High efficiency continuous flow through fractional-volatilization separator system, and method of use

A method of separating volatile components present in a liquid sample comprising, the steps of:

• a) providing a fractional-volatilization separator system comprising:
• an enclosed space formed from an outer envelope and an inner protrusion centrally located within said outer envelope, lower ends of said outer envelope and said inner protrusion being joined together to form a liquid collection site;
• said outer envelope having a substantially closed upper end and said inner protrusion having a closed upper end with an apex thereat;
• liquid sample inlet means in the outer envelope for introducing a liquid sample, which contains volatile components, at the apex of the inner protrusion, said inner protrusion and apex having a shape which causes liquid sample to uniformly spread and flow downward over the inner protrusion as a volatile components evaporation enhancing film;
• means for removing liquid sample from said collection site, located adjacent to said collection site in said outer envelope or where said outer envelope and said inner protrusion are joined;
• means for introducing a flow of carrier gas into said enclosed space, located in said outer envelope or said inner protrusion;
• and
• means for removing the carrier gas and the evaporated volatile components from the enclosed space, located in the outer envelope;
• said means for removing the carrier gas and evaporated volatile components from the enclosed space being located vertically above the location of the means for introducing a flow carrier gas into said enclosed space, and said means for introducing a flow of gas into said enclosed space being located vertically above said means for removing liquid sample from said collection site;
• b) continuously introducing said liquid sample to the apex of the inner protrusion;
• c) continuously introducing a carrier gas into the enclosed space through said means for introducing a flow of carrier gas;
• d) continuously removing separated volatile components and carrier gas from the enclosed space through said means for removing the carrier gas and the evaporated volatile components from the enclosed space;
• and
• e) continuously causing liquid sample from which volatile components have been removed to be removed upon reaching the liquid collection site by said means for removing liquid sample.