METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR PROTECTION OF LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY COLUMNS

摘要

Apparatus and methods for the protection from dehydration of the Gel of liquid chromatography columns is disclosed. A column (10) receives a continuous flow of buffer solution (16) that acts, in one way, to keep the Gel (12) hydrated. The buffer solution (16) is pumped by a pump (22) from a supply vessel (14) via tubing (18, 20) to the inlet (11) of the column (10). The modified buffer solution (16) passes from the outlet (13) via a tube (26) to a collection vessel (24). A chamber (30) containing an optical sensor (32) operates to detect the presence of buffer solution (16), and if no solution is detected, the control circuit (34) causes closure of a valve (36) to block-off the outlet tube (26) and causes the interruptor (38) to stop the pump (22). The absence of buffer solution (16) in the chamber (30) can be due to failure of the pump (22) or a tube (18, 20).