Method for conducting maintenance on a chromatography column

摘要

The present invention relates to methods for conducting maintenance on chromatography columns used in industrial-scale chromatography. In particular, the invention is concerned with safer methods for performing maintenance on such columns, such as cleaning and replacing bed supports, distributors, nozzles, O-rings and other column components, by the use of a handling device to support, lift, carry and manipulate such column components.

主权项

1. A method for conducting maintenance on a chromatography column comprising:
a) providing a chromatography column comprising:
a dispersion system comprising a nozzle including a mobile phase pathway connected to a liquid inlet;a tube with an adapter assembly and a base assembly, said adapter assembly moveable within a cavity of said tube in an operational mode;the base assembly comprising a distributor and a bed support fastened to each other by releasable fixing means;a collection system opposing the dispersion system; andone or more seals; b) releasing the tube from the base assembly; c) lifting the tube and the adapter assembly above the base assembly to provide a gap for access therebetween; d) unfastening the bed support from the distributor by releasing the fixing means; e) removing the bed support from the column with a handling device; f) conducting maintenance on the column and/or the bed support and/or said one or more seals; g) returning the bed support to the column with said handling device and fastening the bed support to the distributor and the backing plate; and h) lowering the tube and the adapter assembly and reconnecting the tube to the base assembly.