Supporting structures for preparative chromatography columns

A method for separating a plunger from a preparative chromatography column for purposes of cleaning, exchange of the plunger or column, or replacement of a packed bed within the column, said method comprising:

• (a) supporting said column on a column support comprising:
• an upper ring and a lower ring aligned along a common axis and joined to each other by peripheral spacing means to define a column space to receive said column between said rings;
• a plate detachably joined to said upper ring in parallel relation therewith to define a gap between said plate and said upper ring;
• a rod movably joined to said plate along said axis, said rod passing through said plate and terminating in a plunger that extends into said column space;
• drive means for moving said rod along said axis and thereby moving said plunger within said column space and between said column space and said gap when said plate and said upper ring are joined;
• and
• (b) with said column in said column space and said upper and lower rings, said peripheral spacing means, and said column positioned within said frame, lifting, by use of said drive means, said plunger into said gap;
• (c) detaching said plate from said upper ring and suspending said plate from said frame;
• and
• (d) removing said upper and lower rings and said peripheral spacing means, with said column therein, from underneath said plunger.