CONSIDERATIONS IN OFF-LINE COLLECTION AFTER SFE

The off-line collection of extracted analytes after supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) is an important step for successful extraction, because in many instances poor collection techniques result in loss of extracted analytes. This paper will highlight the use of a cryogenically cooled adsorbent trap as the means for capturing extracted analytes after SFE. Examples will be presented illustrating the benefits of using cryogenic trap collection with soap, drilling mud and polymer sample matrices. This will include discussions on the improved recoveries of volatile analytes using low temperature collection, the flexibility required for recovering wide boiling range analytes, and how decreased extraction times can be obtained due to the use of high flow rates of supercritical fluid carbon dioxide during SFE.