The present invention relates to a sampler for taking samples from a molten metal bath, particularly a molten iron, the sampler comprising: a carrier tube having an immersion end; and a sample chamber assembly arranged on the immersion end of the carrier tube, the sample chamber assembly comprising a cover plate and a housing, wherein the housing comprises: an immersion end having a first opening for an inflow conduit and an opposing end having a second opening for a gas coupler, a first face extending between the immersion end and the opposing end, the first face having a first depression proximate the immersion end and a second depression, the first depression being an analysis zone and the second depression being a ventilation zone, a portion of the analysis zone overlying a distribution zone which is in direct flow communication with the first opening and configured to receive the molten steel from the inflow conduit, wherein the first depression having a cross sectional circle segment profile along a central longitudinal axis that is concavely or triangularly shaped, wherein the cover plate and the housing are configured to be assembled together to form a sample cavity including the distribution zone, the analysis zone and the ventilation zone, such that an analysis surface of a solidified steel sample formed within the sample cavity lies in a first plane, and wherein the first and second openings are spaced apart from the first plane. The invention also relates to a sampler for taking samples from a molten metal bath, particularly a molten iron, the sampler comprising: a carrier tube having an immersion end; a sample chamber assembly arranged on the immersion end of the carrier tube, the sample chamber assembly comprising a cover plate and a housing, wherein the cover plate comprising a sealing member configured to provide a substantially gas tight seal between the cover plate and the housing, wherein the sealing member consist of an essentially non-contaminating material for the samples in the sample chamber.

Apparatuses and methods of measuring a hydrogen diffusivity of a metal structure including during operation of the metal structure, are provided. A hydrogen charging surface is provided at a first location on an external surface of the structure. In addition, a hydrogen oxidation surface is provided at a second location adjacent to the first location on the external surface of the structure. Hydrogen flux is generated and directed into the metal surface at the charging surface. At least a portion of the hydrogen flux generated by the charging surface is diverted back toward the surface. A transient of the diverted hydrogen fluxes measured, and this measurement is used to determine the hydrogen diffusivity of the metal structure in service.

An automated trimming system is provided that includes a vision system identifying the number of rings positioned within a coil and sheared positions where the rings need to be cut. One or more trimming mechanisms receive the sheared positions and proceed to cut the rings at the sheared positions. A hook arrangement interfaces with the coil for transferring the coil to a trimming area. Moreover, an automated trimming system is provided that includes a coil having a plurality of rings. One or more trimming mechanisms select a number of rings from the coil and proceed to form a sample of desired length, by cutting a portion of the rings. A receiver unit receives the sample from the one or more trimming mechanisms to evaluate the quality of the sample.

An automated trimming system is provided that includes a vision system identifying the number of rings positioned within a coil and sheared positions where the rings need to be cut. One or more trimming mechanisms receive the sheared positions and proceed to cut the rings at the sheared positions. A hook arrangement interfaces with the coil for transferring the coil to a trimming area. Moreover, an automated trimming system is provided that includes a coil having a plurality of rings. One or more trimming mechanisms select a number of rings from the coil and proceed to form a sample of desired length, by cutting a portion of the rings. A receiver unit receives the sample from the one or more trimming mechanisms to evaluate the quality of the sample.

Disclosed is a method for dosing iron ions, by spectrophotometry, especially ferric and ferrous ions, contained in a used lubricating composition, especially a lubricating composition of a marine engine. The invention also relates to a kit for implementing the method.

The invention relates to a method and apparatus for the flexible manufacture of intermetallic compounds, including those with shape memory effect. The method and the device can find mass application in the industrial production of modern functional and innovative products based on intermetallic compounds with predetermined physicomechanical parameters and properties. The method includes the steps of taking an intermediate sample of the meld, measuring the actual physico-mechanical properties and material characteristics of the sample and tuning the composition and/or the operating mode parameters of the melting furnace. The device includes measuring module (I) and module (II) for displaying and storing information.

The invention relates to a method and apparatus for the flexible manufacture of intermetallic compounds, including those with shape memory effect. The method and the device can find mass application in the industrial production of modern functional and innovative products based on intermetallic compounds with predetermined physicomechanical parameters and properties. The method includes the steps of taking an intermediate sample of the meld, measuring the actual physico-mechanical properties and material characteristics of the sample and tuning the composition and/or the operating mode parameters of the melting furnace. The device includes measuring module (I) and module (II) for displaying and storing information.

The present invention discloses a method and system for conducting high temperature corrosion tests on metallic alloys without the need for extensive laboratory equipment and attendant safety measures through the use of a two-compartment ampoule where a vestibule connects these two compartments. A pre-selected mixture of salts is placed in one compartment in order to generate a specific partial pressure of halogen gas; and a metallic alloy is placed in the other compartment. The ampoule is then heated to a pre-determined temperature and held at this temperature for a pre-determined time period. A halogen gas of a specific partial pressure is thereby generated from the mixture of salts which comes into contact with the metallic alloy. Because the ampoule creates a sealed environment, the metallic alloy is under constant halogenation during the pre-determined time period. The metallic alloy is removed for examination when the pre-determined time period expires.

A disposable screen-printed microchip based on an organic membrane sensitive layer is presented. The microchip is highly responsive for the determination of Lead(II). The microchip is composed of a composite sensitive material which comprises carbon nano-tubes “CNTs” and titanium (IV) oxide nano-particles embedded in a PVC membrane which was deposited on the surface of a plastic screen printed micro-electrode using a new methodology. The prepared disposable microchip provides a linear response for Pb2+ ions covering the concentration range of 1×10.sup.−6 to 1×10.sup.−1 mole L.sup.−1 with high sensitivity (49 mV), a long life span (>4 months) and short response time (10 s). The merits offered by the micro-sensor or microchip include small size, simple fabrication, mass production, integration feasibility and cost effectiveness and automation.

A disposable screen-printed microchip based on an organic membrane sensitive layer is presented. The microchip is highly responsive for the determination of Lead(II). The microchip is composed of a composite sensitive material which comprises carbon nano-tubes “CNTs” and titanium (IV) oxide nano-particles embedded in a PVC membrane which was deposited on the surface of a plastic screen printed micro-electrode using a new methodology. The prepared disposable microchip provides a linear response for Pb2+ ions covering the concentration range of 1×10.sup.−6 to 1×10.sup.−1 mole L.sup.−1 with high sensitivity (49 mV), a long life span (>4 months) and short response time (10 s). The merits offered by the micro-sensor or microchip include small size, simple fabrication, mass production, integration feasibility and cost effectiveness and automation.