A set of elements for the production of a device for separating substances by distributing between a stationary and a mobile phase, wherein the set includes at least six individual separating elements, wherein each of the at least six individual separating elements is a column segment comprising a carrier element, a stationary phase secured within the carrier element, and coupling means, wherein the stationary phase of at least three of the separating elements is a first stationary phase and the stationary phase of at least three of the separating elements is a second stationary phase, the second stationary phase differing from the first stationary phase, wherein each of the separating elements can be coupled to any of the other separating elements and thereafter can be disconnected therefrom in such a way as to permit reuse of the disconnected separating elements with their respective stationary phases, and wherein the set can be used by the user on site to produce a desired separating device by simply coupling the necessary column segments together mechanically.