Abstract: Apparatus and methods provide rapid analysis of members of a combinatorial library. The apparatus includes a plurality of reactor vessels for containing individual library members, a fluid handling system that apportions a test fluid about equally between each of the vessels, and a housing for enclosing the reactor vessels. The housing defines a pressure chamber configured to sustain a pressure substantially above atmospheric pressure. This allows for simultaneous screening of library members at high pressure by providing a small pressure differential on reactor components. The apparatus is used for screening library members based on their ability to catalyze the conversion of fluid reactants.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus implementing techniques for separating and/or analyzing fluid mixtures. The techniques employ microfluidic separation devices that include an inlet port for receiving a fluid feed stream, a microscale fluid flow channel in fluid communication with the fluid inlet port, a phase equilibrium control region located along the fluid flow channel for controlling conditions including temperature and/or pressure to provide a thermal equilibrium, a capillary network in the temperature control region, a first outlet port in indirect fluid communication with the fluid flow channel through the capillary network, and a second outlet port in direct fluid communication with the fluid flow channel. A plurality of microfluidic separation devices can be coupled in fluidic communication to provide for separation of complex mixtures. The systems, methods and apparatus can be used to characterize fluid mixtures.