A method and apparatus for concentrating and stabilizing conjugated
estrogens from pregnant mare urine on solid adsorbent supports to obtain
a starting material for pharmaceuticals that contain a natural mixture of
conjugated estrogens as active ingredient. The apparatus is suitable for
decentralized concentration and stabilization of conjugated estrogen
mixtures on cartridges in the vicinity of the horses. The adsorber
cartridges can be loaded at the site of urine collection so it is
unnecessary to transport large volumes of urine to a central processing
point. The loading process can take continuously over a period of weeks
until the column is saturated. The effluent urine remains at the site
where facilities for its disposal are available. Only the loaded
cartridge is transported, and transport can occur at longer intervals of
up to several weeks. The stability of the conjugated estrogens on the
adsorber assures there is no risk of decomposition.