Supercritical fluid extraction system and method of operation
AssigneeThe United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture
InventorRobert J. Maxwell
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A supercritical fluid extraction system and method for extracting a sample from a matrix by use of supercritical fluid and collecting components of the matrix in a solid phase extraction collection column. This system includes a variable restriction valve for depressurizing the fluid with entrained sample and an integral adapter directly connected at a first end with the valve and directly sealingly engaging the collector column and having a second end for passage of the depressurized fluid and sample with matrix components into the collector column.
Claims28
In combination with means for extracting a sample from a matrix by use of supercritical fluid and the collection of sample components therein in a solid phase extraction column means, the improvement comprising:
- (A) restrictor means for depressurizing the supercritical fluid with the sample components therein and having:
- (1) a discharge orifice;
- and
- (B) adaptor means connected with said restrictor means having:
- (1) a conduit extending therethrough for the passage of the depressurized fluid and the sample components from said restrictor discharge orifice into a solid phase extraction column means;
- (2) a top portion connecting with said restrictor means;
- and
- (3) a bottom portion extending into said solid phase extraction column means.
In combination with means for extracting a sample from a matrix by use of supercritical fluid extraction means and solid phase extraction column means for collecting at least one component of said sample, the improvement comprising:
- (A) variable restrictor means comprising:
- (1) a body having a discharge orifice;
- and
- (B) adaptor means comprising:
- (1) a first end portion connecting with said variable restrictor means;
- (2) a second end portion extending into said solid phase extraction column means;
- and
- (3) an intermediate portion connecting with said solid phase extraction column means.
Supercritical fluid extraction system for extracting a sample from a matrix and collecting at least one component thereof for analysis, comprising
- (A) supercritical fluid extraction means including:
- (1) a housing;
- (B) variable restrictor means mounted adjacent and in fluid communication with said supercritical fluid extraction means housing;
- (C) solid phase extraction column means for collecting said at least one component of said sample;
- and
- (D) adaptor means comprising:
- (1) a first end portion connecting with said variable restrictor means,
- (2) a second end portion extending into said solid phase extraction column means, and
- (3) an intermediate portion connecting with said solid phase extraction column means.
In combination with means for extracting a sample from a matrix by use of supercritical fluid extraction means, variable restrictor means, and first and second solid phase extraction column means each having an upper flange portion, for collecting at least one component of said sample, the improvement comprising:
- (A) an adaptor for each of said first and second solid phase extraction column means, each adaptor comprising:
- (1) a first end portion directly connecting with said variable restrictor means,
- (2) a second end portion extending into said respective solid phase extraction column means;
- and
- (3) an intermediate portion connecting with said respective solid phase extraction column means.
A method of collecting a sample of at least one component of a matrix extracted in a fluid at supercritical pressure and temperature from supercritical extraction means comprising:
- (A) passing said fluid and said sample into restrictor means;
- (B) increasing the temperature of said fluid and said sample;
- (C) discharging said fluid and said sample from said restrictor means and controlling the rate of discharge and reducing the temperature and pressure thereof;
- (D) passing said fluid and said sample to an integral adaptor directly connected with said restrictor means;
- and
- (E) discharging said fluid and said sample from said integral adaptor to a directly connected solid phase extraction tube having adsorbent material therein for trapping said sample, said adaptor extending into said tube.
A supercritical fluid extraction system for extracting a sample from a matrix and collecting at least one component thereof for analysis comprising:
- (A) a supercritical fluid extraction means including:
- (1) a housing;
- (B) a variable restrictor means mounted adjacent said supercritical fluid extraction means housing;
- (C) a collector means for collecting at least one component of said sample;
- and
- (D) adaptor means comprising:
- (1) a first end portion connecting with said variable restrictor means;
- and
- (2) a second end portion extending into said collector means.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.