Abstract: A collection system for collecting samples from a flowstream (5) exiting a supercritical fluid chromatography system is provided. The collection system comprises: (i) a first back pressure regulator (10) on the flowstream as it exits the chromatography system, (ii) a gas-liquid separator (30) having a tapered and angled dripper (65), which introduces the flow into the separator at an angle tangential to the separator wall; and (iii) one or more fraction collectors (15), wherein the fraction collector is at a reduced pressure collection point, between 100 bar and atmospheric pressure. A collection system for HPLC is also provided, as well as a process for collection of samples from a flowstream.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for supercritical fluid chromatography. The apparatus comprises a binary pump; an autosampler; a sampling valve; a first and second port switching valve; a first and second manifold; two or more channels, each having a check valve assembly, a separation column and one or more detectors operatively connected thereon; and a backpressure regulator. The apparatus also includes computer software and hardware to control distribution of fluid through the apparatus, including switching between a multi-channel mode or a single channel ode; 2) analyze data collected by the one or more detectors; and 3) optimize separation of analytes by controlling solvent combinations, concentration gradients, pressure and temperature. The apparatus excludes additional backpressure regulators or pumps on individual channels.

Abstract: A method for separating a sample using high pressure flash chromatography is provided. The method comprises the steps of: i) providing a pressurized vessel containing an adsorption material; ii) pressurizing a compressible fluid, optionally containing a cosolvent, to create a mobile phase; iii) premixing the sample with the mobile phase or optionally placing the sample in the pressurized vessel; iv) eluting the mobile phase through the pressurized vessel, to obtain a separated sample; v) heating the mobile phase containing the separated sample after the mobile phase exits the pressurized vessel to remove the compressible fluid; and iv) collecting the separated sample. The pressurized vessel contains an adsorption material having a particle size of 10-100 microns, and the pressure of the adsorption vessel is held at 50-350 bar during elution. Also provided is an apparatus for carrying out the above method.

Abstract: A splitter for a pressurized primary flowstream of a mobile phase is provided. The splitter comprises a first splitting stage that divides the primary flowstream between a major split flowstream and a minor split flowstream by means of a first and a second restrictive flow element; a first dilution stage that combines a dilution flow source with the minor split flowstream to create a diluted minor flowstream; a second splitting stage that divides the diluted minor flowstream between a secondary major diluted flowstream and a secondary minor diluted flowstream by means of a third restrictive element in the secondary minor diluted flow stream; and a second dilution stage wherein a conditioning flow source conditions the secondary minor diluted flow stream after the third restrictive element prior to outlet of the secondary minor diluted flowstream from the splitter.