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The article focuses on petroleomics, the chemical analysis of mixtures using mass spectrometric methods. Professor Alan Marshall from the Florida State University offers insight on the importance of exact mass measurement and data handling to describe hydrocarbons in petroleum production. Mass spectrometry (MS) is used by developers in searching for underwater petroleum reserves. The author also discusses significant information related to the high-resolution MS analysis.

The article discusses a method of measuring unburned carbon in flyash using an automated, online monitor. It is stated that part of the means to achieve the low carbon levels in flyash lies with improved flyash monitoring. Among the benefits of online carbon-in-ash (CIA) monitors are increased combustion efficiency and reduced amount of flyash requiring disposal and landfilling. The operating principle behind the method involves measuring the amount of unburned carbon in flyash sample time using an inertial mass measurement or thermal oxidation technique.

The article focuses on the ability to execute accurate mass measurements in mass spectrometry (MS), a tool to aid in the determination of unknown compounds. Further developments in data processing methods show the ability to prevail mass accuracy in the 5-10 ppm range on routine single- and tandem-quadrupole systems (1,2), sufficient for formula identification. However, the identification is unique on high resolution systems that are efficient in measuring mass accuracy in the 1-3 ppm range.

Discusses the resurgence of exact mass measurement with fourier transform mass spectrometry (FTMS). Basis of high-resolution FTMS; Way to achieve exact mass measurement; Factor which contributed to the growth in the commercial FTMS instruments market.

Focuses on the use of Coriolis mass meters, a mass meter that able to handle an extensive range of applications and fluids, as a liquid measurement. Information about Coriolis force meters; Discussion on the measurement theory; Method in the selection of Coriolis force meters; Applications of the Coriolis mass flowmeter; Information about the mass flowmeter on the petroleum industry; Factors to consider in the proper installation of the meter.

Discusses the units used in mass spectrometry. Units for the x axis in the mass spectrum; Relative masses of various chemical elements; Standard units of mass and charge.

The article offers information on tuning and optimization of gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Topics discussed include calibration requirement for optimal instrument response, perfluorotributylamine (PFTBA) fragment ions used for calibration of the mass axis, and Autotune used for mass analyzer. It also mentions frequency of tuning and calibration required for the stability of modern instruments.

The article reports on the method discovered by researchers at a European Union-sponsored project for measuring masses at the atomic level by using carbon nanotubes. It states that research group turns a single nanotube into a transistor and used its vibration to modulate a current passing through it. Moreover, the researchers believe that they will be able to draw mass measurements of various types of molecules and atoms in real time.

The article reports that the International Organization for Standardization has published a new version of the SI Guide, a small manual for the use of the International System of Units. The SI is a comprehensive metric and decimal system based on units and derived units. The seven base units measure length, mass, time, electric current, thermodynamic temperature, amount of substance, and luminous intensity. The 32-page SI Guide should be useful for many people, including engineers and scientists.

Reports on a nanometer-sized silicon cantilever scale that can weigh objects at the attogram level developed by graduate student B. Rob Ilic, physics professor Harold G. Craighead and coworkers. Development using standard lithography procedures; Oscillation of the cantilever when irradiated with a laser.