Abstract: A method for controlling the flow of liquid in a high performance liquid chromatography apparatus. The method includes operating a pump, measuring the liquid pressure downstream of the pump, measuring the liquid flow rate downstream of the pump, and controlling the operation of the pump. In the method, it is automatically determined whether the pump is controlled to achieve a desired pressure or controlled to achieve a desired flow rate. Fuzzy logic can be applied in the method to determine the switch between the control modes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an integrated system for liquid separation, such as LC, CE, affinity chromatography, and ion exchange chromatography. A preferred aspect relates to a specialized protection means for protecting the fragile electrospray needle when not in use. Another preferred aspect relates to a specialized electrical contact means for applying voltage to the electrospray needle. The invention comprises an integrated system for liquid separation and electrospray ionization comprising: a separation column; and an electrospray emitter connected with the separation column. In one aspect there is a retractable protective sleeve (8) for covering and supporting the electrospray emitter (2) along at least a portion of its axis. In another aspect there is an electrically conducting sheath surrounding the emitter and providing an electrical connection.

Abstract: A method for controlling the flow of liquid in a high performance liquid chromatography apparatus. The method includes operating a pump, measuring the liquid pressure downstream of the pump, measuring the liquid flow rate downstream of the pump, and controlling the operation of the pump. In the method, it is automatically determined whether the pump is controlled to achieve a desired pressure or controlled to achieve a desired flow rate. Fuzzy logic can be applied in the method to determine the switch between the control modes.

Abstract: There is provided an integrated system for liquid separation, such as LC, CE, affinity chromatography, and ion exchange chromatography, comprising a column and end-fittings embedded in a plastic material, such as a thermoplastic polymer. The system may further comprise an electrospray emitter directly connected with the outlet of the column, wherein a substantial part of the emitter is covered with the polymer material. There is also provided a method by which a separation column along with the accompanying end fittings for connection with adjacent liquid conduits is embedded in a polymer matrix. This configuration e.g. ensures that the factory-made, correct attachment of the fittings to the column is preserved (since the matrix prevents further user intervention, accidental or otherwise). Accordingly, the responsibility for the correct attachment of the fittings is shifted from the end user to the manufacturer.

Abstract: An automated system for handling components of a chromatographic system, comprising: one or more trap columns each having sorbent material therein; a robotic system for moving a trap column from a storage position to an operating position where the trap column is connected in a liquid pathway along which solvent is flowed in operation to a liquid chromatography (LC) column; and an optical sensor for sensing one or more parameters of the trap column. Sensed parameters can include: a presence or absence of a trap column in the operating position, a position or orientation of the trap column, a fluid level in the trap column, the presence and position of a sorbent material in the trap column, the condition of the trap column and/or whether the trap column is new or used.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an integrated system for liquid separation, such as LC, CE, affinity chromatography, and ion exchange chromatography. A preferred aspect relates to a specialised protection means for protecting the fragile electrospray needle when not in use. Another preferred aspect relates to a specialised electrical contact means for applying voltage to the electrospray needle. The invention comprises an integrated system for liquid separation and electrospray ionization comprising: a separation column; and an electrospray emitter connected with the separation column. In one aspect there is a retractable protective sleeve (8) for covering and supporting the electrospray emitter (2) along at least a portion of its axis. In another aspect there is an electrically conducting sheath surrounding the emitter and providing an electrical connection.

Abstract: An automated system for handling components of a chromatographic system, comprising: one or more trap columns each having sorbent material therein; a robotic system for moving a trap column from a storage position to an operating position where the trap column is connected in a liquid pathway along which solvent is flowed in operation to a liquid chromatography (LC) column; and an optical sensor for sensing one or more parameters of the trap column. Sensed parameters can include: a presence or absence of a trap column in the operating position, a position or orientation of the trap column, a fluid level in the trap column, the presence and position of a sorbent material in the trap column, the condition of the trap column and/or whether the trap column is new or used.

Abstract: There is provided a capillary assembly suitable for connecting various components of an analytical measuring device, for example a liquid chromatograph or a capillary electrophoresis device, to each other. Specifically, this involves reinforcing the fragile tubing by the addition of PEEK or steel sleeves and/or embedding the tubing in an injection-molded resin such that the tubing is not exposed directly to operator handling and manipulation. Further functional improvement is obtained by including additional components inside the resin. Thereby a versatile and robust capillary assembly is achieved.

Abstract: There is provided a method for thermally focusing the elution times of compounds of a liquid chromatography system comprising a pre-column and a separation column as well as to provide a liquid chromatography system, wherein the chromatographic separation of a mixture of substances is optimized.

Abstract: The invention provided is a split-free nano-liter flow liquid chromatography system comprising at least a first and a second chromatographic column connected in series, wherein an autosampler is provided and programmed to inject samples and eluent solutions of increasing eluent concentration for gradually eluting analytes from the first column into the second column (without adversely affecting separation in the second column), said solutions segmented from the mobile phase of the liquid chromatography system by air plugs.

Abstract: A method for controlling the flow of liquid in a high performance liquid chromatography apparatus. The method includes operating a pump, measuring the liquid pressure downstream of the pump, measuring the liquid flow rate downstream of the pump, and controlling the operation of the pump. In the method, it is automatically determined whether the pump is controlled to achieve a desired pressure or controlled to achieve a desired flow rate. Fuzzy logic can be applied in the method to determine the switch between the control modes.

Abstract: The invention provided is a split-free nano-liter flow liquid chromatography system comprising at least a first and a second chromatographic column connected in series, wherein an autosampler is provided and programmed to inject samples and eluent solutions of increasing eluent concentration for gradually eluting analytes from the first column into the second column (without adversely affecting separation in the second column), said solutions segmented from the mobile phase of the liquid chromatography system by air plugs.