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: There is disclosed apparatus and a method for extracting biomass from a liquid biomass supply, the apparatus including a hollow vessel (11) in which is established a countercurrent flow of biomass in liquid form (or including particles of biomass entrained in a liquid) and solvent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and to a device for sensing low levels of iodine in an aqueous solution by using an extraction procedure whereby iodine from the aqueous solution is extracted into a substantially water-insoluble organic phase, and testing measuring the concentration of iodine in the organic phase using optical absorption techniques. The measured concentration of iodine can then be equated with concentration of iodine or iodine in the aqueous solution.

Abstract: A solvent separator includes an introduction member which introduces a mixture including chlorine containing organic solvent and water; a separation unit including a separation member made of a water-repellent and/or lipophilic porous material, which carries out the separation of the mixture; a water drainage member through which water separated by the separation unit is discharged; and a solvent drainage member through which the chlorine containing organic solvent separated by the separation unit is discharged. Also, a method and a device for treating waste liquid are provided by which chlorine containing organic solvent present in waste liquid is selectively separated, decomposed by a photocatalyst, and converted into a harmless substrate.

Abstract: Triphase extraction tower having two chambers connected at their top and bottom parts of overflows, and having ports for feeding and removing a first and second disperse phase.

Abstract: A fractionation apparatus comprises two channels coupled through a semipermeable membrane. A time and position dependent concentration of precipitation reagent is produced in one of the channels. Sample entities such as macromolecules or cells introduced into this channel are eluted therefrom at different times depending on their solubility or mobility in the presence of the precipitation reagent.

Abstract: Device and process for separation of absorbent/floating material from product mixes by means of float/sink separation with a float/sink separator which exhibits a separator tank filled with a liquid separating medium, in which context there are provided devices for generation of a surface flow in the separating medium, which propel the absorbent/floating material as a floating fraction from a pickup point mix to an output point for the floating fraction, along the surface of the separating medium at such a speed as to inhibit absorption of the separating medium.

Abstract: Fractionating apparatus having a plurality of sample elution system (S1 - S8) in which a nozzle (N) movable in the direction of the row of fractionation vessels (4, 4, ---) arranged in a matrix is disposes to each of the sample elution system (S1 - S8) and kept standing-by just above an empty fractionation vessel (4), a valve (30) is operated when elution of sample ingredients is detected by photosensor (PD1 - PD8) to drop the sample ingredients to the fractionation vessel (4, 4, ---) and the nozzle is moved after dropping the sample ingredient by a required amount, and in which the nozzle (N) and the valve (30) can be operated individually on every sample elution systems at different timings respectively such that the eluate can be dropped at different timing on every sample elution systems.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for mincing a gel includes a gel mincing tube and a mesh material. The mesh material extends across the end of the tube. To subdivide a gel using the mincing apparatus, a gel is placed upon the mesh material in the mincing tube, the mincing tube, mesh material and the gel are spun in a centrifuge, forcing the gel through the mesh material so that the gel is subdivided into generally uniform smaller fragments. The mesh material may be secured to a tube in the form of a nesting tube. The nesting tube nests within the opening of a recovery vessel. The mesh material may be placed in series with a conditionally porous membrane in the nesting tube. Centrifuging the nesting tube and the recovery vessel subdivides gel material into fragments by forcing the gel through the mesh material. The gel subsequently falls upon the membrane, and may be treated on the membrane to extract or otherwise treat analytes in the gel material.

Abstract: A device for generating a stable concentration gradient in a microfluidic channel. A solution of a given concentration of a soluble compound and a diluting solution are co-delivered into a microfluidic channel. By varying the flow rates of the two solutions, the concentration of the soluble compound can be varied as a function of the length of the channel.

Abstract: To provide performance particularly in handling supercritical extraction systems, a specially designed pump includes a cam-driven, single-plunger with a cam having a profile that enables the pumping system to avoid destructive reverse torque on the cam, gear train and drive motor after the cam passes top dead center. The plunger includes a seal having one side in contact with the supercritical fluid and a mechanism for supporting and aligning the piston on the other side of the seal to maintain the piston in alignment. The piston drive has Hertzian contact with the piston. The fluid volume leaving the pump is determined by measuring only pressure or other parameters related to flow and movement of the plunger. Measurement of the fluid volume leaving the pump is useful for recording or indicating the flow rate while the pump is operating.

Abstract: Apparatus for separating a lighter liquid and a heavier liquid may comprise a settling tank sized to receive a mixture of the lighter liquid and the heavier liquid. The settling tank permits the formation of a first upper liquid fraction and a first lower liquid fraction. A weir positioned adjacent the settling tank allows the first upper liquid fraction to flow over the weir. A trough positioned adjacent the weir receives the first upper liquid fraction and effects a secondary separation of the lighter and heavier liquids by allowing the first upper liquid fraction to form a second upper liquid fraction and a second lower liquid fraction. A first drain having an elevated inlet end is positioned in the trough so that the first drain removes the second upper liquid fraction from said trough. A second drain positioned in the trough has an inlet end that is positioned below the inlet end of the first drain so that the second drain removes the second lower liquid fraction from said trough.

Abstract: The multi-phase extractor comprises at least two chambers 1, 1a, 2, 2a which are connected at their upper and lower parts by connection ducts 4. Moreover, the chambers are equipped with dispersing devices 3, 4a, in order to produce a swarm of drops in a first and second dispersed phase. Furthermore, ports 8, 9, 10, 11, 8a, 9a, 10a, 11a are attached to the multi-phase extractor for the supply and removal of the first and second dispersed phases. The improvement resides substantially in the fact that the chambers 1, 2 comprise separation zones 6,7 located in the area of the inlet openings of the connecting ducts 4.

Abstract: Apparatus for carrying out a process between first and second immiscible fluids comprises channels defining first and second primary flow paths for permitting fluid flow of the respective first and second fluids therethrough. Portions of the flow paths are disposed close to or adjacent one another and communicate with one another at a region where the flow paths are constructed and arranged so as to permit the fluids to form a stable interface between them. At least one of the fluids is induced to flow in a secondary direction perpendicular to the direction of its primary flow path at the region either by bending the primary flow path around a curve, or by positioning flow detectors within the flow path.

Abstract: The object is to provide a multistage liquid-solid fractional extraction apparatus in which a separation procedure of a large amount of mixture can be carried out exactly and effectively in a simple procedure by use of a partition difference in liquid chromatography.

Abstract: Apparatus for carrying out a process between first and second immiscible fluids, comprises first and second channels defining flow paths, for permitting fluid flow of respective first and second immiscible fluids therethrough. Portions of the flow paths are disposed close to, or adjacent to, one another and communicate with one another to define a region in which, in use, a stable interface between the fluids is formed. One, or more, dimensions of the region are varied along the length of the interface in a direction of fluid flow to compensate for variation in the properties of the fluids during the carrying out of the process and thereby maintain stability of the interface.

Abstract: This invention provides a method and apparatus for detecting the presence of analyte particles in a sample fluid also comprising larger particles, particularly blood. It exploits diffusion to provide simultaneous filtering of the larger particles and reaction of the analyte particles. A sample stream and a reagent stream join on the upstream end of a laminar flow reaction channel and flow in adjacent laminar streams. The reagents can be in solution or immobilized on a bead. The analyte particles diffuse from the sample stream into the reagent stream, leaving behind the larger particles in the residual sample stream. In the reagent stream the analyte particles react with reagent particles and form product particles, thereby creating a product stream. At the downstream end of the reaction channel, the residual sample stream and the product stream are divided. The product particles are then detected, preferably optically, in the product stream.

Abstract: A variable-orifice fluid restrictor for use with a supercritical extractor or chromatograph includes an inlet line for fluid at a pressure above its critical pressure, an extended tubular probe having an inner and an outer surface and a proximal and a distal end. The proximal end of the probe is disposed toward the inlet line. The distal end of the probe includes an adjustable orifice means adapted for metering the fluid and having first and second orifice members and an adjusting stem having first and second ends. The adjustable orifice means is adjacent to the outer surface of the probe and the orifice means is adjustable with the adjusting stem. The end of the adjusting stem is located at the distal end of the probe and is adapted for moving the first orifice member with respect to the second orifice member to control the adjustable orifice for varying the restriction of fluid passing through the adjustable orifice.

Abstract: A method for processing two or more oilseeds includes the steps of providing a first oilseed type and a second oilseed type, processing the first oilseed type to extract a first oilseed product from the first oilseed type, creating a gap in the flow of the first oilseed type, ending the gap by starting the flow of the second oilseed type, and processing the second oilseed type to extract a second oilseed product from the second oilseed type. The gap being effective for preventing substantial commingling of the first oilseed product and the second oilseed product. The method is useful for processing identity preserved oilseeds and genetically modified oilseeds. Product commingling is reduced or eliminated so that the identity preserved products retain their added value. The method for processing oilseeds can be implemented in an oilseed mill by modifying aspects of the processing plant such as the oilseed extractors, desolventizers and material handling equipment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for adjusting the boundary surface between the two mutually separable solutions in liquid—liquid extraction at the discharge end of the separation part and for preventing the aeration of the solutions when discharging them from the separation part, so that the overflow height of the settled, lighter organic solution is maintained constant. In order to adjust the boundary surface in between the mutually separable solutions, the overflow height of the heavier aqueous solution is adjusted by conducting the settled aqueous solution from down upwards through tubular elements, in which case the height of these overflow pipes can be adjusted. The aeration of the solutions when discharging them from the separation part is prevented by conducting the solutions into transfer pipes through covered, shaft-like weir boxes that are deeper than the discharge end.

Abstract: This invention relates to a Seal Element particularly for sealing the junction between the settler of an extraction apparatus and the overflow launder located at the far end of the settler. The essential factor is that the junction between the overflow launder and actual settler, which is a non-circular profile joint, is sealed with an elastic seal.

Abstract: To collect analyte from a supercritical fluid extractor, the collector lifts vials into place by a biasing means that guides the file up to the restrictor where it is sealed. The vial can be moved back down from the collecting mechanism even if frost forms on the vial while the restrictor means remains stationary. This vial is held in place by a guide that contains the seal for sealing the vial when it is raised in place.

Abstract: The object is to provide a multistage liquid-solid fractional extraction apparatus in which a separation procedure of a large amount of mixture can be carried out exactly and effectively in a simple procedure by use of a partition difference in liquid chromatography. The multistage liquid-solid fractional extraction apparatus comprises multiple containers 3 capable of accommodating liquid and solid for a liquid-solid extraction, a liquid inlet part 1 and a liquid outlet part 2 equipped with in each container, a pipe 4 to carry liquid from the liquid outlet part of the forward container to the liquid inlet part of the backward container, an efflux protecting device (filter 5) for solid, which is equipped with at the above liquid outlet part, and along with these a stirring device to let solid in said container move in liquid by virtue of the density difference between solid and liquid when rotating or swinging the container 3.

Abstract: This invention provides a method and apparatus for detecting the presence of analyte particles in a sample fluid also comprising larger particles, particularly blood. It exploits diffusion to provide simultaneous filtering of the larger particles and reaction of the analyte particles. A sample stream and a reagent stream join on the upstream end of a laminar flow reaction channel and flow in adjacent laminar streams. The reagents can be in solution or immobilized on a bead. The analyte particles diffuse from the sample stream into the reagent stream, leaving behind the larger particles in the residual sample stream. In the reagent stream the analyte particles react with reagent particles and form product particles, thereby creating a product stream. At the downstream end of the reaction channel, the residual sample stream and the product stream are divided. The product particles are then detected, preferably optically, in the product stream.

Abstract: The invention is a device for processing a fluid F comprising at least one fraction A to be separated, the fraction to be separated being soluble in a solvent phase. The device includes at least one delivery for the fluid F to be processed; at least one delivery for the solvent phase; at least one two-phase compression device providing homogenization of the fluid F and the solvent phase which dissolves most of the fraction A in the solvent phase and produces a mixture of a solution F1 comprising of solvent phase S and the fraction A dissolved in the solvent phase, and of a fluid F1 which has been depleted of most of the fraction A; and a separation device coupled to an output of the at least one two-phase compression device which discharges respectively solution F1 comprising the solvent phase and the fraction A dissolved in the solvent phase and fluid F2.

Abstract: A process for multi-phase extraction is carried out in an extraction apparatus comprising a multiplicity of stages connected in series, wherein each stage comprises an extraction and a reextraction chamber. In the extraction chamber, a raffinate phase is brought into contract with an extractant, which is reextracted in contact with an extract phase in a reextraction chamber. In the course of the process, the extractant is conveyed in cross-flow to the extract and raffinate phases within the same stage in each case, while the raffinated and extract phases are conveyed through some or all of the stages in counter-current flow. The extractant is a continuous phase and the raffinate and extract are dispersed phases. The circulating flow of the extractant is maintained between the extraction and reextraction chambers solely due to the density differences of the dispersed phases in relation to the continuous phase.

Abstract: A device and method for introducing a second laminar fluid layer to, or removing a second laminar fluid layer from, a first laminar fluid layer are provided. Each laminar fluid layer can contain two or more side by side laminar streams. The device includes a main flow channel, and at least one tributary channel in fluid connection with a bridge channel which is in fluid connection with main flow channel. The device can be formed in a single piece of material, which can be optically transparent. Optionally, the channels can be formed in a first plate, the first and optionally the second surfaces of which are sealed to a second and optionally a third plate. The second and third plates can be optically transparent to allow for optical detection and analysis. A first laminar fluid layer is introduced into the main flow channel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for settling the dispersion formed in the mixing unit of liquid-liquid extraction, for controlling solution flows and for creating pure solutions in the separation part. According to the method, the flow speed of the organic solution phase is adjusted to be clearly higher than the flow speed of the aqueous solution phase, in which case in order to prevent border flow turbulence caused by the speed difference of the solution phases, the water drop dispersion layer left in between the separating solutions is adjusted to extend as far as the discharge end of the separation part.

Abstract: Sample focusing method and device for field-flow fractionation techniques that lead to improved detection, improved separation resolution, and a compressed sample plug while permitting a more straightforward quantitation of peaks and reliable large volume injections. The method and technique can be implemented in separations that are performed by a variety of field-flow fractionation techniques, including thermal FFF, electrical FFF, sedimentation FFF, gravitational FFF, dielectric FFF, photophoretic FFF, flow FFF, asymmetric flow FFF, and symmetric flow FFF. The sample focusing device can be integrally built into a separation channel or it can be manufactured as an attachable independent piece.

Abstract: A method of solvent extraction for extracting a required component, such as a metal value, dissolved or dispersed in a support medium, constituting a first phase, e.g. an aqueous phase, by mixing the first phase with an extractant, constituting a second phase, e.g. an organic phase, insoluble or immiscible with the first phase. The second phase has a greater affinity for the required component in order to extract the component from the first phase into the second phase. After the mixing step, the phases are subjected to a settling phase in which the phases are caused to flow in counter-current fashion with respect to each other in order to separate the phases. Apparatus for carrying out the method is also provided.

Abstract: Epoxy resins, particularly those based on bisphenol A, can constitute the principal film forming polymer component of a storage stable autodepositable composition wherein the particle size distribution of all the film forming polymers in the composition satisfies certain criteria of size distribution, and an accelerator component which is an acid, oxidizing agent or complexing agent is present in amount sufficient to provide an oxidation-reduction potential at least 100 mV more oxidizing than a standard hydrogen electrode. Such dispersions can conveniently be prepared using a two stage process in which a solution of the film forming polymers is emulsified into water to form a preliminary dispersion and this preliminary dispersion is subjected to at least one particle size refinement stage in which the preliminary dispersion is forced through a narrow aperture.

Abstract: The multistage three-phase extractor is provided with ports 7, 8 for the supply and ports 10, 11 for the removal of first and second dispersed phases and has contact stages 3 arranged one below the other, which each comprise two interconnected chambers 1, 2 filled with the continuous phase, wherein the first stage is equipped with a dispersing device 5. The first chamber 1 of an upper stage is connected with the second chamber 2 of the stage therebelow. The continuous phase is supplied to the first stage via the port 11 and removed from the last stage via the port 12.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for recirculating the heavier solution from the separation part of liquid--liquid extraction to the mixing unit of the same extraction step, so that part of the recirculated solution is returned to the mixing unit from the overflow of the discharge end of the separation part. An essential feature of the invention is that the major part of the heavier solution recirculated into the mixing unit is obtained from the separation part proper, along the whole width thereof. The invention also relates to an apparatus based on said method, in which apparatus, in the bottom part of the settler (6) there is located a heavier solution collecting channel (13) extending over the whole width of the settler and being provided with suction pipes (15) which are oriented in an inclined fashion towards the solution to be collected from the channel.

Abstract: To avoid deposits on the restrictor that channels extractant into a collector, a heated capillary tube pressure release restrictor, has a thermally insulated outlet end in a collecting trap substantially colder than the capillary tube. The restrictor is heated between the insulation and the capillary tube by Joulean heating. The solvent in the trap is at a pressure of 5 to 200 psi above atmospheric pressure. The thermal resistance of the insulation is selected to reduce the heat added to the extractant to a minimum and yet cause the temperature of the extractant to be in a range within which it is sufficiently hot so it does not freeze when added to the collection solvent but not so hot as to reduce partitioning of the extract and extractant before the extractant leaves the collection solvent. It has a thermal conductivity no greater than 60 BTU's per hour, per square foot, per inch for a one degree Fahrenheit difference.

Abstract: To provide performance particularly in handling supercritical extraction systems, a specially designed pump includes a cam-driven, single-plunger with a cam having a profile that enables the pumping system to avoid destructive reverse torque on the cam, gear train and drive motor after the cam passes top dead center. The fluid volume leaving the pump is determined by measuring only pressure or other parameters related to flow and movement of the plunger. Measurement of the fluid volume leaving the pump is useful for recording or indicating the flow rate while the pump is operating.

Abstract: A poor solvent is used for removing low molecular weight components from a binder, which has weight average molecular weight within the range of 10,000 to 60,000, said poor solvent has a solubility parameter being different from solubility parameter of the binder by more than 1.3 and less than 2.3 and is a solvent such as acetonitrile having no active hydrogen, and a difference between solubility parameter of the solvent in the solution after mixing and solubility parameter of the binder is more than 1.0 and less than 2.0, said poor solvent is used for fractional precipitation, and the poor solvent being by 0.

Abstract: An improved automatic filtration and extraction device is disclosed which comprises a base defining at a top end a cavity area which tapers downwardly and inwardly from the top end to define a chamber for a portion and then defines a plurality of effluent outlets at the bottom end each extending from the chamber to an outer surface of the body. Seals are adapted to each of the effluent outlets and are moveable between a first closed position sealing the effluent outlet and a second open position to allow the passage of effluent through the effluent outlet. A filter is detachably and removably adapted over the cavity area. Various solvents are provided to the cavity area through a solvent provider. A circuit with programmable memory accesses and directs a sequence of events after an initial event. A vacuum connected to each of the effluent outlets each induces effluent flow through an effluent outlet while sealing all other outlets.

Abstract: The system for treating effluent water coming out from the desalter in accordance with the present invention comprises a slop oil separator 1 for removing oil components in the effluent water from the desalter; a WSR separator 2 for further removing emulsion type oil components using naphtha; a water stripper 4 for removing gas components such as H.sub.2 S and NH.sub.3 in the effluent water discharged from the WSR separator; a reaction tank 5 for reacting organic and/or inorganic impurity matters such as phenols and suspended solids in the effluent water discharged from the water stripper with activated charcoal; and a settling tank 6 in which an agglomerating agent is introduced, thereby precipitating sludge in the lower part of the settling tank. A buffering tank 3 may be installed between a desalter (not shown in FIG. 1) and an oil separator 1 or between a WSR separator 2 and a water stripper 4 to play a role as a buffer for safety in case of an accident in the process.

Abstract: In order to facilitate diffusive transfer of an entity such as a solute between immiscible fluids and subsequent separation of the liquids without mixing, a method and an apparatus are disclosed and have first and second flow paths carrying first and second immiscible fluids on opposite sides of a foraminous sheet. The height of the apertures in the sheet is not greater than 200 micrometers (measured perpendicular to the width of the sheet and to the direction of fluid flow), and a stable interface is formed between the fluids within each aperture with a significant amount of fluid flow immediately adjacent the interface. Diffusive transfer takes place across the interface, and subsequently the fluids flow away from the region without mixing. The width of the flow paths measured perpendicular to sheet lies between 10 and 500 micrometers. The walls of each aperture may be parallel or tapered.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to an apparatus for gathering analyte. The apparatus comprises a pumping mechanism for pumping solvent at supercritical pressure. The apparatus also comprises an extraction mechanism which receives a first sample and at least a second sample separate and distinct from the first sample and extract analyte from them essentially simultaneously. The extraction mechanism is connected to the pump mechanism to receive solvent at supercritical pressure for extracting the analyte from the samples. The apparatus additionally comprises a collection mechanism for collecting analyte from the solvent after the analyte has been extracted from the samples. The collection mechanism receives the supercritical solvent having the analyte extracted from the samples from the extraction mechanism. The present invention pertains to a method for extracting analyte. The method comprises the steps of pumping solvent at a supercritical pressure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and a method for separating a hydrocarbon containing material such as crude oil from water. The system of the present invention includes a treatment tank, a layer of a fluid having a chemical affinity for the hydrocarbon contain material being separated within the tank for separating the hydrocarbon containing material from said water without any mixing and with a minimum level of turbulence, and a distribution system for introducing the water with the hydrocarbon containing material into the layer of chemical affinity fluid. The method of the present invention broadly comprises the steps of providing a treatment tank having a layer of a fluid having a chemical affinity for the hydrocarbon containing material and separating the hydrocarbon containing material from the water without any mixing and with a minimum of turbulence by introducing the water with the hydrocarbon containing material into the layer of chemical affinity fluid.

Abstract: A multiple chamber sample holding cartridge is used with a supercritical fluid extractor that causes membranes dividing the cartridge into chambers to rupture upon the pressurization of the sample cartridge, thereby allowing the intermixing of materials contained in the chambers. The neutral oil and loss determination of soybean and other oilseed oils by supercritical fluid extraction is efficient with this two-chambered sample cartridge.

Abstract: This invention provides a microfabricated extraction system and methods for extracting desired particles from a sample stream containing desired and undesired particles. The sample stream is placed in laminar flow contact with an extraction stream under conditions in which inertial effects are negligible. The contact between the two streams is maintained for a sufficient period of time to allow differential transport of the desired particles from the sample stream into the extraction stream. In a preferred embodiment the differential transport mechanism is diffusion. The extraction system of this invention coupled to a microfabricated diffusion-based mixing device and/or sensing device allows picoliter quantities of fluid to be processed or analyzed on devices no larger than silicon wafers.

Abstract: In a solvent extraction method a contactor comprises a forward extraction section comprising sub-sections thereof and a back extraction section comprising sub-sections thereof. To enable higher concentrations of solute to be obtained in the backwash liquor, the contactor is operated with recycle of partially-loaded solvent, via a line from a back extraction sub-section to a forward extraction sub-section.

Abstract: To collect analyte from a supercritical fluid extractor, the collector lifts vials into place by a biasing device that guides the file up to the restrictor where it is sealed. The vial can be moved back down from the collecting mechanism even if frost forms on the vial while the restrictor remains stationary. This vial is held in place by a guide that contains the seal for sealing the vial when it is raised in place.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fiber bundle contactor in which fibers are packed in high density within a column. When two liquid phases flowing in parallel, one of which contains the desired components, are contacted with the entryway of the highly packed fiber bundle, the two liquid phases are very thinly dispersed among gaps around the respective fibers by capillary action induced by the clearance between the fibers. By means of this capillary action, the two liquid phases are maintained as a continuous stream, and the two phases are brought into very intimate contact, thereby ensuring a very large surface area for liquid-liquid extraction to proceed.

Abstract: A supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) system. The SFE system includes a mechanism for providing supercritical fluid for extracting analyte from a sample. The SFE system also includes an extraction vessel and a mechanism for moving the extraction vessel into fluidic communication with the SFE system so that supercritical fluid can flow through the extraction vessel and extract analyte from the sample. Preferably, the SFE system is additionally comprised of a mechanism for holding a plurality of extraction vessels and an extraction chamber assembly. In this design, the moving mechanism selectively moves an extraction vessel from the holding mechanism into the extraction chamber in fluidic communication with the SFE system. Preferably, the SFE system further includes a computer for controlling the functions of the SFE system. The computer, for instance, could automatically and sequentially control the supercritical fluid extractions of the samples within the holding mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus for automated extraction of an analyte from a sample positioned in a sample containment cell having a fluid passageway structure for communication of an extraction fluid to and from the cavity of the cell. The apparatus includes a loading tray, an oven assembly mounted proximate the loading tray, a fluid communication assembly mounted proximate the tray, a cell manipulation assembly and a controller. The cell manipulation assembly brings an inlet conduit and an outlet conduit of the fluid communication assembly into sealed relationship with the sample containment cell and uses the conduits to pick up and move the cell to and from the cell tray and oven assembly.

Abstract: An improved longitudinal extractor utilizing a solvent for removing an entrained liquid from a carrier medium. The improved extractor includes a sprocket driven continuous chain-link conveyor mounted both in cooperation with an upper carrier medium chamber and a lower liquid collection chamber. The chain link conveyor has an upper run which moves the carrier medium past sparging solvent nozzles and a lower run which cleans the collection chamber by continuously scraping the bottom of the collection chamber free of sedimentation and hazardous build-up. The carrier medium is supported on a plurality of spaced-apart longitudinal members which allow the miscible fluid resulting from percolation removal to flow therebetween into the collection chamber. A plurality of spaced-apart collectors are arranged along the bottom of the collection chamber to provide for continuous removal of the miscible fluid from the collection chamber.

Abstract: An improved automatic filtration and extraction device is disclosed which comprises a base 17 defining at a top end a broadened cavity area which tapers downwardly and inwardly from the top end to define a chamber for a portion and then defines a plurality of effluent outlets at the bottom end each extending from the chamber to an outer surface of the body. Sealers 42 are adapted to each of the effluent outlets and are moveable between a first closed position sealing the effluent outlet and a second open position to allow the passage of effluent through the effluent outlet. A filter 110 is detachably and removeably adapted over the broadened cavity area. A solvent provider 90 is adapted to the base whereby various solvents are provided to the broadened cavity area. A circuit 200 is connected at one end to a power source, and the programmable memory to access and direct the sequence of events after an initial event. A programmable memory is provided for a sequence of events and is connected to the base.