Automated Sampling System Research Articles

Application of an automatic sampling and measurement system to a mountainous stream investigation during rain events

An automatic sampling and measurement system was developed to take water samples efficiently during rain events. The system consisted of an automatic sampler, a rain gauge and a data logger as well as sensors for pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and both water and air temperature. The system was tested in a stream in a forested watershed (5.8 km2) located in the middle of Hyogo prefecture, Japan. The sampling program has been improved gradually. For several rain events of 30 to 157 mm, most water samples were in agreement with the hydrograph from the beginning of each rainfall until the rain had stopped and the water level had begun to fall. The fluctuations in water quality in the samples taken by the automatic sampler during those rain events showed patterns similar to those of water samples taken by hand. There were also no problems with the water level or the EC sensor during the investigation periods, but the pH values were lower than those in the laboratory. The results showed that the system is suitable for taking water samples from mountainous streams during rain events.

Automatic continuous sampling system of surface plankton during cruise

Automatic continuous sampling system of surface plankton during cruise

Multielement monitoring for dissolved and acid-soluble concentrations of trace metals in surface seawater along the ferry track between Osaka and Okinawa as investigated by ICP-MS.

Multielement monitoring of the concentrations of trace metals dissolved in surface seawater collected at sampling stations along the ferry track between Osaka and Okinawa was performed by ICP-MS (inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry). The surface seawater samples were collected by an automated sampling system for on-board sampling, which was installed on the bottom of a ferryboat. A part of each seawater sample was filtered with a membrane filter (pore size of 0.45 microm) immediately after sampling. Both filtered and non-filtered seawater samples were acidified to pH ca. 1 by adding conc. HNO3, and were subjected to chelating resin preconcentration for the determination of trace metals by ICP-MS, where the concentrations of analyte metals in the filtered and non-filtered seawater samples were referred to as the dissolved and total concentrations, respectively. According to the thus-obtained results, it was found that most trace metals, especially below the 0.01 microg l(-1) as the dissolved and total concentrations, sensitively reflected the environmental pollution in the Osaka Bay and Seto Inland Sea area, as well as near to the Bungo Canal and the outlet of Kagoshima Bay.

207 ものづくりからの環境教育 : 酸性雨採取自動フタ開けコンテスト(技術教育II)(OS.15 技術教育)

Japan Acid rain Monitoring Net Work is one of a enviroment non goverment organigetion in Japan. It sponsored a idea contest of acid rain automatic sampling system.

Experimental study of an electric field mapping by use of a computer and an automatic sampling system

In order to visualize equipotential and electric field lines in a medium with an applied direct current voltage, one needs to sample potential values from uniform grids in the medium. The equipotential lines are then constructed by locating points with equal potential and connecting them together. Finally, electric field lines are obtained by drawing lines perpendicular to these equipotential lines. These experimental procedures take time and areprone to errors when performed in a student laboratory.To integrate computers and microcontroller systems with physics experiments, we have developed a prototype`automatic sampling system'. The system consists of a microcontroller and its peripherals to control mechanical parts whichmove the probe to locations within the sampling area, read potential values from those locations and send them back to a computer for analysis. The system together with a computer program can be effectively used to experimentally study an electric field mapping in different configurations of electrodes.

Field N 2O, CO 2 and CH 4 fluxes in relation to tillage, compaction and soil quality in Scotland

Tillage practices and weather affect the release of greenhouse gases but there have been few integrated studies of the quantities released or the mechanisms involved. No-tillage may increase emissions of nitrous oxide (N 2O) and the fixation of carbon by decreasing carbon dioxide (CO 2) emissions. Tillage may also decrease the oxidation rate of atmospheric methane (CH 4) in aerobic soil. These effects are partly due to compaction and to the lack of both soil disturbance and residue incorporation. Our objective was to investigate how tillage practices, soil conditions and weather interact to influence greenhouse gas emissions. Here we present early measurements of N 2O and CO 2 emission and CH 4 oxidation in two field experiments in Scotland under a cool moist climate, one involving soil compaction plus residue incorporation and the other involving no-tillage and two depths of mouldboard ploughing of a former grass sward. The experiments were located 10–15 km south of Edinburgh on a cambisol and a gleysol. In order to monitor emissions regularly, at short intervals and over long periods, a novel automatic gas sampling system which allows subsequent automated determination of both N 2O and CO 2 fluxes was used. Both N 2O and CO 2 fluxes were episodic and strongly dependent on rainfall. Peak N 2O emissions were mainly associated with heavy rainfalls after fertilisation, particularly with no-tilled and compact soils. In the tillage experiment, N 2O fluxes and treatment differences were greater under spring barley ( Hordeum vulgare L.) (up to 600 g N ha −1 per day) than under winter barley. CO 2 emissions in the few weeks after sowing were not strongly influenced by tillage and diurnal variations were related to soil temperature. However, periods of low or zero CO 2 fluxes and very high N 2O fluxes under no-tillage were associated with reduced gas diffusivity and air-filled porosity, both caused by heavy rainfall. Early results show that CH 4 oxidation rates may best be preserved by no-tillage. The quality of the loam/clay-loams and the climate in these experiments makes ploughing, preferably to 300 mm depth, and the control of compaction necessary to minimise soil N 2O and CO 2 losses. The gas exchange response of different soil types to tillage, particularly methane oxidation rate which is affected by long-term soil structural damage, is a potentially useful aspect of soil quality when taken in conjunction with other qualities.

99/01818 Bias testing of mechanical automatic sampling system installed at LAXT for loading export coals and petroleum cokes: Lee, J. M. et al. Prepr. Symp. Am. Chem. Soc., Div. Fuel Chem., 1998, 43, (3), 727–734

99/01818 Bias testing of mechanical automatic sampling system installed at LAXT for loading export coals and petroleum cokes: Lee, J. M. et al. Prepr. Symp. Am. Chem. Soc., Div. Fuel Chem., 1998, 43, (3), 727–734

Automated Sequential Sampler for Collection of Highly Volatile Atmospheric Contaminants

AbstractRapid and accurate measurement of atmospheric concentrations of highly volatile organic compounds is important in obtaining reliable information for the assessment of environmental pollution or the volatilization mechanisms of the chemicals. Nonmechanized sample collection requires intensive labor and effort, and may cause large random or systematic errors. An automated solenoid switching system was developed to assist in obtaining precise environmental concentrations of highly volatile organic compounds. The design, construction, and operation are described in the paper for potential application in similar studies. Using this sampling system, two experiments were conducted to determine atmospheric volatilization flux density of three highly volatile and reactive organic compounds (methyl bromide, 1,3‐dichloropropene, and propargyl bromide). The automated solenoid switching system significantly reduced the requirements for labor and time. Results from the two experiments indicate that reliable sample collection was achieved. The automated sampling system was also relatively inexpensive and can be easily modified to accommodate a variety of sources, sampling intervals, and multiple number of solenoid valves.

The Application of Near Infrared Spectroscopy to Evaluate Malting Quality

Near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy is a rapid technique which is used within plant breeding programs for the analysis of many grain traits. This study investigated the application of NIR analysis of wort samples to select malting quality cultivars in a barley breeding program. An automatic sampling and data capture system was developed which consisted of a Perten filter NIR instrument with a flow through cell module operating in transflectance mode interfaced with a computer, peristaltic pump and sample changer. Calibrations for hot water extract, free alpha-amino nitrogen and soluble protein were developed using multiple linear regression analysis based on four wavelength terms for each trait. The correlation coefficients for both calibration and prediction data sets were highly significant (P<0.01) and the standard error of prediction was similar to that obtained by standard methods. Cultivars with known malting quality were included in the experiments and their ranking by NIR was consistent with the standard methods. The reported calibrations have been used for over four years to screen early generation breeding lines for malting quality.

Measurements of fractionated gaseous mercury concentrations over northwestern and central Europe, 1995-99.

Although it makes up only a few per cent. of total gaseous mercury (TGM) in the atmosphere, the fraction of oxidised (divalent) mercury plays a major role in the biogeochemical cycle of mercury due to its high affinity for water and surfaces. Quantitative knowledge of this fraction present in mixing ratios in the parts-per-10(15) (ppq) range is currently very scarce. This work is based on approximately 220 data for divalent gaseous mercury (DGM) collected during 1995-99 in ambient air. Over the course of the measurements, the sampling and analytical methods were modified and improved. This is described here in detail and includes transition from wet leaching and reduction procedures to thermo-reductive desorption, the use of annular as well as tubular denuders and adoption of an automated sampling system. The concentration of DGM exhibited a strong seasonal behaviour in contrast to atomic gaseous mercury, with low values in winter and maximum values in summer. The DGM/TGM ratios were frequently found to be below the detection limit (< or = 1%) and in the range 1-5%. A trend of diurnal DGM patterns was observed and implies photolytically induced sources. Scavenging of DGM during rain events was also noticed.

Improving Indoor Air Quality Through the Use of Continual Multipoint Monitoring of Carbon Dioxide and Dew Point

This article summarizes an approach for improving the indoor air quality (IAQ) in a building by providing feedback on the performance of the ventilation system. The delivery of adequate quantities of ventilation to all building occupants is necessary for the achievement of good IAQ. Feedback on the performance includes information on the adequacy of ventilation provided, the effectiveness of the distribution of this air, the adequacy of the duration of operation of the ventilation system, and the identification of leakage into the return plenum, either of outdoor or supply air. Keeping track of ventilation system performance is important not only in terms of maintaining good IAQ, but also making sure that this system continues to perform as intended after changes in building use. Information on the performance of the ventilation system is achieved by means of an automated sampling system that draws air from multiple locations and delivers it to both a carbon dioxide monitor and dew point sensor. The use of single shared sensors facilitates calibration checks as well as helps to guarantee data integrity. This approach to monitoring a building's ventilation system offers the possibility of achieving sustainable performance of this important aspect of good IAQ.

Improving indoor air quality through the use of continual multipoint monitoring of carbon dioxide and dew point.

This article summarizes an approach for improving the indoor air quality (IAQ) in a building by providing feedback on the performance of the ventilation system. The delivery of adequate quantities of ventilation to all building occupants is necessary for the achievement of good IAQ. Feedback on the performance includes information on the adequacy of ventilation provided, the effectiveness of the distribution of this air, the adequacy of the duration of operation of the ventilation system, and the identification of leakage into the return plenum, either of outdoor or supply air. Keeping track of ventilation system performance is important not only in terms of maintaining good IAQ, but also making sure that this system continues to perform as intended after changes in building use. Information on the performance of the ventilation system is achieved by means of an automated sampling system that draws air from multiple locations and delivers it to both a carbon dioxide monitor and dew point sensor. The use of single shared sensors facilitates calibration checks as well as helps to guarantee data integrity. This approach to monitoring a building's ventilation system offers the possibility of achieving sustainable performance of this important aspect of good IAQ.

AUTOMATIC SAMPLING OF PERCHED WATER FROM VADOSE ZONE SHALLOW WELLS

Since the late 1970s there has been increased interest in understanding groundwater movement and solutetransport in the vadose zone. While it is widely recognized that the potential for significant lateral flow exists as waterperches above impeding layers in the vadose zone, conducting meaningful research on this phenomenon requires controlof land management over large areas. A 7500-ha holding available to the Tennessee Agricultural Experiment Station atthe Ames Plantation in West Tennessee provides such an opportunity for extensive vadose zone monitoring over largeareas. In 1991 an interdisciplinary team of researchers at The University of Tennessee began developing a researchfacility in a 994-ha agricultural watershed to monitor off-site movement of agricultural chemicals. A 10-ha no-tillage testsite was equipped with a centrally located 0.4-ha test plot and a monitoring system to characterize surface andsubsurface hydrology. Shallow wells to collect perched water, with screens at the loess-paleosol interface (1.8 to 2.8 mbeneath the soil surface), were installed at 23 locations on concentric circles with radii of 45, 60, 90, and 150 m from thecenter of the 0.4-ha test plot.<br><br>Potassium bromide was surface applied on 9 March 1993 to the 0.4-ha test plot at the rate of 300 kg/ha of Br. Datafrom shallow wells at the Ames Plantation Water Quality Project indicated extensive lateral movement of water in thevadose zone. Based on the spatial distribution of the shallow wells that yielded bromide, 17 additional shallow wells wereinstalled in March 1995 to more accurately characterize water movement at the loess-paleosol interface. An automaticsampling system was installed to collect samples from the 17 new wells as well as from four of the original wells. Thesampling system uses a liquid level switch and a datalogger to open a solenoid valve allowing vacuum from supply tanksto extract the sample from the well into sample collection jugs and to record the time the samples are extracted. Thesampling system is working well and is easily maintained by the field technician.

Development of Fly Ash Quality Control System.

In order to effectively utilize fly ash as reproduction resources, it is necessary to qualify physical and chemical properties of fly ash and to collect an evaluated quality of ash by selection and storage. So a fly ash qualify control system capable of measuring and analyzing the component and the particle size distribution of ash in onstream was developed and a demonstration plant is now installed on site. This quality control system consists of an automatic sampling system, a residual carbon content analyzer, an elementary composition analyzer, a quality evaluation equipment and the like, and is capable of operating automatically. This paper introduces its quality evaluation technique in this system and the result of its effectively demonstration test as well as the state of operating machines.

Direct determination of metal traces in process gases by atomic absorption spectrometry using automated analyte trapping

An analytical procedure is described for the determination of trace heavy metals in such process gases as gaseous hydrogen chloride, chlorine and trichloroborane by a modified electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETA-AAS) system. An automated sampling system allows trapping of analytes from a defined gas volume, and thus a short analysis time. Sample introduction is regulated by a magnetic valve, which is connected to the autoprobe of the spectrometer and to a control unit. Typical parameters, e.g., the temperature programme and the gas injection volume, were optimised. Calibration was carried out using standard addition of gaseous samples and standard solutions. Characteristic parameters, e.g. the detection limit, sensitivity and repeatability, have been determined. In addition to the quasi-on-line determination of elements, further investigations on indirect methods with a filter/impinger system are discussed.

Accurate Two-phase Oil Well Testing At High Water-oil Ratios

Abstract Industry standard well testing equipment using two-phase separation is often inadequate when used to test wells which produce at very high water-oil ratios. In the Redwater field, which currently produces at an average water:oil ratio of 115:1, two-phase tested wells have had their oil production overstated by as much as a factor of two. This paperdescribes inexpensive equipment and procedural improvements that were made to two-phase well testing systems in the Redwater field that resulted in dramatic improvements in well test accuracy. Background The Redwater oilfield was discovered in 1948 by Imperial Oil Limited. Early development was rapid and by 1952, 975 wells had been drilled on 40 acre spacing. Oil production comes from a Leduc age carbonate reef located some 945 m beneath the surface. The pool, which is supported by a strong bottom water drive, contained 1.3 billion barrels of original oil in place of which 63.5% is recoverable under primary production. Large submersible pumps were installed in' the 1970s to increase production and since the early 1980s the field has experienced a harmonic oil production decline and a continuing rise in water production. Oil production today is 1,500 m3/day compared with the peak rate of about 20,000 m3/day in the early 1970s. Water production is currently 170,000 m3/day for a field average water-oil ratio of 115: 1. The pool is not unitized but rather is competitively operated by 12 companies. The four major companies, who together own 96% of the pool, share a common gathering system and fieldgate battery where custody transfer occurs. Crude sharing is based on individual well tests conducted by each operator. The facilities installed to conduct well tests vary widely among producers. While some tests are conducted using three-phase test separators which separate oil, gas, and water into three distinct and separately metered streams, many are conducted using two-phase (liquid and gas) separators and sampling equipment. It is the two-phase facilities in particular that have proven to be inadequate in providing accurate well tests, particularly at the high water-oil ratios experienced in the Redwater field. Two-phase Well Test Equipment Two phase oil well testing equipment involves a two-phase separator which separates liquid and gaseous phases, and an automaticsampling system which is used to determine the water and oil content of the liquid flow stream. There are many (perhaps 20 or more) designs of samplers that are commonly used in well testing applications. In Redwater, these standard oil field equipment setups have proven to be inadequate for the intended application. The American Petroleum Institute (API) does not provide any recommendations on well testing or on sampling as it applies to well testing. In the API Manual of Petroleum Measurement Standards: Chapter 8-Sampling(1), there are standards for sampling of petroleum and petroleum products. However, these guidelines apply to custody transfer measurements of homogeneous pipeline products where the maximum water content is not greater than three to perhaps 5%. In well testing applications it is very typical to have to sample fluids with significantly higher water contents.

Automated Gas Injector System for Gas Chromatography: Atmospheric Nitrous Oxide Analysis

Improving estimates of the contribution of the terrestrial ecosystems to the global N2O budget will require high-frequency and large-scale gas flux measurement programs. Such programs are typically best performed by automated sampling systems. We developed a new automated gas injector system for gas chromatography. The system is based on a commercially available liquid sample changer and subambient pressure gas handling. The injector fills a sample loop and measures the exact sample pressure. The autosampler allows the unattended analysis of up to 220 N2O gas samples contained within 10-mL Vacutainers and an unlimited number of reference samples. A software package was developed to run the analytical system, including a gas chromatograph equipped with an electron capture detector for N2O analysis. Final results are calculated using the sample pressure and the integrated area data.

Measurements of atmospheric CO 2 and CH 4 using a commercial airliner from 1993 to 1994

A new automatic flask sampling system for the Boeing 747 commercial airliner was developed to observe CO 2 and CH 4 mixing ratios in the upper atmosphere at altitudes of 9–13 km. It was confirmed by a test flight that sample air collected using our system was useful for precise measurements of the trace gases in the upper atmosphere. Monthly air sampling was performed over the western Pacific between Narita in Japan and Cairns in Australia during 1993–1994. Measurements of both CO 2 and CH 4 in the Northern Hemisphere showed a clear seasonal cycle that was largely influenced by the seasonal variation in the lower troposphere. A significant decrease of mixing ratio during the winter season was observed in the CH 4 variation, suggesting the intrusion of lower stratospheric air into the upper troposphere. The seasonal variation of both the gases gradually decayed toward the equator, but a different seasonal cycle appeared in the Southern Hemisphere. This change indicated the significance of meridional transport of both gases through the upper troposphere into the Southern Hemisphere. The mixing ratio level of both gases showed a recent increase in the upper troposphere.

Determination of calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium in wines by FIA using an automatic zone sampling system

In this paper, an automatic flow injection system based on the zone sampling technique for the determination of calcium and magnesium in wines by atomic absorption spectrometry, and sodium and potassium by flame photometry, is described. A reproducible cleavage of a portion of the injected sample plug was achieved by using two computer-controlled rotatory valves. The developed methodology yielded up to a 2000-fold dilution, without a significant decrease in the sampling rate, which was never lower than 90 determinations per h for any of the species analyzed. The quality of the results obtained with the automatic system for several types of wines was evaluated by comparison with those obtained with the reference methods. A relative standard deviation of less than 3% was achieved for all the samples ( n = 15) and species analyzed.

Chronically indwelling venous cannula and automatic blood sampling system for use with nonhuman primates exposed to 60 Hz electric and magnetic fields

Chronically indwelling venous cannula and automatic blood sampling system for use with nonhuman primates exposed to 60 Hz electric and magnetic fields