Interface module for two-dimensional liquid chromatography

A method of performing a chromatographic separation, the method comprising:

• providing an eluent of a first chromatography system through a valve module configurable in a plurality of valve states, the valve module being configured in a first valve state wherein the eluent is directed by the valve module into a collection path defined between the valve module and a collection vial to thereby dispense a fraction in the eluent into the collection vial;
• configuring the valve module in a second valve state to direct a volume of a first solvent into the collection path so that a remainder of the fraction in the collection path is dispensed into the collection vial;
• dispensing a second solvent through the collection path and into the collection vial to generate a modified sample;
• drawing at least a portion of the modified sample from the collection vial into a sample storage element;
• and
• configuring the valve module in a third valve state to direct a system flow of a second chromatography system through the sample storage element to thereby inject the modified sample into the second chromatography system.