Fluid modulator, system, and method

A fluid modulator, comprising:

• a fluid manifold, including:
• a primary tee;
• an exhaust tee;
• a secondary tee;
• a loop conduit;
• a joining tube;
• and
• an adjustable flow restrictor,
• a fluid valve, including:
• a common port;
• a normally-open output port connected to the secondary tee;
• and
• a normally-closed output port connected to the exhaust tee;
• and
• a pressure/flow controller configured to provide auxiliary fluid to the common port of the fluid valve;
• wherein the exhaust tee, the primary tee, and the secondary tee are configured with the exhaust tee and secondary tee situated at opposite ends of the fluid manifold and the primary tee disposed therebetween;
• the exhaust tee is connected to the primary tee by the loop conduit;
• the primary tee is connected to the secondary tee by the joining tube;
• the loop conduit is longer than the joining tube;
• the primary tee is configured for connection with a primary column;
• the secondary tee is configured for connection with a secondary column;
• and the fluid modulator is configured to operate in a load state and in an inject state.

A fluid manifold, comprising:

• a single, unitary 5-port fluid manifold body, including:
• a primary column;
• a secondary column;
• one or more exhaust ports;
• an upstream switching flow port;
• and
• a downstream switching flow port;
• and
• a liner disposed within the manifold body.

A fluid modulator, comprising:

• a tee;
• and
• a cross union including a first port, a second port, a third port, and a fourth port;
• wherein a conduit connects the tee to the first port of the cross union.