The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jun. 21, 1994
Filed:
Feb. 05, 1993
Lenore R Frank, Landenberg, PA (US);
Christopher M Wurm, Landenberg, PA (US);
Paul C Dryden, West Chester, PA (US);
Steven J Engel, Kennett Square, PA (US);
Mark A Nickerson, Landenberg, PA (US);
Ernest H Zerenner, Wilmington, DE (US);
Hewlett-Packard Company, Palo Alto, CA (US);
Abstract
Methods and apparatus for extracting sample components from complex matrices using supercritical fluid as the principal extracting solvent are disclosed. The invention takes advantage of the fact that the solvent power of a supercritical fluid is stepwise settable by the parameters of density, modifier concentration, and temperature. Accordingly, methods and apparatus for extracting a component from a sample using fluid flow system having a variable and controllable flow restriction are disclosed. The methods of the present invention comprise the steps of inserting the sample into the sample container section, inputting temperature, pressure, flow rate and extraction time set points. Flow rate is controlled and system pressure regulated by the variable flow restriction. The output stream from the extraction is then expanded through a nozzle and into a trap. In certain embodiments, the trap is filled with chemically active packing material. In other embodiments, a fractionation zone and other analytical instruments are coupled to the apparatus of the present invention. Methods and apparatus for rinsing the extraction instrument and for diluting the extraction fluid are also disclosed. Methods for operating a supercritical fluid extraction systems comprising a pressure and thermal control systems which are programmable to regulate the system to maintain such values within the design specifications during the extraction process.