Midwest Research Institute

Arbor D Drinkwine

Brian R Cage

A method is provided for use in generating a chemical vapor stream which may be used to calibrate vapor detectors and for other purposes. The vapor generator is provided with a column having a temperature controlled zone. The chemical is coated onto a carrier such as glass beads and is placed in a temperature controlled zone. A carrier gas is passed over the chemical at a rate which permits the concentration of chemical vapors in the carrier gas to be at saturation. The exiting carrier gas contains chemical vapors at a known concentration. In one embodiment, a second temperature controlled zone is provided downstream, and at a lower temperature than the first zone, to ensure saturation of the carrier gas passing through the second zone.

Method for generating vapor streams

An instrument for removing chemical vapors from air and concentrating the chemical vapors in a liquid scrubbing medium has been invented. A cylindrical receptacle receives a preselected amount of scrubbing liquid. Air is pulled tangentially into the cylinder through an inlet slit and swirls toward the cylinder top, carrying the liquid with it so that the cylinder wall is coated with the liquid. At the end of a sampling cycle, the air flow is shut off and the liquid is allowed to settle before being drained off for analysis. A cleaning cycle between sampling cycles is possible, during which the cylinder can be heated by an electrical heater cable.

Growing community of inventors

Kansas City, MO, United States of America

Arbor D Drinkwine