Abstract: To economically perform preparatory chromatography, a plurality of pumps each having a corresponding one of a plurality of pistons and a corresponding one of a plurality of cylinders are driven by one motor to draw and pump solvent simultaneously into corresponding columns. To form a gradient, the pumps are connected to two-way valves that are connected alternately to a first solvent and a second solvent, whereby the time said valve is in a first position controls the amount of solvent drawn from the first reservoir into said pumps and the amount of time in said second position controls the amount of said second solvent drawn from the second reservoir into said pumps and the solvent is mixed in the pumping systems. The detectors are photodiodes mounted to light guides in the flow cells that generate signals related to light absorbance and communicate with a controller, whereby the controller receives signals indicating solute between the light guides and causes collection of solute.

Abstract: Gradient performance with high pressure gradient solvent delivery system is optimized by approximation of infinite stroke volume of high pressure pumps by the addition of pulse dampening with backflow prevention to each high pressure pump. The backflow prevention adds sufficient minimum flow resistance, thereby enhancing the performance of the pulse dampening over a wider range of flow rates resulting in consistent gradient performance.

Abstract: An installation for treating samples by chromatographic separation comprises: i) means (1, 2, 4) for feeding moving phase, means (14) for supplying samples, and a multiplicity of injector means (10-i), each comprising a first inlet (11-i) for receiving a sample, a second inlet (8-i) connected to the feed means, and an outlet (13-i) for delivering the moving phase and/or the sample; ii) a stationary phase (3) defining a multiplicity of sample treatment channels (12-i), each starting at a first selected location (19-i) and terminating at a second selected location (20-i); and iii) a chamber (17) housing the stationary phase (3) and including pressurizing means for applying an external pressure to one face of the stationary phase, a multiplicity of inlets, each connected to the outlet (13-i) of an injector (10-i) to deliver the moving phase and/or the samples to the first locations (19-i), and a multiplicity of outlets (18-i) for discharging the multiplicity of samples treated in the channels (12-i) that have re

Abstract: A mobile phase collection device for increasing the total collectible volume of a liquid fraction that is collected in supercritical fluid chromatography or liquid chromatography includes a collection vessel assembly that is suitable for increasing the total collectable volume of a liquid phase fraction while using a relatively smaller collection vessel. A vessel extender is attached to an attachment end of a relatively smaller collection vessel, resulting in the ability to increase the total volumetric size of a collection vessel. The extended vessel assembly can be used throughout an entire purification and dry down process.

Abstract: Rapid characterization and screening of polymer samples to determine average molecular weight, molecular weight distribution and other properties is disclosed. Rapid flow characterization systems and methods, including liquid chromatography and flow-injection analysis systems and methods are preferably employed. High throughput, automated sampling systems and methods, high-temperature characterization systems and methods, and rapid, indirect calibration compositions and methods are also disclosed. The described methods, systems, and devices have primary applications in combinatorial polymer research and in industrial process control.

Abstract: A droplet/electrospray device and a liquid chromatography-electrospray system are disclosed. The droplet/electrospray device comprises a substrate defining a channel between an entrance orifice on an injection surface and an exit orifice on an ejection surface, a nozzle defined by a portion recessed from the ejection surface surrounding the exit orifice, and an electrode for application of an electric potential to the substrate to optimize and generate droplets or an electrospray. A plurality of these electrospray devices can be used in the form of an array of miniaturized nozzles. The liquid chromatography-electrospray device comprises a separation substrate defining an introduction channel between an entrance orifice and a reservoir and a separation channel between the reservoir and an exit orifice, the separation channel being populated with separation posts perpendicular to the fluid flow.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for generating an acid or base, e.g. for chromatographic analysis of anions. For generating a base the method includes the steps of providing a cation source in a cation source reservoir, flowing an aqueous liquid stream through a base generation chamber separated from the cation source reservoir by a barrier (e.g. a charged membrane) substantially preventing liquid flow while providing a cation transport bridge, applying an electric potential between an anode cation source reservoir and a cathode in the base generation chamber to electrolytically generate hydroxide ions therein and to cause cations in the cation source reservoir to electromigrate and to be transported across the barrier toward the cathode to combine with the transported cations to form cation hydroxide, and removing the cation hydroxide in an aqueous liquid stream as an effluent from the first base generation chamber. Suitable cation sources include a salt solution, a cation hydroxide solution or cation exchange resin.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for efficiently analyzing an organic macromolecular component contained in a sample with high precision are provided. The method and apparatus for analyzing the organic macromolecular component are based on a flow analysis method with a measuring system including a sample introducing section, a preparing section, and a measuring section, composed of steps of supplying a sample with a carrier solution into the measurement system through the introducing section, leading the sample to the preparing section and separating an organic macromolecular component in the sample, and leading the separated organic macromolecular component to the measuring section and analyzing. Herein, the step of separating the organic macromolecular component includes steps of the organic macromolecular component in the sample being adsorbed on a resin and introducing an eluant into the preparing section and eluting the organic macromolecular component adsorbed on the resin.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for efficiently analyzing an organic macromolecular component contained in a sample with high precision are provided. The method and the apparatus for analyzing the organic macromolecular component are based on a flow analysis method with a measuring system including a sample introduction section, a preparation section, and a measuring section, and include the steps of supplying a sample together with a carrier solution into the measurement system through the introduction section, leading the sample to the preparation section and separating an organic macromolecular component from the sample, and leading the separated organic macromolecular component to the measuring section for analysis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sample handling device for an analytical device, comprising a sampler provided with a holder, a movable holding arm for the holder and a support for the holder, said support being arranged in a stationary manner with respect to the holding arm, said holder being transferable between a suspended position on the support and a position located on the holding arm and being releasable from the holding arm by a pulling force exerted by the holding arm substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the latter.

Abstract: Techniques for chromatography, including a method for introducing a sample into a chromatography column having the following steps. A liquid reaction mixture is provided including a sample dissolved in a solvent. A chromatography sample module including a separation media is at least partially immersed in the liquid reaction mixture, such that the liquid reaction mixture is drawn into the sample module by capillary action. The sample module including the sample is inserted into a chromatography column.

Abstract: A method of reducing baseline instabilities in liquid chromatographic measurements is disclosed. A mobile phase comprising sample substances passes through a chromatographic column comprising a stationary phase, and subsequently through a detector. An additional solid body or liquid bath having a high heat capacity and heat conductance is coupled to the column and to an inlet capillary of the column such that the inlet capillary and the column are enclosed by said solid body or liquid bath. In that way temperature stabilization of the column and inlet capillaries is achieved and baseline variations due to temperature dependent adsorption of water at the stationary phase, in particular stationary phases with amino functional groups, are reduced.

Abstract: A process, a method and apparatus are provided for testing and analyzing oil's physical and chemical characteristics and contaminants found in oil. A process separates contaminants prior to testing of oil's chemical and physical characteristics and includes manufacturing and operation parameters, and visual techniques for analysis. An apparatus is provided to separate and remove contaminants into magnetic, non-magnetic and liquids for further testing and analysis. This is accomplished using magnetic fields, filtration and condensing systems. The testing of oil's chemical and physical characteristics as well as contaminants is done using a plurality of tests such as viscosity, blotter, opacity and images for contaminants. A method is provided to prepare blotter and filtration systems, to remove fluid contaminants from particles and to include process parameters, trending and graphical analysis of images via software programming.

Abstract: An inlet system is used in conjunction with a standard gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer to facilitate the analysis of volatile components of substances fired from inkjet pens. The system allows for the investigation of changes in the ink resulting from resistor firing. In addition, the system can be used as a diagnostic tool to detect failures in individual firing chamber. After a block is cooled with liquid nitrogen, an analyte sample of ink is deposited on a stage in a chamber in the block and the chamber is then sealed. The stage is then heated vaporizing a portion of the analyte sample. A transfer gas passes over the stage and mixes with vaporized analyte. The mixture then enters a gas chromatography mass spectrometer which determines the analyte sample's components and relative amounts thereof.

Abstract: A closed &Dgr;Pstat-installation is disclosed for the potential-independent control of the pressure difference for continuous column tests under high hydrostatic pressure, as well as a pressure difference control process useful in particular for carrying out migration tests in pressure columns. By coupling two potential bottles into a closed vessel system, the gas or fluid pressure required to carry out the continuous column tests can be regulated at any desired height independently of outer influences. The pressure difference required to move the liquid is adjusted by setting the potential bottles at predeterminable heights.

Abstract: Rapid characterization and screening of polymer samples to determine average molecular weight, molecular weight distribution and other properties is disclosed. Rapid flow characterization systems and methods, including liquid chromatography and flow-injection analysis systems and methods are preferably employed. High throughput, automated sampling systems and methods, high-temperature characterization systems and methods, and rapid, indirect calibration compositions and methods are also disclosed, where the polymer sample, solvent, liquid chromatograph column and/or mobile phase eluant is heated to temperatures of at least 75 degrees Celsius during the sample injection or elution process. The described methods, systems, and devices have primary applications in combinatorial polymer research and in industrial process control.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating and analyzing a component of a fluid sample that is considered to be a contaminant, and particularly, that is or may be an organic material. The invention is predicated on the introduction of the sample fluid in a pulsed manner via a first carrier fluid into a feed chamber. A membrane is located between the feed chamber and an exit chamber, and in fluid registry therewith. When the sample enters the feed chamber, the component to be separated and analyzed can permeate the membrane, and thus passes through the membrane to the exit chamber, and then enters a second carrier fluid which carries it to a detector for analysis. The detector may be a gas chromatograph (GC), mass spectrometer (MS) or the like.

Abstract: Self-washing injection apparatus [101] for liquid chromatography injection valves utilizes an interior chamber [105] with a penetrable seal [109] at the top end of the chamber and a needle sleeve seal [113] at the bottom end of the interior chamber. A wash port [145] in the body [103] of the apparatus connects one or more sources of wash fluid to the interior chamber between the penetrable seal and the sleeve seal. The apparatus provides a simple and effective means to aspirate or pump wash fluids from one or more wash fluid reservoirs through the apparatus, the injection port of the injection valve, and associated components.

Abstract: An analytical apparatus for measuring a low concentration of a constituent in a stream at a parts per billion level is provided. The apparatus comprises a sample loop having a predetermined volume for receiving a sample from the stream, a purifier for producing substantially pure carrier liquid from a sample of the stream, a first and a second multi-path valve, a preconcentrator column for absorbing and increasing the concentration of the low concentration constituent, an eluent, and a detector. In one embodiment, the apparatus is an ion chromatograph and may be used to analyze ions at concentrations as low as about 10 to about 1 part per billion. A method for analyzing a stream for a low concentration constituent present in a stream at a parts per billion level is also provided. The invention also includes methods for single- and multi-point calibration of a detector in an analytical apparatus for measuring a low concentration of a constituent in a stream at a parts per billion level.

Abstract: Self-washing injection apparatus [101] for liquid chromatography injection valves utilizes an interior chamber [105] with a penetrable seal [109] at the top end of the chamber and a needle sleeve seal [113] at the bottom end of the interior chamber. A wash port [145] in the body [103] of the apparatus connects one or more sources of wash fluid to the interior chamber between the penetrable seal and the sleeve seal. The apparatus provides a simple and effective means to aspirate or pump wash fluids from one or more wash fluid reservoirs through the apparatus, the injection port of the injection valve, and associated components.

Abstract: A high-performance liquid chromatography apparatus and a process for conversion of mobile phase, enabling a trace amount of sample for NMR analysis to be efficiently separated and prepared, includes steps of separating a target ingredient from the sample by the high-performance liquid chromatography, trapping the target ingredient in a trapping column using a different mobile phase, replacing water by deuterium oxide and eluting this target ingredient from the trapping column using deuterated solvent other than deuterium oxide.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for generating an acid or base, e.g. for chromatographic analysis of anions. For generating a base the method includes the steps of providing a cation source in a cation source reservoir, flowing an aqueous liquid stream through a base generation chamber separated from the cation source reservoir by a barrier (e.g. a charged membrane) substantially preventing liquid flow while providing a cation transport bridge, applying an electric potential between an anode cation source reservoir and a cathode in the base generation chamber to electrolytically generate hydroxide ions therein and to cause cations in the cation source reservoir to electromigrate and to be transported across the barrier toward the cathode to combine with the transported cations to form cation hydroxide, and removing the cation hydroxide in an aqueous liquid stream as an effluent from the first base generation chamber. Suitable cation sources include a salt solution, a cation hydroxide solution or cation exchange resin.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for generating an acid or base, e.g. for chromatographic analysis of anions. For generating a base the method includes the steps of providing a cation source in a cation source reservoir, flowing an aqueous liquid stream through a base generation chamber separated from the cation source reservoir by a barrier (e.g. a charged membrane) substantially preventing liquid flow while providing a cation transport bridge, applying an electric potential between an anode cation source reservoir and a cathode in the base generation chamber to electrolytically generate hydroxide ions therein and to cause cations in the cation source reservoir to electromigrate and to be transported across the barrier toward the cathode to combine with the transported cations to form cation hydroxide, and removing the cation hydroxide in an aqueous liquid stream as an effluent from the first base generation chamber. Suitable cation sources include a salt solution, a cation hydroxide solution or cation exchange resin.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for characterizing a plurality of non-biological polymer samples. The method includes the steps of injecting four or more non-biological polymer samples into a mobile-phase of a liquid chromatography system, chromatographically separating at least one sample component or polymer molecule of each of the four or more injected polymer samples from other sample components or polymer molecules thereof in a chromatographic column, and serially detecting a property of the four or more non-biological polymer samples or of components or polymer molecules thereof with a flow-through detector at an average sample throughput of not more than about 10 minutes per sample.

Abstract: To economically perform preparatory chromatography, a plurality of pumps each having a corresponding one of a plurality of pistons and a corresponding one of a plurality of cylinders are driven by one motor to draw and pump solvent simultaneously into corresponding columns. To form a gradient, the pumps are connected to two-way valves that are connected alternately to a first solvent and a second solvent, whereby the time said valve is in a first position controls the amount of solvent drawn from the first reservoir into said pumps and the amount of time in said second position controls the amount of said second solvent drawn from the second reservoir into said pumps and the solvent is mixed in the pumping systems. The detectors are photodiodes mounted to light guides in the flow cells that generate signals related to light absorbance and communicate with a controller, whereby the controller receives signals indicating solute between the light guides and causes collection of solute.

Abstract: To economically perform preparatory chromatography, a plurality of pumps each having a corresponding one of a plurality of pistons and a corresponding one of a plurality of cylinders are driven by one motor to draw and pump solvent simultaneously into corresponding columns. To form a gradient the pumps are connected to two-way valves that are connected alternately to a first solvent and a second solvent, whereby the time said valve is in a first position controls the amount of solvent drawn from said first reservoir into said pumps and the amount of time in said second position controls the amount of said second solvent drawn into said pumps and the solvent is mixed in the pumping systems. The detectors are photodiodes mounted to light guides in the flow cells that generate signals related to light absorbance and communicate with a controller, whereby said controller receives signals indicating solute between the light guides and causes collection of solute.

Abstract: To economically perform preparatory chromatography, a plurality of pumps each having a corresponding one of a plurality of pistons and a corresponding one of a plurality of cylinders are driven by one motor to draw and pump solvent simultaneously into corresponding columns. To form a gradient the pumps are connected to two-way valves that are connected alternately to a first solvent and a second solvent, whereby the time said valve is in a first position controls the amount of solvent drawn from said first reservoir into said pumps and the amount of time in said second position controls the amount of said second solvent drawn into said pumps and the solvent is mixed in the pumping systems. The detectors are photodiodes mounted to light guides in the flow cells that generate signals related to light absorbance and communicate with a controller, whereby said controller receives signals indicating solute between the light guides and causes collection of solute.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a cassette chemical immobilization and treatment system and method for enabling the performance of various complex chemistries with minimal human intervention, near-zero dead volume, and flow-through protocols pursuant to a predetermined instruction set encoded on a multiple-address chemical treatment cassette assembly. The cassette assembly comprises a plurality of analyte sample columns (“mini-columns”), reagent wells containeing pre-packaged reagents including powdered, micoencapsulated, liquid or lyophillized reagents, analyte loading funnels, alignment means for the analyte sample columns, and, a machine readable instruction code Bet for identifying a chemical treatment protocol. The mini-columns are improved columns having high pressure interface capability to permit direct insertion of the mini-column into high-pressure solvent line for use as a support column for HPLC analysis.

Abstract: Ionic species in an aqueous sample stream are analyzed by (a) chromatographically separating the ionic species in the presence of an aqueous eluent solution comprising electrolyte to form a chromatographic effluent, (b) suppressing the electrolyte in the chromatography effluent by flowing the same through a suppressor (e.g., a membrane suppressor) to form a suppressed effluent, (c) detecting the ionic species in the suppressed effluent, and (d) regenerating the suppressor by flowing a mixture of a gas stream and a regenerant liquid stream through the suppressor. The gas stream may be generated by flowing the detected suppressed effluent through an electrolytic gas generator which electrolyzes water in the effluent to hydrogen and oxygen gas. Also, pressurized gas may be directed into a reservoir of regenerant liquid for flow from said reservoir to said regenerant flow channel.

Abstract: A flow of a carrier gas through a column is provided. A sample is provided in the column, and a temperature of a longitudinally short portion of the column is raised to a predetermined controlled high temperature at which volatile substances are released from the sample packing and are carried by the carrier gas. The column is cooled on each side of the short portion to a low temperature at which the volatile substances condense or adsorb on the column packing. By continuously moving the heated short portion from an inlet end to an outlet end of the packing in a direction of carrier gas flow the volatile substances selected by the controlled high temperature are released. Four particularly useful and advantageous applications can be identified for the invention. Firstly, it provides an improved gas chromatograph (GC) injector. Secondly, it provides an improved thermal separator or extractor.

Abstract: An analysis system and method for a cleanroom environment is disclosed wherein on-line testing of water-soluble contaminants is performed by condensing water vapor from an air sample taken from the clean room. The condenser is connected to a analyzing unit that is used to measure and analyze the water-soluble contaminants in the condensed water received from the condensing unit.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for driving a sample, having a well-defined volume, under pressure into a chromatography column. A conventional high pressure sampling valve is replaced by a sample injector composed of a pair of injector components connected in series to a common junction. The injector components are containers of porous dielectric material constructed so as to provide for electroosmotic flow of a sample into the junction. At an appropriate time, a pressure pulse from a high pressure source, that can be an electrokinetic pump, connected to the common junction, drives a portion of the sample, whose size is determined by the dead volume of the common junction, into the chromatographic column for subsequent separation and analysis. The apparatus can be fabricated on a substrate for microanalytical applications.

Abstract: Rapid characterization and screening of polymer samples to determine average molecular weight, molecular weight distribution and other properties is disclosed. Rapid flow characterization systems and methods, including liquid chromatography and flow-injection analysis systems and methods are preferably employed. High throughput, automated sampling systems and methods, high-temperature characterization systems and methods, and rapid, indirect calibration compositions and methods are also disclosed. In preferred high-temperature embodiments, the polymer sample is maintained at a temperature of not less than about 75° C. during sample preparation, loading into a liquid chromatography or flow-injection analysis system, injection into a mobile phase of a liquid chromatography or flow-injection analysis system, and/or elution from chromatographic column. The described methods, systems, and device have primary applications in combinatorial polymer research and in industrial process control.

Abstract: A system and method for electrochemically regenerated ion neutralization and concentration is disclosed. In one aspect of the invention, a system is provided comprising a HPLC column pump, a concentrator column, an analytical column, a suppressor, a detector, a mixed bed deionizing resin, a sample injector, and a neutralization cartridge.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for generating an acid or base, e.g. for chromatographic analysis of anions. For generating a base the method includes the steps of providing a cation source in a cation source reservoir, flowing an aqueous liquid stream through a base generation chamber separated from the cation source reservoir by a barrier (e.g. a charged membrane) substantially preventing liquid flow while providing a cation transport bridge, applying an electric potential between an anode cation source reservoir and a cathode in the base generation chamber to electrolytically generate hydroxide ions therein and to cause cations in the cation source reservoir to electromigrate and to be transported across the barrier toward the cathode to combine with the transported cations to form cation hydroxide, and removing the cation hydroxide in an aqueous liquid stream as an effluent from the first base generation chamber. Suitable cation sources include a salt solution, a cation hydroxide solution or cation exchange resin.

Abstract: A cassette is used with a chemical immobilization and treatment system. The system with the cassette performs various complex chemistries with minimal human intervention, near-zero dead volume, and flow-through protocols pursuant to a predetermined instruction set encoded on a multiple-address chemical treatment cassette assembly. The cassette assembly comprises a plurality of analyte sample columns (“mini-columns”), having a high-pressure interface capability to permit direct insertion of the mini-column into a high-pressure solvent line for use as a support column for HPLC analysis. A sample loader loads analyte samples either singly or simultaneously into the multiple, addressable mini-columns without the need to load the sample funnel/column assembly into a separate reaction chamber.