Suprex Corp.

Douglas J Keebler

Mark L Bruce

The present invention pertains to an apparatus for restricting supercritical fluid. The apparatus comprises an elastic tube through which the supercritical fluid flows. The apparatus also comprises means for adjustably compressing the elastic tube. The comprising means is in contact with the tube. Preferably, there is also means for facilitating flow through the tube. The facilitating means is in communication with the tube in proximity to the compressing means. In a preferred embodiment, the adjustable compressing means includes a first member having a first opening through which the tube extends. The first opening has a threaded portion. There is also a second member having a second opening through which the tube extends. The second member has a threaded shaft for threadingly engaging with the threaded portion of the first opening. A compression structure is seated within the first opening in contact with the elastic tube such that as the threaded shaft is screwed within the threaded portion, the compression structure adjustably compresses the tube. Preferably, the first opening has a tapered portion upon which a tapered compression member of the compression structure is seated. In an alternative embodiment, the apparatus includes means to compress a second portion of the tube. If it is desired, the apparatus can be self-adjusting. In this embodiment, there is means for determining the magnitude of supercritical fluid restriction within the elastic tube. The determining means generates a signal. A motor is provided for automatically adjusting the compressing means according to the signal. Preferably, the determining means includes a flow sensor and supercritical fluid identification means. The present invention also pertains to a method of restricting supercritical fluid flow. The method comprises the steps of establishing supercritical fluid flow through an elastic tube, adjustably compressing the elastic tube such that a desired flow rate is maintained therein and applying energy to the supercritical fluid in the tube in proximity to where the tube is compressed. Preferably, there is the step of monitoring the magnitude of supercritical fluid restriction and the compressing step includes the step of automatically adjusting a first compression member against the tube according to the monitored supercritical fluid restriction. Preferably, the energy supplying step includes the step of heating the supercritical fluid in the tube.

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Irwin, PA, United States of America

Douglas J Keebler