Abstract: Systems and methods for efficient, effective, and safe separation and isolation of multiple isotopes (e.g., Mo, Zr, Ba, Sr, Te, and lanthanide isotopes) from fission products includes use of a plurality of chromatography columns, each containing a chromatographic resin formulated to target one or more particular isotopes. The system is operable in a “series” configuration to load the multiple columns by a single pass of the sample. Then, the system may be transitioned (e.g., using valves) to a “parallel” configuration in which multiple columns of the system may be operated simultaneously to elute targeted isotopes. Additional parallel operations of the columns, using different eluent compositions, may be used to elute different targeted isotopes. The system may be reconditioned in preparation for a subsequent sample.

Abstract: A multi-dimensional liquid chromatography system includes first and second liquid chromatography systems. The first system is configured for providing a first chromatographic separation of a sample fluid comprised in a first mobile phase and to provide a first effluent including at least a portion of the separated sample fluid. The second system is configured for providing a second chromatographic separation of at least a portion of the first effluent comprised in a second mobile phase. A control unit is configured to operate the first liquid chromatography system by maintaining a first flow rate of the first mobile phase substantially constant during the first chromatographic separation, and to operate the second liquid chromatography system during the second chromatographic separation according to a control value different from the second flow rate, so that a variation in the control value can lead to a variation in the second flow rate.

Abstract: A thermo-gravimetric analysis system includes a chamber having an interior; and a sample crucible connected to and inside of the chamber, the sample crucible configured to hold a sample material. The system further includes a reference crucible connected to and inside of the chamber; and a metal organic framework (MOF) crucible connected to and inside of the chamber, separate from the sample crucible, the MOF crucible including an MOF material.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for generating trace vapors are provided. The apparatus includes a controller and an oven. The controller includes: a processor, a memory storing at least one control program, a clean solution supply port constructed to output a clean solution, an analyte solution supply port constructed to output an analyte solution, a carrier gas inlet port constructed to receive a carrier gas, and a plurality of carrier gas supply controllers constructed to output the carrier gas.

Abstract: A Discrete Sample Introduction Module (DSIM) apparatus includes an internal tubing system to receive into the DSIM apparatus a discrete gas sample having a received concentration. A plurality of valves selectively partitions the internal tubing system to form a plurality of loops corresponding to a plurality of loop volumes to contain the discrete gas sample. The plurality of loop volumes receives a carrier gas to dilute the discrete gas sample to a plurality of preselected dilutions. The DSIM apparatus circulates a given one of the plurality of preselected dilutions for analysis by a spectrometer coupled to the DSIM apparatus.

Abstract: A system for detecting mold includes a housing defining a chamber and an opening through a surface. The system includes a movable grate for selectively covering the opening. The system includes a substrate treated to promote mold growth. The system includes a mechanism for moving the substrate to move previously unexposed portions into the chamber. The system includes a thermal control system to maintain predetermined environmental conditions in the chamber. The system includes a sensor configured to detect mold growth in the chamber. The system includes a mold suppressor to kill mold in the chamber when activated. The system includes a controller to coordinate operation of the components to detect mold growth in an environment.

Abstract: A process chamber, such as for semiconductor processing equipment, is connected with a recovery unit. The recovery unit includes a first storage tank for buffer gas and a second storage tank for rare gas. Both storage tanks are connected with a column in the recovery unit. The recovery unit and process chamber can operate as a closed system. The rare gas can be transported at a variable flow rate while separation in the recovery unit operates at a constant flow condition.

Abstract: Pressure-controlled splitting can be used to inject a chemical sample from an injection source to a detector (e.g., a mass spectrometer) for chemical analysis (e.g., gas chromatography or gas chromatography-mass spectrometry) with reduced peak widths. For example, the sample is first transferred to a first compression volume; then pressure in the system is increased to compress the sample to split it between a second compression volume and a column. The fraction of the sample split to the column can have reduced peak widths compared to the peak widths prior to compression and splitting yet can maintain the same peak height to preserve high sensitivity for trace level analysis. This portion of the sample can traverse the column and elute to the detector for analysis with reduced chemical noise. Faster injection rates can allow faster analysis times, as less separation of chemicals is needed before the sample reaches the detector.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a liquid chromatography system (90) configured to operate with at least one column and configured for purification of a sample comprising a target product using a predefined process. The liquid chromatography system comprises a controller (91) configured to: control the operation of the chromatography system to run the predefined process; retrieve column data accessible from a data storage, the column data being specific to each column; and adapt at least one process parameter of the predefined process for each column based on column data. Whereby the predefined process is adapted to each column to obtain the target product and maintain the performance of the liquid chromatography system.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates a variety of improved techniques including an injection module pairable with an injection port of a gas chromatography device. The injection module can include a cylindrical body, a cap with permeable membrane, a first reservoir for a sample, and a second reservoir for a volume of solvent. An internal membrane can be disposed between the first reservoir and the second reservoir. The injection module can include a circular plunger creating a seal with an inner surface of the cylindrical body of the injection module and configured to expel the sample and solvent by gliding along the inner surface of the cylindrical body. A server can monitor analytes detected by the gas chromatography device and generate recommendations for a user of the gas chromatography device.

Abstract: Methods for transferring a separation procedure from a first chromatographic system to a second one are disclosed that involve substantially matching a pressure profile. In some such methods, a length, an area, and a particle size of a first column in the first system and a flow rate in the first separation procedure are identifiable. Some such methods also involve selecting a combination of a length, an area, and a particle size of a second column in the second system and a flow rate for the second separation procedure. These methods may involve calculating a target length, a target area, or a target particle size for the second column in the second system or a target flow rate for the second separation procedure.

Abstract: A pre-heater assembly for pre-heating a fluid, in particular in a fluid separation apparatus, wherein the pre-heater assembly comprises a capillary having a lumen and being configured for conducting the fluid, and a thermal coupling body contacting at least part of the capillary, having a value of thermal conductivity in a range between 8 W/(m K) and 100 W/(m K) and being arrangable so that heat generated by a heat source is supplied to the capillary via at least part of the thermal coupling body.

Abstract: Processing liquid is stored by a supply tank. The dissolved oxygen concentration of the processing liquid is measured. The dissolved oxygen concentration of the processing liquid in the supply tank is adjusted by supplying concentration adjusting gas having a concentration of inert gas higher than that of air into the supply tank in accordance with the dissolved oxygen concentration of the processing liquid measured. The processing liquid in the supply tank is supplied to a substrate. The processing liquid that has been supplied to the substrate is collected to the supply tank. Unnecessary gas that is a gas other than the concentration adjusting gas and dissolved in the processing liquid during the processing of the substrate is decreased from the processing liquid before the processing liquid is collected to the supply tank.

Abstract: A xenon capture system that reduces the concentration of xenon in a carrier gas is disclosed. An example xenon capture system includes a carrier gas with a first concentration of xenon that flows through an intake into a chamber. Within the chamber is a reaction area that has at least one peripheral sidewall. The reaction area operates at a predetermined temperature, flow rate, and low pressure. Within the reaction area is at least one xenon capture mechanism that is at least partially formed of a transition metal. When the carrier gas is exposed to the xenon capture mechanism, the xenon capture mechanism adsorbs xenon from the carrier gas. The carrier gas, with a second concentration of xenon, exits the chamber through the exhaust outlet.

Abstract: There is provided a capillary column comprising a flat cross section and a desired theoretical plate number and having both high resolution and high sample load capacity. The capillary column 1 comprising a stationary phase on an inactivated inner surface, which is used in gas chromatography, comprises a narrow part 3 formed in a central part of a cross section of internal space and a bulge part 4 formed on each of both sides of the narrow part 3.

Abstract: Methods and related apparatuses and mixtures are described for chromatographic analysis. The described system includes a pressurized source of a mobile phase and a flow path in fluid communication with the pressurized source such that the mobile phase flows through the flow path. The system also includes an injector in fluid communication with the flow path and downstream of the pressurized source, the injector being configured to inject a sample into the flow path. A first column located downstream of the injector, contains a stationary phase, and forms part of the flow path. A first detector is positioned to detect properties of fluid in the flow path at a location downstream of the injector and upstream from the first column. A second detector is positioned to detect properties of fluid in the flow path at a location downstream of the first column.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to compositions useful for use in separators for use in lithium ion batteries, and membranes, separators, and devices derived therefrom.

Abstract: Methods and related systems are described for improving component separations in chromatography through novel techniques. The improvements in separation is due primarily to the provision of differential acceleration of the components being separated. Various systems and methods for providing differential acceleration are described including: increasing the cross section of the column towards the column outlet, changing the thickness or other composition of stationary phase within the column, and providing a temperature and/or mobile phase velocity gradient along the column.

Abstract: Certain embodiments described herein are directed to chromatography systems that include a microfluidic device. The microfluidic device can be fluidically coupled to a switching valve to provide for selective control of fluid flow in the chromatography system. In some examples, the microfluidic device may include a charging chamber, a bypass restrictor or other features that can provide for added control of the fluid flow in the system. Methods of using the devices and methods of calculating lengths and diameters to provide a desired flow rate are also described.

Abstract: In a fast gas chromatograph (GC) method and device for obtaining fast gas chromatography analysis, a capillary gas chromatography column is inserted into a resistively heated metal tube located mostly outside a standard gas chromatograph oven, which may serve as a heated transfer line to a flexible column that enters the resistively heated metal tube from its injector and exits into its detector. The fast GC device enables less than one minute full range temperature programming and cooling back analysis cycle time. The fast GC according to one embodiment is combined with mass spectrometry with supersonic molecular beams for the provision of fast analysis cycle time together with highly informative mass spectral information for improved sample analysis and identification.

Abstract: Certain embodiments described herein are directed to chromatography systems that include a microfluidic device and that implement one or more methods to direct sample to a desired fluid flow path. The methods can be used to backflush a sample to a desired fluid flow path to select certain analytes within a sample.

Abstract: A device for capillary chromatography comprising at least one first receiving space arranged in a circuit board and of a form such that the first receiving space is suitable for at least partially receiving a coiled part of a capillary separation column. Also a method for manufacturing such a device. Using such a device and method the greatest possible advantage can be gained from both miniaturized and integrated gas chromatographs (minimal dead volumes; integration options; small thermal masses and rapid temperature regulation; low cost price; small dimensions, weight and energy consumption; portable and flexible in use) and from the use of a usual capillary separation column (very good separation; high precision and reproducibility). The capillary separation column can herein be heated uniformly, rapidly and accurately.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for collection devices, methods of making collection devices, methods of collecting gases and aerosol particles, and the like.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the enrichment of isotopes by chromatography on a saturated stationary phase. The process provides a more efficient method than the existing methods.

Abstract: An apparatus for separation of gases from ambient air that has at least one separation column containing an adsorbent with an inlet at a first end and an outlet at a second end, a buffer column containing an adsorbent and having a single inlet at a first end, a vacuum pump, and a valve system that connects the vacuum pump to the outlet at the first end of the separation column, and that connects the outlet at the second end of the separation column to the single inlet at the first end of the buffer column.

Abstract: A degas assembly including a low pressure fluid channel for carrying a wash fluid at a first pressure, a pressurized channel for carrying eluent including a gas at a second pressure higher than the first pressure, and a degas separator defining a fluid barrier between the low pressure fluid channel and pressurized fluid channel, the separator configured to retain liquid in the pressurized fluid channel and allow gas to flow through the separator to the low pressure fluid channel. The pressurized fluid channel may extend along an outer periphery of the low pressure fluid channel. The eluent may be received from an eluent generator at a pressure of at least about 3300 psi, and in various embodiments up to about 5000 psi. A liquid chromatography system and method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A gas chromatograph (GC) apparatus capable of detecting abnormality, in which a reference retention index is obtained from a result obtained by analyzing a given substance and a retention-index reference substance under adequate analysis conditions using a normal column, and stored in a storage section. Further, under a condition that the apparatus can perform normal analysis, the given substance is subjected to GC analysis to obtain a reference retention time, and the obtained reference retention time is stored in the storage section. A diagnosis processing section is operable to compare each of an actual retention time and an actual retention index with a respective one of the reference retention time and the reference retention index. If a deviation therebetween or abnormality is detected, the diagnosis processing section is operable to estimate a causal factor of the abnormality.

Abstract: A flow control system, method and device for performing thermal desorption is provided. In one embodiment, the system includes a first flow path in which gas flows from a first carrier gas inlet, through a first vessel in a first direction at a first flow rate to adsorb analytes on an adsorbent of said first vessel; a second flow path in which gas flows from a second carrier gas inlet, through said first vessel in the first direction at a second flow rate to further adsorb the analytes on the adsorbent of said first vessel; a third flow path in which a carrier gas flows through said first vessel in a second direction to carry desorbed analytes out of said first vessel; and wherein the second flow rate of carrier gas through said first vessel is greater than the first flow rate of carrier gas through said first vessel.

Abstract: The present invention is an improvement to two-dimensional comprehensive gas chromatography. The improvement is a one valve switching modulator connecting the two separation columns. The valve includes either a two position eight-port valve or a two position twelve-port valve, and two transfer lines.

Abstract: A system for recycling helium carrier gas comprises: a bladder, the bladder interior fluidically configured so as to receive helium-bearing gas output from at least one of a split vent and a septum purge vent of a gas chromatograph; a compartment containing the bladder; a source of pressurized air or gas operable so as to supply pressurized air or gas into the compartment interior so as to compress the bladder containing the helium-bearing gas; a gas reservoir fluidically coupled to the bladder interior so as to receive the helium bearing gas from the compressed bladder interior; and at least one gas purification module configured so as to receive the helium-bearing gas from the gas reservoir and operable to remove contaminants from the helium-bearing gas, an output of the at least one gas purification module being fluidically coupled to a carrier gas inlet of the gas chromatograph.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for multidimensional gas chromatography for separating the analytes of a complex sample. The method comprises the steps of introducing the sample onto a first column whereby the sample is separated into at least two segments, introducing at least one segment into a heartcut device whereby the segments are selectively separated into at least two heartcut fractions, introducing at least one of the fractions onto a second column whereby at least one fraction is further separated into at least two analytes, introducing at least one analyte from the second column to a gas chromatography connector, introducing the analyte from the connector to a third column, and introducing the analyte from the third column into a detector whereby the analyte is analyzed and identified.

Abstract: A method for the superficial-phase chromatography of a product comprises the steps which are performed continuously in the following order, namely: an operation consisting in pumping a supercritical fluid; and operation consisting of injecting at least one sample of product into at least one chromatography column, a detection operation, and a fraction collection operation. The method comprises at least a first diversion along between an analytical channel and a preparatory channel, which diversion is performed prior to the supercritical fluid pumping operation and the analytical and preparatory channels each including respective supercritical fluid pumping operations. The method is also characterized in that the collection operation is common to both the analytical and preparatory channels. An installation used to implement one such method is described.

Abstract: A chromatographic mass spectrometer 100, 150 is provided with a measuring portion 21 for measuring n-alkane of a number of different carbon numbers, and characterized by further having: a mass number storing portion 31 for storing the mass number for each n-alkane; and a mass chromatogram preparing portion 22 for preparing a mass chromatogram for each mass number by focusing on the mass number on the basis of the mass spectrum.

Abstract: Methods and related systems are described for improving component separations in chromatography through novel techniques. The improvements in separation is due primarily to the provision of differential acceleration of the components being separated. Various systems and methods for providing differential acceleration are described including: increasing the cross section of the column towards the column outlet, changing the thickness or other composition of stationary phase within the column, and providing a temperature and/or mobile phase velocity gradient along the column.

Abstract: Novel metal organic framework (MOF) molecules and methods of synthesizing them are described. MOFs are organometallic crystalline structures that have high sorption capacity due to high surface area, tailorable selectivity, an inert nature, and thermal stability at high temperatures. MOFs may be used as sorbents in preconcentrators for analytical devices to provide orders of magnitude of improved sensitivity in analyte detection. MOFs are also useful as sorbents in new compact and portable micropreconcentrator designs such as a modified purge and trap system and a multi-valve microelectromechanical system (MEMS) to achieve high gain in analyte detection. Further, MOFs may be used as coatings for novel microstructure arrays in micropreconcentrators where the microstructures are designed to increase the surface area to volume ratio inside the micropreconcentrator while minimizing the pressure drop across the micropreconcentrator.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for rapid fractionation of hydrocarbon phases in a sample fluid stream are disclosed. Examples of the disclosed apparatus and method include an assembly of elements in fluid communication with one another including one or more valves and at least one sorbent chamber for removing certain classifications of hydrocarbons and detecting the remaining fractions using a detector. The respective ratios of hydrocarbons are determined by comparison with a non separated fluid stream.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method of making a measurement using the same. The apparatus includes a channel through which a fluid flows, a detector, and a choked flow channel. The detector measures a property of the fluid by generating a signal that depends on that property. The signal generated also depends on a pressure of the fluid in the detector. The choked flow channel receives the fluid at a first pressure after the fluid has been measured by the detector, and then transmits the fluid to a downstream location at a second pressure. The fluid reaches a supersonic velocity at one point in the choked flow channel. The choked flow channel may include a convergent-divergent nozzle or an orifice in a structure located in the choked flow channel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the in-situ, chemical analysis of an aerosol. The method may include the steps of: collecting an aerosol; thermally desorbing the aerosol into a carrier gas to provide desorbed aerosol material; transporting the desorbed aerosol material onto the head of a gas chromatography column; analyzing the aerosol material using a gas chromatograph, and quantizing the aerosol material as it evolves from the gas chromatography column. The apparatus includes a collection and thermal desorption cell, a gas chromatograph including a gas chromatography column, heated transport lines coupling the cell and the column; and a quantization detector for aerosol material evolving from the gas chromatography column.

Abstract: A connector for fastening a gas chromatography capillary column to chromatography equipment includes a securing nut and ferrule on a first portion of the connector for releasably holding the capillary column in a position relative to a second portion of the connector. The first portion rotates relative to the first portion and translates a limited amount relative to the first portion. A pin on the first portion extending into an annular groove around a circumference of the first portion may allow this rotation and limited translation. The second portion has a threaded end adapted to screw into the chromatography equipment with the first portion remaining relatively rotation free as the second portion is screwed into place.

Abstract: Polymeric ionic liquids, methods of making and methods of using the same are disclosed.

Abstract: A feeding device for enriching and feeding a fluid sample into a chemical detector, the feeding device comprises (a) a sorbent element having a sorbent material for sorbing at least one target chemical present in the fluid sample; (b) a desorbing mechanism for generating conditions for the sorbent material to desorb the at least one target chemical out of the sorbent material, thereby to provide an enriched fluid sample; and (c) a loose connector, for providing a loose connection between the feeding device and the chemical detector, such that when the sorbent material desorbs the at least one target chemical, the chemical detector is fed by the enriched fluid sample, and when the sorbent material sorbs the at least one target chemical, the chemical detector is fed by environmental fluids.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the enrichment of isotopes by chromatography on a saturated stationary phase. The process provides a more efficient method than the existing methods.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a field-mounted analyzer having a graphical user interface (GUI). The analyzer has a display screen visible from the exterior of the housing. A plurality of magnetically-actuatable switches are mounted behind the display screen. The GUI has a plurality of windows that may be displayed on the display screen. Navigation through the windows is accomplished by activating switches aligned with graphical navigation icons in the windows.

Abstract: A pressure swing adsorption process wherein a gas mixture comprised of a reformate gas and a biomass gas is processed to remove contaminants.

Abstract: A method for degassing a fluid includes providing a degassing system having a degassing module and a fluid pump apparatus having a fluid reservoir, wherein the fluid pump apparatus is operated in a discontinuous mode involving one or more discrete pumping cycles having a first cycle time. The fluid pump apparatus is calibrated to deliver a predetermined volume of the fluid from the fluid reservoir during each of the pumping cycles, and the degassing module is adapted to operably move gas from the fluid to an extent sufficient to render the fluid volume to a desired degassed condition within a period of time that is not greater than the first cycle time.

Abstract: An open probe method for sample introduction into a mass spectrometer is disclosed, comprising the steps of: loading a sample holder with sample compounds to be analyzed; heating a probe oven; introducing said sample compounds in said sample holder into said heated probe oven; flowing inert gas into said heated probe oven; vaporizing said sample in said heated probe oven by the combined effect of oven temperature and inert gas flow; entraining said vaporized sample in said inert gas; and, transferring said vaporized sample in inert gas into an ion source of a mass spectrometer; wherein said heated probe oven remains open to the ambient atmosphere during sample introduction and analysis; said inert gas is flowing in said heated probe oven in two directions of a transfer line to a mass spectrometer ion source and to the oven opening; said vaporized sample in inert gas is transferred through a heated transfer line directly into the ionization chamber of an ion source of a mass spectrometer.

Abstract: A compliant column sheath assembly for use in a gas chromatograph is provided which includes an open tubular column in the form of a helical coil having a coiled length of between about 5 and 15 cm. The sheath assembly further includes an insulating sheath which surrounds the open tubular column and a frame. When incorporated in a gas chromatograph, the compliant column sheath assembly allows samples to be analyzed in about 2 to 10 seconds.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to devices and methods for receiving NSC Fluids having at least one analyte from a chromatograph and directing analyte ions into the vacuum regions of a mass spectrometer. The device has a housing having at least one wall defining a chamber, sample inlet, an ionization media inlet and an outlet. The sample inlet has a position in communication with a chromatograph receiving a NSC Fluid. The sample inlet receives the NSC Fluid and directs the NSC Fluid into the chamber to form a sample jet of NSC Fluid. The ionization media inlet is placed in fluid communication with a source of ionization media and directs the ionization media into the chamber and the sample jet to create analyte ions. The analyte ions are received in the mass spectrometer vacuum region orifice.

Abstract: A portable weather resistant gas chromatograph system with a gas chromatograph enclosure having a body and a movable door and a seal, a gas chromatograph with a frame assembly removably secured in the enclosure, a plurality of exhaust gas lines connected to the gas chromatograph, an explosion proof terminal box with circuit breakers and terminals mounted to the enclosure, a communication conduit and armored power cable between the explosion proof terminal box and the gas chromatograph, a purge gas conduit port for the gas chromatograph, a pedestal for the enclosure, and at least two lifting eyes connected to the enclosure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a chromatographic method for eliminating interference from interfering agents, coming from the gas sample itself or from the system material used to perform the impurities measurements, on impurities to be quantified in a gas sample. The method advantageously relies on the use of an additional valve and an additional sample loop particularly arranged in a G. C. system, and also on an additional supporting gas inlet operatively connected to the system through the additional sample loop for providing the system with a supporting gas comprising at least a predetermined portion of a predetermined active gas that will react with the unwanted interfering impurities, if any, or with the column material to cancel out unwanted active sites. Thus, the method of the present invention can advantageously be used in gas chromatographic systems to improve sensitivity thereof by acting on column separation material.