Methods and apparatus for particle formation
US6576262B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 8, 2001 |
| Grant date | Jun 10, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 8, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P20/54
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
The invention provides a method for forming particles of a target substance (26), involving: (a) preparing a solution or suspension of the substance in a vehicle (21) which is or includes either a near-critical fluid (21) or a first supercritical fluid; (b) introducing the solution or suspension into a particle formation vessel (32); and (c) contacting the solution or suspension, in the particle formation vessel, with a second super-critical fluid, under conditions which allow the second supercritical fluid to cause precipitation of particles of the target substance from the solution or suspension; wherein the second supercritical fluid is miscible or substantially miscible with the vehicle and is a fluid in which the target substance is insoluble or substantially insoluble. Also provided is apparatus for use in carrying out an embodiment of the method, including a particle formation vessel and means for controlling the temperature and pressure inside it; a fluid mixing vessel and means for controlling the temperature and pressure inside it; first fluid inlet means for introducing into the fluid mixing vessel a vehicle and a solution of a target substance in a primary solvent, so a…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.