Chromatography columns, systems and methods

Abstract

The present invention relates to axial flow chromatography columns, methods for separating one or more analytes in a liquid by the use of such columns, and systems employing such columns. The column comprises a first port and a second port, the first port and said second port being at essentially the same level or elevation above the level of the bed space on the chromatography column.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An axial flow chromatography column comprising:
 a housing comprising a side wall;   axially spaced first and second end units positioned opposed to each other are separated by said side wall;   a first filter which is adjacent to said first end unit and a second filter which is adjacent to said second end unit wherein said first and second filters together with the side wall define an enclosed bed space for containing a bed of particulate medium therein;   the first end unit including a first port which is in fluid communication with said enclosed bed space for adding a liquid to or removing a liquid from the bed space;   the second end unit including a second port which is in fluid communication with the enclosed bed space for adding a liquid to or removing a liquid from the bed space; and   said first port and said second port are at essentially the same level or elevation above the level of the bed space on said chromatography column.   
     
     
         2 . The chromatography column of  claim 1 , wherein the second port is in fluid communication with the bed space by means of a hollow member connected to a passageway in the second unit. 
     
     
         3 . The chromatography column of  claim 2 , wherein said hollow member is an integral part of the column. 
     
     
         4 . The chromatography column of  claim 2 , wherein said passageway extends from the bed space through a lateral wall of the second end unit. 
     
     
         5 . The chromatography column of  claim 1 , wherein the first end unit additionally includes a valve means which is in fluid communication with the enclosed bed space, the valve means includes a longitudinal member extending through said first filter and having a passageway therein, the valve being operably openable and closable to allow filing of the bed space with the particulate medium through said passageway. 
     
     
         6 . The chromatography column of  claim 5 , wherein said longitudinal member of said valve means comprises a nozzle. 
     
     
         7 . The chromatography column of  claim 6 , wherein said nozzle is fixed within the bed space or retractable to a position outwith the bed space. 
     
     
         8 . The chromatography column of  claim 1 , wherein said valve means does not allow emptying of the bed space of particulate medium. 
     
     
         9 . The chromatography column of  claim 1 , wherein said column is pre-packed with particulate medium. 
     
     
         10 . The chromatography column of  claim 8 , wherein said column is a disposable column. 
     
     
         11 . A method for separating one or more analytes in a liquid from each other, comprising:
 applying said liquid containing said one or more analytes to an axial chromatography column of  claim 1 , said column containing a bed of particulate medium therein;   eluting said one or more analytes with a mobile phase; and   collecting fractions of said mobile phase eluting from the column.   
     
     
         12 . A system for separating one or more analytes in a liquid from each other, said system comprising:
 an inlet or inlet manifold in fluid communication with said liquid;   a pump;   a chromatography column of  claim 1 ; and   an outlet or outlet manifold.   
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 12 , further comprising a valve operably openable and closable to allow the addition of liquid to, or the removal of liquid from, the column bed space.