Apparatus for pressure equalization and flushing in a vessel

摘要

An apparatus for equalising pressure and flush in a vessel (1) has a chromatographic separation chamber (5), a distribution plate (3) or collection plate located in the vessel, a pressure equalisation chamber (4) defined at least in part by the extremity of the vessel and by a first face of the plate, the separation chamber (5) being defined by a second face of the distribution or collection plate, a first conduit (6) which places a first fluid in communication with the distribution or collection plate, the separation chamber (5) communicating with the equalisation chamber (4) via a flush chamber (10) comprising a first opening (21). A line (9) for supplying a second fluid which is substantially pure or substantially non contaminated is directly connected to the flush chamber at a point such that a portion of the second fluid can circulate towards the pressure equalisation chamber via a further opening (20) and the remaining portion can circulate towards the separation chamber via the first opening (21). The pressure equalisation chamber (4) is connected to a means (14) for evacuating the fluid it contains.