Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to devices, methods and systems capable of pressurization, generally involving a flow system that includes a pressurized reservoir, at least one pump including a pump control valve, an outlet port, a shut-off valve and a vent valve. The flow system is configured to be pressurized. The shut-off valve is disposed between the pressurized reservoir and the at least one pump. The vent valve is disposed between the at least one pump and the outlet port. The shut-off valve, the vent valve and the pump control valve of the at least one pump are configured to actuate in a coordinated manner to control a pressurization of the flow system. Exemplary embodiments are further directed to devices, methods and systems for column switching, generally including at least a first column, a second column and a column switching valve.

Abstract: Described is a method for vacuum degassing of a liquid such as a solvent for a liquid chromatography system. The method includes modulating application of a vacuum to a fluid channel of a degasser so that each volume of a liquid drawn from the degasser experiences a residence time that is equal to the residence times of the other volumes. The residence time is determined as a time that the volume resides in the fluid channel under application of the vacuum and to a magnitude of the applied vacuum. The method is advantageous for use with liquid chromatography systems where differences in the diffusion rates of solvents into the degasser vacuum can otherwise introduce error into the composition gradient of a mobile phase.

Abstract: Described is a method for purging a fluid channel is a low pressure gradient formation liquid flow system. Control of the fluid channels for multiple solvents allows for one or more static volumes of solvents not intended for use in an isocratic flow to be purged from their fluid channels to avoid contamination of the isocratic solvent. Advantageously, the method avoids the need to modify equipment or to reconfigure a pumping system so that the inlet is directly coupled to a single solvent source. Thus there is no need to bypass existing valves and liquid coupling components where solvents are combined during conventional gradient operation.

Abstract: Low-pressure mixing of fluids includes a pumping system having a pump and a fluidic inlet port through which fluid is introduced to the pump. A fluid proportioning system is in fluidic communication with the fluidic inlet port of the pumping system to deliver thereto a fluid stream comprised of multiple different fluids. The fluid proportioning system includes a manifold having a plurality of inlet ports, an outlet port connected by tubing to the fluidic inlet port of the pumping system, and an outlet conduit providing an internal fluidic passageway to the outlet port. Each inlet port is fluidically coupled to a fluid source to receive one of the different fluids and to the outlet conduit to deliver thereto the received fluid for delivery out of the manifold through the outlet port to the fluidic inlet port of the pumping system.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure relate to systems and methods comprising a dynamic pressure regulator and a force balance needle that regulate pressure changes due to flow or composition changes in a pressurized flow system, such as, for example, a CO2-based chromatography system.

Abstract: Described are embodiments of a pump that can be used, for example, in liquid chromatography applications. The pump includes a seal wash housing, pump head and seal assembly. A wear-resistant coating applied to a sealing surface or gland of the pump head or seal wash housing improves the hardness and chemical compatibility of the sealing surface. Oxidation of the sealing surface is reduced so that the sealing surface is less abrasive to the seal assembly and the lifetime of the seal assembly is increased.

Abstract: Described is a method for purging a fluid channel is a low pressure gradient formation liquid flow system. Control of the fluid channels for multiple solvents allows for one or more static volumes of solvents not intended for use in an isocratic flow to be purged from their fluid channels to avoid contamination of the isocratic solvent. Advantageously, the method avoids the need to modify equipment or to reconfigure a pumping system so that the inlet is directly coupled to a single solvent source. Thus there is no need to bypass existing valves and liquid coupling components where solvents are combined during conventional gradient operation.

Abstract: Described is a method for vacuum degassing of a liquid such as a solvent for a liquid chromatography system. The method includes modulating application of a vacuum to a fluid channel of a degasser so that each volume of a liquid drawn from the degasser experiences a residence time that is equal to the residence times of the other volumes. The residence time is determined as a time that the volume resides in the fluid channel under application of the vacuum and to a magnitude of the applied vacuum. The method is advantageous for use with liquid chromatography systems where differences in the diffusion rates of solvents into the degasser vacuum can otherwise introduce error into the composition gradient of a mobile phase.

Abstract: Described are embodiments of a pump having a diagnostic port that enables users and support personnel to diagnose the source of a pump leak. The diagnostic port is monitored visually or with a pressure or liquid detection sensor. In some embodiments, fluid detected at the diagnostic port corresponds to a leak around a circumference defined at an outer sealing surface of a high pressure seal. In other embodiments, fluid detected at the diagnostic port corresponds to a leak around a plunger at the inside diameter of the high pressure seal. Multiple diagnostic ports can be provided to allow separate determinations of leaks about the different portions of the high pressure seal. The embodiments may eliminate the need to disassemble the pump to determine the source of leaks. Thus the effort required to diagnose and repair the pump can be substantially reduced, and fewer misdiagnosed components are ordered or replaced.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure relate to systems and methods comprising a dynamic pressure regulator and a force balance needle that regulate pressure changes due to flow or composition changes in a pressurized flow system, such as, for example, a CO2-based chromatography system.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to devices, methods and systems capable of pressurization, generally involving a flow system that includes a pressurized reservoir, at least one pump including a pump control valve, an outlet port, a shut-off valve and a vent valve. The flow system is configured to be pressurized. The shut-off valve is disposed between the pressurized reservoir and the at least one pump. The vent valve is disposed between the at least one pump and the outlet port. The shut-off valve, the vent valve and the pump control valve of the at least one pump are configured to actuate in a coordinated manner to control a pressurization of the flow system. Exemplary embodiments are further directed to devices, methods and systems for column switching, generally including at least a first column, a second column and a column switching valve.

Abstract: Described are embodiments of a pump that can be used, for example, in liquid chromatography applications. The pump includes a seal wash housing, pump head and seal assembly. A wear-resistant coating applied to a sealing surface or gland of the pump head or seal wash housing improves the hardness and chemical compatibility of the sealing surface. Oxidation of the sealing surface is reduced so that the sealing surface is less abrasive to the seal assembly and the lifetime of the seal assembly is increased.

Abstract: Pumps used in liquid chromatography applications employ actuators for pressurizing and moving liquid. An actuator includes a pump head having a chamber, a gland, a movable rod extending through the gland into the chamber of the pump head, and a plunger seal disposed in the gland around the rod for sealing against fluidic leakage from the chamber. The plunger seal has an annular flange that provides an OD (outer diameter) seal against the gland. The flange defines a seal cavity. The pump head further includes an outlet port and an outlet channel. One end of the outlet channel is in communication with the outlet port and the other end of the outlet channel opens into the seal cavity of the plunger seal. The outlet channel provides a flow path for liquid in the chamber to travel towards the outlet port in response to movement of the rod.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a devices and methods for forming a desired miture of two or more fluids in a conduit. The devices and methods feature control means having error monitoring means and in response to an error event the control means organizes the packet-group of command signals to form at least one first error packet group. The error event occurs during the period of time in which the at least one error packet-group is received by a selectable value. The at least one error packet-group comprising an order or timing of first command signals and second commands signals to minimize deviation from the desired mixture in the flow of mixture-packets forming the desired mixture of two or more fluids in a conduit during the error event.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to method and devices for measuring the pressure of a pump chamber in which no internal opening or connections are needed. One embodiment of the present invention is directed to an apparatus for pumping fluid. The apparatus comprises at least one housing having a transducer surface. The transducer surface has a thickness exhibiting measurable deformation upon the chamber holding a fluid under pressure such that the transducer surface has a first position at which the chamber is at one pressure and a second position at which the chamber is at a second pressure. A strain sensor is affixed to the transducer surface producing; at least one signal upon the transducer surface assuming the first position and at least one signal upon the transducer surface assuming the second position to function as an integrated pressure transducer.

Abstract: Low-pressure mixing of fluids includes a pumping system having a pump and a fluidic inlet port through which fluid is introduced to the pump. A fluid proportioning system is in fluidic communication with the fluidic inlet port of the pumping system to deliver thereto a fluid stream comprised of multiple different fluids. The fluid proportioning system includes a manifold having a plurality of inlet ports, an outlet port connected by tubing to the fluidic inlet port of the pumping system, and an outlet conduit providing an internal fluidic passageway to the outlet port. Each inlet port is fluidically coupled to a fluid source to receive one of the different fluids and to the outlet conduit to deliver thereto the received fluid for delivery out of the manifold through the outlet port to the fluidic inlet port of the pumping system.

Abstract: A valve including a linear positioning component operatively connected to a valve body and an actuating element.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to methods and devices for conveying or containing fluids under pressure in which seals are provided with a defined path to vent fluid in the event of a seal failure.

Abstract: Described are embodiments of a pump having a diagnostic port that enables users and support personnel to diagnose the source of a pump leak. The diagnostic port is monitored visually or with a pressure or liquid detection sensor. In some embodiments, fluid detected at the diagnostic port corresponds to a leak around a circumference defined at an outer sealing surface of a high pressure seal. In other embodiments, fluid detected at the diagnostic port corresponds to a leak around a plunger at the inside diameter of the high pressure seal. Multiple diagnostic ports can be provided to allow separate determinations of leaks about the different portions of the high pressure seal. The embodiments may eliminate the need to disassemble the pump to determine the source of leaks. Thus the effort required to diagnose and repair the pump can be substantially reduced, and fewer misdiagnosed components are ordered or replaced.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to methods and devices for conveying or containing fluids under pressure in which seals are provided with a defined path to vent fluid in the event of a seal failure.