduit within the sample arm assembly has a fluid intake end connected to the inlet and a fluid discharge end connected to the autosampler. The linear actuator pushes or retracts the piston to vertically pivot the sample arm assembly until the inlet reaches desired positions within the fluid source so that the autosampler collects multiple samples at various depths.

Abstract: A smoke evaluation device includes a manifold in fluid communication with a source of smoke, and a first sampling line and a second sampling line in fluid communication with the manifold. The first sampling line and the second sampling line are arranged to convey parallel smoke flows. A first filter station is located in the first sampling line, and is adapted to support a filter paper in fluid communication with the smoke. A first circuit board station is located in the second sampling line, and is adapted to support a circuit board in fluid communication with the smoke.

Abstract: An iso-kinetic probe for the analysis of the pollution of the gases generated by an aircraft engine is disclosed. The probe includes an air tapping tube having an upstream end inserted into a conduit wherein a gas stream flows and a gas stream inlet velocity adjustment device provided at an orifice of the tapping tube. The tube has a downstream end mounted in a fixed manner on a base. The base has an outer diameter mounted in an inner diameter d of a passage bushing. The inner diameter d of the passage bushing being sufficiently great so that the upstream end of the tube is suitable to fit through the inner diameter of the passage bushing. The probe also includes a measurement chamber having an end connected to the base.

Abstract: The gas sensor has a selectively permeable membrane which is composed of silicon material and is provided with a heating device on the outside. The membrane closes an evacuated housing which contains a pressure sensor. When evacuating the area surrounding the housing, the heat dissipation is changed as a result of the quick change in the total pressure of the surrounding air, with the result that signal drift arises despite temperature regulation of the membrane. The disclosure provides at least one second heating device whose temperature is regulated independently of the first heating device. As a result, the membrane temperature is highly constant even in the case of severely changing total pressure in the housing.

Abstract: A sample processing system and a sample processing method for a trace detector are disclosed. The system comprises a sampling substrate for collecting a substance or substances from the surface of an object to be tested by contacting the sampling substrate with the surface of the object, and a trace detector. The trace detector includes a sample feeding device provided with a sample feeding part. The substance collected by the sampling substrate can be transferred to a surface of the sample feeding part so that the substance transferred to the surface of the sample feeding part can be detected. With the configuration of some embodiments of the present invention, a sampling substrate made of chemical fiber is used to collect a sample from the surface of an object to be tested by contacting the sampling substrate with the surface of the object to be tested. The sample collected by the sampling substrate is mechanically transferred to a metal film or mesh of the sample feeding device of the trace detector.

Abstract: A system for measurement and analysis of pipeline contaminants is provided. The system includes a first assembly for engaging a pipeline from which a first fluid flow sample may be isokinetically collected for measurement of aerosol contaminants. The system also includes a second assembly for engaging the pipeline from which a second fluid flow sample may be collected for chromatographic analysis of the aerosol contaminants. The system may further include a third assembly for engaging the pipeline from which a fluid flow sample may be obtained for measurement of solid contaminants. Information on aerosol contaminants and solid contaminants can subsequently be used to select an appropriate extraction technology to control the presence of aerosol and solid contaminants within the pipeline.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for sensing a fluid, such as in a ventilation duct. In at least one embodiment, the device includes a sensing element, a housing accommodating the sensing element, and a supply duct and a discharge duct, which ducts at one end commucicate with the housing and which ducts at the other end communicate with an object that is to be sensed. In at least one embodiment, the housing is formed with a first passage portion for the fluid that is to be sensed; that the sensing element is positioned in the first passage portion; and that the supply duct opens into said first passage portion and that the discharge duct is connected to a discharge opening formed in the first passage portion and positioned at a considerable peripheral distance from the mouth of said supply duct in the first passage portion, so that the fluid that is to be sensed is actively made to pass the sensing element.

Abstract: A sampling probe for enabling the analysis of gaseous species in a particle-laden flue gas. The sampling probe includes a tube for being inserted into a fluid stream of a particle-laden flue gas substantially perpendicular thereto to cause the fluid stream to separate and flow around the tube. The tube includes a first opening extending along a first axially extending face of the tube downstream relative to the fluid stream such that a portion of the gas enters the tube through the first opening for analysis within the tube, and a second opening extending along a second axially extending face of the tube such that the gas that enters the tube through the first opening exits the tube after analysis into the fluid stream through the second opening to allow analysis of the gas.

Abstract: A residence time chamber and sampling apparatus for use in a system for sampling emission products from an emissions source, for example combustion engines including gasoline, diesel and natural gas engines, for subsequent measurement and analysis of the emission products. The results of the analysis can be used to formulate decisions on changes in engine design strategy, and can be used to determine the effectiveness of aftertreatment systems on the emissions source. The residence time chamber includes a plurality of isoaxial sampling probes, with a plurality of sampling trains connected to the sampling probes to take simultaneous representative emission samples for subsequent analysis. The residence time chamber minimizes many noise factors which can affect the accuracy of the test system, by applying isokinetic sampling and by reducing the interaction of the sampling gas and the particulate matter with the sampling probe inlets and with the various surfaces of the residence time chamber.

Abstract: A device and a method provide a detection of a presence of a test gas. The device comprises a vacuum chamber connected to a vacuum pump equipped with an electronic power supply unit. At least one portion of the chamber is separated from a surrounding outside environment by a membrane selectively permeable to the test gas. A gas flow from the outside environment is guided forcefully over the surface of the membrane via a flow conveyor, which comprises an inlet duct, a diffuser and an outlet duct. The presence of any test gas is detected by the changes in the electrical current to the vacuum pump provided by the power supply.

Abstract: A thermophoresis-resistant dilution apparatus for dilution of gas from an emission source, such as a combustion engine, for example a gasoline, diesel or natural gas engine. The apparatus is designed to simulate atmospheric dilution, mixing and cooling processes, enabling sampled emission gas and dilution air to thoroughly mix and cool to ambient temperature, allowing some volatile and semi-volatile gas-phase organics to nucleate, condense and coagulate to their usual aerosol phase. The apparatus is designed to resist thermophorectic forces acting on the particulate matter in the sampled emission gas, thereby preventing particulate matter losses. In addition, the apparatus evenly distributes the dilution air into the sampled gas for improved mixing.

Abstract: A system for sampling air and collecting particles potentially including bioagents entrained in the air for detection. The system comprises collecting a sample of the air with the particles entrained in the air, directing the sample to a receiving surface, directing a liquid to the receiving surface thereby producing a liquid surface, wherein the particles potentially including bioagents become captured in the liquid, and heating the liquid wherein the particles potentially including bioagents become heated to lysis the bioagents.

Abstract: An SOF measuring system that can continuously measure SOF and a soot measuring system that can continuously measure soot are connected with an exhaust gas line. The soot measuring system comprises a diluter that selectively dilutes either one of the exhaust gas and standard gas whose hydrocarbon concentration is known with diluent gas and extrudes it. A dilution ratio adjusting device can adjust a dilution ratio of the diluter. A soot detector continuously detects soot in the exhaust gas or the standard gas diluted by the diluter. The SOF measuring system can be connected with the diluter so that an exhaust gas analyzer can measure the hydrocarbon concentration in the standard gas diluted by the diluter.

Abstract: A device has at least one sensor for determining one or more constituents of a medium flowing in an installation duct. The device has a housing and a main channel, which is connected to said housing and is closed at an end remote from the housing. The main channel has a first channel and a second channel, which is separated from the first channel by a first separating wall. The main channel also has at least one first opening, which is away from the end and creates a first connection between the first channel and the installation duct, and at least one second opening, which is away from the end and creates a second connection between the second channel and the installation duct, so that the medium flows between the openings, through the channels and past the sensor.

Abstract: A collection apparatus is provided for receiving a portion of a medium that flows around the apparatus and directing the portion into a collector. The apparatus includes an axisymmetric streamline receiver and a support member. The streamline receiver includes a chamber as well as at least one opening into the chamber that receives the portion. The support member includes an axisymmetric conduit for directing the portion from the chamber towards the collector.

Abstract: Embodiments of an apparatus for collecting biological aerosols from an air sample include a hollow tube adapted for pumping a liquid through an interior volume to an outer surface and a collection surface disposed on the outer surface and adapted for collecting the airborne particles from the surrounding air sample. Collection efficiency is enhanced by a charging mechanism that applies a charge to the airborne particles such that the airborne particles are deflected toward the collection surface. Embodiments of operation for the apparatus include the steps of providing the air sample, directing the air sample toward the hollow tube, and applying a charge to the airborne particles such that the airborne particles deposit on the collection surface/outer surface of said hollow tube.

Abstract: Sample collection assemblies and methods that use a collection wand having a working end and an operating end, a collection tube having a barrel portion, an assay chamber, and a partition member, with the working end of the collection wand having a scoop configured for collecting a predetermined sample volume, and with the partition member having an orifice with a boundary complementary to a cross-section of the scoop, whereby an excess of sample material can be excluded from entering the assay chamber.

Abstract: An exhaust guide guides exhaust gases within an exhaust system to an intake portion of a sensor when an input port and an output port of the exhaust guide are positioned within an exhaust gas flow. A high pressure region formed at the input port and a low pressure region formed at the output port facilitate the flow of the gases through a chamber housing that at least houses the intake portion of the sensor. Contamination of the sampled gases by outside air is minimized. In some configurations, the sensor is mounted outside of the exhaust system to increase the thermal isolation between the sensor and the exhaust system improving the performance and increasing the useful life of the sensor.

Abstract: A method and system of obtaining a spatially representative sample of fluid flowing through a duct comprises providing a sample probe having a plurality of inlet ports in the duct, controlling a back pressure within the sample probe so that the back pressure within the sample probe at each inlet port is the same, and receiving a sample portion of the fluid into the plurality of inlet ports. The back pressure may be equal to a static pressure of an outlet portion of the duct. The back pressure may be controlled by venting the sample probe to atmosphere, using a pressure regulator connected to the sample probe or venting to an opening in a wall of an outlet portion of the duct. A cross sectional area of the sample probe may be at least ten times larger than a sum of respective cross sectional areas of the inlet ports.

Abstract: A probe for use in sampling rods from a mass flow of parallel rods moving perpendicular to their axes, the probe including an elongate body of generally wedge shaped cross section which has first and second main faces diverging away from a narrow edge to a wider base and which is for mounting parallel to such rods to extend across and laterally beyond such mass flow with the narrow edge facing upstream; an elongate passage extending within the body longitudinally thereof for accommodating a rod from such mass flow; a first elongate opening in the first face through which a rod from such mass flow can fall laterally into the passage for longitudinal transport along the passage away from such mass flow; and a second elongate opening through which a rod can drop laterally from the passage out of the body after such longitudinal transport.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for preparing a sample meant for continuously operated on-line analysis and containing finely divided, pulverous material, so that the sample is suited for an analysing method designed to analysing the surface layer of the sample, and that a sample flow extracted from the material flow by a sampler is conducted to the device. According to the invention, in order to realize an essentially even sample material bed (10) to be transported past the analyser device (11), the height of the sample material in the sample material bed feeder element (5) is maintained essentially at a predetermined value.

Abstract: An instrument comprising a housing (30) having a fluid-tight seal and a probe (10), adapted to carry a catalyst or sorbent (37), for monitoring a process fluid stream or the behavior of a catalyst or sorbent placed therein. The use of such an instrument permits investigation of catalyst or sorbent behavior in process fluid streams without the need for process shut down or construction of separate process equipment.

Abstract: A automatic system for the capture, weighing and expulsion of solid particles, consisting of an airtight weighing chamber, inside which there is an inner container in which the particles entering the chamber through an entrance duct are collected. Said container transmits its weight to a weighing sensor, also located inside the weighing chamber but not in contact with the walls of the chamber. Once weighed, the sample is expelled from the chamber by the injection of compressed air. The system can be directly applied to determine the mass flow of solid particles in pneumatic transport ducts by integrating it into automatic sampling systems, and also gives a signal which can be integrated in regulating loops for the control of said flow.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for preparing a sample meant for continuously operated on-line analysis and containing finely divided, pulverous material, so that the sample is suited for an analysing method designed to analysing the surface layer of the sample, and that a sample flow extracted from the material flow by a sampler is conducted to the device. According to the invention, in order to realize an essentially even sample material bed (10) to be transported past the analyser device (11), the height of the sample material in the sample material bed feeder element (5) is maintained essentially at a predetermined value.

Abstract: A probe (1) for use in sampling rods from a mass flow of parallel rods moving perpendicular to their axes, the probe comprising an elongate body of generally wedge shaped cross section which has first (7) and second (9) main faces diverging away from a narrow edge (3) to a wider base (5) and which is for mounting parallel to such rods to extend across and laterally beyond such mass flow with the narrow edge facing upstream; an elongate passage (10) extending within said body longitudinally thereof for accommodating a rod from such mass flow; a first elongate opening (21) in the first face through which a rod from such mass flow can fall laterally into said passage for longitudinal transport along said passage away from such mass flow; and a second elongate opening (25) through which a rod can drop laterally from said passage out of said body after such longitudinal transport.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting chemical or biological hazards in items is provided. An incoming mail mailbox includes a sampler to sample air from a letter that is tested using a first sensor and then placed in a receptacle having an environment that is tested using a second sensor.

Abstract: An oxygen monitor for a smokestack installation. The oxygen monitor includes a probe assembly mounted to the smokestack, a sensing assembly mounted to the probe assembly, and a monitor cabinet electrically connected to the sensing assembly. The probe assembly has an intake tube within an exhaust tube. Because the intake tube mouth is smaller than the effective exhaust tube mouth, the pressure reduction effect due to fluid travelling past the exhaust tube is greater than at the intake tube mouth, so fluid such as exhaust gasses tends to be drawn into the intake tube and towards an oxygen sensor. The fluid travels past the oxygen sensor and exits the probe assembly through the exhaust tube and its exhaust tube mouth, back into the smokestack. In addition, the hot oxygen sensor heats the fluid, causing it to rise into the exhaust tube and exit through its mouth. These two effects cause a self-circulation of the fluid being monitored for oxygen content, and eliminate the need for a separate fluid pump.

Abstract: Components of a chemical processing system are disclosed. In particular, a chemical processing system is disclosed which includes a chemical mixing or reacting zone, an inlet to the zone, an outlet to the zone, and a vacuum or fluid flow source located downstream of the outlet. The chemical processing system further includes a device to control the amount of vacuum or fluid flow through the zone. Also disclosed is a continuous feeder system having a first loss-in-weight and a second loss-in-weight feeder and a device for measuring a lower limit of feed in each feeder. There is also a device to activate the second feeder when the lower limit is obtained in the first feeder and a device to deactivate the first feeder when the lower limit is detected in the first feeder. A sample port assembly is also disclosed for obtaining a sample of material flowing through a processing system.

Abstract: A sampling means for sampling a falling stream of a particulate material includes a trough-like sampling receptacle for culling a sample of the particulate material, the receptacle having an inlet defined in an operatively top portion thereof and at least one outlet; a shaftless spiral conveyor rotatably received within the receptacle for discharging the sample through the, or each, outlet; drive means operatively connected to the shaftless spiral conveyor for driving the said conveyor; and displacement means for displacing the sampling receptacle between first and second positions on opposed sides of the falling stream of material, to permit the inlet of the sampling receptacle to cut the falling steam of material at pre-determined intervals.

Abstract: A bulk density sampling method and device whereby formed product is flowed through a vertically disposed passage of pre-determined size. The passage is temporarily obstructed to collect and weigh a known volume of product upon which to base a calculation of bulk density and the generation of a control signal for regulating a multi-tasking processor to constantly monitor, control, and display speed, head gap position, temperature, feed rate and target moisture.