Abstract: A fractionated sample collection process and device having at least one pressurized chamber used to gather and store liquid samples generated from a flow stream containing a mixture of highly compressed gas, compressible liquid, or supercritical fluid and a relatively incompressible liquid. A bank of multiple collection chambers is secured together in a frame to form a cassette unit. Each collection chamber may house a replaceable liner such as a test tube vial, to hold a fractionated liquid phase sample. After filling with sample, a collection chamber is returned to a clean state and ready for refilling with a new sample by manually or automatically replacing the liner.

Abstract: A fractionated sample collection process and device having at least one pressurized chamber used to gather and store liquid samples generated from a flow stream containing a mixture of highly compressed gas, compressible liquid, or supercritical fluid and a relatively incompressible liquid. A bank of multiple collection chambers is secured together in a frame to form a cassette unit. Each collection chamber may house a replaceable liner such as a test tube vial, to hold a fractionated liquid phase sample. After filling with sample, a collection chamber is returned to a clean state and ready for refilling with a new sample by manually or automatically replacing the liner. The separation and collection process partitions the liquid phase, containing modifier and dissolved sample components from the gaseous phase components upstream of the collection chamber so that liquid phase has controlled discharge into the collection chamber.

Abstract: A fractionated sample collection process and device having at least one pressurized chamber used to gather and store liquid samples generated from a flow stream containing a mixture of highly compressed gas, compressible liquid, or supercritical fluid and a relatively incompressible liquid. A bank of multiple collection chambers is secured together in a frame to form a cassette unit. Each collection chamber may house a replaceable liner such as a test tube vial, to hold a fractionated liquid phase sample. After filling with sample, a collection chamber is returned to a clean state and ready for refilling with a new sample by manually or automatically replacing the liner. The separation and collection process partitions the liquid phase, containing modifier and dissolved sample components from the gaseous phase components upstream of the collection chamber so that liquid phase has controlled discharge into the collection chamber.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for collecting gasses from the sample headspace of a sealed sample container are disclosed. The gasses in the sample headspace are withdrawn by inserting a probe into the sample headspace and permitting the gasses to flow into an external headspace. The probe is then disconnected from the sample to seal the external headspace and the external headspace is then connected to an analytical instrument such as a gas chromatograph to permit the sample gasses to be transferred out of the external headspace and into the instrument. The step of transferring the gasses is preferably accomplished by connecting a source of carrier gas to an inlet port of the external headspace and sweeping the sample gasses from the external headspace.

Abstract: Valve assemblies are provided which comprise a housing having a common port and n peripheral ports, where n is an even integer greater than or equal to 4. The valve assemblies further comprise a valve plug contained within the housing. The valve plug comprises a distribution channel capable of fluid communication with the common port and at least one of the peripheral ports, and (n/2)-1 switching channels capable of fluid communication with at least two of the peripheral ports.