Patent attributes
A consolidated vacuum sublimation module (VSM) can comprise an upper body portion, a middle body portion, a lower body portion, a bushing, and a seal. A vapor director cartridge can be loaded with a crude material and manually inserted into a cartridge-holding member of the lower body portion. Assembly of the middle and upper body portions form a structural unit that can compressively and sealably connect to the lower body portion. During sublimation, heat is effectively transferred to the lower body portion that contains the crude material. A substantial fraction of the middle body portion is conically tapered about a central longitudinal axis to promote desublimation. The middle body portion is a unitary structure that consolidates valving, cooling, and desublimation functions. Following completion of an operational cycle, the vacuum sublimation module is inspected for sublimate presence, then valve-isolated, suitably cooled, detached, opened to a preferred gaseous atmosphere, disassembled, and manipulated for solids recovery.
