Abstract: The present invention is a pressure vessel device. The device is comprised of a vessel body having an open end. The device also comprises an end cap disposed on the open end of the body. A self-energizing seal is disposed between the end cap and the vessel body to seal them together. Preferably, the seal consists of a C-shaped polymeric body with a stainless steel spring or an O-ring in the middle. The spring pushes two lips of the seal out. One lip of the seal touches the body of the vessel and the other lip of the seal touches the cap. When the pressure inside the vessel increases, it acts against the seal and pushes the lips even further towards the wall. In order to eliminate bolts, the cap can be threaded to the vessel body. The threads provide an additional bonus in that a simpler motor mechanism can feed the cap into the vessel thereby providing an automated method of opening and closing the vessel. This simple automation provides considerable amount of safety to the operator.

Abstract: A supercritical water oxidation reactor includes a vessel with an interior urface, two cooling sections, a heat exchanger, an oxygenating section, a pump, and a trap. The interior surface of the vessel has a corrosion-resistant, artificial ceramic or diamond-like coating. The artificial diamond coating is thin and crystal-like in structure. The heat exchanger is located between the two cooling sections. The heat exchanger and the two cooling sections surround the exterior of the vessel. The oxygenating section comprises a porous cylindrical baffle positioned within the vessel. The porous baffle transfers oxygen, hydrogen peroxide, or other oxygenating substances to an aqueous hazardous waste introduced into the reactor.In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the oxygenating section includes a shaft having a helical extension. The shaft has a corrosion-resistant, artificial diamond or diamond-like coating on its outer surface.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for manipulating fluid flow. The apparatus includes a member having a channel through which fluid flows and at least one opening of a predetermined diameter in communication with the channel. The opening controls the fluid flow thereacross. At least a portion of the member is in thermal contact with the opening and is made of a material reactive with electromagnetic energy. There is also a device for providing electromagnetic energy. The providing device is in communication with the portion of the member reactive to electromagnetic energy such that the electromagnetic energy heats the portion of the member. The present invention also pertains to an apparatus for restricting fluid flow. The restricting apparatus includes a member having a first surface, a second surface opposing the first surface and an opening between the first and second surface for restricting the fluid flow therethrough. The member is made of sapphire or ruby.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for the supercritical extraction of a sample from a liquid medium. The method and apparatus provide for the recirculation of the supercritical fluid containing the sample through the liquid containing sample until at least a portion of the sample has been extracted.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention supercritical fluid chromatographic separation may be accomplished by apparatus which includes a column, an oven for maintaining the temperature of a sample in the oven, an injector for delivering a sample containing fluid to the column and a pump for delivering carrier fluid to the injector. A discharge outlet for receiving processed fluid from the column contains one or two restrictors and a nozzle for discharge of processed fluid. The pump also delivers fluid which is the carrier fluid not containing the sample to a position in the pressure control inlet so as to alter the linear velocity of the sample containing fluid through the column. A controller controls operation of the oven and pump. A valve and a transducer may be positioned in the line between the pump and the discharge outlet in order to permit adjustment of the pressure of the unprocessed carrier fluid being introduced into the discharge outlet by the controller.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention supercritical fluid chromatographic separation may be accomplished by apparatus which includes a column, an oven for maintaining the temperature of a sample in the oven, an injector for delivering a sample containing fluid to the column and a pump for delivering carrier fluid to the injector. A discharge outlet for receiving processed fluid from the column contains one or two restrictors and a nozzle for discharge of processed fluid. The pump also delivers fluid which is the carrier fluid not containing the sample to a position in the pressure control inlet so as to alter the linear velocity of the sample containing fluid through the column. A controller controls operation of the oven and pump. A valve and a transducer may be positioned in the line between the pump and the discharge outlet in order to permit adjustment of the pressure of the unprocessed carrier fluid being introduced into the discharge outlet by the controller.