High temperature high pressure capsule for processing materials in supercritical fluids

US7125453B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• General Electric Company · US

Inventors

• Mark P. D'Evelyn · Fremont, US
• Kristi Jean Narang · Voorheesville, US
• Robert Arthur Giddings · Slingerlands, US
• Steven Alfred Tysoe · Ballston Spa, US
• John W. Lucek · Worcester, US
• Suresh Vagarali · Columbus, US
• Robert Leonelli · Westerville, US
• Joel Rice Dysart · Johnstown, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 31, 2002
• Grant date: Oct 24, 2006
• Expiry date: Apr 5, 2023

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T117/1092
• WIPO field: Surface technology, coating
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A capsule for containing at least one reactant and a supercritical fluid in a substantially air-free environment under high pressure, high temperature processing conditions. The capsule includes a closed end, at least one wall adjoining the closed end and extending from the closed end; and a sealed end adjoining the at least one wall opposite the closed end. The at least one wall, closed end, and sealed end define a chamber therein for containing the reactant and a solvent that becomes a supercritical fluid at high temperatures and high pressures. The capsule is formed from a deformable material and is fluid impermeable and chemically inert with respect to the reactant and the supercritical fluid under processing conditions, which are generally above 5 kbar and 550° C. and, preferably, at pressures between 5 kbar and 80 kbar and temperatures between 550° C. and about 1500° C. The invention also includes methods of filling the capsule with the solvent and sealing the capsule, as well as an apparatus for sealing the capsule.