Abstract: A process and device for chromatography, such as preparative and analytical supercritical fluid chromatography, or supercritical fluid extraction for a liquid phase SFC collection system that separates and retains eluted components from sample injections. The process efficiently separates liquid and gas phases in the flow stream upstream of a collection vessel and without additional pressure schemes or solvent extractions imposed on the flowstream. Sample fractions are collected from sample component concentration peaks based upon the chromatographic elution of the sample components. Samples are repeatedly the injected into the mobile phase flow stream and collected into large volume collection containers, thereby allowing longer unattended run times and cost-efficient sample purification and recovery.

Abstract: A preferred sample introduction apparatus includes a wall that defines a channel, with the channel being configured to receive a sample and being adapted to engage in fluid communication with the separation column of a chromatographic apparatus. Preferably, a coating of semi-conductive material is arranged adjacent to at least a portion of the wall. Additionally, a heater controller is provided which electro-magnetically communicates with the coating. So configured, the coating, in response to receiving energy from the heater controller, increases in temperature, thereby increasing a temperature of the sample.

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: A method and apparatus for sample screening and sample preparation within a vessel sealed with a cap, the vessel having at least a portion of the inside surface coated with a stationary phase having an affinity for analytes of interest. A sample possibly containing such analytes is introduced into the vessel whereby the analytes of interest migrate out of the sample and into the stationary phase for detection by a screening device and for desorption.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for non-liquid solvent introduction of analyte into an analytical instrument and, more particularly, to a bonded liquid phase analyte trap with integral flow switching that may include a rapid solid-state heating and cooling device. The analyte trap includes a first wafer having a flow channel formed on its bottom side such that a second wafer attached to the bottom side of the first wafer encloses the flow channel and a stationary phase coating is chemically bonded to the walls of the flow channel to provide a mechanism for trapping analytes of interest.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for extracting an analyte from a sample using a field-portable extraction instrument. The preferred embodiment of the extraction instrument includes an extraction fluid source, a sample container, a valve element, a nozzle, and a collection trap vessel. The methods of the present invention include the steps of inserting the sample into the sample container, attaching the sample container to the instrument, and providing a quantity of pressurized extraction fluid from the pressurized extraction fluid source into the sample container to initiate the extraction process. Extraction is facilitated by directing the extraction fluid into the sample at a rapid flow rate such that the sample and extraction fluid are vigorously mixed and a sample/solvent mixture is created. The valve element is then operated to isolate the extraction fluid source and to fully close the sample container.

Abstract: Sample analysis in a portable analytical instrument, preferably in the form of a gas chromatograph, benefits from temperature control of one or more zones in the instrument by way of thermal energy developed from an energy reservoir. In a preferred embodiment, analytical instrument performs chromatographic analysis and the selected zone comprises a temperature-controlled thermal chamber, or oven (124) which includes a heating unit (118), a temperature sensor (128), and a cooling unit (130). A separation column column (118) is positioned within the oven (124). The energy reservoir comprises a first reservoir (125) of heating fluid in the form of a compressed light hydrocarbon, a second reservoir (126) of a compressed inert gas, or a combination thereof. A controlled temperature in the oven (124) resulting from the operation of the heating unit (118) and/or cooling unit (130) may be effected in response to a control signal generated by a computer (122).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for extracting an analyte from a sample using a field-portable extraction instrument. The preferred embodiment of the extraction instrument includes an extraction fluid source, a sample container, a valve element, a nozzle, and a collection trap vessel. The methods of the present invention include the steps of inserting the sample into the sample container, attaching the sample container to the instrument, and providing a quantity of pressurized extraction fluid from the pressurized extraction fluid source into the sample container to initiate the extraction process. Extraction is facilitated by directing the extraction fluid into the sample at a rapid flow rate such that the sample and extraction fluid are vigorously mixed and a sample/solvent mixture is created. The valve element is then operated to isolate the extraction fluid source and to fully close the sample container.

Abstract: A method for sample preparation in which a sample matrix is formed into a thin film prior to being brought into contact with an extraction solvent such that the surface area contact between the sample matrix and the solvent is maximized and the cross section of the sample matrix and corresponding diffusion path of components of interest is minimized.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for extracting sample components from complex matrices using supercritical fluid as the principal extracting solvent are disclosed. The invention takes advantage of the fact that the solvent power of a supercritical fluid is stepwise settable by the parameters of density, modifier concentration, and temperature. Accordingly, methods and apparatus for extracting a component from a sample using fluid flow system having a variable and controllable flow restriction are disclosed. The methods of the present invention comprise the steps of inserting the sample into the sample container section, inputting temperature, pressure, flow rate and extraction time set points. Flow rate is controlled and system pressure regulated by the variable flow restriction. The output stream from the extraction is then expanded through a nozzle and into a trap. In certain embodiments, the trap is filled with chemically active packing material.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for extracting sample components from complex matrices using supercritical fluid as the principal extracting solvent are disclosed. The invention takes advantage of the fact that the solvent power of a supercritical fluid is stepwise settable by the parameters of density, modifier concentration, and temperature. Accordingly, methods and apparatus for extracting a component from a sample using fluid flow system having a variable and controllable flow restriction are disclosed. The methods of the present invention comprise the steps of inserting the sample into the sample container section, inputting temperature, pressure, flow rate and extraction time set points. Flow rate is controlled and system pressure regulated by the variable flow restriction. The output stream from the extraction is then expanded through a nozzle and into a trap. In certain embodiments, the trap is filled with chemically active packing material.

Abstract: A solenoid driven valve is disclosed which is adaptable for controlling the introduction of a high pressure fluid into a fluid trapping assembly having an absorption column topped with an annular orifice expansion nozzle. The valve has an inlet port to introduce high pressure fluid, an axially moving solenoid driven pin which engages means to restrict fluid flow into said column. A diaphragm is located within the valve to direct fluid into the column and which separates the fluid in a region of high pressure from ambient pressures.

Abstract: A solenoid driven valve is disclosed which is adaptable for controlling the introduction of a high pressure fluid into a fluid trapping assembly having an absorption column topped with an annular orifice expansion nozzle. The valve has an inlet port to introduce high pressure fluid, an axially moving solenoid driven pin which engages means to restrict fluid flow into said column. A diaphragm is located within the valve to direct fluid into the column and which separates the fluid in a region of high pressure from ambient pressures.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for accurately regulating the compressibility of a compressible fluid in a pumping system utilizing a single zone of controlled cooling. Cryogenic cooling is employed for cooling a pump head and a thermally integrated heat exchanger such that a single source of cryogenic fluid can be applied to the heat exchanger to increase the bulk modulus of the compressible fluid just prior to and during the pumping process.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for extracting sample components from complex matrices using supercritical fluid as the principal extracting solvent are disclosed. The invention takes advantage of the fact that the solvent power of a supercritical fluid is stepwise settable by the parameters of density, modifier concentration, and temperature. Accordingly, methods and apparatus for extracting a component from a sample using fluid flow system having a variable and controllable flow restriction are disclosed. The methods of the present invention comprise the steps of inserting the sample into the sample container section, inputting temperature, pressure, flow rate and extraction time set points. Flow rate is controlled and system pressure regulated by the variable flow restriction.

Abstract: A solenoid driven valve is disclosed which is adaptable for controlling the introduction of a high pressure fluid into a fluid trapping assembly having an absorption column topped with an annular orifice expansion nozzle. The valve has an inlet port to introduce high pressure fluid, an axially moving solenoid driven pin which engages means to restrict fluid flow into said column. A diaphragm is located within the valve to direct fluid into the column and which separates the fluid in a region of high pressure from ambient pressures.

Abstract: Disclosed is a chromatographic trapping assembly suitable for use with supercritical fluids. The apparatus includes means suitable for electronic control of the expansion of pressurized fluid through an orifice into a fluid trapping assembly using an axially movable column to regulate fluid through the orifice.

Abstract: Concentration of the solutes contained in a liquid solvent is effected by passing the solvent through a first trapping means that adsorbs them, flushing the first trapping means with supercritical fluid and reducing its solubility parameter in a second trapping means so that the latter can adsorb desired solutes.