Iit Research Institute

Meloy Laboratories Inc.

Daniel P Lucero

Alan R Teets

Susan K Hendrickson

A method and system for detecting environmental contamination, such as subsurface contamination, include a test probe located in a medium. The probe is adapted to collect a fluid sample from the medium for determining the presence of a contaminant having a vapor pressure. Pneumatic communication lines extend from a test point and connect to the probe. A detector/analyzer is connected to the distal end of the communication lines of the probe. While connected, a fluid sample is taken into the probe and transported in the pneumatic communication lines by a carrier gas to the detector/analyzer for analysis of the contaminant. The general principle is applicable for contaminant detection and/or analysis in soil masses, liquid masses and gases.

Environmental contamination detection and analyzing system and method

This invention relates to a method and device for continuously removing and concentrating specific molecules or substances from a gas stream and depositing such molecules or substances in a liquid film stream in a controlled and quantitative fashion. The device includes a hollow tetrafluoroethylene tube or a hollow tube having an inner surface coating of tetrafluoroethylene. The inner surface of the tube is etched by means of a chemical etching agent. An inlet/injector is attached to the outer circumference or inlet, circumferential face of the tube. The inlet/injector has liquid dispersion ports uniformly distributed around the circumference of the processor tube whereby a surfactant containing liquid may be uniformly dispersed from the inlet/injector onto the inner wall of the processor tube where it may flow, in a thin film manner, from the inlet of the tube to the outlet of the tube. The inlet/injector also has a gas injection port whereby a gas containing the molecules or substances sought to be removed and concentrated can simultaneously be injected into the top hollow portion of the tube. An outlet cap is attached to the outer circumference or outlet circumferential face of the tube. The outlet cap has a liquid collection well with a port or other means whereby the liquid flowing down the inner wall of the tube can be collected and transported to an analyzer. The outlet cap also has a gas port whereby the sample gas undergoing analysis can be removed from the tube and vented, treated or otherwise disposed of.

Methods and apparatus for atmospheric sampling and analysis of trace

Precisely controlled permeation of a fluid into a carrier gas is provided in a temperature-controlled enclosure. A cylindrical housing has its side wall spaced from the side wall of a hollow cylindrical core contained therein to provide a thin flow passage therebetween for the carrier fluid. An electric heater coil is wound about the exterior of the housing to supply heat to the carrier fluid in the passage, and the core has a port at one end thereof for providing communication between the passage and the hollow interior of the core, in which a permeation tube is supported. The heater power output is controlled in response to a temperature sensor within the core so that the carrier fluid is heated and its temperature is precisely controlled. The exterior of the housing is insulated from ambient to maintain stable temperature conditions.

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Triangle, VA, United States of America

Daniel P Lucero