Patent ID: 6666074
Filing Date: 2003-12-23
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
A system for conducting high-temperature chromatographic analysis, comprising:(a) a mobile phase inlet conduit configured to operably convey mobile phase from a mobile phase source to said system; (b) a pre-heater apparatus operably coupled to said mobile phase inlet conduit for heating the mobile phase to a desired temperature; (c) a chromatographic column operably coupled to, and disposed downstream from, said pre-heater apparatus such that the mobile phase exiting said pre-heater apparatus is directed to said column, said chromatographic column including insulation means for maintaining said column at a temperature consistent with the mobile phase passing therethrough; and (d) a mobile phase outlet conduit configured to operably convey the mobile phase from said column, a portion of said outlet conduit being disposed in propinquant relationship with a portion of said inlet conduit in a heat exchange zone, such that a counter-flow heat exchanger is created between respective portions of said inlet and outlet conduits in said heat exchange zone, whereby heat contained in the outlet mobile phase is conductively transferred to the inlet mobile phase.