Abstract: An apparatus for use in liquid chromatography involves a column filled with media bounded axially by first and second porous plates. The column has an inlet end with an inflow region between the inlet end and the first porous plate. The column also has an outlet end with an outflow region between the outlet end and the second porous plate. The inflow region may be substantially longer than the outflow region. The porous plates may be moveable under pressure so as to compress the media.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in liquid chromatography involves a column filled with media bounded axially by first and second porous plates. The column has an inlet end with an inflow region between the inlet end and the first porous plate. The column also has an outlet end with an outflow region between the outlet end and the second porous plate. The inflow region may be substantially longer than the outflow region. The porous plates may be moveable under pressure so as to compress the media.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in liquid chromatography involves a column filled with media bounded axially by at least one porous member. The column has an inlet end with an inflow region between the inlet and a porous member. The inflow region may be sufficiently long so that a chromatography sample module may be disposed therein. The column may be sufficiently long so that a chromatography sample module may be disposed therein. The column may also have an outlet end with an outflow region between the outlet end and a second porous member. The inflow region may be substantially longer than the outflow region. The porous members may be moveable relative to the column.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sealing cartridges used in liquid chromatography. Such cartridges are commonly filled with media beds that are bounded axially by porous plates. The invention involves one or two sealing heads. Each sealing head comprises two slidably connected head pieces and an elastomeric sealing member. The head pieces and the elastomeric sealing member are sized to slide easily into an open end of a cartridge when the elastomeric sealing member is uncompressed. After insertion, relative movement of the head pieces compresses the elastomeric sealing member and causes the elastomeric sealing member to expand laterally so that it forms a seal against the cartridge, when the sealing head is pressed against the media bed or porous plate. An alternate sealing head comprises a plurality of head pieces and a plurality of annular elastomeric sealing members. One of the head pieces contains a body portion on which the other head pieces and the sealing members are slidably mounted.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sealing a plurality of columns containing media for use in liquid chromatography. The invention involves two sealing assemblies, each having a plurality of sealing heads. The sealing heads are sized to receive ends of the columns and to seal the columns when the heads are compressed. Compressive force is exerted by or through springs to permit the sealing heads to adapt to the length of the media bed within each column. The apparatus may include a pressure containment vessel for subjecting the columns to radial compression.