Fluid flow systems can include one or more resistance temperature detectors (RTDs) in contact with the fluid flowing through the system. One or more RTDs can be operated in a heating mode and a measurement mode. Thermal behavior of the one or more RTDs can be analyzed to characterize a level of deposit formed on the RTD(s) from the fluid flowing through the system. Characterizations of deposition on RTDs operated at different temperatures can be used to establish a temperature-dependent deposition profile. The deposition profile can be used to determine if depositions are likely to form at certain locations in the fluid flow system, such as at a use device. Detected deposit conditions can initiate one or more corrective actions that can be taken to prevent or minimize deposit formation before deposits negatively impact operation of the fluid flow system.

An apparatus and a process for testing fluid from a heat exchanger. A first fluid from a heat exchanger to be tested is passed through a test heat exchanger. A second, heat transfer fluid, is in the test heat exchanger. The second fluid is heated with a heater so that a temperature in the test heat exchanger can be controlled, for example, to so that conditions in the heat exchanger are close to the conditions in the heat exchanger. After a period of time, the test heat exchanger can be removed and inspected, tested, or both. Also, multiple test heat exchangers may be used to test various process conditions. Additionally, the test heat exchangers may include different materials to test various materials. An outer portion of the test heat exchanger may be at least semi-transparent.

An apparatus (1) for detecting gas (4) in a high-voltage device (3) filled with an insulating medium (2) comprises an inlet (5) for introducing a carrier gas (16) and an outlet (6) for discharging a carrier gas (16); at least one gas sensor (12) for detecting a gas (4); a first pump (9) for conveying the carrier gas (16) in the apparatus (1); a membrane (13) which at least consists of at least one semipermeable material, is at least partially surrounded by the insulating medium (2) and is at least partially subjected to a flow of the carrier gas (16); a second pump (10) for conveying the carrier gas (16) into the apparatus (1) and for conveying the carrier gas (16) out of the apparatus (1); wherein there is no valve which can be used to convey the carrier gas (16) into the apparatus (1) or out of the apparatus (1).

An apparatus (1) for detecting gas (4) in a high-voltage device (3) filled with an insulating medium (2) comprises an inlet (5) for introducing a carrier gas (16) and an outlet (6) for discharging a carrier gas (16); at least one gas sensor (12) for detecting a gas (4); a first pump (9) for conveying the carrier gas (16) in the apparatus (1); a membrane (13) which at least consists of at least one semipermeable material, is at least partially surrounded by the insulating medium (2) and is at least partially subjected to a flow of the carrier gas (16); a second pump (10) for conveying the carrier gas (16) into the apparatus (1) and for conveying the carrier gas (16) out of the apparatus (1); wherein there is no valve which can be used to convey the carrier gas (16) into the apparatus (1) or out of the apparatus (1).

This present disclosure is directed to a method and apparatus for collecting small amounts, sub mg levels, of elemental sulfur (or other trace elements such as mercury) deposited from the ppm levels of elemental sulfur (or other trace elements such as mercury) contained in gases found in typical oil production environments or gas streams with anticipated sulfur deposition problems, as well as in industries other than oil and gas. An analytical chemistry technique for determining the amount of sulfur collected is used and from this result, the solubility of sulfur in a gas at a fixed temperature, pressure and gas composition can be calculated.

A mud retort assembly includes a retort that heats a fluid and thereby generates vapors, a condenser in fluid communication with the retort to at least partially condense the vapors and thereby generate a liquid, a condensate collector that receives the liquid and residual vapors via an outlet pipe of the condenser, and a collector plug having a frustoconical body that extends partially into the condensate collector at an opening to the condensate collector. The collector plug defines a central aperture that receives the outlet pipe and has an annular flange extending radially outward from the frustoconical body to rest on the condensate collector at the opening.

Switch assemblies for a cryogenic device analysis system are provided. The switch assembly can include: a cold source conductive member extending lengthwise to a cold source; and a cryogenic device conductive member extending lengthwise to a cryogenic device and at least partially overlapping at least a portion of the cold source conductive member. Methods for closing a conductive connection between a cold source and a cryogenic device within a cryogenic analysis system are provided. Methods for opening a conductive connection between a cold source and a cryogenic device within a cryogenic analysis system are provided. Cryogenic device analysis systems are also provided.

Fluid flow systems can include one or more resistance temperature detectors (RTDs) in contact with the fluid flowing through the system. One or more RTDs can be operated in a heating mode and a measurement mode. Thermal behavior of the one or more RTDs can be analyzed to characterize a level of deposit formed on the RTD(s) from the fluid flowing through the system. Characterizations of deposition on RTDs operated at different temperatures can be used to establish a temperature-dependent deposition profile. The deposition profile can be used to determine if depositions are likely to form at certain locations in the fluid flow system, such as at a use device. Detected deposit conditions can initiate one or more corrective actions that can be taken to prevent or minimize deposit formation before deposits negatively impact operation of the fluid flow system.

Fluid flow systems can include one or more resistance temperature detectors (RTDs) in contact with the fluid flowing through the system. One or more RTDs can be operated in a heating mode and a measurement mode. Thermal behavior of the one or more RTDs can be analyzed to characterize a level of deposit formed on the RTD(s) from the fluid flowing through the system. Characterizations of deposition on RTDs operated at different temperatures can be used to establish a temperature-dependent deposition profile. The deposition profile can be used to determine if depositions are likely to form at certain locations in the fluid flow system, such as at a use device. Detected deposit conditions can initiate one or more corrective actions that can be taken to prevent or minimize deposit formation before deposits negatively impact operation of the fluid flow system.

A system and method for distillation of a liquid sample at atmospheric pressure for the improved prediction of the heating necessary before the initial boiling point (IBP) of the sample is detected regardless of sample composition to ensure the IBP is observed within certain time constraints. A plurality of infrared (IR) sensors provides real-time temperature control in addition to a conventional measurement of vapor temperature. One IR-sensor monitors the liquid sample temperature in the distillation flask to obtain a corrected IBP time independent of the sample properties. Another IR-sensor monitors the temperature of the rising vapor column as the vapor rises up the neck of the distillation flask. Alternatively, an IR matrix may monitor the temperature of the rising vapor column. The system and method expand the scope of samples analyzed with improved signal, reproducibility, and test accuracy and still remain within the prescribed limits of a selected standard.