Abstract: An apparatus and method for performing permeation testing on materials used in personal protective equipment is described. Two or more test cells are loaded with swatches of material and inserted into the testing apparatus. Chemicals to be tested on the material are loaded into one or more syringes and may be introduced into the top of the test cells as a liquid or a vapor. Vapor is collected from the bottom of the test cells, underneath the swatches of material, and tested for concentration of the chemicals being tested. The apparatus and method facilitates instantaneous breakthrough analysis, control of the sample environment and ease of operator use and calibration.

Abstract: Increased stability of derivitization agents on the surfaces of packing material used in choromatography is described. In particular, the stability of the organosilanes on silicia surfaces used in chromatography is increased, thereby creating a more durable coating of organosilanes. By increasing its stability, the organosilane entity becomes more resistant to de-bonding and the durability of the underlying surface is enhanced against dissolution. Thus, chromatographic separations are able to be performed at higher and lower pH ranges and higher temperatures. The stability can be increased through attachment of polydentate silanes which are either pre-polymerized and then surface bonded or can be bonded first and then cross-polymerized afterward, yielding a polymerized polycarbosilane backbone that is very stable against hydrolytic cleavage conditions.

Abstract: Increased stability of derivitization agents on the surfaces of packing material used in choromatography is described. In particular, the stability of the organosilanes on silicia surfaces used in chromatography is increased, thereby creating a more durable coating of organosilanes. By increasing its stability, the organosilane entity becomes more resistant to de-bonding and the durability of the underlying surface is enhanced against dissolution. Thus, chromatographic separations are able to be performed at higher and lower pH ranges and higher temperatures. The stability can be increased through attachment of polydentate silanes which are either prepolymerized and then surface bonded or can be bonded first and then cross-polymerized afterward, yielding a polymerized polycarbosilane backbone that is very stable against hydrolytic cleavage conditions.

Abstract: A fitting provides a means of making a union between a tube and a female fitting with low dead volume and without the use of tools. The fitting is comprised of a tube member that is pressed into the female fitting to automatically remove dead volume. The tube member is pressed into the fitting by a spring with the appropriate tension to hold the tube member against the expected pressure. The fitting also is comprised of a two piece nut assembly. The forward nut compresses a ferrule to create the high-pressure seal. The rearward nut is attached to the forward nut and provides compression and a holding means for the spring.

Abstract: Methods for the solvent extraction of organic analytes from a sample are provided. An organic solvent system is used to extract analytes under elevated temperatures and pressures above 100 psi but below supercritical conditions in short times and with low amounts of solvent. The extracted organic analytes are then removed by flowing a purge fluid through the extraction cell, the cell being maintained at a constant volume throughout the extraction and purging, afterwards the analytes being analyzed.

Abstract: An apparatus for receiving chemical compounds carried in a high pressure effluent fluid stream from supercritical fluid extraction. The apparatus includes a heated conduit connected to supercritical fluid extraction device through which an effluent stream flows. The exit port of the heated conduit is located within the airspace of a decompression zone which is free of liquid. A liquid solvent chamber is provided in open communication with the downstream end of the decompression zone into which the effluent stream flows for the recovery of chemical compounds therein.