Chromatography assembly

摘要

Chromatography assembly for multi-dimensional chromatography, includes a first separating column (12; 112) for separating a sample into components; a second separating column (13; 114) having different separating characteristics for further separating the components separated in the first separating column (12; 112); a collecting volume (20; 120, 121) for collecting the components from the first separating column (12; 112) before entering the second separating column (14; 114); a switching assembly (22, 24; 122, 124) for switching from a first state (FIG. 1; FIG. 3), where the components leaving the first separating column (12; 112) are collected in the collecting volume (20; 120, 121) to a second state (FIG. 2; FIG. 4) where the components collected in the collecting volume (20; 120, 121) are transferred to the second separating column (14; 114); and a detector (18; 118) for detecting sample components leaving the second separating column (14; 114). The volume of the collecting volume (20; 120, 121) is variable. A further collecting volume (121) may be provided and fluid flow can be through the first collecting volume (120) in the first state and through the second collecting volume (121) in the second state.

主权项

1. Chromatography assembly for carrying out a multi-dimensional chromatography analysis of a sample, comprising
(a) a first separating column for separating said sample flowing through said separating column into components; (b) a second separating column for further separating said components separated in said first separating column, wherein said second separating column has different separating characteristics than said first separating column; (c) a collecting volume for collecting said components separated in said first separating column before entering said second separating column said collecting volume being arranged in a flow path between said first and said second separating column, said flow path between said first separating column and said second separating column having a collecting volume receiving space therein for removably and interchangeably receiving the collecting volume in said collecting volume receiving space, said collecting volume having a desired interior size; (d) a switching assembly for switching said chromatography assembly from a first state, where said components leaving said first separating column are collected in said collecting volume to a second state where said components collected in said collecting volume are transferred to said second separating column; and (e) a detector for detecting sample components leaving said second separating column: and wherein (f) the interior size of said collecting volume is variable by selecting the collecting volume of the desired interior size to be received in the collecting volume receiving space for a particular multi-dimensional chromatography analysis.