Patent ID: 7384453
Filing Date: 2008-06-10
Classification: E21B,G01N,H01M,Y02E

Abstract:
1. A method for implementing a self-contained chromatography system, wherein the self-contained chromatography system includes a chromatography column, a carrier gas reservoir containing a carrier gas and an analyte stream processing device, the carrier gas reservoir being disposed upstream from the chromatography column and the analyte stream processing device being disposed downstream from the chromatography column and including at least one pressure reservoir, wherein said pressure reservoir is at least partially comprised of a metal hydride material, the method comprising: generating a first system pressure upstream from the chromatography column and a second system pressure downstream from the chromatography column such that a pressure gradient exists between said first system pressure and said second system pressure to cause the carrier gas to flow between the carrier gas reservoir and the analyte stream processing device at a predetermined flow rate; combining a sample material with the carrier gas to generate a combined sample and introducing said combined sample to the chromatography column to generate the analyte stream, wherein said combined sample traverses the chromatography column at said predetermined flow rate; introducing the analyte stream into the analyte stream processing device at said predetermined flow rate; and processing the analyte stream via the analyte stream processing device.