Chromaflow™ chromatography columns

How it works

Nozzles sit in both the top and bottom of the column allowing packing in either an upward or downward direction. There are three nozzle positions:

• Mid-position, for priming and packing. The bottom nozzle extends part of the way (mid-position) into the column. The top nozzle is fully retracted. Slurry enters the column via the bottom nozzle and excess liquid exits via the top mobile phase outlet. After packing, the slurry lines are isolated from the mobile phase and can be cleaned independently from the rest of the column.
• Retracted, for running. The top and bottom nozzles are retracted. Mobile phase enters the column directly into an annulus immediately behind the bed support. The annulus is cut through at an angle to ensure that the linear flow rate is kept constant during distribution of the mobile phase across the bed.
• Fully extended into the column for unpacking and cleaning. In this position, both bottom and top nozzles are fully extended into the column, thereby exposing a third passage through which resin leaves the column. Cleaning solution can be pumped through the nozzles and sprayed into the column. In this way, the column is easily and effectively cleaned without exposing the interior or the resin to the outside, or without dismantling the column.

The nozzle also enables isolation of slurry lines from the mobile phase during operation, allowing removal of residual resin and cleaning of the slurry lines independently of the rest of the column.