Method of identifying chemicals by use of non-radioactive isotopes
US5677186A · kind A · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 2, 1995 |
| Grant date | Oct 14, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 2, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T436/21
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method is disclosed for identifying the source of a transported chemical shipment. The method employs either a chemical element or an organic compound with one or more atoms that are non-radioactive isotopes generally not found in nature. A small quantity of the isotopic compound is introduced into the storage vessel containing the chemical to be transported prior to shipment of the chemical. Upon arrival at its destination point, a sample of the chemical shipment is analyzed. Matching the isotopic compound found in the chemical with the isotopic compound introduced into the storage vessel prior to shipment is indicative that the shipped chemical is identical to the chemical received. Non-radioactive materials may further be employed for detecting the source of a newly introduced contaminant in a water supply. The chemical substance may be a non-radioactive isotope of the chemical shipment being transported.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.