MITIGATION OF SAMPLE-INTRODUCTION DECOMPRESSION EFFECTS IN HIGH-PRESSURE LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY

摘要

A method for processing a fluid is applied to systems that include a valve unit that has a sample-loading state and a sample-injecting state. The sample-loading state disposes a sample loop in fluidic communication with a sample conduit. The sample-injecting state disposes the sample loop in fluidic communication with a process conduit. The method involves transferring a sample through both the sample conduit and the valve unit so that a leading end of the sample exits the valve unit. After transitioning the valve unit to the sample-loading state and allowing the sample loop to decompress, at least some of the transferred sample is loaded into the sample loop. A fluid-processing instrument includes a value unit and a control unit that manages operation of the instrument. The control unit is configured, for example, to implement the above-described method.