Response surface methods Preliminaries

Recently there has been a growing emphasis on the use of transient methods to study the mechanism and kinetics of catalytic reactions (16, 17, 18). These transient studies gained new impetus with the introduction of computer-controlled catalytic converters for automobile emission control (19) in this large-scale catalytic process the composition of the feedstream is oscillated as a result of a feedback control scheme, and the frequency response characteristics of the catalyst appear to play an important role (20). Preliminary studies (e.g., 15) indicate that the transient response of these catalysts is dominated by the relaxation of surface events, and thus it is necessary to use fast-response, surface-sensitive techniques in order to understand the catalyst s behavior under transient conditions. 

Preliminary research has shown that Brillouin fiber-optic sensing systems provide a possible method to detect leaks and third-party intrusion on a pipeline over distances of 25 km or more. Their intrinsic response to both temperature and mechanical strain allows for the separation of these parameters and the detection of anomalies in the scan profiles. In addition, the same sensor could be integrated into the pipeline system to detect possible ground movement relative to fixed reference points. Limited test results on surface loads associated with the intrusion of vehicles and people on a pipeline have demonstrated the sensitivity of the system and its ability to discriminate loads at different soil depths. 

---