Abstract: An automated analyzer for biological samples that contain particulate matter is adapted to be able to process a large number of samples without changing the analytical cartridge, and in many cases without changing the internal switching valves, by including a filter in the low-pressure section of the analyzer, and preferably configuring the analyzer to be able to perform backflushing on the filter between sample injections.

Abstract: A liquid gas vaporization and measurement system, and associated method, for efficiently vaporizing a continuous sample of liquid gas, such as liquid natural gas (LNG), and accurately determining the constituent components of the gas. A constant flow of liquid gas sampled from a mass storage device is maintained in a vaporizing device. Within the vaporizing device the liquid gas is flash vaporized within heated narrow tubing. The liquid gas is converted to vapor very quickly as it enters one or more independently operating vaporizer stages within the vaporizing device. The vapor gas is provided to a measuring instrument such as a chromatograph and the individual constituent components and the BTU value of the gas are determined to an accuracy of within +/?0.5 mole percent and 1 BTU, respectively.

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.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention provides a sample injection system including a vacuum source, a conduit in communication with the vacuum source, a fluid sensor configured to detect the presence of the fluid in the conduit, a sample loop in communication with the conduit; and a sipper in communication with the sample loop.

Abstract: The invention relates to an injection port for analysis appliances, said injection port (10), when fitted correctly on an analysis appliance, forming an access line which leads to an analysis chamber of the analysis appliance and through which it is possible to guide the cannula of a sample injector containing a sample to be analysed, characterized in that the injection port comprises at least one elastic valve element (24) which can be opened and closed in a controlled manner and by means of which the access line to the analysis chamber can be sealed off both in the absence of a cannula and also when a cannula is guided through the injection port. The invention further relates to an analysis appliance provided with a corresponding injection port, and to a device for actuating the injection port.

Abstract: A heat insulating member 13 is provided on the outer circumference of a connection pipe 11. The heat insulating member 13 includes: a tube 12; and an air layer 15 between the connection pipe 11 and the tube 12. Accordingly, it is possible to always keep the temperature of a sample component at the time of detection by a detector constant and thus prevent an influence of the temperature on an output result of the detector, in a low flow rate analysis using a modularized column unit and a modularized detection unit.

Abstract: A liquid chromatography device includes a sample inlet valve to which a sample to be analyzed is introduced, and a trap valve fluid-communicating with a solid phase extraction column and a reverse phase liquid chromatography column. The device further includes a solvent dividing unit dividing flow of a solvent discharged from the sample inlet valve into the first solvent inlet port and the second solvent inlet port of the trap valve. The liquid chromatography device improves resolution and increases reproducibility by allowing the sample injecting direction and the sample eluting direction to be opposite to each other.

Abstract: An acid or base is generated in an aqueous solution by the steps of: (a) providing a source of first ions adjacent an aqueous liquid in a first acid or base generation zone, separated by a first barrier (e.g., anion exchange membrane) substantially preventing liquid flow and transporting ions only of the same charge as said first ions, (b) providing a source of second ions of opposite charge adjacent an aqueous liquid in a second acid or base generation zone, separated by a second barrier transporting ions only of the same charge as the second ions, and (c) transporting ions across the first barrier by applying an electrical potential through said first and second zones to generate an acid-containing aqueous solution in one of said first or second zones and a base-containing aqueous solution in the other one which may be combined to form a salt. Also, electrolytic apparatus for performing the above method.

Abstract: A fluid controller apparatus controls fluid flow, such as a solvent gradient flow, in a chromatography system. An apparatus includes a fluid-gradient controller having a fluid reservoir for containing a pump fluid and a pumping device connected to the fluid reservoir for receiving the pump fluid. The pumping device is in fluid communication with parallel-configured first and second solvent lines. The first and second solvent lines each contain a restrictor element and a solvent reservoir. During operation, the pumping device causes the pump fluid to flow through the first and second solvent lines in relation to their respective restriction devices. The pump fluid displaces solvent within the solvent reservoirs. The displaced solvent is mixed to form a solvent gradient.

Abstract: The invention provides improved methods and apparatus for fluid chromatography, and is particularly appropriate to high-pressure liquid chromatography carried out using eluent flow rates less than 1 ?l/minute, for example on nanoflow columns. In both single- and multi-dimensional chromatography systems, especially those comprising trapping media to facilitate injection of relatively large volumes of sample on to nanoflow columns, the on-line addition of a diluting solvent enables stronger eluents and sample solvents to be employed without causing premature release of analytes from the trapping media or the degradation of the second dimension chromatographic separation. The invention may be advantageously used for two-dimension reverse phase/reverse phase separations, especially for the separation of complex mixtures of peptides.

Abstract: A fitting assembly having a nut, a ferrule, and a ferrule tip that may be assembled by an operator. The fitting assembly includes a nut with first and second ends, with the second end adapted to receive the first end of a ferrule, and a ferrule tip with a first end having an externally tapered portion adapted to abut the second end of the ferrule and a second end adapted to be received in a component or fitting of a liquid chromatography system. The nut, ferrule and ferrule tip of the fitting assembly have passageways therethrough for receiving and removably holding tubing.

Abstract: A fluid switching valve includes a first valve element (e.g., a stator) that has a plurality of first fluid-conveying features (e.g., ports), and a second valve element (e.g., a rotor) that has one or more second fluid-conveying features (e.g., fluid conduits in the form of grooves). The second valve element is movable, relative to the first valve element, between a plurality of discrete positions such that, in each of the discrete positions, at least one of the one or more second fluid-conveying features overlaps with multiple ones of the first fluid conveying features to provide for fluid communication therebetween. At least one of the first valve element and the second valve element includes a recess. The recess serves to reduce wear between the first valve element and the second valve element. The recess is arranged such that it does not overlap with any of the first fluid-conveying features or any of the second fluid-conveying features when the rotor is in any of the discrete positions.

Abstract: The invention provides improved methods and apparatus for multidimensional analysis, especially for multidimensional liquid chromatography. Methods and apparatus for the quantitative determination of one or more components comprised in a sample mixture are described. Methods and apparatus of the invention typically allow accurate quantitative determination of more components of the mixture than prior multidimensional methods. The invention is particularly useful for, but is not limited to the analysis of complex mixtures of peptides and proteins.

Abstract: A flow through isolation valve having a stationary member; a movable member, with a surface of the stationary member interfacing with a surface of the movable member; and at least one pin isolation valve. The pin isolation valve has a flow through internal conduit and is movable so that the internal conduit can fluidically communicate with at least one blank opening in the movable member and with a flow through internal conduit in the movable member. Movement is by rotation, linear or curvilinear translation. At least one pin isolation valve is fluidically coupled typically to a sample loop of a face seal valve, or to a pump supplying high pressure liquid to or to a column discharging liquid from a face seal valve of a high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) system or directly to the face seal valve.

Abstract: Electrolytic eluent recycle systems for ion chromatography using a multi-channel electrolytic ion exchange device which integrates suppression, eluent generation, and eluent recycle. The systems recycle the eluent into the analytical system without passing the eluent through the electrode chambers. Also, such systems with a channel for electrolytic removal of ions from the suppression effluent before recycle.

Abstract: A novel filter housing assembly for use in liquid chromatography and similar fluid flow based systems capable of use at high pressure, well above 1000 psi, is disclosed. The filter housing assembly has a very low dead volume of approximately 11 ?L and is capable of holding brittle ceramic filter membranes as well as flexible membranes without the support of a fit. The filter housing is capable of being assembled and disassembled by hand without the need of any tools and makes use of an inexpensive, disposable filter retaining screen.

Abstract: A sample injection part connected to a column to inject a sample into the column; a sample injection needle attachable to the sample injection part; a sample suction part connectable to the sample injection needle and configured to cause a predetermined amount of the sample to be drawn by suction into the sample injection needle upon connecting to the sample connection needle; a mobile phase supply part configured to supply the column with a mobile phase; a first switching valve for selectively connecting the sample injection needle to one of the sample suction part and the mobile phase supply part; and a second switching valve, including the sample injection part, for supplying the sample and the mobile phase to the column via the sample injection needle in the case of having the sample injection needle attached to the sample injection part and for supplying the mobile phase to the column via the first switching valve in the case of having the sample injection needle removed from the sample injection part ar

Abstract: A fitting assembly having a nut, a ferrule, and a ferrule tip that may be assembled by an operator. The fitting assembly includes a nut with first and second ends, with the second end adapted to receive the first end of a ferrule, and a ferrule tip with a first end having an externally tapered portion adapted to abut the second end of the ferrule and a second end adapted to be received in a component or fitting of a liquid chromatography system. The nut, ferrule and ferrule tip of the fitting assembly have passageways therethrough for receiving and removably holding tubing.

Abstract: A valve includes a stator that has fluidic ports in a seal surface, and a rotor that has a seal surface contacting the stator's seal surface. The rotor has through-holes that extend from the seal surface to a back surface, providing fluidic communication with a conduit disposed adjacent to the back surface of the rotor. A chromatography apparatus includes a sample source, a solvent source having a higher operating pressure than the sample source, and an injector valve. A method of performing chromatography includes loading a sample with a valve in a load-state configuration that disposes a sample source in fluidic communication with a conduit disposed adjacent to a back surface of the rotor, and injecting the loaded sample with the valve in an inject-state configuration that disposes a solvent source in fluidic communication with a column via at grooves adjacent to a front seal surface of the rotor.

Abstract: This invention provides a sample injector for injecting a fixed amount of a sample into a mobile phase medium and discharging the mobile phase medium with the sample. The sample injector includes a first member having a medium passage for supplying the mobile phase medium and a sample passage for supplying the sample and a second member having a discharge passage for discharging the mobile phase medium with the sample to an outside of the injector. The second member is provided in contact with the first member. The first member and the second member are configured to move to a sample charging position and a sample injection position. The sample charging position is for the sample chamber to connect with the sample passage. The sample injection position is for the sample chamber to connect with the medium passage and the discharge passage.

Abstract: Certain embodiments described herein are directed to chromatography systems that include a microfluidic device. The microfluidic device can be fluidically coupled to a switching valve to provide for selective control of fluid flow in the chromatography system. In some examples, the microfluidic device may include a charging chamber, a bypass restrictor or other features that can provide for added control of the fluid flow in the system. Methods of using the devices and methods of calculating lengths and diameters to provide a desired flow rate are also described.

Abstract: Large-scale downstream processing of secreted recombinant proteins is provided in a single device, wherein the contents of a plurality of bioreactors are combined simultaneous to their harvesting and purification resulting in significant savings of time and the cost of manufacturing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a deaerator 2 including: a liquid flow space; reduced-pressure spaces 25A, 25B, and 25C; gas permeable films 21A, 21B, and 21C that separate these spaces; and a pump for discharging gas from within the reduced-pressure spaces 25A, 25B, and 25C to the outside, and to a liquid chromatograph equipped with the deaerator 2. The deaerator 2 further includes gas partial pressure variation suppression means 23A, 23B, 23C, 25Ab, 25Bb, 25Cb, 29A, 29B, and 29C for suppressing variations in partial pressures of a specific gas in the reduced-pressure spaces 25A, 25B, and 25C.

Abstract: A cleaning chamber is provided in a seal holder and two cleaning chamber flow paths communicating with the cleaning chamber from outside are provided. A pipe connected to a vessel storing a mobile phase is connected to one of the cleaning chamber flow paths. A pipe as a flow path connected to a mobile phase sucking flow path into a pump chamber is connected to the other cleaning chamber flow path. When the mobile phase is taken in, the mobile phase is sucked into the pump chamber via the cleaning chamber.

Abstract: A cassette for preparing a sample is disclosed herein. The cassette includes a housing, which encloses the structures and the processes used to prepare the sample.

Abstract: A fluid sampling system for sampling the contents of a container of fluid includes an elongate hollow sampling conduit extending between a first end for withdrawing the fluid from the container and a second end for returning the fluid to the container, pump means for circulating the fluid between the container and the sampling conduit, a sample probe having a tip extending into the sampling conduit so as to contact the fluid within the sampling conduit, and a controller unit for controlling flow of the fluid within the sampling conduit and monitoring the properties of interest of the fluid within the sampling conduit via signals received from the sample probe. The present invention also provides an in-line pH probe.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method involving the steps of: (a) precipitating an amount of polyaromatic compounds from a liquid sample of a first hydrocarbon-containing feedstock having solvated polyaromatic compounds therein with one or more first solvents in a column; (b) determining one or more solubility characteristics of the precipitated polyaromatic compounds; (c) analyzing the one or more solubility characteristics of the precipitated polyaromatic compounds; and (d) correlating a measurement of catalyst activity performance for the first hydrocarbon-containing feedstock sample with a mathematical parameter derived from the results of analyzing the one or more solubility characteristics of the precipitated polyaromatic compounds to predict catalyst performance of a catalyst in a refinery operation of the hydrocarbon-containing feedstock.

Abstract: A method of determining a leak in a pumping system includes determining a metered flow rate of a fluid through a first channel, determining a measured flow rate within the channel, and identifying an amount of a leak in the pumping system as the difference between the metered flow rate and the measured flow rate.

Abstract: A shear valve for use in a high performance liquid chromatography system, the shear valve comprising a first shear valve member and a second shear valve member, wherein at least one of the first and second shear valve members is adapted to be moved with respect to the other, one of the first and second shear valve members comprises a plurality of ports, and the other comprises at least one fluid path for fluidly coupling respective ones of the ports in dependency on a relative movement position of the first and second shear valve members with respect to each other, wherein the first shear valve member is at least partially coated with an adhesion-promoting layer and a diamond like carbon layer on the adhesion-promoting layer.

Abstract: A pump controller causes a first plunger pump and a second plunger pump connected in series or in parallel to perform intake and compression actions alternately at substantially constant cycles, sets a pressurizing chamber of one of the plunger pumps to a state of a higher pressure than the pressurizing chamber of the other plunger pump, and performs flow rate control by adjusting lift amounts of the first plunger and the second plunger. Thus, it is possible to provide a pump for liquid chromatograph, and a liquid chromatograph, which are capable of reducing pulsations even when an ejection flow rate is changed.

Abstract: The invention concerns a rotary distribution apparatus (30) for distributing process liquids, typically in ion exchange and chromatographic separation in the processing of sugar juice. The apparatus includes a core (2) into which fixed process liquid supply pipes (3) extend and annular fluid distribution chambers defined between the core and an outer shell (4) which rotates around the core. Rotating pipes (5) are provided which rotate with the shell and which are connected between selected distribution chambers and selected ports in a rotating indexing disc (6) which rotates, with the shell, relative to a stationary indexing disc (7). The arrangement is such that as the rotating disc rotates, different streams of process liquid streams fed to the rotating disc through the rotating pipes are introduced to fixed ports in the stationary disc. The latter ports are arranged to feed the streams selectively to selected destinations.

Abstract: In a liquid chromatograph and a pump unit for liquid chromatograph whereby a sample is analyzed while changing the mixing ratio of multiple kinds of solvents, mixing of the solvents can be accelerated without adding any novel device such as a mixer. The pump unit for liquid chromatograph has a configuration which comprises cylinders for introducing a multiple kinds of solvents thereinto and plungers that are reciprocated so as to introduce the solvents and discharge the same for sending, wherein a plurality of channels are formed in the cylinders for mixing the solvents.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention provide systems and methods for high-throughput screening of fluidic samples. In some embodiments, two chromatography columns are utilized in series. The first chromatography column can have a high affinity for phosphorylated compounds while the second chromatography column has a high affinity for one or more analytes of interest.

Abstract: A flow controller for use with a liquid chromatography detector. The flow controller includes a flow channel comprising an inlet portion, a control channel portion in communication with the inlet portion, and an outlet portion in communication with said control channel portion. The control channel portion has a cross-sectional area smaller than a cross-sectional area of a drift tube of the liquid chromatography detector for channeling the flow of droplets through the smaller cross-sectional area. The flow controller is shaped and sized to reduce pressure fluctuations and turbulence in the droplet stream of the liquid chromatography detector.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for spectral analysis of immiscible phases are disclosed. A flow cell for online absorption measurements of immiscible process phases can comprise: a body containing an inlet window and an outlet window in operable communication with a measurement instrument; and a series of partitions that divide the inside of the flow cell into three (3) or more vessels that have an inlet and an outlet, wherein the vessels are connected in series with one another. Optionally, the first vessel is equipped with a porous membrane to facilitate the separation of immiscible process phases.

Abstract: Provided that elapsed time from the start of the flow-in of an eluent into a column is t0 and the mobility Rfc(t/t0) of a component c in a sample is represented by a function of elapsed time t from the start of the flow-in of a sample into the column, elution time trc from the flow-in of the sample into the column to the flow-out of the component c from the column is calculated by using Equation (1). In doing so, the mobility Rfc(t/t0) in Equation (1) is represented by Equation (2).

Abstract: Method and apparatus for generating an acid or base, e.g. for chromatographic analysis of anions. For generating a base the method includes the steps of providing a cation source in a cation source reservoir, flowing an aqueous liquid stream through a base generation chamber separated from the cation source reservoir by a barrier (e.g. a charged membrane) substantially preventing liquid flow while providing a cation transport bridge, applying an electric potential between an anode cation source reservoir and a cathode in the base generation chamber to electrolytically generate hydroxide ions therein and to cause cations in the cation source reservoir to electromigrate and to be transported across the barrier toward the cathode to combine with the transported cations to form cation hydroxide, and removing the cation hydroxide in an aqueous liquid stream as an effluent from the first base generation chamber. Suitable cation sources include a salt solution, a cation hydroxide solution or cation exchange resin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a liquid chromatography apparatus X, which is provided with a deaerator 4. The liquid chromatography apparatus X is further provided with a dissolved oxygen density adjusting means for maintaining a density of dissolved oxygen in an eluting solution to be supplied to a column 60 constant. Preferably, the dissolved oxygen density adjusting means is configured so as to adjust the density of the dissolved oxygen in the eluting solution by adjusting a degree of decompression in a decompression space of the deaerator 4 based on a measurement result by temperature measurement means 40A, 40B, and 40C for measuring the temperature of the eluting solution.

Abstract: A liquid chromatography device includes a sample inlet valve to which a sample to be analyzed is introduced, and a trap valve fluid-communicating with a solid phase extraction column and a reverse phase liquid chromatography column. The device further includes a solvent dividing unit dividing flow of a solvent discharged from the sample inlet valve into the first solvent inlet port and the second solvent inlet port of the trap valve. The liquid chromatography device improves resolution and increases reproducibility by allowing the sample injecting direction and the sample eluting direction to be opposite to each other.

Abstract: A channel-switching valve into which a high-pressure liquid and a low-pressure liquid flow is provided. The channel-switching valve includes a stator and a rotor which has a surface in contact with one surface of the stator and rotates while sliding on the contact surface. The stator has a plurality of liquid flow ports open to the contact surface, and the rotor has a plurality of channel grooves for connecting the liquid flow ports. One of the channel grooves is a straight groove passing through the rotational center of the rotor, and the other channel grooves are line-symmetrically arranged with respect to the straight channel groove. Alternatively, among the channel grooves, the channel grooves into which the high-pressure liquid flows are configured to be located on both sides of the rotational center of the rotor. Thus, a local load acting on the rotor during a high-pressure liquid-feeding process is reduced.

Abstract: An analytical apparatus includes a sample-injection valve, a sample pump, at least two sources of standards, and a selection valve. The sample-injection valve has an output port in fluid communication with a LC column, and an input port in fluid communication with a mobile-phase supply line. The at least two sources of standards are associated with at least two pharmaceutical compounds. The selection valve fluidically and selectably connects the sample pump to the at least two sources of standards, to the sample-injection valve, and to at least two pharmaceutical-manufacturing process lines associated with the at least two pharmaceutical compounds. A method for controlling a pharmaceutical manufacturing process includes switching the selection valve to alternately and repeatedly sample the at least two sources of standards and material flowing through the at least two pharmaceutical-manufacturing process lines.

Abstract: Apparatus for GPC/TREF and TREF/GPC characterization of a polymer sample. The apparatus provides for the automated and integrated use of multiple TREF columns and a GPC system employing a multiple flow through detectors. In addition, a method for TREF/GPC characterization of a polymer sample by GPC analysis of TREF fractions at increasing TREF elution temperatures from multiple TREF columns operated in a coordinated and synchronized temperature cycle for increased sample throughput. Also, a method for GPC/TREF characterization of a polymer sample by GPC fractionation followed by TREF fractionation of the GPC fractionations.

Abstract: Method for injecting a liquid sample in an HPLC analyzing device, using an apparatus which comprises a first liquid circuit, a second liquid circuit, a valve assembly of the stator/rotor type, and a sample loop. In a first and a second valve position, respectively, the sample loop is either part of the first or of the second circuit, respectively. During the switching of the valve assembly from the second valve position into the first valve position, the valve assembly automatically and temporarily assumes an intermediate valve position in which the sample loop is automatically decompressed via a fourth connection chamber and a third valve outlet. In that intermediate valve position the sample loop is neither part of the first circuit nor part of the second circuit.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to methods and apparatus for placing a sample in a chromatographic system. The device and method feature placing samples held in a sample loop to pressurization prior to placing such sample loop in communication with high pressure conduits.

Abstract: A multi-dimensional liquid analysis system includes a flow splitter for separating mobile phase outflow from a first dimension liquid analysis system into first and second liquid split outlet flows. Volumetric flow rate control of the split outlet flows is provided by a flow control pump which withdraws one of the split outlet flows from the flow splitter at a controlled withdrawal flow rate to define the other split outlet flow rate as the difference between the outflow rate from the first dimension system and the withdrawal flow rate. In this manner, accurate and consistent flow division can be accomplished, which is particularly useful for multi-dimensional liquid analysis.

Abstract: A chromatography apparatus includes a sample-delivery patterned substrate and a tube-based separation column directly connected to an outlet port of the patterned substrate. The patterned substrate includes an injector valve connected to the outlet port.

Abstract: Provided is a liquid chromatograph system and method configured to accurately obtain measurements by minimizing deviations in measurements due to a transfer from one measurement method to another measurement method. An aspect of the system and method includes minimizing deviations in measurements when a measurement method from a measurement system of a liquid chromatograph is transferred to measurement system under high pressure and high velocity. Such a transfer includes deviations due to differences in analysis conditions. The present subject matter uses a dwell volume value so as to minimize a deviation of measurement result due to methods before and after transfer. Another aspect includes calculating a correction value when there is a deviation in the measurement result, and automatically reflecting the correction value for the method transfer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a stable solvent delivery device capable of delivering solvent both at high pressure and at constant flow rate. A solvent delivery device comprises a plurality of plungers which reciprocate in the respective pump chambers including an eluent charge side pump chamber and an eluent discharge side pump chamber, a motor to reciprocate these plungers, a control unit to control the operation of the motor, valves which are respectively set at the eluent inlet and outlet of the eluent charge side pump chamber, a first sensor to measure the quantity of load received by the plunger in the eluent charge side pump chamber, and a second sensor to measure the pressure of the eluent discharged from the eluent discharge side pump chamber.

Abstract: A method for controlling operation of a pump unit, where the pump unit includes a primary piston pump having a primary piston and a secondary piston pump having a secondary piston. The primary piston pump is fluidically connected with the secondary piston pump. The primary piston pump includes an inlet valve and an outlet valve, and the pump unit operates periodically according to a pump cycle. The method includes determining a fluid pressure of fluid dispensed by the pump unit, and performing a closed loop control of a position of the primary piston in dependence on the fluid pressure of the fluid dispensed by the pump unit during a first time interval of the pump cycle.

Abstract: Certain embodiments described herein are directed to chromatography systems that include a microfluidic device configured to provide three-way switching or switching between three or more inputs or outputs. The microfluidic device can be fluidically coupled to one or more switching valves to provide for selective control of fluid flow in the chromatography system.