Novel collection system for chromatographic system

Abstract

The present invention provides a method and device for collecting and concentrating a desired compound from a chromatographic column exit stream. The collection chamber can be heated or cooled and washed in a forward or backward direction for efficient removal.

1 . A device for collecting a desired compound from a chromatographic column exit stream comprising: 
 (a) a valve for directing the stream to a collection chamber    (b) coolers for cooling the collection chamber to sub-ambient conditions to retain the compound in the collection chamber    (c) heaters for heating the collection chamber    (d) mechanism for washing the collection chamber with a desired solvent    (e) mechanism for collecting the washing.    
     
     
         2 . The device as in  claim 1  wherein the stream is directed to more than one collection chambers depending on detection of the stream component.  
     
     
         3 . The device as in  claim 1  wherein the washing can be accomplished in both forward and backward directions for efficient removal from the collection chamber.  
     
     
         4 . The device as in  claim 1  wherein the stream is directed to more than one collection chambers depending on time.  
     
     
         5 . The device as in  claim 1  wherein the chromatographic exit stream contains a compressed fluid.  
     
     
         6 . The device as in  claim 5  wherein the chromatographic exit stream contains one or more solvents.  
     
     
         7 . The device as in  claim 5  wherein the compressed fluid is selected from the group consisting of carbon dioxide, water, ammonia, nitrogen, nitrous oxide, methane, ethane, ethylene, propane, butane, n-pentane, benzene, methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, isobutanol, monofluoromethane, trifluoromethane, dimethyl sulfoxide, acetonitrile, hydrofluorocarbons, chlorotrifluoromethane, monofluoromethane, hexafluoroethane, 1,1-difluoroethylene, 1,2-difluoroethylene,toluene, pyridine, cyclohexane, m-cresol, decalin, cyclohexanol, 0-xylene, tetralin, aniline, acetylene, chlorotrifluorosilane, xenon, sulfur hexafluoride, propane and combinations thereof.  
     
     
         8 . The device as in  claim 7  wherein the compressed fluid is carbon dioxide.  
     
     
         9 . The device as in  claim 1  wherein the cooling of the collection chamber is accomplished through one or more of the following techniques: electric cooling, liquid nitrogen cooling, peltier cooling or other fluidic cooling.  
     
     
         10 . The device as in  claim 5  wherein cooling of the collection chamber is accomplished through the pressure reduction of the compressed fluid.  
     
     
         11 . The device as in  claim 1  wherein the heating of the collection chamber is accomplished through electrical or fluidic heating.  
     
     
         12 . The device as in  claim 1  wherein the cooling is accomplished rapidly.  
     
     
         13 . The device as in  claim 1  wherein the heating is accomplished rapidly.  
     
     
         14 . The device as in  claim 1  wherein the collection chamber contains absorbing material.  
     
     
         15 . The device as in  claim 1  wherein the collection chamber contains adsorbing material.  
     
     
         16 . The device as in  claim 14  or  15  wherein the material inside the collection chamber is in particulate form.  
     
     
         17 . The device as in  claim 14  or  15  wherein the material inside the collection chamber is a liquefied or frozen gas.  
     
     
         18 . The device as in  claim 1  wherein the collection chamber contains a removable cartridge.  
     
     
         19 . The device as in  claim 18  wherein the cartridge is packed with one or more material described in claims  14  or  15 .  
     
     
         20 . The device as in  claim 16  wherein the particles contain active or passive surface area for efficient retention.  
     
     
         21 . The device as in  claim 1  wherein heating of the collection chamber facilitates the removal of the compound from the collection chamber.  
     
     
         22 . The device as in  claim 1  wherein the temperature of the collection chamber is controlled.  
     
     
         23 . The device as in  claim 22  wherein the temperature control is achieved through a combination of heating and cooling means.  
     
     
         24 . The device as in  claim 1  wherein the amount of washing solvent to be used is defined.  
     
     
         25 . The device as in  5  wherein the compressed fluid is at or near supercritical condition.  
     
     
         26 . The device as in  claim 1  wherein the washings are collected in vials for further processing.  
     
     
         27 . The device as in  claim 1  wherein the mechanism for washing is automated and coordinated with the directing valve, collection chamber and washing solvent pump.  
     
     
         28 . The device as in  claim 27  wherein the washing solvent pump is capable of pumping more than one solvent drawn from different sources at a defined composition.  
     
     
         29 . The device as in  claim 28  wherein the defined composition is accomplished through the use of a series of valves.  
     
     
         30 . The device as in claims  1  through  15 ,  18  or  20 - 29  wherein the components can withstand pressures up to 1000 bar.  
     
     
         31 . The device as in claims  1  through  15 ,  18  or  20 - 29  wherein the fluidic connections can withstand pressures up to 1000 bar.  
     
     
         32 . The device as in claims  1  through  15 ,  18  or  20 - 29  wherein the fluidic connections are made of stainless steel or an alloy capable of withholding up to 1000 bar.  
     
     
         33 . The device as in claims  1  through  15 ,  18  or  20 - 29  wherein the activities are automated through the use of mechanical arrangements, electrical or pneumatic pulses, logic controllers, microprocessors and software programs.  
     
     
         34 . The device as in  claim 2  wherein the detection of the component is accomplished through the use of one or more of the detectors selected from the group consisting of Mass spectroscopy detector, UV/VIS detector, Evaporative Light Scattering Detector, Flame Ionization detector, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy Detector, Infrared Detector and combinations thereof.  
     
     
         35 . The device as in claims  1  through  15 ,  18  or  20 - 29  wherein the collection chamber can be cleaned with a solvent and dried for subsequent use.  
     
     
         36 . The device as in  claim 35  wherein the cleaning can be accomplished through forward or backward flowing of the solvent.  
     
     
         37 . The device as in  claim 1  wherein the collection in the collection chambers is enhanced by pressure reduction.