Planar manifold assembly

An analytical instrument for detecting the presence of an analyte in a sample fluid, comprising:

• an inlet for injecting the sample fluid into a carrier fluid to provide a fluid mixture;
• a separation column for receiving the fluid mixture and for performing a chromatographic separation of the analyte;
• a detector for detecting the elution of the analyte from the separation column;
• and
• a planar manifold assembly for providing a plurality of fluid-handling functions with respect to at least one of the sample fluid, carrier fluid, and fluid mixture, comprising:
• a planar manifold including first and second plates, each of said plates having inner and outer surfaces, said first and second plates being joined at their respective inner surfaces such that their outer surfaces form respective first and second manifold outer surfaces, a plurality of pneumatic channels located in the inner surface of the first plate, and said channels communicating with a selected one of the first and second manifold outer surfaces at respective manifold ports;
• a plurality of fluid-handling functional devices each of which having a face and at least one device port on the face;
• and
• means for attaching the face to the selected one of the first and second manifold outer surfaces so as to effect a fluid-tight connection between said device port and one of said manifold ports;
• wherein said plurality of fluid-handling functions is performed according to a configuration of the fluid-handling devices, the pneumatic channels, and the manifold ports.