Abstract: Exemplary embodiments may deploy a valve that introduces a sample of a calibrant coaxially with flow exiting a source of a mobile phase flow, such as a liquid chromatography (LC) column, on a path to an ion source for the mass spectrometer (MS). The valve may be positioned remotely on a branch that has a junction with the path leading form the source of the mobile phase flow to the ion source. Alternatively, the valve may be positioned in line on the flow path from the source of the mobile phase flow to the ion source of the MS. A novel five port valve design may be employed. With this valve design, a first position of the valve allows a sample loop for the calibrant to be filled. In a second position, the calibrant is added coaxially to the flow from the source of the mobile phase to the MS. In a third position of the valve, diversion of or infusion to a post-source flow is enabled.

Abstract: Multidimensional liquid chromatography (MDLC) systems include valve configurations that enable a flow containing analytes in the eluent of a first dimension liquid chromatography system to be modulated such that the analytes can be captured in fluidic loops and subsequently provided to a second dimension liquid chromatography system. Optionally, a single detector is used for both first and second dimensions. In addition, the systems can enable dilution of the analytes and enable incompatible mobile phases and mobile phase flow rates to be used in the first and second dimensions.

Abstract: Described are a fluidic network and method for aseptic sampling from a process source. The fluidic network includes a valve that isolates the valve port that receives the process sample from all other valve ports except when the process sample flows through the valve. The fluidic network further includes a sample treatment module having a filter element and a sample preparation element to prepare the process sample for analysis. A positive displacement pump operates to draw the process sample into the fluidic network and to push a portion of the acquired process sample through the sample treatment module before dispensing the treated process sample from the fluidic network. Process sample remaining in a process sample supply line leading from the process source to the process inlet port may be pushed back to the process source via a gas flow to limit the acquired process sample volume.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments may deploy a valve that introduces a sample of a calibrant coaxially with flow exiting a source of a mobile phase flow, such as a liquid chromatography (LC) column, on a path to an ion source for the mass spectrometer (MS). The valve may be positioned remotely on a branch that has a junction with the path leading form the source of the mobile phase flow to the ion source. Alternatively, the valve may be positioned in line on the flow path from the source of the mobile phase flow to the ion source of the MS. A novel five port valve design may be employed. With this valve design, a first position of the valve allows a sample loop for the calibrant to be filled. In a second position, the calibrant is added coaxially to the flow from the source of the mobile phase to the MS. In a third position of the valve, diversion of or infusion to a post-source flow is enabled.

Abstract: Multidimensional liquid chromatography (MDLC) systems include valve configurations that enable a flow containing analytes in the eluent of a first dimension liquid chromatography system to be modulated such that the analytes can be captured in fluidic loops and subsequently provided to a second dimension liquid chromatography system. Optionally, a single detector is used for both first and second dimensions. In addition, the systems can enable dilution of the analytes and enable incompatible mobile phases and mobile phase flow rates to be used in the first and second dimensions.

Abstract: Thermally modulated variable restrictors used in chromatography systems enable independent control of system pressure and linear velocity of a compressible mobile phase passing through a chromatography column. A method for configuring a chromatography system with independent control of system pressure and mass flow rate of a compressible mobile phase includes determining a type of chromatography separation column to be used in the chromatography system, matching a thermally modulated variable restrictor to the type of chromatography separation column for use together during operation of the chromatography system, and bundling the chromatography column with its matching thermally modulated variable restrictor for distribution as a single package.

Abstract: A flow cell for a liquid chromatography detector comprises a substrate formed of a glass material; a fluidic channel extending through the substrate; and at least one gas filled region formed in the substrate along at least a portion of a length of the fluidic channel. A portion of the glass material separates the fluidic channel and the gas filled region. An interface between the gas filled region and the portion of the glass material separating the fluidic channel and the gas filled region enables total internal reflection of light propagating along the fluidic channel.

Abstract: There is provided a method of operating a liquid chromatography arrangement, the liquid chromatography arrangement comprising: a solvent pump arranged to flow a liquid solvent over a liquid chromatography column; a restrictor arranged to restrict the liquid solvent from leaving the liquid chromatography column; and a liquid pump arranged to provide liquid flow between the liquid chromatography column and the restrictor, the method comprising: flowing the liquid solvent through the liquid chromatography column using the solvent pump; and controlling a liquid pressure within the liquid chromatography column by providing a liquid flow between the liquid chromatography column and the restrictor using the liquid pump.

Abstract: A system capable of performing both single and multidimensional liquid chromatography includes a solvent delivery system, a sample injection system, a first dimension column path configured to perform a separation process in a first dimension, a second dimension column path configured to perform a separation process in a second dimension that is different than the first dimension, a valve system; and a sample injection system fluidically connected to the valve system. The valve system is configured to direct flow from a sample injection system to a first dimension column path when the valve system is in a first position, and to direct flow from the sample injection system to the second dimension column path without the flow path flowing through the first dimension column path in the chromatography system when the valve system is in a second position.

Abstract: The technology generally relates to tailoring a back pressure regulator in a chromatographic system to reduce unswept volume within the back pressure regulator to achieve better sample detection and a reduction in chromatographic band distortion effects.

Abstract: The exemplary embodiments may provide liquid chromatography systems that are smaller in size and with reduced extra-column volume than conventional liquid chromatography systems. The exemplary embodiments may reduce the size of the liquid chromatography systems enough that the liquid chromatography systems of the exemplary embodiments may be deployed adjacent to automated sample preparation robotics, adjacent to a process stream, or adjacent to the inlet of a mass spectrometer. In addition, the exemplary embodiments may reduce the extra-column volume of the liquid chromatography system by eliminating many of the connection tubes found in conventional liquid chromatography systems and by situating components of the liquid chromatography system in closer proximity.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to techniques for detecting leaks in a pump. A compressed fluid, such as compressed CO2, is provided through a first channel formed within a pump head. The compressed fluid within the first channel is in contact with at least a portion of a pump piston, and the first channel is substantially sealed using a fluid seal positioned around a portion of the pump piston. A wash fluid is pumped into a second channel formed within a wash seal housing associated with the pump head using a fluid pump. The wash fluid within the second channel surrounds a portion of the pump piston and is separated from the first channel by the fluid seal. A flow rate of fluid exiting the wash seal housing via the second channel is measured, and the existence of a leak is determined based on the measured flow rate.

Abstract: The exemplary embodiments control solvent pumps so that system flow is constant. One or more controllers may control the flow rate produced by the pumps over time. The one or more controllers control a first pump so that, as the first pump is refilling, a second pump maintains a sufficient flow rate to compensate for the lost flow due to the refilling event. In some exemplary embodiments, the one or more controllers control the timing of the refilling event for the first event such that the refilling event overlaps with the equilibrating of the chromatography column with solvent(s) from the second pump. Similarly, the one or more controllers control the timing of the refilling event for the second pump such that the refilling event overlaps with the equilibrating of the chromatography column.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methodologies, systems, and apparatus for controlling fluid flow within a chromatography system. The chromatography system includes a mobile phase pump configured to pump a liquid mobile phase through a column and a restrictor positioned downstream of the column and upstream of a detector. The system also includes a valve configured to operate in at least two positions. In a first position, the valve is configured to direct the output of the column to bypass the valve and reach the detector, while in the second position the valve directs the output of the column to waste.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methodologies, systems, apparatus, and kits for controlling fluid flow within a chromatography system. A makeup pump is configured to pump a makeup fluid into the chromatography system downstream of the column. A first restrictor is located upstream of a detector and downstream of both the makeup pump and the column. Decreasing an output volume of the makeup pump can direct an output from the column through the first restrictor to the detector. Increasing an output volume of the makeup pump can direct the output from the column to a second restrictor located downstream of the makeup pump and the column and in parallel with the first restrictor and the detector.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methodologies, systems, and apparatus for controlling fluid flow within a chromatography system. The chromatography system includes a mobile phase pump configured to pump a liquid mobile phase through a column and a restrictor positioned downstream of the column and upstream of a detector. The system also includes a valve configured to operate in at least two positions. In a first position, the valve is configured to direct the output of the column to bypass the valve and reach the detector, while in the second position the valve directs the output of the column to waste.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a system for liquid sample introduction into a chromatography system. The system includes a metering device for drawing up the liquid sample, a first multi-port valve in fluid communication with a first end of the metering device and the liquid sample, a second multi-port valve in fluid communication with a second end of the metering device and a chromatography column, and a pump in fluid communication with the second multi-port valve and a mobile phase. When the valves are in a first position the metering device draws up the liquid sample filling a portion of the metering device. When the valves are in a second position, a remaining portion of the metering device is filled with the mobile phase thereby mixing with and pressurizing the liquid sample. When the valves are in a third position, the mixed and pressurized sample flows to the chromatography column.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments integrate a tee or valve into an outlet end fitting of a liquid chromatography column. The tee or valve is suitable for providing additional fluidic flow paths to ports of the end fitting and eliminates the need for post-column fluidic conduits connecting to tees or valves to insert fluidic inputs or divert flow to outputs. This integration decreases the distance that eluent from the liquid chromatography column has to travel to reach a detector relative to systems that use external tees or valves while providing tee/valve functionality and reducing the fluidic volume post-column. As a result, the exemplary embodiments help decrease sample dispersion.

Abstract: The exemplary embodiments provide chromatography column positioning assemblies that can ensure that the distance between face seals or other sealing surfaces/mechanisms at the respective ends of a liquid chromatography column is a desired distance (i.e., the length of the liquid chromatography column). The exemplary embodiments can adjust the separation between the face seals to accommodate different length liquid chromatography columns. For example, a chromatography column positioning assembly of an exemplary embodiment can set the distance between face seals to accommodate a 25 mm column, a 50 mm column or a 100 mm column.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a system for liquid sample introduction into a chromatography system. The system includes a syringe, a first valve in fluid communication with the syringe, a second valve in fluid communication with the sample, a vessel located between, and in fluid communication with, the first and second valves, a third valve in fluid communication with the first valve, the second valve and a chromatography column, and a pump in fluid communication with the third valve and a mobile phase. When the valves are in a first position the syringe draws the sample into the vessel. The mobile phase flows to the chromatography column. When the valves are in a second position, a portion of the mobile phase flows into the vessel, mixing with and pressurizing the sample. When the valves are in a third position, the mixed and pressurized sample flows to the chromatography column.