A method of preventing inter-system interference while acquiring waveforms in a test and measurement instrument with variation in a device under test system S-parameters. The method includes receiving a waveform from a device under test at the test and measurement instrument, digitizing the waveform, identifying portions of the digitized waveform with different S-parameter characteristics, separating the identified portions of the digitized waveform into different waveforms, and displaying the different waveforms to a user.

A method of preventing inter-system interference while acquiring waveforms in a test and measurement instrument with variation in a device under test system S-parameters. The method includes receiving a waveform from a device under test at the test and measurement instrument, digitizing the waveform, identifying portions of the digitized waveform with different S-parameter characteristics, separating the identified portions of the digitized waveform into different waveforms, and displaying the different waveforms to a user.

A kit and method for monitoring for the presence of catalyst fines in heavy fuel oil (HFO), including: a) providing a sample of HFO; b) mixing the HFO sample with a diluent composition comprising a non-polar solvent and with an aqueous reagent composition to provide a test sample, wherein the aqueous reagent composition comprises at least one water soluble inorganic salt and at least one water soluble base; c) allowing phase separation to occur in the test sample to provide an aqueous phase and an organic phase; and d) inspecting the aqueous phase of the test sample for the presence of catalyst fines. The diluent composition can consist of a non-polar solvent selected from mineral spirits, kerosene, naphtha, and heavy distillate and a phase transfer agent selected from tripropylene glycol monomethyl ether, ethylene glycol, propyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol and butanol.

A kit and method for monitoring for the presence of catalyst fines in heavy fuel oil (HFO), including: a) providing a sample of HFO; b) mixing the HFO sample with a diluent composition comprising a non-polar solvent and with an aqueous reagent composition to provide a test sample, wherein the aqueous reagent composition comprises at least one water soluble inorganic salt and at least one water soluble base; c) allowing phase separation to occur in the test sample to provide an aqueous phase and an organic phase; and d) inspecting the aqueous phase of the test sample for the presence of catalyst fines. The diluent composition can consist of a non-polar solvent selected from mineral spirits, kerosene, naphtha, and heavy distillate and a phase transfer agent selected from tripropylene glycol monomethyl ether, ethylene glycol, propyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol and butanol.

A lab-on-chip platform is provided and includes a substrate. The substrate includes a microfluidic path. The microfluidic path has multiple inputs and an output and an analysis area downstream from a mixing area. The lab-on-chip platform further includes a cover disposed on the substrate to partially enclose the microfluidic path, a mineral layer deposited in at least the mixing area and obstructions. The mineral layer is configured to at least partially chemically react with fluid within the microfluidic path to form at least first particles and second particles, which are substantially smaller than the first particles. The obstructions are formed or disposed in the analysis area and configured to capture the first particles in the analysis area and to allow the second particles and unreacted fluid to pass out of the analysis area.

A lab-on-chip platform is provided and includes a substrate. The substrate includes a microfluidic path. The microfluidic path has multiple inputs and an output and an analysis area downstream from a mixing area. The lab-on-chip platform further includes a cover disposed on the substrate to partially enclose the microfluidic path, a mineral layer deposited in at least the mixing area and obstructions. The mineral layer is configured to at least partially chemically react with fluid within the microfluidic path to form at least first particles and second particles, which are substantially smaller than the first particles. The obstructions are formed or disposed in the analysis area and configured to capture the first particles in the analysis area and to allow the second particles and unreacted fluid to pass out of the analysis area.

Described is a method for assessing quality of an amine-based shale inhibitor in drilling fluid. A relationship between a concentration of the amine-based shale inhibitor in a drilling fluid and turbidity is established by preparing drilling fluid solutions with varying concentrations of the amine-based shale inhibitor, allowing the drilling fluid solutions to form precipitates, and analyzing turbidity of the drilling fluid solutions. A sample of a drilling fluid with an unknown concentration of amine-based shale inhibitor is obtained. Using the established relationship, a concentration of the amine-based shale inhibitor in the sample of the drilling fluid is estimated.

Described is a method for assessing quality of an amine-based shale inhibitor in drilling fluid. A relationship between a concentration of the amine-based shale inhibitor in a drilling fluid and turbidity is established by preparing drilling fluid solutions with varying concentrations of the amine-based shale inhibitor, allowing the drilling fluid solutions to form precipitates, and analyzing turbidity of the drilling fluid solutions. A sample of a drilling fluid with an unknown concentration of amine-based shale inhibitor is obtained. Using the established relationship, a concentration of the amine-based shale inhibitor in the sample of the drilling fluid is estimated.

A method for quantifying the magnesium ion amount in a soil sample, the method including: extracting calcium ions from a soil sample to produce a soil sample substantially free of calcium: mixing the substantially free calcium soil sample with ethylene glycol-bis(-aminoethyl ether)-N,N,N,N-tetraacetic acid tetrasodium salt (EGTA) to produce a first sample; mixing the first sample with an indicator reagent to produce a second sample; and determining the magnesium ion amount of the second sample; wherein the indicator reagent comprises o-cresolphthalein complexone (OCPC) and tetrabutyl ammonium hydroxide (TBAH). Also, a system and a kit using the method.

A method for quantifying the magnesium ion amount in a soil sample, the method including: extracting calcium ions from a soil sample to produce a soil sample substantially free of calcium: mixing the substantially free calcium soil sample with ethylene glycol-bis(-aminoethyl ether)-N,N,N,N-tetraacetic acid tetrasodium salt (EGTA) to produce a first sample; mixing the first sample with an indicator reagent to produce a second sample; and determining the magnesium ion amount of the second sample; wherein the indicator reagent comprises o-cresolphthalein complexone (OCPC) and tetrabutyl ammonium hydroxide (TBAH). Also, a system and a kit using the method.