CHROMATOGRAPHY COLUMNS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS
The present invention relates to axial flow chromatography columns, methods for separating one or more analytes in a liquid by the use of such columns, and systems employing such columns. The column comprises a first port and a second port, the first port and said second port being at essentially the same level or elevation above the level of the bed space on the chromatography column.
1 . An axial flow chromatography column comprising:
a housing comprising a side wall;
axially spaced first and second end units positioned opposed to each other are separated by said side wall;
a first filter which is adjacent to said first end unit and a second filter which is adjacent to said second end unit wherein said first and second filters together with the side wall define an enclosed bed space for containing a bed of particulate medium therein;
the first end unit including a first port which is in fluid communication with said enclosed bed space for adding a liquid to or removing a liquid from the bed space;
the second end unit including a second port which is in fluid communication with the enclosed bed space for adding a liquid to or removing a liquid from the bed space; and
said first port and said second port are at essentially the same level or elevation above the level of the bed space on said chromatography column.
2 . The chromatography column of claim 1 , wherein the second port is in fluid communication with the bed space by means of a hollow member connected to a passageway in the second unit.
3 . The chromatography column of claim 2 , wherein said hollow member is an integral part of the column.
4 . The chromatography column of claim 2 , wherein said passageway extends from the bed space through a lateral wall of the second end unit.
5 . The chromatography column of claim 1 , wherein the first end unit additionally includes a valve means which is in fluid communication with the enclosed bed space, the valve means includes a longitudinal member extending through said first filter and having a passageway therein, the valve being operably openable and closable to allow filing of the bed space with the particulate medium through said passageway.
6 . The chromatography column of claim 5 , wherein said longitudinal member of said valve means comprises a nozzle.
7 . The chromatography column of claim 6 , wherein said nozzle is fixed within the bed space or retractable to a position outwith the bed space.
8 . The chromatography column of claim 1 , wherein said valve means does not allow emptying of the bed space of particulate medium.
9 . The chromatography column of claim 1 , wherein said column is pre-packed with particulate medium.
10 . The chromatography column of claim 8 , wherein said column is a disposable column.
11 . A method for separating one or more analytes in a liquid from each other, comprising:
applying said liquid containing said one or more analytes to an axial chromatography column of claim 1 , said column containing a bed of particulate medium therein;
eluting said one or more analytes with a mobile phase; and
collecting fractions of said mobile phase eluting from the column.
12 . A system for separating one or more analytes in a liquid from each other, said system comprising:
an inlet or inlet manifold in fluid communication with said liquid;
a pump;
a chromatography column of claim 1 ; and
an outlet or outlet manifold.
13 . The system of claim 12 , further comprising a valve operably openable and closable to allow the addition of liquid to, or the removal of liquid from, the column bed space.