System and apparatus for multi-dimensional real-time chromatography

A method of three-dimensional chromatography comprising:

• (A) chromatographically separating an unknown into a one-dimensional array of constituents;
• (B) chromatographically separating said constituents into a second two-dimensional array of sub-constituents in a chromatographic bed;
• (C) chromatographically separating said sub-constituents in a closed vessel into a three-dimensional array of sub sub-constituents by pumping a fluid through said bed in a direction crossing said two-dimensional array;
• and
• (D) detecting said sub sub-constituents as they flow past fixed positions in said crossing direction.

A multi-dimensional chromatographic system comprising:

• (A) first means for chromatographically separating components of an unknown into an array of components;
• (B) second means for further separating said components in a closed vessel into a higher dimensional array of components by pumping a fluid through said first array of components;
• and
• (C) third means for detecting the time of transit and concentration of said components as they pass fixed positions spaced away from the initial array position.

A multi-dimensional chromatographic system comprising:

• (A) a two-dimensional chromatographic column having an entrance edge and an outlet edge and a thin sheet-like stationary phase therebetween;
• (B) first means for chromatographically separating components of an unknown to cause them to be linearly disposed along said entrance edge of said column;
• (C) second means for pumping a fluid through said column in a direction across said linearly disposed components;
• and
• (D) third means for detecting the time at which said components exit said column and their concentration.

A chromatographic plate for multi-dimensional chromatography comprising:

• (A) a flat plate;
• (B) a first area adjacent the edge of said plate on a side of said plate covered with a layer of a first chromatographic retention medium;
• (C) a second area adjacent said first area on said side of said plate covered with a layer of a second chromatographic retention medium;
• and
• (D) a third area adjacent said second area on said side of said plate not being optically obscured.

A chromatographic plate for multi-dimensional chromatography comprising:

• (A) a flat plate;
• (B) a first area adjacent the edge of said plate on a side of said plate covered with a layer of a first chromatographic retention medium;
• and
• (C) a second area adjacent said first area on said side of said plate being free of said chromatographic retention medium.

A chromatographic unknown component separation system comprising:

• (A) a two-dimensional chromatographic column having an entrance edge at which a plurality unknowns may be introduced and an outlet edge and a thin sheet-like stationary phase therebetween;
• (B) first means for pumping fluid through said column across said entrance edge;
• and
• (C) second means for detecting the time at which components arrive at said outlet edge and their concentration.

The method of chromatographically separating components of a sample by

• (A) first pumping a fluid in a thin sheet through a chromatographic separating medium;
• (B) then introducing a sample into the flowing sheet;
• and
• (C) then detecting said components as they flow by in said flowing sheet.

A chromatographic system comprising:

• (A) means for pumping a fluid in a thin sheet through a chromatographic separating medium;
• (B) means for introducing a sample into the flowing sheet;
• and
• (C) means for detecting said components as they flow by in said flowing sheet.

Chromatographic apparatus comprising:

• (A) a cuvette plate having
• (a) a central cavity in the form of a parallelogram, and
• (b) first and second pairs of parallel grooves, each pair located on gravity sides of said cavity and parallel to the edges of said cavity;
• (B) a cover plate having
• (a) a central cavity of smaller area than and located over said central cavity in said cuvette plate,
• (b) four grooves of larger area and each located over one of said grooves in said cuvette plate;
• (C) a thin sheet of pliable material between said plates and separating their respective cavities and grooves;
• (d) means for selectively supplying a solvent under pressure to one of the grooves of said first pair of grooves;
• and,
• (E) means for selectively supplying a solvent under pressure to one of the grooves of said second pair of grooves.

A multi-dimensional chromatographic system comprising:

• (A) first means for chromatographically separating components of an unknown into a two-dimensional array of components;
• (B) second means for overpressured fluid chromatography comprising a vessel for enclosing said components for further separating said components into a higher dimensional array of components by forcing a fluid through said first array of components and through a solid block retention medium;
• and
• (C) third means for detecting the time of transit and concentration of said components as they pass fixed positions spaced away from the initial position array.

A chromatographic unknown component separation system comprising:

• (A) a two-dimensional chromatographic column having an entrance at which a plurality of unknowns may be introduced and an outlet edge and a thin sheet-like stationary phase therebetween;
• (B) means for forcing fluid through said column in a direction orthagonal to said entrance edge;
• and
• (C) means for detecting the time at which components arrive at said outlet edge.