Abstract: A chromatographic device in which a chromatographic column pivots on a compression cylinder. Prior to pivoting, one end of the column is sealed with an end cap, the column is at least partially filled with a chromatographic medium and a piston is frictionally engaged within the column. The chromatographic column is then pivoted onto the compression cylinder, and the compression device is operated to push the piston into the column with a telescoping rod. The telescoping rod is then retracted, leaving the piston in place. The chromatographic column is then removed from the compression cylinder. A spring assembly is then inserted into column above the piston, and held in place with a torque mechanism mounted on the chromatographic column. The torque mechanism includes a bolt that can be tightened to provide a variable spring pressure against the piston.

Abstract: A chromatographic device comprising a column body having a first end and a closed second end. The device further includes a piston inside the column body, a chromatographic medium, a rod, and a locking mechanism. The chromatographic medium is within the column body and between the piston and the second end. The rod has a longitudinal rod axis and is operatively engageable with the piston for pressing the piston in the column body. The locking mechanism is adapted for locking the rod relative to the column body in a manner to prevent movement of the rod relative to the column body in an outward longitudinal direction away from the piston without preventing movement of the rod relative to the column body in an inward longitudinal direction toward the piston. Preferably, the chromatographic device includes a spring for exerting a constant axial compression against the piston to prevent the formation of voids in the packing medium.

Abstract: A chromatographic device in which a chromatographic column pivots on a compression cylinder. Prior to pivoting, one end of the column is sealed with an end cap, the column is at least partially filled with a chromatographic medium and a piston is frictionally engaged within the column. The chromatographic column is then pivoted onto the compression cylinder, and the compression device is operated to push the piston into the column with a telescoping rod. The telescoping rod is then retracted, leaving the piston in place. The chromatographic column is then removed from the compression cylinder. A spring assembly is then inserted into column above the piston, and held in place with a torque mechanism mounted on the chromatographic column. The torque mechanism includes a bolt that can be tightened to provide a variable spring pressure against the piston.

Abstract: A slurry compressor for obtaining a homogeneous, pressurized, packed absorbent bed of slurry in a chromatographic column is provided. The compressor includes a solid first portion and a second portion which is a slightly tapering walled structure integral with the first portion. An annular groove is disposed within the first portion and a resilient O-ring sealing member is disposed within the ring. A split ring backup-spacer element can also be positioned within said groove to provide increased sealing to prevent leakage of the particles beyond the compressor element. An adapter element for enabling the insertion of the compressor into the column without damaging the surface of the O-ring is also disclosed. A handled straight adapter is also provided to enable the column to be supporting during packing and to be stabilized during column disassembly. A method of packing a column which includes shaking the slurry-filled column prior to pressurizing the column is set forth.