Abstract: The invention encompasses systems for column-based separations, methods of packing and unpacking columns and methods of separating components of samples. In one aspect, the invention includes a method of packing and unpacking a column chamber, comprising: a) packing a matrix material within a column chamber to form a packed column; and b) after the packing, unpacking the matrix material from the column chamber without moving the column chamber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for isolating and purifying a 213Bi radioactive isotope from an 225Ac source using a primary column and a primary sorbent which preferentially retains 225Ac over 213Bi when exposed to a compatible solvent in combination with a secondary column having a secondary sorbent which retains 213Bi when exposed to a mixture of the compatible solvent and 213Bi. A “compatible solvent” is a solvent which will preferentially remove 213Bi radioactive isotopes from a primary sorbent without removing 225Ac radioactive isotopes, and then allow 213Bi radioactive isotopes removed from the primary sorbent to be retained on a secondary sorbent, without having to dilute or otherwise chemically or physically modify the compatible solvent in between exposure to the primary and secondary sorbents.

Abstract: The invention encompasses systems for column-based separations, methods of packing and unpacking columns and methods of separating components of samples. In one aspect, the invention includes a method of packing and unpacking a column chamber, comprising: a) packing a matrix material within a column chamber to form a packed column; and b) after the packing, unpacking the matrix material from the column chamber without moving the column chamber.

Abstract: The invention encompasses systems for column-based separations, methods of packing and unpacking columns and methods of separating components of samples. In one aspect, the invention includes a method of packing and unpacking a column chamber, comprising: a) packing a matrix material within a column chamber to form a packed column; and b) after the packing, unpacking the matrix material from the column chamber without moving the column chamber.

Abstract: The invention encompasses systems for column-based separations, methods of packing and unpacking columns and methods of separating components of samples. In one aspect, the invention includes a method of packing and unpacking a column chamber, comprising: a) packing a matrix material within a column chamber to form a packed column; and b) after the packing, unpacking the matrix material from the column chamber without moving the column chamber.

Abstract: The invention encompasses systems for column-based separations, methods of packing and unpacking columns and methods of separating components of samples. In one aspect, the invention includes a system for column-based separations, comprising: a) a fluid passageway, the fluid passageway comprising a column chamber and a flow path in fluid communication with the column chamber, the flow path being obstructed by a retaining material permeable to a carrier fluid and impermeable to a column matrix material suspended in the carrier fluid, the flow path extending through the column chamber and through the retaining material, the flow path being configured to form a packed column within the column chamber when a suspension of the fluid and the column matrix material is flowed along the flow path; and b) the fluid passageway extending through a valve intermediate the column chamber and the retaining material.

Abstract: The invention encompasses systems for column-based separations, methods of packing and unpacking columns and methods of separating components of samples. In one aspect, the invention includes a method of packing and unpacking a column chamber, comprising: a) packing a matrix material within a column chamber to form a packed column; and b) after the packing, unpacking the matrix material from the column chamber without moving the column chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus and process are provided for the safe, economic and pollution-free exposure of articles to reactive gaseous fluids to alter their surface characteristics. The articles are exposed to one or more fluids which are transferred back and forth from a reaction chamber to a holding chamber. As the fluids are transferred they pass through a trap designed to remove reaction-by-products without affecting valuable reactant fluids. Since the fluids can be transferred under vacuum and the overall reaction can take place at relatively low temperatures, the process provides a convenient and safe method for handling reactive fluids. The process is particularly useful for the halogenation, for example fluorination, of a variety of articles, such as plastic containers, aerosol bottles and films to improve their barrier resistance to solvents and gases.

Abstract: An apparatus and process are provided for the safe, economic and pollution-free exposure of articles to reactive gaseous fluids to alter their surface characteristics. The articles are exposed to one or more fluids which are transferred back and forth from a reaction chamber to a holding chamber. As the fluids are transferred they pass through a trap designed to remove reaction-by-products without affecting valuable reactant fluids. Since the fluids can be transferred under vacuum and the overall reaction can take place at relatively low temperatures, the process provides a convenient and safe method for handling reactive fluids. The process is particularly useful for the halogenation, for example fluorination, of a variety of articles, such as plastic containers, aerosol bottles and films to improve their barrier resistance to solvents and gases.