Abstract:
Methods and apparatus for combinatorial (i.e., high-throughput) materials research, such as catalysis research, that involves parallel apparatus for simultaneously effecting mechanical treatments such as grinding, mixing, pressing, crushing, sieving, and/or fractionating of such materials are disclosed. The methods and apparatus are useful for mechanically treating catalysis materials and other solid materials, including without limitation, electronic materials such as phosphors, colorants such as pigments, and pharmaceuticals such as crystalline drugs or drug candidates. The simultaneous protocols and parallel apparatus offer substantial improvements in overall throughput for preparing arrays of materials, such as catalysis materials.
Abstract:
Gas chromatographs of the invention generally comprise four or more analysis channels. Specifically, four or more gas chromatography columns are configured for parallel analysis of four or more gaseous samples with detection being effected using a microdetector array comprising four or more microdetectors. In one embodiment, the four or more microdetectors 510 are microfabricated detectors, and are integrally formed with a substrate or with one or more microchip bodies mounted on a substrate. In a preferred embodiment, a microdetector array comprises four or more thermal conductivity detectors having one or more thin-film detection filaments. A preferred heated environment for highly parallel gas chromatographs is also disclosed.
Abstract:
Gas chromatographs of the invention generally comprise four or more analysis channels. Specifically, four or more gas chromatography columns are configured for parallel analysis of four or more gaseous samples with detection being effected using a microdetector array comprising four or more microdetectors. In one embodiment, the four or more microdetectors 510 are microfabricated detectors, and are integrally formed with a substrate or with one or more microchip bodies mounted on a substrate. In a preferred embodiment, a microdetector array comprises four or more thermal conductivity detectors having one or more thin-film detection filaments. A preferred heated environment for highly parallel gas chromatographs is also disclosed.
Abstract:
Parallel flow reaction systems comprising four or more reaction channels are disclosed. Distribution systems, and parallel flow reaction systems comprising such distribution systems are also disclosed. Specifically, the distribution systems comprise a feed-composition subsystem for providing a different feed composition to each of the four or more reactors. In preferred embodiments, the feed composition subsystem comprises at least one set of four or more feed-component flow restrictors, each of the four or more feed-component flow restrictors having a flow resistance that varies relative to other flow restrictors in the set.
Abstract:
Gas chromatographs of the invention generally comprise four or more analysis channels. Specifically, four or more gas chromatography columns are configured for parallel analysis of four or more gaseous samples with detection being effected using a microdetector array comprising four or more microdetectors. In one embodiment, the four or more microdetectors 510 are microfabricated detectors, and are integrally formed with a substrate or with one or more microchip bodies mounted on a substrate. In a preferred embodiment, a microdetector array comprises four or more thermal conductivity detectors having one or more thin-film detection filaments. A preferred heated environment for highly parallel gas chromatographs is also disclosed.
Abstract:
Parallel flow reaction systems comprising four or more reaction channels are disclosed. Distribution systems, and parallel flow reaction systems comprising such distribution systems are also disclosed. Specifically, the distribution systems comprise a feed-composition subsystem for providing a different feed composition to each of the four or more reactors. In preferred embodiments, the feed composition subsystem comprises at least one set of four or more feed-component flow restrictors, each of the four or more feed-component flow restrictors having a flow resistance that varies relative to other flow restrictors in the set.
Abstract:
Protocols for designing and implementing sets of simultaneous experiments, in a parallel, multi-variable process optimization reactor, are disclosed. The multi-variable process optimization reactor is preferably a parallel flow reactor having the operational capability to simultaneously vary reaction conditions between reaction vessels - either modularly or independently. The simultaneously varied reaction conditions preferably include at least two of the following, in various combinations and permutations: space velocity, contact time, temperature, pressure and feed composition. Compositional variations in the catalysts residing in each of the reaction vessels can also be investigated in the set of simultaneous experiments implemented in the parallel reactor. Sufficient data is obtained from a single set of simultaneous experiments to generate a master curve.
Abstract:
The present invention is directed to an apparatus (10) and method for obtaining kinetic information for commercial-form catalysts (24) using minimal catalyst material while approximating large-scale reactor hydrodynamics and heat and mass transfer. The present invention relates generally to systems for analysis of materials by contacting a plurality of solid members with a test fluid, and more particularly, to an apparatus (10) and method for evaluating solid catalysts (24) that have a size suitable for industrial scale processes in a laboratory scale reactor having hydrodynamics that perform comparably to a pilot or industrial scale fixed bed reactor. The apparatus (10) comprises a first end (14), a second end (16) and a body (12). The body (12) comprises a surface defining a reaction cavity (18) extending through the body (12). The apparatus (10) further comprises an inlet (20) and an outlet (22).
Abstract:
A novel gas injection valve for injecting discrete charges of gas into a mobile phase or carrier stream is provided. Injection valves of the invention comprise a plurality of microvalves capable of receiving gas at different pressures and emitting discrete charges of gas at approximately the same pressure. The invention further provides for parallel injection valve arrays capable of injecting multiple samples substantially simultaneously and a method of injecting discrete gas samples at a controlled pressure to a high-resolution gas chromatograph.
Abstract:
The present invention discloses an apparatus and method for rapid analysis of members of a combinatorial library. The apparatus includes a plurality of reactor vessels for containing individual library members, a fluid handling system that apportions a test fluid about equally between each of the vessels and a housing for enclosing the reactor vessels, the housing defining a pressure chamber, wherein the housing is configured to sustain a pressure substantially above atmospheric pressure. This allows for simultaneous screening of library members at high pressure by providing a small pressure differential on reactor components. The disclosed apparatus is especially useful for screening library members based on their ability to catalyze the conversion of fluid reactants.