Warranty periods for production lots based on fatigue-test data

A two-parameter Weibull model for failure time is assumed. An easily implemented method is developed for calculating, from information obtained from a possibly censored life test, an approximate warranty period before which the $\text{k}$th failure occurs in a production lot of given size with some small specified probability. The precision of the approximation is investigated and a numerical example applied to failure data is given.The procedure developed can also be used for obtaining lower prediction limits for ultimate strengths of composite structures in production lots of specified size and for certain models other than the Weibull.     

Cycle time distribution in circulating systems

The cycle time distribution (CTD) within closed, continuously circulating systems is defined and related to the residence time distributions of flow regions which make up such systems. Examples of the application of the CTD are noted and experimental methods for determining CTDs for various systems are summarized.     

Evaluation of a four-channel multiplexed electrospray triple quadrupole mass spectrometer for the simultaneous validation of LC/MS/MS methods in four different preclinical matrixes

A four-channel multiplexed electrospray interface on a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer was evaluated for the simultaneous validation of LC/MS/MS methods for the quantitation of loratadine and its metabolite, descarboethoxyloratadine, in four different biological matrixes. The assays were performed in rat, rabbit, mouse, and dog plasma from 1 to 1000 ng/mL using 96-well solid-phase extraction for sample preparation. The limit of quantitation of 1 ng/mL corresponded to 5.56 pg of each analyte injected on-column. For the drug, quality control samples (n = 6 at four concentrations) had precision ranging from 0.967 to 16.0% and accuracy ranging from -8.44 to 10.5% across all four species. For the metabolite, the precision ranged from 0.684 to 11.0% and the accuracy was between 6.36 and -9.06%. Intersprayer cross talk for the multiplexed electrospray ion source was evaluated as a function of analyte concentration and was less than 0.08% at concentrations as high as 1000 ng/mL. These results demonstrate the feasibility of using parallel analysis to reduce the time required for method validation and to increase sample throughput in drug development studies.     

Transition Metal Exchanged Zeolite Layers for Selectivity Enhancement of Metal-Oxide Semiconductor Gas Sensors

A novel method of improving the selectivity of metal oxide gas sensors has been developed by using catalytically active molecular sieve materials. They have been successfully introduced into a proprietary sensor array. The cracking patterns of linear alkanes over transition metal exchanged zeolite Y have been measured using a zeolite bed/GC/MS experimental set-up within a temperature range of 300degC to 400degC. Studies have been carried out regarding the effects of metal loading, zeolite type, material fabrication techniques, and operating temperature in relation to catalytic activity and selectivity. The composite sensors utilising the novel zeolite materials have been used in a custom built sensor rig that houses three dual electrode sensors and can measure real-time responses of these sensors to an introduced headspace generated from organic liquids     

Crossflow filtration testing of INEEL radioactive and non-radioactive waste slurries

Development of waste treatment processes for the remediation of radioactive wastes is currently under way at the Idaho Nuclear Technology and Engineering Center (INTEC), located at the Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory (INEEL). INTEC, formerly known as the Idaho Chemical Processing Plant, previously reprocessed nuclear fuel to retrieve fissionable uranium. Liquid waste raffinates resulting from reprocessing were solidified into a calcine material. Waste treatment processes currently being considered include the dissolution of the solidified calcine material and separation of residual undissolved solids (UDS). UDS in solution must be removed prior to downstream processes such as solvent extraction and ion exchange. Filtration experiments were conducted at the INEEL using a crossflow filter apparatus on radioactive and non-radioactive waste slurries [N.R. Mann, T.A. Todd, Evaluation and Testing of the Cells Units Crossflow Filter on INEEL Dissolved Calcine Slurries, INEEL/EXT-98-00749, Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory, Idaho Falls, ID, 1998]. The purpose of this testing was to evaluate the removal and operational efficiency of crossflow filtration on slurries of various solids loadings. The solids loadings tested were 0.19, 2.44 and 7.94 wt.%, respectively. A matrix of test patterns was used to determine the effects of transmembrane pressure and axial velocity on filtrate flux. Filtrate flux rates for each solids loading displayed a high dependence on transmembrane pressure, indicating that pressure filtration resistance limits filtrate flux. Filtrate flux rates for all solids loading displayed a negative dependency on axial velocity. This would suggest axial velocities tested were efficient at removing filter cake. Prior to testing of actual waste slurries, baseline water runs were performed. Filtrate flowrates observed during baseline water runs exhibited substantial decreases despite numerous backpulses and rinses, suggesting particles that were deeply embedded within the filter membrane as the result of shear-induced deagglomeration