Abstract:
The present invention is a collection system for use with supercritical fluid extraction. The system comprises a device for collecting analyte from a fluid having the same. There is also a restrictor for controlling flow of analyte to the collecting device. The restrictor converts the fluid with analyte from a first pressure to a second pressure. The second pressure is less than the first pressure. The first pressure is a supercritical pressure. The restrictor is in fluidic communication with the collecting device. There is also a device for deabsorbing the analyte from the collecting device. The deabsorbing device is in fluidic communication with the collecting device. The collection system also includes a chromatograph for analyzing the analyte. The chromatograph is in fluidic communication with the collecting device to receive deabsorbed analyte. The chromatograph is remote from the collecting device. The chromatograph can be either a gas chromatograph or a liquid chromatograph. In one embodiment of the collection system, the deabsorbing device backflushes deabsorbing fluid through the collecting device into the chromatograph. That is, the flow of fluid during deabsorbing is in an opposite direction to the flow of fluid during collection. Alternatively, the deabsorbing device foreflushes the deabsorbing fluid through the collecting device into the chromatograph. That is, the flow of fluid during deabsorbing is the same direction as the flow of fluid during collection.
Abstract:
A method of extracting metalloid and metal species from a solid or liquid material by exposing the material to a supercritical fluid solvent containing a chelating agent. The chelating agent forms chelates that are soluble in the supercritical fluid to allow removal of the species from the material. In preferred embodiments, the extraction solvent is supercritical carbon dioxide and the chelating agent is a fluorinated or lipophilic crown ether or fluorinated dithiocarbamate. The method provides an environmentally benign process for removing contaminants from industrial waste without using acids or biologically harmful solvents. The chelate and supercritical fluid can be regenerated, and the contaminant species recovered, to provide an economic, efficient process.
Abstract:
An on-line supercritical fluid extraction multidimensional chromatographic system and method is described which provides a cell for extracting a target compound in a supercritical fluid, and a restrictor interface for trapping the extracted target compound while decompressing and venting the supercritical fluid. A pump and valve arrangement is provided to convey the trapped target compound through a micro LC column for separating (and detecting) constituents of interest from interfering species, and ultimately introducing constituent of interest into a gas chromatograph for analysis. The system is characterized as being "on-line" in that fluid communication is provided between all of the system components and the process is continuous. Similarly, the system is characterized as being "multidimensional" in that both liquid and gas chromatographic techniques can be employed in tandem to provide analysis, selectivity and sensitivity in the parts per billion range.
Abstract:
A system for continuously processing items using supercritical fluid wherein the main process vessel in which the items are cleaned or extracted is continuously pressurized with supercritical fluid. The continuous pressurization of the main process vessel is achieved by using an entry airlock to initially pressurize the item to be processed prior to transport into the main process vessel. An exit airlock is provided to depressurize the item after cleaning or extraction in the main process vessel. The system also provides for pretreatment of the items in the entry airlock prior to processing in the main vessel. Post-treatment may also be provided in the exit airlock when desired.
Abstract:
An extraction process comprising contracting a material to be extracted with an extracting fluid at elevated pressure within a defined space, and separating the extracted fluid and extract as a mass, from the extracted material while reducing the volume of the defined space and while maintaining the elevated pressure within the defined space. Apparatus for carrying out the process is adapted to separate the extracting fluid and the extract, as a mass, from the extracted material, while maintaining elevated pressure and reducing the volume as the point of separation.
Abstract:
A process for preparing nuts, particularly peanuts, of reduced calorific value by partially extracting oil from the nut kernels by extraction with supercritical carbon dioxide. The process involves pretreatment of the kernels, including their humidification and optional microwaving. The pretreatment and the extraction steps are optimized with a view to removing maximum amounts of high-calorie substances without losing the organoleptic qualities of the nuts. The process produces virtually unbroken peanut kernels.
Abstract:
Novel derivatives of hydroxamic acid chelating agents for the chelation of f-block elements, yttrium and scandium and methods for the extraction of such elements.
Abstract:
Method and apparatus for regulating the passage of fluid through a chamber or other type of conduit. Fluid passage is terminated when the volume of fluid which has swept through a chamber equals a selected multiple of the chamber's internal volume, which multiple is known as swept chamber volumes.
Abstract:
Methods and devices for the separation of a radioactive rare earth metal isotopes or a radioactive isotope of yttrium or scandium from their alkaline earth metal precursors with ionizable dibenzo ether derivatives.
Abstract:
A process for removing PCDD's and PCDF's from cellulose-containing fibers such as waste paper is provided. The process comprises contacting the fibers with supercritical or near supercritical carbon dioxide for a period of time sufficient to extract a substantial portion of the PCDD's and PCDF's without substantially damaging the fibers. Extraction efficiencies of greater than 95% have been achieved with the technique.