Method and apparatus for the formation of particles
First Claim
1. A method for forming particles of a substance, the method comprising (a) introducing into a particle formation chamber, the temperature and pressure in which are controlled, a first supercritical fluid and a solution or suspension of the substance in a vehicle;
- (b) simultaneously introducing, into the particle formation chamber, an impinging flow of a second supercritical fluid, at an angle to, and directed at, the direction of flow of the first supercritical fluid; and
(c) using either or both of the first and second supercritical fluids to disperse the solution or suspension, and to extract the vehicle from it, substantially simultaneously and substantially immediately on introduction of the fluids into the particle formation chamber.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The invention provides a method and apparatus for forming particles of a substance, comprising (a) introducing into a particle formation chamber, the temperature and pressure in which are controlled, a first supercritical fluid (SCF) and a solution or suspension of the substance in a vehicle, (b) simultaneously introducing an impinging flow of a second supercritical fluid (SCF), at an angle to, and directed at, the direction of flow of the first supercritical fluid, so as to increase the amount of kinetic energy transferred to the solution or suspension; and (c) using either or both of the first and the second supercritical fluids to disperse the solution or suspension, and to extract the vehicle from it, substantially simultaneously and substantially immediately on introduction of the fluids into the particle chamber.
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Citations
29 Claims
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1. A method for forming particles of a substance, the method comprising (a) introducing into a particle formation chamber, the temperature and pressure in which are controlled, a first supercritical fluid and a solution or suspension of the substance in a vehicle;
- (b) simultaneously introducing, into the particle formation chamber, an impinging flow of a second supercritical fluid, at an angle to, and directed at, the direction of flow of the first supercritical fluid; and
(c) using either or both of the first and second supercritical fluids to disperse the solution or suspension, and to extract the vehicle from it, substantially simultaneously and substantially immediately on introduction of the fluids into the particle formation chamber. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 29)
- (b) simultaneously introducing, into the particle formation chamber, an impinging flow of a second supercritical fluid, at an angle to, and directed at, the direction of flow of the first supercritical fluid; and
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10. Apparatus for use in a method of forming particles of a substance, comprising a particle formation chamber;
- means for controlling the temperature in the chamber at a desired level;
means for controlling the pressure in the chamber at a desired level;
first fluid inlet means for the introduction into the chamber of a first supercritical fluid and a solution or suspension of the substance in a vehicle; and
second fluid inlet means for introducing simultaneously an impinging flow of a second supercritical fluid, at an angle to, and directed at, the direction of flow of the first supercritical fluid, the apparatus being such as to allow dispersion of the solution or suspension, and extraction of the vehicle, to occur substantially simultaneously and substantially immediately on introduction of the fluids into the particle formation chamber, by the action of either or both of the two supercritical fluids. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 28)
- means for controlling the temperature in the chamber at a desired level;
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26. A method for forming particles of a substance, the method being substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying illustrative drawings.
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27. Apparatus for use in a method of forming particles of a substance, the apparatus being substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying illustrative drawings.
Specification