Abstract:
To collect analyte in a supercritical fluid extraction process, the extractant flows to a collection container (130) under pressure. In one embodiment, the collection container (130) contains collection solvent (144) through which the extractant flows to partition analyte. The extractant adds to the liquid and when the collection solvent-extractant mixture rises to a heating zone, the extractant vaporizes selectively since its vapor pressure is higher than the vapor pressure of the collection solvent (144). When its pressure exceeds a preset valve (148) pressure it is vented so that extractant continually leaves the collection container (130). After the extraction is complete, the analyte is concentrated in the collection solvent (144). In another embodiment, the collection vessel includes a solid material on which the analyte collects. It is removed under pressure by a solvent that is concentrated under pressure.
Abstract:
To avoid deposits on the restrictor that channels extractant into a collector (1901), a heated capillary tube (1900) pressure release restrictor has a thermally insulated outlet end in a collecting trap (1908) substantially colder than the capillary tube (1900). The restrictor is heated between the insulation (1906) and the capillary tube (1908) by Joulean heating. The solvent in the trap (1908) is at a pressure of 5 to 200 psi above atmospheric pressure. The thermal resistance of the insulation (1906) is selected to reduce the heat added to the extractant to a minimum, to keep the extractant from freezing, and to reduce partitioning of the extract and extractant. 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 draw samples of fluid at remote locations, one of a plurality of sampler configurations is selected from configurations that have a universal base, a selected one of a composite container holder or locator, 12-container rain water runoff container holder and sequential sample multiple container holder; clampdown, control section, and cover. The selected configuration is brought to the remote site (12). Samples are drawn at the site (14) in a predetermined time sequence. After a sequence is completed, a new selected container is put into an insulated shipping carton with ice and containers and brought to the site (16). At the site, the old container holder is removed and the ice is poured into the shipping carton (18). The new container carrier is inserted into the sampler with ice (20). The old container carrier with sample in the containers is put into the shipping carton with the remaining ice and brought to the laboratory (22).
Abstract:
To supply supercritical fluid to an automatic supercritical fluid extractor and collect extract from the extractor, sample holding cartridges (30A) are lifted one by one in series by an elevator plug into a pressure chamber (24A). An inlet at the top of the cartridge (30A) engages a pressure vessel inlet for the extractant so that extractant flows into the cartridge (30A) and into the space between the cartridge and inner walls of the pressure chamber (24A). The outlets from the cartridge (30A) and pressure vessel communicate with the collector (408) and exhaust through passageways in the plug. The plug has cleaning ports for cleaning seals and the outlet from the cartridge (30A) flows past the seals. The collector (408) lifts vials into place and can precool the collection solvent, and later as part of the collection procedure, heat and pressurize the collector (408).
Abstract:
A variable-orifice fluid restrictor (11) 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 (1240) 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 (1240) is adjacent to the outer surface of the probe and the orifice means (1240) is adjustable with the adjusting stem. The end of the 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 (1240) for varying the restriction of the fluid passing through the adjustable orifice (1240).