Abstract: A system and method for monitoring environment employ a dense network of sensor nodes. The method includes obtaining environmental information by combining a plurality of observations; wherein the plurality of observations are made with in-situ sensors and remote sensors; wherein the sensors form a high-density network comprising a plurality of distributed sensors; and wherein an individual sensor node, comprising of one or more sensors, can perform automatic zero-drift or other correction by deriving calibration information from other nearby nodes' observational data. The system can monitor gas concentrations over urban areas, industrial, forest, farm, wetland, power plants and other types of surfaces.

Abstract: A probe assembly for providing a flow of a fluid from a pipeline into a sample transport line or slipstream, comprising: an outer tubular probe tip attached to a distal end of an outer tube mid-section; wherein the outer tubular probe tip has an outer opening; a connection head having an outer tube attached to a proximal end of an outer tube mid-section; wherein the outer tubular probe tip, the outer tube mid-section, and the outer tube are of a first inner diameter; wherein the outer opening of the outer tubular probe tip receives a flow of the fluid from within the pipeline that travels through the outer probe tip, the outer tube mid-section, the outer tube and connection head into the sample transport line or slipstream; a return tube, having an outer diameter smaller than the first inner diameter, disposed through the center of each of the outer tubular probe tip, the outer tube mid-section, the outer tube and the connection head; a first connection fitting for connecting return tubing to connection head;

Abstract: A microfluidic device for the isolation of particles of at least one specific type of a sample is described. The microfluidic device comprises: a first inlet adapted to receive a sample comprising the particles of the specific type, at least part of a separation group comprising a separation unit, which comprises a main chamber and a recovery chamber and being adapted to receive the sample and to transfer at least part of the particles of the specific type from the main chamber to the recovery chamber in a selective manner with respect to further particles of the sample, a first outlet which is designed to allow the particles of the specific type to be collected outside of the device and a second outlet adapted to allow at least a portion of the sample to flow out of the main chamber and out of the microfluidic device.

Abstract: An oil separator for a compressor comprising a tank and a lid for the tank, which comprises, in an integral manner, a valve body defining an outlet duct of the separator, a head of a coalescence filter, a body of an anti-condensate valve, a body of a minimum pressure valve and the relative connection ducts.

Abstract: Various embodiments include an exemplary apparatus and method for insitu calibration of multiple flow-sensing devices within a dilution system. In one example, a calibration and dilution system includes a first mass-flow device to serve as a global reference, a second mass-flow device configured to be coupled to and provide a supply of clean gas to a primary diluter, and a third mass-flow device configured to be coupled to and provide a supply of clean gas to a secondary diluter, where the diluters are pneumatically coupled to one another through a gas-supply line. Multiple valves are coupled to at least the mass-flow devices and the diluters. The calibration and dilution system is arranged so that the mass-flow controllers can be calibrated in-situ without having to remove any of the mass-flow controllers from the calibration and dilution system. Other apparatuses, designs, and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and systems for online sampling an aliquot from a mobile phase comprising an analyte for producing a pharmaceutical or chemical product, wherein the apparatus comprises an analytical device and a tube between an inlet and an outlet, wherein the outlet is in fluid communication with the analytical device, the method comprising: providing a sample device comprising a needle with a needle tip, a septum pierceable by the needle and a pump, wherein the needle is moveable between an extended position in which the septum is pierced by the needle, and a retracted position, in which the septum is not pierced, disposing the sample device at the curved portion of the tube, moving the needle to the extended position such that the needle tip faces the flow direction, and drawing out an aliquot out of the mobile phase.

Abstract: A tubular scoop that may be utilized with various assemblies for sampling fluid in a pipeline. The scoop has a bend with a bend radius that is from two to four times the diameter of the scoop. The scoop defines a scoop face that is parallel to an axis of the tubular of the scoop. The scoop is mountable with a threaded connection that seals around the tubular. An additional seal with a compression nut allows orientation of the scoop within the pipeline whereupon the scoop orientation is fixed by tightening the compression nut.

Abstract: A post-probe upstream metering pump for insuring phase change completion of a multi-phase fluid such as Natural Gas Liquid (NGL) in a sample conditioning system having a pipeline sample take-off probe for fluid extraction, a sample conditioning unit for conditioning the extracted fluid to a select range of temperature and pressure for analysis of the fluid sample by an associated analyzer without dew point dropout or phase separation, and a metering pump disposed in-line between the sample take-off probe and the sample conditioning unit to pressurize the fluid sample to condense into a substantially fully liquid phase and to reduce lag time between extraction and fluid sample conditioning.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for controlling the flow of proppant into frac fluid during a frac. A first pressure source pressurizes fluid within a proppant addition unit. Process piping receives proppant through a proppant supply passage for supply to a frac pressure pump. A second pressure source pressurizes fluid within the process piping. A first sensor senses pressure on a first side of the proppant supply passage and outputs a first signal. A second sensor senses pressure on the process piping on a second side of the proppant supply passage and outputs a second signal. A processor receives the first signal and the second signal, and outputs a control signal to at least one of the first pressure source and the second pressure source in response to the first signal and the second signal to control proppant flow into the process piping.

Abstract: A sampling system for collecting periodic composite and/or non-composite samples of vaporized gas during a transfer process from a vaporizer of a cryogenic hydrocarbon liquid including 1) a direct sample pathway to a gas analyzer for instantaneous, real-time vaporized gas analysis, 2) a speed loop pathway for directly collecting fresh vaporized gas samples for subsequent analysis, and 3) a composite sample pathway including a pressurized sample accumulator for collecting a plurality periodically obtained samples of a select volume during the transfer process to create a composite sample of the vaporized gas.

Abstract: The device comprises a connecting pipe (18) having an inlet (18A) capable to be connected to the feed and an outlet (18B) capable to be connected to the storage vat (10), as well as a retaining chamber (20) which branches off from the connecting pipe (18) and which is equipped with a sampling valve (24). The connecting pipe comprises a charging valve (22), located between the retaining chamber and the outlet of the connecting pipe. After the product originating from the feed has been conveyed to the retaining chamber (20), and a sample of the product mixture present in the retaining chamber (20) has been taken to ascertain information relative to the nature of this mixture, and if the ascertained information corresponds to expected information, a charging valve (22) is opened to have the outlet of the connecting pipe (18) communicate with the vat (10).

Abstract: Fluid-based no-moving part logic devices are constructed from complex sequences of micro- and nanofluidic channels, on-demand bubble/droplet modulators and generators for programming the devices, and micro- and nanofluidic droplet/bubble memory elements for storage and retrieval of biological or chemical elements. The input sequence of bubbles/droplets encodes information, with the output being another sequence of bubbles/droplets or on-chip chemical synthesis. For performing a set of reactions/tasks or process control, the modulators can be used to program the device by producing a precisely timed sequence of bubbles/droplets, resulting in a cascade of logic operations within the micro- or nanofluidic channel sequence, utilizing the generated droplets/bubbles as a control. The devices are based on the principle of minimum energy interfaces formed between the two fluid phases enclosed inside precise channel geometries.

Abstract: A sampling device has a valve body that comprises an inlet for connecting to an unloading pipe of a container containing dry bulk product, the inlet being shaped to receive a flow of dry bulk product from the container. The valve body has a first outlet which, when opened, discharges the dry bulk product that enters the valve body through the inlet. The valve body also has a second outlet which, when opened, discharges a sample of the dry bulk product, the second outlet having a cross-sectional area that is smaller than a cross-sectional area of the first outlet. The sampling device enables a sample of dry bulk product, e.g. cement, slag, fly ash, cement kiln dust, silica fume, silica sand, lime, alumina, flour, or any other similar dry powdery substance to be obtained safely from a transport container or vessel.

Abstract: A sensor apparatus and sensor apparatus system for use in conjunction with a cassette, including a disposable or replaceable cassette. In some embodiments, the cassette includes a thermal well for permitting the sensing of various properties of a subject media. The thermal well includes a hollow housing of a thermally conductive material. In other embodiments, the cassette includes sensor leads for sensing of various properties of a subject media. The thermal well has an inner surface shaped so as to form a mating relationship with a sensing probe. The mating thermally couples the inner surface with a sensing probe. In some embodiments, the thermal well is located on a disposable portion and the sensing probe on a reusable portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a particle counter apparatus for counting particles in a fluid flowing in a pipe or a pipeline. The particle counter apparatus comprises a pipe portion through which the fluid flows, where the pipe portion is provided with a fluid sample outlet for withdrawal of a fluid sample. Furthermore the particle counter apparatus also comprises a first fluid transfer body extending from the fluid sample outlet to a particle counter, and a second fluid transfer body extending from the particle counter to a fluid return outlet mounted in the pipe portion downstream of the fluid sample outlet. In the pipe portion there is mounted a propeller unit comprising a propeller and a generator, with the result that particles are distributed uniformly in the fluid before the withdrawal of fluid samples, and electric power is provided for operation of the particle counter apparatus.

Abstract: A system for collecting a sample of fluid from a fluid source and reintroducing the sample of fluid to the fluid source is disclosed. The system includes a pump in fluid communication with the source of fluid, a filter vessel in fluid communication with the pump and the source of fluid to receive a flow of fluid from the pump and substantially eliminate contaminants from the fluid flowing therethrough, and a fluid reservoir in fluid communication with the pump, wherein the fluid is directed from the pump into the fluid reservoir when in a sample mode.

Abstract: A system for presenting a crop sample to a crop property sensor is in particular suited for a harvesting machine and comprises a bypass line branching off from a crop feeding assembly, a conveyor for feeding the branched-off crop through the bypass line without damaging the crop, and a crop property sensor for sensing one or more properties of the crop in the bypass line. The bypass line is upwardly angled or extends vertical, such that the conveyor elevates the material from the crop guiding channel to the crop property sensor.

Abstract: A compressed air supply system for motor vehicles includes a compressor, control electronics, an air dryer having an inlet channel for non-dried compressed air, an outlet channel for the dried compressed air, and a dehumidification device through which the compressed air to be dried can flow, a pressure regulator having an outlet valve for controlling the compressor between an idle phase and a load phase, a multi-circuit safety valve that is connected to the outlet channel of the air dryer via a compressed air line, and over-flow valves for the individual circuits, a regeneration valve and a moisture sensor for detecting the atmospheric moisture in the compressed air flowing in the compressed air line. To reduce the detrimental effects of admixtures and components of the compressed air on the moisture sensor, the moisture sensor is located in a bypass channel of the compressed air line.

Abstract: Embodiments include systems and methods for collection and identification of particulates in the air. In one embodiment, two different path ways are provided from a single adjustable inlet: one for collection and one for detection. A removable insert positionable within a collection tube enables a user to switch between the collection mode and the detection mode. This embodiment captures both the physical mechanisms of switching the air flow paths as well as sequencing of controls and valves and regulation or changing the air flow rate in the different modes of operation. This and other embodiments are disclosed herein.

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: A fluidic device includes an arrangement of channels for introducing a sample containing particles of interest into a processing chamber. The chamber is in fluid communication with collecting channels via low-flow connection channels. Particles in the sample may be observed and diverted from the processing chamber by application of a motive force such as optical trapping into a collection channel. Once in the collection channel, particles can be collected, including by trapping in a porous matrix.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the determination of the CaCO3, content of a scrubbing liquid, which has been separated from a scrubbing liquid circuit of a scrubbing column.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an analytical tool including a plurality of flow paths 21 each including a detection cell 26 for detecting a particular component contained in a sample and configured to move the sample by capillarity, and a common path 22 connecting the plurality of flow paths 21 to each other. Each of the flow paths 21 includes a water stopper 29 for preventing the sample from flowing into the common path 22. Preferably, the water stopper 29 suppresses the movement of the sample by differentiating a cross sectional area at a target portion in a direction perpendicular to the sample flow direction from a cross sectional area at a portion near the target portion.

Abstract: Device for recovering a material to be measured comprising a reservoir filled with a sample holding material impregnated with a sample liquid in which a material to be measured is dissolved and an adsorbing column for adsorbing the material to be measured, wherein the reservoir and the adsorbing column are communicated by a straight pipe, and further communicated with a recovery vessel via a recovery pipe branched out the straight pipe. Accordingly, operations of opening/closing or switching a first valve provided on the in-flow side of the reservoir, a second valve provided on the out-flow side of the adsorbing column, and a third valve provided to a vent hole to the atmosphere in the recovery vessel, make it possible to recover the material to be measured without depositing the material on the valves.

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 solid particle counting system for measuring solid particle number concentrations from engine or vehicle exhausts in real-time includes a diluter arrangement, a particle counter, and a flow splitter. The diluter arrangement mixes the dilution gas with flowing sample gases. The flow splitter receives the output flow from the diluter arrangement, provides a portion of this flow to the particle counter, and provides a by-pass flow that is received by a vacuum pump. A second flow route to the particle counter includes a valve arranged such that opening the valve during the starting of the vacuum pump reduces a pressure pulse at the particle counter caused by the starting of the vacuum pump, thereby avoiding work fluid backflow from the particle counter prior to the vacuum pump stabilizing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an analytical tool including a plurality of flow paths 21 each including a detection cell 26 for detecting a particular component contained in a sample and configured to move the sample by capillarity, and a common path 22 connecting the plurality of flow paths 21 to each other. Each of the flow paths 21 includes a water stopper 29 for preventing the sample from flowing into the common path 22. Preferably, the water stopper 29 suppresses the movement of the sample by differentiating a cross sectional area at a target portion in a direction perpendicular to the sample flow direction from a cross sectional area at a portion near the target portion.

Abstract: A solid particle counting system for measuring solid particle number concentrations from engine or vehicle exhausts in real-time includes a flow splitter having an inlet, a sample outlet, and a by-pass outlet arranged such that a main flow enters the inlet and changes direction to exit the by-pass outlet. A sample flow from the main flow exits the sample outlet. The flow splitter further includes a guiding element arranged such that particles at a sampling location upstream of the main flow direction change are guided to the sample outlet.

Abstract: Methods and systems useful for obtaining a representative sample of solid particles from a pneumatically conveyed stream of solid particles. One preferred method and system includes establishing a pneumatic flow of solid particles in a gas stream through a sampling conduit and diverting the steam through a second conduit; isolating an inlet of the sampling conduit from the second conduit substantially simultaneously with the step of diverting the entire stream through the second conduit and emptying material from the isolated sampling conduit, wherein the representative sample comprises the material emptied from the sampling conduit. The outlet end of the sampling conduit may be vented into the second conduit or the atmosphere. The system for accomplishing the method may include a controller for controlling, inter alia, a position of the means for diverting the stream through a second conduit, the means for isolating an inlet sampling conduit, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: An analytical apparatus for measuring a low concentration of a constituent in a stream at a parts per billion level is provided. The apparatus comprises a sample loop having a predetermined volume for receiving a sample from the stream, a purifier for producing substantially pure carrier liquid from a sample of the stream, a first and a second multi-path valve, a preconcentrator column for absorbing and increasing the concentration of the low concentration constituent, an eluent, and a detector. In one embodiment, the apparatus is an ion chromatograph and may be used to analyze ions at concentrations as low as about 1 to about 500 parts per trillion. A method for analyzing a stream for a low concentration constituent present in a stream at a parts per billion level is also provided. The invention also includes methods for single- and multi-point calibration of a detector in an analytical apparatus for measuring a low concentration of a constituent in a stream at a parts per billion level.

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 device, system and method for bypassing and/or testing a sample of a material flowing in a direction along a flowpath utilizes a sleeve having open ends and defining a duct adapted for insertion into the flowpath and a sidewall. An inlet conduit attached to the sleeve has an inlet section at one end, and an outlet conduit attached to the sleeve has an outlet section. The sample is returned through the outlet conduit in a direction substantially parallel to the direction of the material flowing through the sleeve.

Abstract: An exhaust gas sampling system for use in connection with the sampling of an internal combustion engine exhaust gas streams has a plurality of diluters arranged in a serial array along an axial extent. A source of engine exhaust gas is fluidically connected to the plurality of serially arranged diluters so as to supply an engine exhaust gas stream into each one of the plurality of serially arranged diluters in a serial manner. A source of dilution air fluidically is connected to each one of the plurality of serially arranged diluters so as to supply dilution air into each one of the plurality of serially arranged diluters.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for sampling disperse material flows in which an analysis substream is extracted from a process mainstream for subsequent analysis. According to the invention, the analysis substream is removed from the process mainstream via an extraction area. The extraction area is smaller than the process substream cross section and defined independently of this. The extraction area travels along an orbital curve across the process mainstream cross section during the removal of the analysis substream. The invention also relates to an apparatus for performing the process according to the invention.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for sampling gas in operative association with a combustion appliance, such as a furnace. The combustion appliance includes a first conduit through which combustion air is supplied to the appliance and a second conduit through which gas heated by the appliance is discharged from the appliance. The sampling apparatus includes a third conduit communicating between the first and second conduits and a gas sensor operable to sense a selected gas in the heated gas present in the third conduit. Operation of the appliance creates a pressure difference between the first and second conduits to draw a sample of heated gas from the second conduit into the third conduit, so that no mechanical device, such as a pump, is needed to transport the sample of heated gas to the gas sensor. A temperature sensor is provided for sensing temperature of the gas in the third conduit to verify gas flow in the third conduit.

Abstract: On-line rheological measurements are made on a process flowing material, such as a polymer melt, utilizing a rheometer of the type in which an inlet pump delivers a relatively large volumetric flow of diverted process material from a process main stream to an inlet site located in very close proximity to the entrance of a capillary passage, and a metering pump draws a smaller portion of the volumetric flow of the diverted material from the inlet site through the capillary passage for return to the process main stream. The viscosity of the diverted material is measured as a function of the rate of flow of the material through the capillary passage and the pressure drop between spaced apart locations along the capillary passage.

Abstract: A composite wastewater sampler includes a flow-through-chamber having an inlet port and an outlet port with a path between them that gradually increases in depth and width and then decreases in width. It is shaped to cause fluid to: (1) flow from the inlet port; (2) drop to a lower level of flow within the flow-through-chamber; (3) gradually adjust in cross-sectional shape to the outlet port; and (4) flow back into a wastewater pipe. A sampling nozzle extends into the flow-through-chamber adjacent to the inlet port and within the path of the downwardly flowing wastewater so that wastewater exiting the port contacts the nozzle and flows downwardly across it.