Abstract: To make an inexpensive chromatographic column and perform chromatography with it, column walls and a column end with a port are molded integrally from plastic. A closure is integrally molded with a port as well. One type of closure includes part of a snap-on fastener integrally molded to it to cooperate with corresponding parts molded integrally with the column walls. In another type of closure for higher pressures, the closure is spin welded to the tubular walls. In still another type of closure for still higher pressures, a retaining plate is pressed into the column to hold the packing in place. The closures have channels molded into them radiating from a port and opening toward packing material such as silica beads or porous polymeric plugs. Filters and secondary seals may be located at the ends to prevent leakage of the packing material. The packing is balanced spherical or spheroid-like derivitized silica packing.