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Abstract

A supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) system. The SFE system includes a mechanism for providing supercritical fluid for extracting analyte from a sample. The SFE system also includes an extraction vessel and a mechanism for moving the extraction vessel into fluidic communication with the SFE system so that supercritical fluid can flow through the extraction vessel and extract analyte from the sample. Preferably, the SFE system is additionally comprised of a mechanism for holding a plurality of extraction vessels and an extraction chamber assembly. In this design, the moving mechanism selectively moves an extraction vessel from the holding mechanism into the extraction chamber in fluidic communication with the SFE system. Preferably, the SFE system further includes a computer for controlling the functions of the SFE system. The computer, for instance, could automatically and sequentially control the supercritical fluid extractions of the samples within the holding mechanism. The SFE system preferably includes a mechanism for collecting analyte from the fluid with analyte. The collecting mechanism is in fluid communication with extraction chamber assembly and preferably includes a restrictor for controlling the flow of fluid with analyte to the collecting mechanism. The restrictor converts the fluid with analyte from a first supercritical pressure to a second pressure which is less than the first supercritical pressure.

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