Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to apparatus and methods for performing separations of compounds held in a solution. Embodiments of the present invention allow detectors to operate at constant reproducible temperatures that are lower than the temperature of fluids exiting separation devices. An apparatus of the present invention has pump means, fluid conveying means, sample injection means, separation means and heat dissipation means. The heat dissipation means is in fluid communication with the separation means for receiving the fluid and removing thermal energy.

Abstract: Disclosed is a chromatographic system and method which includes a passive pre-heater assembly. In the inventive system and method a fluid mixture is supplied from an injector to the pre-heater assembly and then to a chromatographic column having an active heating source. The pre-heater assembly includes a convoluted tube with first and second ends and a fluid passage extending centrally therebetween, first and second end fittings attached respectively to the first and second ends of the convoluted tube, and a thermally conductive film attached to an outer surface of the convoluted tube. The first end fitting is adapted for fluidly connecting the first end of the convoluted tube to the injector and the second end fitting is adapted for fluidly connecting the second end of the convoluted tube to the chromatographic column.

Abstract: An inspection device and method, the device comprising a thermoelectric module (3) with first and second conducting parts (31, 32) and a control unit (4) electrically connected to the thermoelectric module for selectively applying an electric potential to the thermoelectric module to create a temperature difference between the first and second conducting parts. The control unit comprises measuring means configured to measure transiently, in use, a voltage potential across the thermoelectric module. The control unit includes memory means for recording a measured voltage profile and further comprises comparing means (41) for comparing the measured profile with a predetermined voltage profile stored in the memory means.

Abstract: The invention provides improved separation media for use in chromatography and electrophoresis, or for the selective absorption of certain components of a sample mixture, especially in a preliminary stage of an analysis. Improved media according to the invention comprises first particles capable or retaining one or more of the components of a sample mixture and second particles selected to have a higher thermal conductivity than the first particles, so that the thermal conductivity of the media is higher than that of media comprising the first particles alone. The media may be incorporated in packed or capillary columns for chromatography (especially nanoflow HPLC) or for capillary electrophoresis, or may be coated on a substrate. Particular embodiments of the media may comprise mixtures of first particles comprising siliceous polymers, second particles of gold, diamond or graphite. Chromatographic columns and apparatus incorporating them are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a chromatographic system and method which includes a passive pre-heater assembly. In the inventive system and method a fluid mixture is supplied from an injector to the pre-heater assembly and then to a chromatographic column having an active heating source. The pre-heater assembly includes a convoluted tube with first and second ends and a fluid passage extending centrally therebetween, first and second end fittings attached respectively to the first and second ends of the convoluted tube, and a thermally conductive film attached to an outer surface of the convoluted tube. The first end fitting is adapted for fluidly connecting the first end of the convoluted tube to the injector and the second end fitting is adapted for fluidly connecting the second end of the convoluted tube to the chromatographic column.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to apparatus and methods for performing separations of compounds held in a solution. Embodiments of the present invention allow detectors to operate at constant reproducible temperatures that are lower than the temperature of fluids exiting separation devices. An apparatus of the present invention has pump means, fluid conveying means, sample injection means, separation means and heat dissipation means. The heat dissipation means is in fluid communication with the separation means for receiving the fluid and removing thermal energy.