US Patent 9470664 Chromatographic interface

A chromatographic interface for sample handling and manipulation between separations or analyses is provided. The interface has an interfacing unit, a sample acquisition unit, and a sample trapping unit. The sample acquisition unit includes an inflow selector valve, an outflow selector valve, and one or more collection loops. The sample trapping unit includes a trap in fluid communication with the loop and having a stationary phase. The stationary phase can trap an analyte of interest from a fraction of the chromatographic sample separation flow. The tapping unit also has a scavenging gas source and a vacuum source; both can be used to substantially dry the stationary phase.