Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methodologies, systems and apparatus for cooling pump heads and providing balanced cooling and heat transfer between multiple pump heads. Multi-pump systems that are used to pump fluids that vary greatly in density with minor changes in temperature, such as the mobile phase of a C02-based chromatography system, require highly stable temperature conditions. In order to achieve a substantially equal average heat transfer between multiple pump heads and a coolant fluid, coolant fluid may be flowed through coolant passageways within the pump heads in a recursive and/or parallel coolant flow patterns. Such recursive and/or parallel coolant fluid flow patterns provide increased stability in temperature, compressibility, and density of the fluids passing through a multi-pump system.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methodologies, systems and apparatus for cooling pump heads and providing balanced cooling and heat transfer between multiple pump heads. Multi-pump systems that are used to pump fluids that vary greatly in density with minor changes in temperature, such as the mobile phase of a C02-based chromatography system, require highly stable temperature conditions. In order to achieve a substantially equal average heat transfer between multiple pump heads and a coolant fluid, coolant fluid may be flowed through coolant passageways within the pump heads in a recursive and/or parallel coolant flow patterns. Such recursive and/or parallel coolant fluid flow patterns provide increased stability in temperature, compressibility, and density of the fluids passing through a multi-pump system.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methodologies, systems and apparatus for cooling pump heads and providing balanced cooling and heat transfer between multiple pump heads. Multi-pump systems that are used to pump fluids that vary greatly in density with minor changes in temperature, such as the mobile phase of a CO2-based chromatography system, require highly stable temperature conditions. In order to achieve a substantially equal average heat transfer between multiple pump heads and a coolant fluid, coolant fluid may be flowed through coolant passageways within the pump heads in a recursive and/or parallel coolant flow patterns. Such recursive and/or parallel coolant fluid flow patterns provide increased stability in temperature, compressibility, and density of the fluids passing through a multi-pump system.

Abstract: Disclosed is an assembly for mixing fluids (i.e., gases or liquids), and more particularly an assembly that accurately mixes two or more high-pressure fluid sources and is adapted for use in applications, such as for example, chromatography. The mixer assembly (100) includes, inter alia, a housing (10), an inlet fitting (40), and a mixer cartridge assembly (60). The housing (10) has a fluid receiving section (16) and a fluid discharge section (18) with an outlet (20) formed therein. A central bore (22) extends between the fluid receiving section (16) and fluid discharge section (18). An inlet fitting (40) is engaged with the housing (10) and has first (42) and second (44) fluid ports formed therein that extend from the fitting exterior to the fluid receiving section (16) of the housing (10). A mixer cartridge assembly (60) is disposed within the central bore (22) of the housing (10) and is positioned between the inlet fitting (40) and the downstream end portion of the housing (10).

Abstract: Low-pressure and high-pressure reciprocating and rotary applications use seal assemblies to prevent leakage. One embodiment of a seal assembly includes a major annular body having opposing spaced-apart annular lips extending from a heel portion. The major annular body has a bore extending through the heel portion. A first spring is disposed between the lips, biasing the lips apart. A minor annular body extends from one of the lips of the major annular body. The minor annular body has opposing spaced-apart walls that extend from a base region and form a pocket. A second spring is disposed in the pocket between the spaced-apart walls, biasing the walls apart. During actuator operation, pressurized fluid urges one wall of the minor annular body against a pump head surface to produce a face seal and one of the lips of the major annular body against a rod surface to produce a radial seal.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methodologies, systems and apparatus for cooling pump heads and providing balanced cooling and heat transfer between multiple pump heads. Multi-pump systems that are used to pump fluids that vary greatly in density with minor changes in temperature, such as the mobile phase of a C02-based chromatography system, require highly stable temperature conditions. In order to achieve a substantially equal average heat transfer between multiple pump heads and a coolant fluid, coolant fluid may be flowed through coolant passageways within the pump heads in a recursive and/or parallel coolant flow patterns. Such recursive and/or parallel coolant fluid flow patterns provide increased stability in temperature, compressibility, and density of the fluids passing through a multi-pump system.

Abstract: Described is a method for purging a fluid channel is a low pressure gradient formation liquid flow system. Control of the fluid channels for multiple solvents allows for one or more static volumes of solvents not intended for use in an isocratic flow to be purged from their fluid channels to avoid contamination of the isocratic solvent. Advantageously, the method avoids the need to modify equipment or to reconfigure a pumping system so that the inlet is directly coupled to a single solvent source. Thus there is no need to bypass existing valves and liquid coupling components where solvents are combined during conventional gradient operation.

Abstract: A seal assembly for pressurized fluid applications, including supercritical fluid chromatography applications, includes an annular body and a helical wound flat spring. A bore extends through the annular body. The annular body has an outer lip and an inner lip opposed to and spaced apart from each other. The inner lip, outer lip and an overhanging lip portion of the outer lip define a pocket in which the helical wound flat spring is disposed. A load line of the helical wound flat spring is directed substantially along a direction of separation between the inner and outer lips to bias apart the lips. Embodiments of the seal assembly have an improved distribution of contact pressure between the inside diameter of the seal assembly and the plunger with which the inside diameter seals, and between the outside diameter of the seal assembly and a gland surface with which the outside diameter seals.

Abstract: Low-pressure and high-pressure reciprocating and rotary applications use seal assemblies to prevent leakage. One embodiment of a seal assembly includes a major annular body having opposing spaced-apart annular lips extending from a heel portion. The major annular body has a bore extending through the heel portion. A first spring is disposed between the lips, biasing the lips apart. A minor annular body extends from one of the lips of the major annular body. The minor annular body has opposing spaced-apart walls that extend from a base region and form a pocket. A second spring is disposed in the pocket between the spaced-apart walls, biasing the walls apart. During actuator operation, pressurized fluid urges one wall of the minor annular body against a pump head surface to produce a face seal and one of the lips of the major annular body against a rod surface to produce a radial seal.

Abstract: Disclosed is an assembly for mixing fluids (i.e., gases or liquids), and more particularly an assembly that accurately mixes two or more high-pressure fluid sources and is adapted for use in applications, such as for example, chromatography. The mixer assembly (100) includes, inter alia, a housing (10), an inlet fitting (40), and a mixer cartridge assembly (60). The housing (10) has a fluid receiving section (16) and a fluid discharge section (18) with an outlet (20) formed therein. A central bore (22) extends between the fluid receiving section (16) and fluid discharge section (18). An inlet fitting (40) is engaged with the housing (10) and has first (42) and second (44) fluid ports formed therein that extend from the fitting exterior to the fluid receiving section (16) of the housing (10). A mixer cartridge assembly (60) is disposed within the central bore (22) of the housing (10) and is positioned between the inlet fitting (40) and the downstream end portion of the housing (10).

Abstract: Described are embodiments of a pump that can be used, for example, in liquid chromatography applications. The pump includes a seal wash housing, pump head and seal assembly. A wear-resistant coating applied to a sealing surface or gland of the pump head or seal wash housing improves the hardness and chemical compatibility of the sealing surface. Oxidation of the sealing surface is reduced so that the sealing surface is less abrasive to the seal assembly and the lifetime of the seal assembly is increased.

Abstract: Described is a method for purging a fluid channel is a low pressure gradient formation liquid flow system. Control of the fluid channels for multiple solvents allows for one or more static volumes of solvents not intended for use in an isocratic flow to be purged from their fluid channels to avoid contamination of the isocratic solvent. Advantageously, the method avoids the need to modify equipment or to reconfigure a pumping system so that the inlet is directly coupled to a single solvent source. Thus there is no need to bypass existing valves and liquid coupling components where solvents are combined during conventional gradient operation.

Abstract: Described are embodiments of a pump having a diagnostic port that enables users and support personnel to diagnose the source of a pump leak. The diagnostic port is monitored visually or with a pressure or liquid detection sensor. In some embodiments, fluid detected at the diagnostic port corresponds to a leak around a circumference defined at an outer sealing surface of a high pressure seal. In other embodiments, fluid detected at the diagnostic port corresponds to a leak around a plunger at the inside diameter of the high pressure seal. Multiple diagnostic ports can be provided to allow separate determinations of leaks about the different portions of the high pressure seal. The embodiments may eliminate the need to disassemble the pump to determine the source of leaks. Thus the effort required to diagnose and repair the pump can be substantially reduced, and fewer misdiagnosed components are ordered or replaced.

Abstract: Described are embodiments of a pump that can be used, for example, in liquid chromatography applications. The pump includes a seal wash housing, pump head and seal assembly. A wear-resistant coating applied to a sealing surface or gland of the pump head or seal wash housing improves the hardness and chemical compatibility of the sealing surface. Oxidation of the sealing surface is reduced so that the sealing surface is less abrasive to the seal assembly and the lifetime of the seal assembly is increased.

Abstract: Described are embodiments of a pump having a diagnostic port that enables users and support personnel to diagnose the source of a pump leak. The diagnostic port is monitored visually or with a pressure or liquid detection sensor. In some embodiments, fluid detected at the diagnostic port corresponds to a leak around a circumference defined at an outer sealing surface of a high pressure seal. In other embodiments, fluid detected at the diagnostic port corresponds to a leak around a plunger at the inside diameter of the high pressure seal. Multiple diagnostic ports can be provided to allow separate determinations of leaks about the different portions of the high pressure seal. The embodiments may eliminate the need to disassemble the pump to determine the source of leaks. Thus the effort required to diagnose and repair the pump can be substantially reduced, and fewer misdiagnosed components are ordered or replaced.

Abstract: Disclosed is an assembly for mixing fluids (i.e., gases or liquids), and more particularly an assembly that accurately mixes two or more high-pressure fluid sources and is adapted for use in applications, such as for example, chromatography. The mixer assembly includes, inter alia, a housing, an inlet fitting, and a mixer cartridge assembly. The housing has a fluid receiving section and a fluid discharge section with a fluid outlet formed therein. A central bore extends between the fluid receiving section and fluid discharge section. An inlet fitting is engaged with the housing and has first and second fluid inlet ports formed therein that extend from the fitting exterior to the fluid receiving section of the housing. A mixer cartridge assembly is disposed within the central bore of the housing and is positioned between the inlet fitting and the downstream end portion of the housing.