Apparatus for liquid-solid column centrifugation chromatography and method

Abstract

Centrifugation chromatography columns including column members for containing a particle bed and a porous member underlying the bed. The column members have an upper receiving opening and a lower discharge opening. A receptacle is demountably secured to the column. Attachment is effected through cooperation between a lower portion of the column members and an upper portion of the receptacles. Support structures may be provided on the exterior of the column members to facilitate support thereof by a centrifuge. In another embodiment of the invention continuous column centrifugation chromatography is provided by means of a column rotor on which are mounted a plurality of columns. A collector rotor is provided with means for receiving material discharged from the columns. Relative synchronized movement between the column rotor and the collector rotor is provided. A distribution system for supplying liquid to be separated to the columns on a continuous basis is provided. Funnel means may be employed to facilitate transfer of effluent from the column to the collector rotor. A method for continuous column centrifugation chromatography employing a rotating array of columns which are subjected to a centrifugal force, effecting synchronized movement of an array of receptacles positioned to receive the liquid discharged from the columns and supplying on a continuous basis liquid to the columns.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.