Abstract: The present invention comprises a self-contained, modular unit and method of using the same for evaluating the mobility, dissipation and degradation of chemicals and their degradates through a soil matrix. The self-contained, modular unit comprises at least a soil matrix vessel for containing the soil matrix and a leachate collection vessel communicating with the soil matrix vessel for collecting and storing the leachate from the soil matrix vessel. The leachate collection vessel is designed and connected to the soil matrix vessel in such a manner that the collected leachate is observable and removable at ground level, thus eliminating the necessity of digging a trench to view or retrieve the leachate as prior art units required. The preferred embodiment of the self-contained modular unit further comprises a runoff collection vessel which communicates with the soil matrix vessel and collects the runoff from the soil matrix vessel.

Abstract: An improved liquid/liquid solvent extraction method and apparatus utilizes an external electrode for creating an electric field within an extraction cell to shatter aqueous sample droplets flowing within a non-conductive solvent. The external electrode is in intimate contact with the exterior surface of the insulative cell wall so as to preclude direct electrical contact between the electrode and the internal liquids. A sample interface detector permits the interface between the two liquids to be detected when the liquids sequentially flow out from the cell, thereby facilitating separate collection of the liquid. Interface detection is achieved by coupling electrical pulses into the flowing liquid to cause ionization charge/discharge cycles in the conductive aqueous sample but not in the non-conductive solvent. Downstream detection of the charge/discharge cycle in the liquid identifies the interface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to buckminsterfullerenes or related condensed carbon molecules covalently bonded to a polymer particle or a siliceous support particle and their use for packing media for column chromatography.

Abstract: A process has been developed to effectively separate and recover essentially pure amounts of both C.sub.60 and C.sub.70 from carbon soot and higher molecular weight fullerenes. This process first extracts the fullerenes from carbon soot and then sequentially separates the C.sub.60 and C.sub.70 molecules using high performance or low pressure adsorption chromatography packed column containing a gel polymer having aromaticity and a pore size ranging from 10 to 500 .ANG..In this process, a first stage of fractionation of the fullerenes is preferably accomplished by selective supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) of C.sub.60. Unrecovered C.sub.60 and C.sub.70 molecules are then extracted by supercritical fluid extraction at a higher pressure and/or higher temperature.

Abstract: An integrated sample extraction and separation system includes a number of substantially identical supercritical fluid extraction modules and sample separation modules connected in common to a source of supercritical fluid and modifier and to instruments for sample analysis. Each of the supercritical fluid extraction columns is provided with separate pressure and temperature controls. Preferably, each sample separation module provides the choice of sample separation by dissolving the extracted sample in solvent, by adsorption, or by size exclusion chromatography. Either the supercritical fluid or various solvents may be used as the mobile phase in the sample separation step.

Abstract: Automated gel permeation chromatography of multiple individual samples is effected with high precision and high speed utilizing a common sample sizing loop into which each sample is placed prior to its injection into the chromatography column, thereby eliminating the need for precisely matched sample loops. Each sample is pre-stored in its own container, the containers being automatically sequentially accessed to feed a portion of the contained sample medium to the common sample sizing loop. The common sample flow path, including the sample sizing loop, is automatically cleaned with rinse solvent between loading of successive samples into the sizing loop. Multiple programs may be employed to control the processing times for different types of sample fluid. A sample container closure member having a unique sealing insert member is provided to preclude leakage of fluid from the sample storage container when the container is pressurized.

Abstract: Automated gel permeation chromatography of multiple individual samples is effected with high precision and high speed utilizing a common sample sizing loop into which each sample is placed prior to its injection into the chromatography column, thereby eliminating the need for precisely matched sample loops. Each sample is pre-stored in its own container, the containers being automatically sequentially accessed to feed a portion of the contained sample medium to the common sample sizing loop. The common sample flow path, including the sample sizing loop is automatically cleaned with rinse solvent between loading of successive samples into the sizing loop. Multiple programs may be employed to control the processing times for different types of sample fluid. A sample container closure member having a unique sealing insert member is provided to preclude leakage of fluid from the sample storage container when the container is pressurized.

Abstract: In a microprocessor-controlled evaporation/concentration system, a plurality of sample solutions are automatically successively delivered to an evaporation chamber. Each sample solution is evaporated in successively delivered slug components. The underside of the bottom wall is maintained at a microprocessor-determined constant evaporation temperature by an electrical resistance heater and proportional temperature controller. Pressure in the chamber is maintained substantially on the vapor pressure versus temperature curve of the sample solution, thereby assuring a known evaporation rate. Valving controlled by the microprocessor permits automatic addition of diluent to the chamber. The prepared sample is then automatically transferred to one of multiple storage vials which are brought into successive registration with a syringe needle assembly by means of a rotatable vial storage tray.