29
(2) Change the setpoint on the syringe pump to 1,700 psi and start the pump
running. The high pressure CO
2
fluid in the reservoir will now push the separator
piston back towards the fully reset position. Since some fluid was used during the
sample preparation process it should not be expected to complete the full
displacement.
(3) With the pressure in both the reservoir and syringe pump below 1,800 psi the
CO
2
INLET TO BOOSTER
valve can be opened to allow fluid from the gas cylinder
to recharge the booster. Once this valve is opened any excess alkane remaining will
be forced back into the syringe pump, and a temporary pressure increase should be
displayed by the syringe pump until it starts to readjust to the 1,700 psi setpoint.
This process can take a few moments since the pressure differential is small.
(4) Once the syringe pump is stable at 1,700 psi it can be assumed the separator
has been fully reset since the applied 1,800 psi CO
2
pressure is no longer
influencing the syringe pump reading.
Close
the
CO
2
INLET TO BOOSTER
the
HP
ALKANE TO BOOSTER
valves. The syringe pump
OUTLET
valve can be
closed
as well.
(5) The system is now reset and ready for the next sample preparation.
The primary goal of this protocol is to assure the gas booster reservoir is fully
recharged with CO
2
. This method can be adapted to the user’s needs and time
constraints.
TIPS
The following list contains some tips for operation of the RM Synthesizer some of
which were contained in the text of this manual. It also contains tips that will
hopefully help in making successful reverse micelle samples in ethane. It is by no
means exhaustive.
After the first few uses of an ethane or propane cylinder, the outlet pressure
will likely be below the liquefaction pressure. Placing the tank in warm water
can help deliver liquid alkane from the cylinder.
Propane may not start to fill the mixing chamber until the pressure reaches
300 psi. The mixing chamber can be chilled to help condense propane, but it
is by no means necessary to make it work.