Automated sample collection in supercritical fluid chromatography

A system for collecting samples from a flow stream containing a mixture of highly compressed gas, compressible liquid or supercritical fluid and a relatively incompressible liquid comprising:

• means for controlling the pressure, temperature and velocity of the flow stream to enhance separation processes of a monophasic fluid mixture into separate gaseous and liquid phases:
• a collection chamber that collects liquid phase from the flow stream;
• a displacement force line connected to the chamber that applies a displacement force to the liquid phase, where the displacement force moves the liquid phase from the chamber to a
• a sample collection container;
• and
• a pump that injects cleaning solution into a collection chamber for resetting the collection chamber to an uncontaminated state.

A system for collecting samples from a flow stream containing a mixture of highly compressed gas, compressible liquid or supercritical fluid and a relatively incompressible liquid comprising:

• means for controlling the pressure, temperature and velocity of the flow stream to enhance separation processes of a monophasic fluid mixture into separate gaseous and liquid phases;
• a valve for redirecting the flow stream into a collection chamber;
• a pressure supply system for applying a displacement force onto liquid phase collected in a chamber, thereby removing the liquid phase from the chamber;
• a sample collection container separate from the chamber for receiving displaced liquid phase;
• and
• a pump that injects cleaning solution into a collection chamber for resetting the collection chamber to an uncontaminated state by introducing a cleaning solution into the chamber, cleaning the chamber, and discharging the cleaning solution to a waste flow stream.