On-line detection for supercritical-fluid extraction

An overview of the direct coupling of supercritical-fluid extraction (SFE) to distinct detection is presented. The versatile construction of this kind of hybrid analytical instrumentation is manifested through the discussion of several interface prototypes, whose characteristics satisfy the requirem ents of both the SF extractor and detector. The application of several expe rimental strategies during the whole analytical process are proposed for th e successful quantification of the leaching yield. Typical examples of SFE with on-line detection in several fields of analysis are presented, conside ring of special interest the information provided by the molecular and atom ic techniques used. Finally, the real analytical capabilities of the automa tion of sample handling by SFE-continuous detection are also discussed. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.