Plural Separate And Distinct Stages Patents (Class 96/104)
  • Patent number: 11946915
    Abstract: A chromatography system has a cartridge adapter that is detachably attachable to enable a chromatography cartridge to be quickly interchanged. Chromatography cartridges are configured with threads for coupling to a corresponding interchangeable coupling component having matching threads. The interchangeable coupling component may be secured to the chromatography system by a coupling retainer. A coupling retainer may have a keyway that is configured for quick interchanging of the interchangeable coupling components. The interchangeable coupling component may have a pair of parallel sides that align with a slot of the keyway to secure the interchangeable coupling components to the coupling retainer. An inlet nipple of the chromatography cartridge may extend through an opening in the coupling components and couple to an inlet conduit for sample gas. Analyte gas may flow back to the chromatography system for detection and collection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: Supercritical Fluid Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Curtis Ebersold, Kim Ferrara
  • Patent number: 11940425
    Abstract: A comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatograph, comprising a sample injector, a primary dimension column, a two-position three-way valve, a secondary dimension column, a three-way tube, a heating oven and a detector, wherein an inlet end(s) of the sample injector is connected to a carrier gas line and as well to a sample line, and an outlet end thereof is connected to a first end of the primary dimension column, a second end of the primary dimension column is connected to a first branch of the three-way tube, a second branch of the T-union is connected to a first end of the secondary dimension column, a second end of the secondary dimension column is connected to an inlet of the detector, a third branch of the three-way tube is connected to a gas inlet of the two-position three-way valve, and a first gas outlet of the two-position three-way valve is connected to the carrier gas line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: Nanjing Nine Max Instrument Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Xiaosheng Guan, Zhijun Zhao, Hai Jiang
  • Patent number: 11933769
    Abstract: A multidimensional sample separation apparatus includes a first separation dimension for separating a fluidic sample, a second separation dimension for further separating the fluidic sample, a switching mechanism, and a control unit. The first separation dimension includes a first fluid drive unit and a first sample separation unit. The second separation dimension includes a second fluid drive unit for driving the separated fluidic sample, and second and third sample separation units each configured for further separating the separated fluidic sample. The switching mechanism is configured for selectively switching an outlet of the first separation dimension in fluid communication with a selected one of the second sample separation unit and/or the third sample separation unit. The control unit is configured for controlling a pressure at inlets of the second sample separation unit and the third sample separation unit to be substantially the same at least at the time of the switching.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Dwight Robert Stoll, Klaus Witt, Konstantin Shoykhet
  • Patent number: 11904258
    Abstract: Thermal isolation chambers that can be used to heat or cool a chromatography column are described. Certain configurations include at least one plate and an insulative barrier. The plate and insulative barrier can form a cyclical air flow path such that air in the cyclical air flow path can be provided to a chromatography column to remove heat from the chromatography column. The heat can be transferred to the plate. Systems including the thermal isolation chambers, and methods of using the thermal isolation chambers to perform chromatographic separations are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: PerkinElmer U.S. LLC
    Inventors: Chad Kingston, Nathan L Porter, Benjamin J. Black
  • Patent number: 10995740
    Abstract: A switching valve is used in a binary pump. The switching valve is provided with a first liquid delivery port to which a first pump unit is connected, a second liquid delivery port to which a second pump unit is connected, and an output port leading to an output unit that outputs a liquid to be delivered. The switching valve is configured so as to be switched to any one of the following states: a first state in which the first liquid delivery port is connected to the output port and the second liquid delivery port is not connected to any port; a second state in which the second liquid delivery port is connected to the output port and the first liquid delivery port is not connected to any port; and a third state in which both the first liquid delivery port and the second liquid delivery port are connected to the output port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventors: Jun Yanagibayashi, Shinya Imamura
  • Patent number: 9950277
    Abstract: A parallel assembly (2; 11; 51) of chromatography column modules (3a,b,c; 13a,b,c; 53a,b,c, 90a, b), the assembly having one common assembly inlet (15; 55) and one common assembly outlet (17; 57), each column module comprising a bed space (29) filled with chromatography medium and each column module comprises integrated fluid conduits which when the column module is connected with other column modules are adapted to connect the bed space (29) of the column module with the assembly inlet (15; 55) and the assembly outlet (17; 57), wherein the total length and/or volume of the fluid conduit from the assembly inlet to one bed space together with the length and/or volume of the fluid conduit from the same bed space to the assembly outlet is substantially the same for all bed spaces and modules installed in the parallel assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: GE HEALTHCARE BIOPROCESS R&D AB
    Inventor: Klaus Gebauer
  • Patent number: 9176101
    Abstract: A valve includes a stator that has fluidic ports in a seal surface, and a rotor that has a seal surface contacting the stator's seal surface. The rotor has through-holes that extend from the seal surface to a back surface, providing fluidic communication with a conduit disposed adjacent to the back surface of the rotor. A chromatography apparatus includes a sample source, a solvent source having a higher operating pressure than the sample source, and an injector valve. A method of performing chromatography includes loading a sample with a valve in a load-state configuration that disposes a sample source in fluidic communication with a conduit disposed adjacent to a back surface of the rotor, and injecting the loaded sample with the valve in an inject-state configuration that disposes a solvent source in fluidic communication with a column via at grooves adjacent to a front seal surface of the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: Waters Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Mark W. Moeller
  • Patent number: 8974580
    Abstract: A collimator fixed to the cold jet nozzle of a modulator of a two-dimensional gas chromatograph to aid in the alignment of the cold jet nozzle and loop modulator tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventor: Frank C. Wang
  • Patent number: 8968560
    Abstract: Methods and related apparatuses and mixtures are described for chromatographic analysis. The described system includes a pressurized source of a mobile phase and a flow path in fluid communication with the pressurized source such that the mobile phase flows through the flow path. The system also includes an injector in fluid communication with the flow path and downstream of the pressurized source, the injector being configured to inject a sample into the flow path. A first column located downstream of the injector, contains a stationary phase, and forms part of the flow path. A first detector is positioned to detect properties of fluid in the flow path at a location downstream of the injector and upstream from the first column. A second detector is positioned to detect properties of fluid in the flow path at a location downstream of the first column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: William H. Steinecker
  • Patent number: 8721768
    Abstract: Certain embodiments described herein are directed to chromatography systems that include a microfluidic device. The microfluidic device can be fluidically coupled to a switching valve to provide for selective control of fluid flow in the chromatography system. In some examples, the microfluidic device may include a charging chamber, a bypass restrictor or other features that can provide for added control of the fluid flow in the system. Methods of using the devices and methods of calculating lengths and diameters to provide a desired flow rate are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: PerkinElmer Health Sciences, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew Tipler
  • Patent number: 8636957
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a spirally wrapped chromatographic structure, a system incorporating such structure and a method of providing such structure. The structure may include an absorber layer having a first surface and a second surface, wherein one or a plurality of channels are defined in the first surface. The structure may also include a support layer having a first surface and a second surface, the first surface of the support layer disposed on the second surface of the absorber layer, wherein the absorber layer and the support layer comprise a spiral configuration such that at least a portion of the first surface of the absorber layer contacts at least a portion of the second surface of the support layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventors: Stephen Thomas Wellinghoff, Kent Edward Coulter
  • Patent number: 8621912
    Abstract: A miniaturized gas analyzer formed onto a micro-chip and a method of separating components from a composite gas using the miniaturized gas analyzer are disclosed. The gas analyzer includes an injector block and two column blocks arranged in series along an analytical path. The injector block receives the composite gas and a carrier gas to create a gas sample. The gas sample is then injected into the column blocks to separate the components of the composite gas. Further, a valve used within the miniaturized gas analyzer is disclosed, in which the valve is formed onto the micro-chip and includes a flexible membrane and a rigid substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Paul Guieze
  • Patent number: 8613215
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC), including a valve having first and second positions (P1, and P2), and first through fourth sample flow paths (FP1-FP4). In P1, a first gas sample is collected from a first dimension GC column via FP1, a first pressure source and a first, second dimension GC column are connected via FP2, a second pressure source and a second, second dimension GC column are connected via FP3, and FP4 is disconnected. In P2, the first sample in FP1 is introduced to the second, second dimension GC column via FP1, with aid of the second pressure source, a second gas sample is collected from the first dimension GC column via FP2, the first pressure source and the first, second dimension GC column via FP4 are connected, and FP3 is disconnected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignees: Schlumberger Technology Corporation, 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Gordon Lambertus, William Steinecker
  • Patent number: 8591634
    Abstract: An apparatus and process for recovering a desired gas such as xenon difluoride, xenon, argon, helium or neon, from the effluent of a chemical process reactor that utilizes such gases alone or in a gas mixture or in a molecule that becomes decomposed wherein the chemical process reactor uses a sequence of different gas composition not all of which contain the desired gas and the desired gas is captured and recovered substantially only during the time the desired gas is in the effluent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: David Charles Winchester, Matthew John Bosco, Gerald W. Klein, Isaac Patrick West, Richard Linton Samsal, Douglas Paul Dee, Andrew David Johnson, Eugene Joseph Karwacki, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8506688
    Abstract: A gas chromatographic device comprises an inlet system and a chromatography column. The inlet system includes a liner having pressure reducing means contained therein for reducing pressure between an inlet of the pressure reducing means and an outlet of the pressure reducing means. When the devise is in use, the chromatography column is positioned in the liner of the inlet system downstream from the pressure reducing means, and the chromatography column is under vacuum at its outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Restek Corporation
    Inventors: Jaap De Zeeuw, Jack Cochran, Scott L. Grossman
  • Publication number: 20130174738
    Abstract: A collimator fixed to the cold jet nozzle of a modulator of a two-dimensional gas chromatograph to aid in the alignment of the cold jet nozzle and loop modulator tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2013
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: EXXONMOBIL RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING COMPANY
    Inventor: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
  • Publication number: 20130145933
    Abstract: An apparatus for separation of gases from ambient air that has at least one separation column containing an adsorbent with an inlet at a first end and an outlet at a second end, a buffer column containing an adsorbent and having a single inlet at a first end, a vacuum pump, and a valve system that connects the vacuum pump to the outlet at the first end of the separation column, and that connects the outlet at the second end of the separation column to the single inlet at the first end of the buffer column.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: VBOX, INCORPORATED
    Inventor: VBOX, INCORPORATED
  • Publication number: 20130068100
    Abstract: The present invention refers to a modulator, to be used for comprehensive multidimensional chromatography separations to entrap and release sample solute fractions (entrapped in a capillary loop of fixed or variable volume), deriving from a capillary column with an internal diameter ranging from 0.01 mm to 0.53 mm, onto another capillary column with an internal diameter ranging from 0.01 mm to 0.53 mm. The micro-device has been integrated in a gas chromatographic system, composed of two ovens for the independent temperature control of the two columns; the micro-device is characterized, internally, by a system of channels that enable the controlled splitting of gas flow, entering the second capillary, to generate an optimum gas linear velocity and to release the pressure in excess, with the objective of attaining the maximum separation efficiency in the second column.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Inventor: Luigi Mondello
  • Patent number: 8357234
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for rapid fractionation of hydrocarbon phases in a sample fluid stream are disclosed. Examples of the disclosed apparatus and method include an assembly of elements in fluid communication with one another including one or more valves and at least one sorbent chamber for removing certain classifications of hydrocarbons and detecting the remaining fractions using a detector. The respective ratios of hydrocarbons are determined by comparison with a non separated fluid stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLC
    Inventors: Charles S. Sluder, John M. Storey, Samuel A. Lewis, Sr.
  • Patent number: 8303694
    Abstract: Certain embodiments described herein are directed to chromatography systems that include a microfluidic device. The microfluidic device can be fluidically coupled to a switching valve to provide for selective control of fluid flow in the chromatography system. In some examples, the microfluidic device may include a charging chamber, a bypass restrictor or other features that can provide for added control of the fluid flow in the system. Methods of using the devices and methods of calculating lengths and diameters to provide a desired flow rate are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Perkinelmer Health Sciences, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew Tipler
  • Patent number: 8277544
    Abstract: A thermal modulation device for a gas chromatography (GC) system a cold zone, a first hot zone and a second hot zone, which are located outside of a GC oven of the GC system, and a flexible capillary column. The cold zone includes a thermoelectric cooler assembly. The first hot zone is adjacent a first side of the cold zone, and has a corresponding first heat source. The second hot zone is adjacent a second side of the cold zone, and has a corresponding second heat source. The flexible capillary column includes a first segment, configured to move between the first hot zone and the cold zone in accordance with a modulation frequency, and a second segment, configured to move between the cold zone and the second hot zone in accordance with the modulation frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaosheng Guan, Qiang Xu
  • Patent number: 8230719
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for multidimensional gas chromatography for separating the analytes of a complex sample. The method comprises the steps of introducing the sample onto a first column whereby the sample is separated into at least two segments, introducing at least one segment into a heartcut device whereby the segments are selectively separated into at least two heartcut fractions, introducing at least one of the fractions onto a second column whereby at least one fraction is further separated into at least two analytes, introducing at least one analyte from the second column to a gas chromatography connector, introducing the analyte from the connector to a third column, and introducing the analyte from the third column into a detector whereby the analyte is analyzed and identified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: MRIGlobal
    Inventor: Chad Fisher
  • Patent number: 8226825
    Abstract: Systems and methods for performing chromatography separations or analyses are disclosed. The methods are based upon an equilibrium gradient focusing mode in contrast to conventional transient migration-based modes. By matching the migration speed of one or more analyte(s) of interest to the wave speed of a thermal gradient induced to travel along a region in which chromatographic partitioning occurs, significant improvements in detection limits are achieved. In particular, a temperature gradient focusing strategy is described in which analyte(s) of interest are circulated around a continuous chromatography system in order to focus the analyte(s). Also described are various devices and systems that can be used in the methods described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Sectretary of Commerce, The National Institute of Standards and Technology
    Inventor: David J. Ross
  • Patent number: 8178045
    Abstract: An interchangeable preconcentrator assembly comprises an outer housing and an inner housing defining a chamber. A biased urging member is held at least partially within the outer housing and slidably biased toward a surface of the inner housing. When the biased urging member is at least partially retracted, a space is defined between the urging member and the surface of the inner housing for accommodating at least one preconcentrator chip. A continuous fluid flow path is defined through the outer housing and through the space. The interchangeable preconcentrator assembly may further comprise at least one modular preconcentrator carriage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: University of Louisville Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Cambron, Thomas Roussel, Robert Keynton, Michael Martin, Kevin Walsh, Doug Jackson, John Naber
  • Patent number: 8114200
    Abstract: A portable multi-dimensional gas chromatograph, the gas chromatograph including a carrier gas container, a regulator fluidly connected to the carrier gas container, a dopant chamber containing a reference chemical, at least one pre-concentrator which is fluidly connected to the regulator and the dopant chamber, a first separation column fluidly connected to the at least one pre-concentrator, a second separation column fluidly connected to the at least one pre-concentrator, a first detector fluidly connected to the first separation column, and a second detector fluidly connected to the second separation column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: VPI Enigineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Sheena Alm, James Bentley, John Blankevoort, Mark Kaspersen, Collin Lewis, Derek Maxwell, Ken Wunner
  • Publication number: 20110143952
    Abstract: A chromatographic device for use in multi-dimensional GC is described having a gas flow channel means having an inlet and an outlet, and including a first length of tube defining a first stage and a second length of tube defining a second stage; wherein each of the first length of tube defining a first stage and second length of tube defining a second stage is microfabricated in the plane of a planar substrate layer such that each length of tube comprises a bore defining a closed curve in cross section. A GC assembly further comprising modulator, injector and detector and a method of fabrication of device and assembly are described. A method of analysing multi-dimensional GC data is described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2009
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventors: Alastair Charles Lewis, Jacqueline Fiona Hamilton, Christopher Neil Rhodes
  • Patent number: 7947112
    Abstract: A method for degassing a fluid includes providing a degassing system having a degassing module and a fluid pump apparatus having a fluid reservoir, wherein the fluid pump apparatus is operated in a discontinuous mode involving one or more discrete pumping cycles having a first cycle time. The fluid pump apparatus is calibrated to deliver a predetermined volume of the fluid from the fluid reservoir during each of the pumping cycles, and the degassing module is adapted to operably move gas from the fluid to an extent sufficient to render the fluid volume to a desired degassed condition within a period of time that is not greater than the first cycle time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Rheodyne, LLC
    Inventors: Yuri Gerner, Carl W. Sims, Jonathan Thompson
  • Patent number: 7928370
    Abstract: An open probe method for sample introduction into a mass spectrometer is disclosed, comprising the steps of: loading a sample holder with sample compounds to be analyzed; heating a probe oven; introducing said sample compounds in said sample holder into said heated probe oven; flowing inert gas into said heated probe oven; vaporizing said sample in said heated probe oven by the combined effect of oven temperature and inert gas flow; entraining said vaporized sample in said inert gas; and, transferring said vaporized sample in inert gas into an ion source of a mass spectrometer; wherein said heated probe oven remains open to the ambient atmosphere during sample introduction and analysis; said inert gas is flowing in said heated probe oven in two directions of a transfer line to a mass spectrometer ion source and to the oven opening; said vaporized sample in inert gas is transferred through a heated transfer line directly into the ionization chamber of an ion source of a mass spectrometer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Aviv Amirav
    Inventors: Aviv Amirav, Alexander Gordin
  • Publication number: 20110048230
    Abstract: A process for reducing ammonia from digested wastes (9), in which the stripping of ammonia by counter-current air/liquid extraction inside a stripping column (1) and the subsequent recover of ammonia by counter-current contact of the gas phase (11) exiting said stripping column (1) with a first sulphuric acid solution (10) inside a first absorption column (2) are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventors: Marco BALDI, Diego Binaghi
  • Publication number: 20100307334
    Abstract: A fluid separation apparatus suitable for separating a mixed fluid with different properties and capable of separating a complex fluid mixture efficiently is provided. The fluid separation apparatus includes a sampling entrance, a first separation column, a second separation column, a bypass line, a detector and a guide multi-channel valve. A mixed fluid flows into the first separation column via the sampling entrance. The second separation column is connected to the first separation column in series and connected to the bypass line in parallel. The detector is connected to the second separation column and the bypass line. The guide multi-channel valve has different modes to control a flow-through status and a closed status between the first separation column and the second separation column, between the first separation column and the bypass line, between the second separation column and the detector, and between the bypass line and the detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2009
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: National Taiwan University of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Sheng-Chiang Yang, Shih-Chi Lu, Bing-Joe Hwang
  • Publication number: 20100281948
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a spirally wrapped chromatographic structure, a system incorporating such structure and a method of providing such structure. The structure may include an absorber layer having a first surface and a second surface, wherein one or a plurality of channels are defined in the first surface. The structure may also include a support layer having a first surface and a second surface, the first surface of the support layer disposed on the second surface of the absorber layer, wherein the absorber layer and the support layer comprise a spiral configuration such that at least a portion of the first surface of the absorber layer contacts at least a portion of the second surface of the support layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Applicant: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventors: Stephen Thomas Wellinghoff, Kent Edward Coulter
  • Patent number: 7823439
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for multidimensional gas chromatography for separating the analytes of a complex sample. The method comprises the steps of introducing the sample onto a first column whereby the sample is separated into at least two segments, introducing at least one segment into a heartcut device whereby the segments are selectively separated into at least two heartcut fractions, introducing at least one of the fractions onto a second column whereby at least one fraction is further separated into at least two analytes, introducing at least one analyte from the second column to a gas chromatography connector, introducing the analyte from the connector to a third column, and introducing the analyte from the third column into a detector whereby the analyte is analyzed and identified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Midwest Research Institute
    Inventor: Chad Fisher
  • Patent number: 7824471
    Abstract: The present invention provides a chromatographic method for eliminating interference from interfering agents, coming from the gas sample itself or from the system material used to perform the impurities measurements, on impurities to be quantified in a gas sample. The method advantageously relies on the use of an additional valve and an additional sample loop particularly arranged in a G. C. system, and also on an additional supporting gas inlet operatively connected to the system through the additional sample loop for providing the system with a supporting gas comprising at least a predetermined portion of a predetermined active gas that will react with the unwanted interfering impurities, if any, or with the column material to cancel out unwanted active sites. Thus, the method of the present invention can advantageously be used in gas chromatographic systems to improve sensitivity thereof by acting on column separation material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Panalytique Inc.
    Inventors: Yves Gamache, Andre Fortier
  • Publication number: 20100219061
    Abstract: An improved process for the removal and recovery of sulfur from a sour hydrocarbon stream is provided. The process includes contacting a sour hydrocarbon stream that includes hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide with a lean absorbent to produce a rich absorbent stream. The rich absorbent stream is separated and the recovered acid gas is contacted with a second absorbent to produce a second rich absorbent stream. A portion of the second rich absorbent is recycled to the separation step. A second portion of the second rich absorbent is separated to produce an acid gas product stream. Recycling a portion of the second rich absorbent to the first separation step shifts the equilibrium of the process, resulting in an acid gas product stream having an increased hydrogen sulfide:carbon dioxide ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2009
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Applicant: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY
    Inventors: Abdulwahed Al Utaibi, Waleed R. Al Khateeb
  • Publication number: 20100154511
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC), including a valve having first and second positions (P1, and P2), and first through fourth sample flow paths (FP1-FP4). In P1, a first gas sample is collected from a first dimension GC column via FP1, a first pressure source and a first, second dimension GC column are connected via FP2, a second pressure source and a second, second dimension GC column are connected via FP3, and FP4 is disconnected. In P2, the first sample in FP1 is introduced to the second, second dimension GC column via FP1, with aid of the second pressure source, a second gas sample is collected from the first dimension GC column via FP2, the first pressure source and the first, second dimension GC column via FP4 are connected, and FP3 is disconnected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2009
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventors: Gordon Lambertus, William Steinecker
  • Publication number: 20090293879
    Abstract: The invention relates to a medical device for producing oxygen, wherein the device comprises means for providing first conditions, and means for changing said first conditions to second conditions, the device being configured to during a charging phase extract oxygen from air by, under said first conditions, bringing said air (A) into contact with an agent (SfF) constituted by a reversibly oxygen-fixating agent, i.e. an oxygen selective material, such that the oxygen of the air is adsorbed by said agent, and to remove nitrogen under said first conditions, and configured to during a discharging phase release the oxygen from the agent by means of changing said first conditions to said second conditions. The invention also relates to a method for producing oxygen for individual medical purposes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2006
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Applicant: Inhalox Technology AB
    Inventor: Oskar Frånberg
  • Patent number: 7601543
    Abstract: This invention is a method and device for use with multi-dimensional chromatography that utilizes partial modulation. An analyte-bearing sample is subjected to a first dimension of chromatography. Thereafter the separated analyte-bearing sample is diluted with a modulated second carrier such at the analyte-bearing sample is not stopped or its temperature altered. The partially modulated analyte-bearing sample then feeds into a secondary column where the analyte-bearing sample is further separated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Valco Instruments Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Huamin Cai, Stanley Stearns
  • Patent number: 7575676
    Abstract: An HPLC column holding apparatus used to mount an HPLC column in one of a plurality of positions is disclosed herein. The apparatus comprises a clip-device interface that secures the apparatus to a platform and a clip-column interface that secures the HPLC column to the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Waters Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: David P. Prentice, Roger Gilman, Brett G. Cook
  • Patent number: 7572319
    Abstract: An analyte pre-concentrator for gas chromatography is disclosed generally comprising a tube packed with an adsorbent, wherein the tube may serve as the liner of a chromatographic injector, as an adsorbent trap coupled to a chromatographic column, and/or as an adsorbent trap coupled to a headspace sampler. Preferably, a heating device allows the tube to be heated. In a preferred embodiment, the analyte pre-concentrator further comprises a column isolating accessory so that a chromatographic column can be temporarily isolated from substances flowing through the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: PerkinElmer LAS, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Tipler, Gary Campbell, Mark Collins
  • Publication number: 20090178564
    Abstract: A scalable technology for purifying ethanol from a dilute aqueous solution of ethanol, the technology incorporating vaporization of ethanol coupled with a chromatographic rectification process comprising feeding a vaporized ethanol/water mix onto a plurality of molecular sieve beds, to produce dehydrated ethanol vapor, which can then be condensed to recover purified dehydrated ethanol liquid. The scalable technology process is suitable for farm-scale production of fuel-grade ethanol, having the added benefit of allowing wet distillers grains to be used on-site as live-stock feed, thus eliminating the energy and shipping costs associated with drying and off-site distribution of the grains portions generated during the rectification process. Scalable technology, as provided herein, is also suitable for recovery of ethanol from processes which use ethanol during manufacture of a product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Applicant: 6SOLUTIONS, LLC
    Inventor: Cecil T. Massie
  • Patent number: 7527676
    Abstract: A unit for separating an exhaust gas containing PFC gases including CF4 and C2F6 generated in a production process, wherein the exhaust gas is concentrated in a concentration device, and then separated chromatographically in a chromatographic separation device using nitrogen as a carrier gas. The chromatographic separation device is packed with molecular sieve 13X or F-9 or the like. The unit is capable of effectively separating CF4 and C2F6.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Organo Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshinori Tajima, Takashi Futatsuki, Tetsuya Abe, Sadamitsu Tanzawa, Seiji Hiroki
  • Patent number: 7524363
    Abstract: A separation column assembly for a gas chromatograph and the like is provided. The assembly is a self contained unit which allows very rapid heating and cooling of the column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventors: James Bentley, John Blankevoort, Collin Lewis, Ken Wunner
  • Patent number: 7507586
    Abstract: This invention is a method and device for use with multi-dimensional chromatography that utilizes partial modulation with multiple secondary retention times. An analyte-bearing sample is subjected to a first dimension of chromatography. Thereafter the separated analyte-bearing sample is diluted with a modulated second carrier such at the analyte-bearing sample is not stopped or its temperature altered. The secondary retention time period at which the modulator cycles is variable among multiple secondary retention time periods to prevent loss of resolution with less complex and/or low boiling point compounds and to prevent loss of data with more complex and/or higher boiling point compounds. The partially modulated analyte-bearing sample then feeds into a secondary column where the analyte-bearing sample is further separated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Valco Instruments Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Huamin Cai
  • Patent number: 7507273
    Abstract: A scalable technology for purifying ethanol, wherein the vaporization of ethanol is coupled with a chromatographic rectification process comprising feeding a vaporized ethanol/water mix onto a plurality of molecular sieve beds to produce dehydrated ethanol vapor, which can then be condensed to recover purified dehydrated ethanol liquid. The scalable technology process is suitable for farm-scale production of fuel-grade ethanol, having the added benefit of allowing wet distillers grains to be used on-site as live-stock feed. By reducing energy requirements, costs and pollution, the output can be scaled to produce fuel-grade ethanol at quantities of anywhere from about 1000 gallons per year to upwards of hundreds of millions of gallons per year. Particularly beneficial versions utilize a plurality of smaller molecular sieve beds in series and use heat generated during desorption and regeneration of the molecular sieve beds as an energy source to aid in the vaporization step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: 6Solutions, LLC
    Inventor: Cecil T. Massie
  • Patent number: 7383718
    Abstract: A single stage flow modulator for performing comprehensive chromatography comprises a first chromatographic column, a valve fluidically coupled to at least two fluid conduits, wherein when in a first position, the valve directs a control flow to direct an output of the first chromatographic column to a first detector, and wherein when in a second position, the valve directs a control flow to direct a portion of an output of the first chromatographic column to a second chromatographic column, wherein the portion of the output of the first chromatographic column directed to the second chromatographic column is continuously modulated throughout a sample run.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: James D McCurry, John V. Seeley
  • Patent number: 7311757
    Abstract: An analyte pre-concentrator for gas chromatography is disclosed generally comprising a tube having a restricted outlet and packed with an adsorbent, wherein the tube serves as the liner of a chromatographic injector, as an adsorbent trap coupled to a chromatographic column, and/or as an adsorbent trap coupled to a headspace sampler. Preferably, a heating device allows the tube to be heated. In a preferred embodiment, the analyte pre-concentrator further comprises a column isolating accessory so that a chromatographic column can be temporarily isolated from substances flowing through the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: PerkinElmer LAS, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Tipler, Gary Campbell, Mark Collins
  • Patent number: 7260978
    Abstract: A gas chromatography/mass spectrometry system includes two sample introduction parts, a gas chromatography part having two columns, a column oven for housing the two columns in a parallel configuration, an interface part through which an outlet end of each of the two columns is inserted, and a mass spectrometry part. The mass spectrometry part has an ionization chamber to which the outlet ends of the columns inserted through the interface part are connected, a mass separation part, an ion detector, and a vacuum chamber for housing the ionization chamber, the mass separation part, and the detector. Because the outlet ends of the parallel columns are both connected to the ionization chamber, the carrier gas flow and line velocity are the same as though there is one column, thereby avoiding line stagnation. Since analyses can be performed selectively with a single system, results having high reliability and precision can be obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventor: Haruhiko Miyagawa
  • Patent number: 7091044
    Abstract: This invention is a method and device for use with multi-dimensional chromatography that utilizes partial modulation. An analyte-bearing sample is subjected to a first dimension of chromatography. Thereafter the separated analyte-bearing sample is diluted with a modulated second carrier such at the analyte-bearing sample is not stopped or its temperature altered. The partially modulated analyte-bearing sample then feeds into a secondary column where the analyte-bearing sample is further separated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Valco Instruments Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Huamin Cai, Stanley Stearns
  • Patent number: 6955709
    Abstract: This invention concerns a method and apparatus for vaporization injection of large volumes of liquid sample (substance to be analysed+solvent) introduced by a syringe needle into a heated vaporization chamber which is part of an injector coupled operatively to a device for gas chromatographic analysis. The sample is sent in the form of a liquid band traveling through the vaporization chamber at high speed until it reaches a stopping and vaporization device positioned adjacent to the inlet of a capillary to collect the vapors. In order to inject large volumes without modifying the vaporization chamber and without partial losses of the samples, the sample vapors, in splitless mode, are drawn up from the vaporization chamber into the capillary by virtue of the local action of volume contraction caused by recondensation of at least the solvent vapors in the capillary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: Thermo Electron S.p.A.
    Inventor: Paolo Magni
  • Patent number: 6877363
    Abstract: The invention relates to a chromatography column for high-pressure liquid chromatography, which can be provided with different connection systems, such as a cartridge retaining device or a reducing screw. The column tube (1, 11) of the inventive chromatography column has an external thread (4,18) at each end and at least one groove (3,14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Merck Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Günther Sättler, Hans-Dieter Pohl