DEVICE AND METHOD FOR EXTRACTING AT LEAST ONE GAS DISSOLVED IN A LIQUID

Abstract

A frozen composition based on yoghurt and fruit, containing: one or more fruits in pureed and/or juice form, representing from 30 to 49% or from 49.1 to 220% of the total weight of the composition, as fruit equivalent, from 51 to 70% by weight of yoghurt, and optionally one or more added sugars and/or other ingredients. A process for the manufacture of this composition, its use for the manufacture of a frozen dessert, and a process for the manufacture of the dessert, by grinding and optionally aerating the composition are also disclosed.

Claims

1. Device (1, 101) for extracting at least one gas dissolved in a liquid, said device comprising (i) at least one gas-liquid separation membrane (3, 103), (ii) at least one liquid circuit (LC) (5, 105) for at least one liquid (L) comprising a dissolved gas, said liquid circuit (LC) (5, 105) being arranged in order to bring the liquid (L) into contact with at least one gas-liquid separation membrane (3, 103), the liquid being in contact with the outer surface (31, 133) of the membrane (3, 103), (iii) a first gas circuit (GC1) (10, 110) for circulating at least one inert gas (G.sub.i), the first gas circuit (GC1) being in contact with the inner surface (32, 132) of the membrane (3, 103), the first circuit (GC1) (10, 110) not comprising gas (G.sub.L) separated from the liquid (L) upstream of the membrane (3, 103), and (iv) a second gas circuit (GC2) (20, 120) for circulating inert gas (G.sub.i) and at least one gas (G.sub.L) separated from the liquid (L), the second circuit (GC2) (20, 120) being in contact with the inner surface (32, 132) of the membrane (3, 103) and communicating with the first gas circuit (GC1) (10, 110), the second gas circuit (GC2) (20, 120) circulating at least one gas (G.sub.L) separated from the liquid to a device (50, 150) for measuring at least one parameter of the gas (G.sub.L) separated from the liquid.

2. Device according to claim 1, wherein the first gas circuit (10, 110) comprises a gas stream regulator (175), for example in the form of a pressure regulator and/or a gas flow rate regulation device, advantageously optimizing the response time and the concentration of the gas (G.sub.L) separated from the liquid (L) at least one parameter of which is to be measured in the measurement device (50, 150).

3. Device according to claim 1, wherein the second gas circuit (20, 120) comprises a device for measuring the gas stream (180) for example in the form of a device for measuring pressure and/or a device for measuring the flow rate of gas, advantageously making it possible to know or estimate the flow rate of gas extracted from at least one parameter to be measured in the measurement device (50, 150).

4. Device according to claim 1, wherein the second gas circuit (1, 120) comprises a device for driving (140) the gas (G.sub.L) separated from the liquid, for example a pump.

5. Device according to claim 1, wherein the device (1, 101) comprises at least two gas-liquid separation membranes (M1; M2) (3, 103) placed facing one another.

6. Device according to claim 1, wherein the device (1, 101) comprises returning the inert gas (G.sub.i) from the second gas circuit (GC2) to the first gas circuit (GC1), preventing or limiting the circulation of gas (G.sub.L) separated from the liquid in the first gas circuit (GC1).

7. Device according to claim 1, further comprising a device for maintaining a zero or insignificant concentration at the surface of the membrane or membranes on the permeate side and one or more control and/or measurement devices of at least one secondary parameter, significantly influencing the permeation and/or the diffusion through the membrane or membranes.

8. Device, comprising at least one extraction device as defined according to claim 1, the device comprising at least one measurement device (50, 150), and for example an amplified resonant absorption spectrometer.

9. Device according to claim 1, wherein the device (1, 101) is autonomous in order to be deployed in an aqueous terrestrial fluid.

10. Device according to claim 1, wherein the device (1, 101) comprises a positioning instrument in order to determine the geographical position of the device.

11. Device according to claim 1, wherein the device (1, 101) comprises an instrument for transmitting measured data to a remote electronic device, for example situated on a ship or a land station, and/or an instrument for receiving instructions from a remote electronic device, for example situated on a ship or a land station.

12. Method for measuring the concentration or the partial pressure of at least one gas dissolved in a liquid, said method comprising bringing a gas/liquid separation device comprising at least one membrane into contact with a liquid the concentration of at least one dissolved gas of which is to be measured, the separation of at least one gas dissolved in the liquid through the membrane or membranes of the gas/liquid separation device, measuring the diffusion and/or permeation stream through the membrane or membranes, and calculating the concentration or the partial pressure of the gas previously dissolved in the liquid based on the diffusion and/or permeation stream.

13. Method according to claim 12, wherein the method is implemented with a device for extracting at least one gas dissolved in a liquid, said device comprising (i) at least one gas-liquid separation membrane (3, 103), (ii) at least one liquid circuit (LC) (5, 105) for at least one liquid (L) comprising a dissolved gas, said liquid circuit (LC) (5, 105) being arranged in order to bring the liquid (L) into contact with at least one gas-liquid separation membrane (3, 103), the liquid being in contact with the outer surface (31, 133) of the membrane (3, 103), (iii) a first gas circuit (GC1) (10, 110) for circulating at least one inert gas (G.sub.i), the first gas circuit (GC1) being in contact with the inner surface (32, 132) of the membrane (3, 103), the first circuit (GC1) (10, 110) not comprising gas (G.sub.L) separated from the liquid (L) upstream of the membrane (3, 103), and (iv) a second gas circuit (GC2) (20, 120) for circulating inert gas (G.sub.i) and at least one gas (G.sub.L) separated from the liquid (L), the second circuit (GC2) (20, 120) being in contact with the inner surface (32, 132) of the membrane (3, 103) and communicating with the first gas circuit (GC1) (10, 110), the second gas circuit (GC2) (20, 120) circulating at least one gas (G.sub.L) separated from the liquid to a device (50, 150) for measuring at least one parameter of the gas (G.sub.L) separated from the liquid.

14. Method, according to claim 12, wherein measuring the diffusion and/or permeation stream through the membrane or membranes is carried out by maintaining a zero or insignificant concentration at the surface of the membrane or membranes on the permeate side, causing a stream of inert gas to pass over the surface, said stream of inert gas flowing in an open circuit.

15. Method according to claim 12, wherein measuring the concentration or the partial pressure of at least one dissolved gas by means of a measurement device (50, 150) is carried out by subtracting the value of the inert gas flow rate from the value of the total flow rate of gas sent to the measurement device (50, 150).

16. The method according to claim 12, wherein the method is performed to study the concentration of a dissolved gas, for the study of an area of cold seep and/or hydrothermal springs on the floor of the ocean, for the study of the ocean dynamics located by atmospheric tracers dissolved in water, for the geochemical characterization of the source of hydrocarbons, for environmental surveillance of offshore oil installations, for prospecting new oil- and/or gas-rich areas on the floor of the ocean and/or water tables, for the studying pollution by hydrocarbons dissolved in a water table, or in the context of an industrial process, for an industrial processing or chemical reaction process and/or a process involving living matter.

17. The device of claim 5, wherein an inlet of the second gas circuit (GC2) (20, 120) opening onto each of the membranes (M1; M2) (3, 103) and/or an inlet of the first gas circuit (GC1) (10, 110) opening onto each of the membranes (M1; M2) (3, 103).

18. The device of claim 5, wherein the device (1, 101) comprises at least one tubular gas-liquid separation membrane (3, 103).

19. The device of claim 6, further comprising a trap for the gas (G.sub.L), that is separated from the liquid, or a device for the separation of the gas (G.sub.L) separated from the liquid of the inert gas (G.sub.i).

20. Device according to claim 1, further comprising a device for maintaining a zero or insignificant concentration at the surface of the membrane or membranes on the permeate side and one or more control and/or measurement devices of all of the secondary parameters, significantly influencing the permeation and/or the diffusion through the membrane or membranes.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0160] In the figures:

[0161] FIG. 1 diagrammatically represents an embodiment according to the invention having a double membrane.

[0162] FIG. 2 represents a longitudinal section along the section A-A of the membrane represented in FIG. 1.

[0163] FIG. 3 represents a longitudinal section along the section B-B of the membrane represented in FIG. 1.

[0164] FIG. 4 diagrammatically represents an embodiment having more specifically gas circuits utilizing two membranes in the form of discs.

[0165] FIG. 5 diagrammatically represents an embodiment having a tubular membrane.

[0166] FIG. 6 diagrammatically represents an embodiment having more specifically gas circuits utilizing a tubular membrane.

[0167] FIG. 7 represents a graph of the evolution of the concentration of methane over time comparing the measurements obtained with a probe of the prior art prior art and the device according to the invention Invention.

[0168] FIG. 8 represents a graph of the evolution of the concentration of methane over time as a function of the flow rate of liquid (water).

[0169] FIG. 9 represents the effect of the variation of the flow rate of inert gas on the measurement of the concentration of methane as a function of the total flow rate of gas.

[0170] FIG. 10 represents a diagrammatic view of the information at the input and results at the output of a computer or a microprocessor according to an embodiment example of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0171] FIG. 1 shows a body 1 having, for example, a fixed part 15, a removable part 14 and at least two housings 2 for membranes 3 placed facing one another. A device according to the present invention can comprise 1, 2, 3, 4 or more membranes. With reference to FIG. 1, the arrangement of a membrane is described more specifically, the arrangement of a second membrane being substantially identical, the second membrane being situated on the opposite face of the body 1 allowing housing of the membrane. The housing 2 can be produced in the form of a recess in the fixed 15 and/or removable 14 part of the body. According to an embodiment, the removable part 14 has at least one liquid inlet orifice 5, the liquid preferably being situated outside the device and at least one outlet orifice 6 of this liquid. A seal 7 ensures the inner cavity is sealed to the surrounding liquid. Thus the liquid circulating in the liquid circulation circuit (LC) remains confined to the outside of the membrane 3. The liquid is in contact with the outer surface 31 of the membrane. The membrane 3 is capable of separating at least one gas dissolved in the liquid during contact of the liquid with the outer surface 31 of the membrane 3. Advantageously, the stream of liquid flows along a plane substantially parallel to the outer longitudinal surface of the membrane 3. The liquid flow (L) 30 can be carried out for example by means of a pump. Advantageously, the inlet 5 and outlet 6 orifices of the liquid circulation circuit are placed so as to avoid the presence of bubbles of gas such as for example air in contact with the outer surface 31 of the membrane 3. According to an embodiment, when the device is placed in a liquid volume, the inlet orifice 5 is situated in a lower part of the outlet orifice 6 of the liquid circuit. According to an embodiment, the inlet 5 and outlet 6 orifices are placed diametrically opposite or on opposite edges of the membrane 3.

[0172] According to an embodiment, the membrane 3 can be placed in contact with an element 8 for supporting the membrane 3, holding the membrane 3 in position and withstanding the pressure of the liquid. According to a variant, the membrane 3 is placed in contact with a support element 8 withstanding a high liquid pressure, such as for example when the device is deployed in a deep volume of water. Typically the element 8 for supporting the membrane 3 withstands a pressure of at least 40 Mpa, preferably 60 Mpa. According to a variant, the support element 8 comprises or is constituted by a sintered metal. Advantageously, the support element 8 has a shape similar to the shape of the membrane 3.

[0173] According to a variant, the support element 8 is in contact with the inner surface 32 of the membrane 3.

[0174] Advantageously, the support element 8 is porous to the gas or gases extracted from the liquid and to the inert gas (G.sub.i) and does not affect the gas extracted from the liquid, at least one parameter of which is to be measured.

[0175] The device comprises a first circuit 10 for circulating inert gas (G.sub.i) in contact with the inner surface 32 of the membrane 3. According to an embodiment, the first circulation circuit 10 has a pipe 11 opening onto the solid element 8 for supporting the membrane 3 so that the inert gas (G.sub.i) circulating in the first circulation pipe 10 flows through the support element 8. According to an embodiment, the pipe 11 opening onto the support element 8 is positioned substantially on the periphery of the surface of the support element 8. Typically, the pipe 11 comprises an orifice 12 in contact with the support element 8. According to an embodiment, the orifice 12 is situated facing the liquid outlet orifice 6.

[0176] Advantageously, the first circulation circuit 10 makes it possible for the inert gas to flow over substantially all of the inner surface 32 of the membrane 3. According to an advantageous embodiment, the support element 8 has a beveled edge, for example chamfered, so as to distribute the gas stream of inert gas over all of the periphery of the membrane 3 and thus create a gas stream of inert gas from the periphery of the membrane 3 (over the inner surface 32) to the second circulation circuit 20. The second circulation circuit 20 will make it possible to evacuate the inert gas in a mixture with the gas extracted from the liquid through the membrane 3. The gas dissolved in the liquid thus passes from the liquid circuit through the membrane 3, the extracted gas being driven by a differential pressure (for example created by a vacuum pump in the second circulation circuit) towards the second circulation circuit 20.

[0177] According to an embodiment, the second circulation circuit 20 has a pipe 21 opening onto the solid element 8 for supporting the membrane 3 so that the inert gas and the extracted gas in contact with the membrane are directed towards the second gas circuit 20. According to an embodiment, the pipe 21 opening onto the support element 8 is positioned substantially in the central part of the support element 8. Typically, when the membrane 3 and the support element 8 have a circular periphery, the orifice 22 of the second gas circuit is substantially placed at the centre.

[0178] According to an embodiment, the pipe 11 of the first gas circuit 10 and the pipe 21 of the second gas circuit 20 has as many orifices as the device has membranes. In a device comprising two membranes, the pipe 11 and the pipe 21 have two orifices.

[0179] Advantageously, the second gas circuit 20 is in communication with an item of equipment for analyzing at least one parameter of at least one dissolved gas contained in the gas stream circulating in the second gas pipe 20.

[0180] All of the device can be firmly fixed by fastening means 9, such as for example screws, nuts/bolts, firmly holding together the fixed part 15 and the removable part 14 of the body 1.

[0181] FIG. 2 represents the cross section A-A of an embodiment according to FIG. 1. This cross-section makes it possible to identify more specifically the housing 2 of the body 1 receiving the membrane 3 and the support element 8. The membrane 3 is placed on the surface of the support element 8. According to an embodiment, the support element 8 is positioned in a recess of the fixed part 15 of the body 1 and the membrane 3 is positioned at the surface of the support element 8 facing a recess of the removable part 14 of the body 1, which are firmly fixed by fastening elements 9. In FIG. 2 can be seen a space 13 forming a circulation space 30 of the liquid between the inlet 5 and outlet 6 orifices. Thus the liquid stream flows substantially parallel to the surface of the membrane 3 such that all of the surface of the membrane is in contact with the liquid circulating in the liquid circuit 30. According to this embodiment, the two support elements 8 are in connection with the second gas circuit 20, making it possible to convey the gas extracted from the liquid to a measurement device 50 (not shown). According to this embodiment, the pipe 21 opens by means of the orifices 22 onto the support elements 8. The seal 7 can be for example an O-ring housed in a recess of the removable 14 or fixed 15 part.

[0182] According to an advantageous embodiment, the device can comprise a gas-tight seal 17. Advantageously, the device operates under a pressure less than that of the surrounding environment and requires total sealing of the gas circuits. Advantageously, the gas circuits must be isolated from contact with a gas outside the device.

[0183] FIG. 3 represents the cross section B-B of the device represented in FIG. 1. In particular the first gas circuit 10 and the second circulation circuit 20 can be seen, which comprise respectively a pipe 11, 21 and orifices 12, 22 opening onto the support elements 8.

[0184] In FIG. 4 the liquid circuit 130 can be seen, comprising a liquid inlet by means of an orifice 105 and a liquid outlet by means of an orifice 106. The liquid stream in the liquid circuit 130 is in contact with a gas/liquid separation device comprising or consisting of a membrane 103 placed on a support element 108. The liquid stream in the liquid circuit 130 is more particularly in contact with the outer surface 133 of the membrane 103. For example a pump 102 is used in order to maintain a constant liquid flow rate. The first gas circuit 110 comprises a pipe 111 opening by means of the orifice 112 onto the support element 108, porous to the inert gas contained in the first gas circuit 110 so that the stream of inert gas sweeps the inner surface 132 of the membrane 103, and advantageously over a maximum surface area of the inner surface 132 of the membrane. According to an embodiment, the inert gas can be contained in a reservoir 170, situated for example outside or inside the body 101 shown here diagrammatically by a dotted line. The inert gas can advantageously be circulated by a pressurized pump or reservoir, for example the reservoir 170. The pressure can be for example from 30 to 40 bar. Advantageously, the first gas circuit 110 comprises a pressure reducing valve 171, for example bringing the pressure to approximately 1.5 bar(a) (absolute pressure). The pressure of the inert gas G.sub.i is reduced by a pressure reducing valve 171 to an operating pressure of the flow controller 175.

[0185] According to an advantageous embodiment, the first gas circuit 110 comprises a gas stream controller 175 making it possible to control the flow rate of the gas stream in the first gas circuit 110.

[0186] The second gas circuit 120 advantageously comprises a vacuum pump 140 making it possible to ensure the circulation of the gas stream comprising the gas extracted from the liquid in the second gas circuit 120. According to a variant, the gas is pumped through the measurement device 150 and stored in a reservoir 200. According to a variant, the gas is pumped through the measurement device 150 and purified in a device 201 for purifying the inert gas and returned to the first gas circuit GC1.

[0187] FIG. 5 represents an embodiment different from FIG. 1, utilizing a membrane 103 that is tubular in shape. The device comprises a liquid pump 160, typically a water pump, remote from the body 101 advantageously forming a housing for at least one instrument 150 for measuring at least one parameter of at least one gas to be analyzed and to be extracted from the liquid. The liquid pump 160 is housed in the vessel comprising one or more inlet orifices 105 of a liquid stream. The liquid pump 160 circulates the liquid in the liquid circuit 110, the liquid circuit 110 opening onto an outlet orifice 106 ejecting the liquid from the body of the device 101. According to an embodiment, the outlet orifice 106 is placed opposite the inlet orifice 105, and preferably close to the inner diameter of the membrane seal so that the surface of contact of the liquid stream with the surface of the membrane 33, 133 is maximized for extraction of dissolved gas through the membrane. Advantageously, the outlet orifice 106 is arranged and positioned in order to minimize a pressure change effect on the flow rate of the stream passing through the membrane 133.

[0188] A tubular membrane 3 is held in place by means of one or more fastening elements 109. The tubular membrane 103 can be deposited on a support element 108 porous to the gas to be extracted from the liquid, typically produced from sintered metal.

[0189] The device has an inert gas vessel 170 remote from the body 101 making it possible for the inert gas to flow in the first gas circuit 120. FIG. 5 does not give details of the gas circulation circuit. An example of the gas circulation circuit can be seen more accurately in FIG. 6.

[0190] In FIG. 6 the liquid circuit 130 can be seen, comprising a liquid inlet by means of an orifice 105 and a liquid outlet by means of an orifice 106. The liquid stream in the liquid circuit 130 is in contact with a gas/liquid separation device comprising a membrane 103 placed on a support element 108 which is fastened by a fastening element 109. The liquid stream in the liquid circuit 130 is more particularly in contact with the outer surface 133 of the membrane 103. The first gas circuit 110 comprises a pipe 111 opening by means of the orifice 112 onto the support element 108, porous to the inert gas contained in the first gas circuit 110 so that the stream of inert gas sweeps the inner surface 132 of the membrane 103, and advantageously over a maximum surface area of the inner surface 132 of the membrane. According to an embodiment, the inert gas can be contained in a reservoir 170, situated for example outside or inside the body 101. The inert gas can advantageously be circulated by a pressurized pump or reservoir, for example the reservoir 170. The pressure can be for example from 30 to 40 bar. Advantageously, the first gas circuit 110 comprises a pressure reducing valve 171, for example bringing the pressure to approximately 1.5 bar(a). According to an advantageous embodiment, the first gas circuit 110 comprises a gas stream controller 175 making it possible to control the flow rate of the gas stream in the first gas circuit 110.

According to an embodiment, the second gas circuit 120 comprises a device for measuring the gas stream 180. The second gas circuit 120 advantageously comprises a vacuum pump 140 making it possible to ensure the circulation of the gas stream in the second gas circuit 120. According to a variant, the gas of the second gas circuit GC2 is purified in a purification device 201 and the inert gas G.sub.i present in the second gas circuit GC2 is returned to the first gas circuit GC1.

[0191] Advantageously, the device for measuring the gas stream 180 is in communication with at least one measurement instrument 150. Typically, the measurement instrument 150 is a spectrometer. According to a particular embodiment, the measurement instrument 150 is a gas analyzer, for example based on a laser infra-red absorption spectroscopy technique.

[0192] The following examples present embodiments of the present invention:

Example 1: Analysis of the Concentration of Methane in an Ocean

[0193] FIG. 7 shows comparative results obtained with the device of the invention and a device according to the prior art. The instruments were both placed in a water reservoir of approximately 15 L with an atmospheric concentration of dissolved methane of approximately 2 ppm (parts per million). At approximately 18 h30, a portion of water (approximately 500 ml) enriched with methane was added to the water reservoir. In FIG. 7, it is noted that the instrument according to the invention makes it possible to provide a response on the methane concentration almost immediately (approximately 15 seconds response time), unlike the probe of the prior art (prior art) which requires more than 40 minutes without being able to provide the real measurement of the methane content. In fact, the signal is smoothed by the long response time of the instrument. Thus according to the prior device, it is not possible to know the initial maximum concentration of methane in the water.

Example 2: Effect of the Flow Rate of Water

[0194] The effect of the flow rate of water on the analysis carried out for example by a device described above with reference to FIG. 1 was studied. The inlet of the liquid, here water, containing dissolved methane was brought into communication with a reservoir containing water and the dissolved gas in order to draw the liquid through the device according to the invention.

[0195] Table 1 below and FIG. 8 show the data and the results obtained.

TABLE-US-00001 Reservoir parameters Flow rate of water (ml/min) Flow rate of CH4 280 450 770 1300 1600 2000 gas Temperature Pressure Conc Flow Flow Flow Flow Flow Flow Ncm.sup.3/mn C. mbar(a) ppm Conc rate Conc rate Conc rate Conc rate Conc rate Conc rate 100 25 1003 3 0.56 1.6 0.75 1.63 0.97 1.675 1.4 1.73 1.55 1.75 1.69 1.78 100 25 1003 8 1.34 1.64 2 1.69 2.4 1.72 3.24 1.77 3.5 1.81 3.85 1.83 100 25 1003 15 2.5 1.74 2.75 1.78 3.3 1.85 4.2 1.91 4.7 1.925 5.2 1.94 100 25 1003 30 2.55 1.94 3.57 2 4.48 2.05 5.85 2.13 6.3 2.2 6.75 2.24

[0196] The concentrations (Conc) are expressed in ppm and the flow rates in Ncm.sup.3/mn.

Example 3: Effect of the Flow Rate of Inert Gas

[0197] FIG. 9 represents an example of the effect of the variation of the flow rate of inert gas on measuring the concentration of methane as a function of the total flow rate of gas. The measurement is carried out for a liquid comprising a concentration of 15 ppm methane. This diagram shows that the flow rate of the gas stream needs to be well controlled and accurately measured. When the flow rate of the inert gas is zero, it is not possible to obtain the methane concentration. When the flow rate of inert gas increases, it is possible to measure the methane concentration. The flow rate of gas analyzed by the measurement device can vary by adjusting the flow rate of inert gas. The greater the flow rate of inert gas, the more the methane is diluted in the total gas stream. This shows the benefit of diluting a gas sample with the inert gas. For example, if the concentration of gas to be measured (here methane) was 1000 ppm in the liquid, it would be necessary to dilute this gas with the inert gas in order to avoid saturating the measurement device.

Concentration of methane in the reservoir: 15 ppm
Flow rate of water: 280 ml/min
Flow rate of extracted gas (approx.) 0.2 Ncm.sup.3/mn

TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Total flow rate of gas CH4 Conc Ncm.sup.3/mn ppm 1 response too long 1.32 3.6 1.7 2.35 2.5 1 3.4 0.67 4.35 0.42 5.3 0.33

Example 4: Flow Chart for Processing by a Computer

[0198] FIG. 10 shows an example of a flow chart for processing by a computer or a microprocessor in which is given as input information for example: [0199] the material of the membrane, the material of the membrane support, the configuration of the membrane, the type of carrier gas; [0200] the analysis parameters, such as for example the gas concentration (ppm), the gas pressure (mbar), the gas temperature ( C.), the concentration of water vapour (%); [0201] the parameters of the liquid, such as for example the liquid flow rate (ml/min), the total pressure of the liquid (MPa), the temperature of the liquid ( C.), the temperature of the membrane ( C.), the salinity (g/kg), the presence of other gases, elements or compounds; [0202] the parameters of the flow rate of gas, such as for example the flow rate of the carrier gas (Ncm.sup.3/mn), the total flow rate of gas (Ncm.sup.3/mn); [0203] general information, such as for example the position of the instrument, the date and the time, any additional data of interest; [0204] the equations, such as for example solubility equations, the calibration parameters and any corrections;

[0205] The computer obtains results at the outlet, such as for example: [0206] the flow rate through the membrane; [0207] the solubility; [0208] the correction factors; [0209] the concentration of the gas separated from the liquid (ppm or nmol/kg).