Patent ID: 7048892

Claim:
A system for automated high-pressure synthesis comprising a reactor assembly consisting of a reaction block defining an upper surface, the reaction block having a plurality of reaction wells arranged in rows and opening to the upper surface of the reaction block, a pressure manifold defining a lower face disposed on the upper surface of the reaction block, the lower face of the pressure manifold being provided with a plurality of sockets corresponding in pattern and number to conform to the arrangement of the wells in the reaction block when the pressure manifold is in position on the reaction block, each socket being aligned with the opening in a corresponding well and having first ducts opening into the sockets in fluid communication with a longitudinal conduit in the pressure manifold that communicates with a source of a pressurized fluid and second ducts in communication with a source of pressurized fluid opening to the lower face of the pressure manifold adjacent each opening of the reaction wells, a plug being disposed in each of the sockets for normally closing the opening of the corresponding reaction well, the plug including a through running bore for fluid communication with a corresponding duct in a corresponding socket to pressurize each individual reaction well, a membrane sheet disposed between the, reaction block and the pressure manifold, the membrane sheet having openings to correspond with the openings of the reaction wells, a first port and a second port in fluid communication located in the upper surface of the reaction block adjacent each opening of the reaction wells and in substantial alignment with the opening of a corresponding second duct, the lower portion of each reaction well having an opening for communication with an outlet passage communicating between the first port and the interior of the reaction well, a discharge duct extending from the second port to a discharge conduit, a membrane valve being formed by the membrane sheet at each first port and second port, the membrane being urged over the first port and the second port by a pressurized fluid from the corresponding second duct to cut fluid communication between the first and the second port to seal the interior of the reaction vessel and upon release of the pressure to be forced away from the first and the second ports to reestablish fluid communication there between whereby pressure within the reaction vessel forces fluid from the reaction vessel through the outlet passage and the first port to the second port and the discharge and out of the reaction block through the discharge conduit, a line in communication with the discharge conduit for recovery of the fluid from the reaction wells for subsequent treatment, analysis or disposal.