US 4,274,967 AGranted

Chromatographic apparatus and method

AssigneeTechnicon Instruments Corporation

InventorLloyd R. Snyder

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Abstract

An apparatus and method for increasing the throughput of a chromatographic system by passing several samples in seriatim through tandemly connected first and second chromatographic columns. The eluant from the first column is sampled, or fractionated, and fractions of each of the samples are passed through the second column for further separation. A switching of the sampling valve, disposed between the first and second columns, effects such fractioning. The pumping rate for the second column may be different from that of the first column and allows that two or more sample fractions can occupy the second column concurrently. Column efficiency or separation power of the system can be further increased by continuously recycling the fractions through the second column or passing such fractions through a third column which forms a continuous cyclic flow path with the second column via appropriate valve switching. Recycling can be continued until complete separation is achieved.

Claims14

Dependent claims

A method of increasing the throughput and separation power of a chromatographic system, which system is operated and fed a series of samples, each sample containing at least one particular constituent of interest, said method comprising the steps of:

(a) periodically passing a series of samples at a first controlled rate into a first chromatographic column for the purpose of separating a particular constituent of interest from each of said samples;
(b) obtaining eluant materials for each sample passing from said first chromatographic column and retaining in said chromatographic system only that fraction of each sample containing said particular constituent of interest;
(c) periodically passing the retained fraction of each sample into a second chromatographic column at a second controlled rate, said first controlled rate being in substantial synchronism with said second controlled rate;
(d) relating said first and said second controlled rates to provide sufficient separation between the particular constituent of interest of said sample fractions leaving said second chromatographic column and to provide that a number of sample fractions are concurrently passing through said second chromatographic column;
and
(e) passing said sample fractions leaving said second column through at least one additional chromatographic column to recycle said sample fractions and effect a greater separation of constituents in each of said sample fractions.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 06/097,463Filed 26 Nov 1979 · continuation in part
Priority: 7 Jul 1978
Granted: 23 Jun 1981
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification8 codes

G01N 30/461
Using more than one column: with serial coupling of separation columns
B01D 15/1871
Using two or more columns: placed in series
G01N 30/44
Flow patterns: using recycling of the fraction to be distributed
G01N 30/24
Preparation or injection of sample to be analysed: automatic injection systems