| abstract |
A multi-column liquid chromatography system ( 10 ) for performing a plurality of liquid chromatography separations in parallel is based on a column plate structure ( 12 ) having parallel grooves ( 20 ) formed in a surface ( 22 ) of a plate ( 18 ), a cover sheet ( 40 ) bonded to the surface ( 22 ) to cover the grooves ( 20 ) and a stationary phase ( 38 ) contained in each covered groove ( 20 ). Through holes ( 24, 26 ) in the plate ( 18 ) define respective inlets ( 24 ) for the chromatography columns ( 14 ) and flow cells ( 16 ) at outlets, with the cover sheet ( 40 ) providing an optically transparent end wall for the flow cells ( 16 ) and another cover sheet ( 42 ) bonded to the opposite surface ( 30 ) of the plate ( 18 ) providing the other optically transparent end wall for the flow cells ( 16 ). Thus merely three parts need be provided for a structure for providing the chromatography columns, that is, a plate having grooves and through holes plus two cover sheets. The chromatography system ( 10 ) additionally includes a pumping system ( 46 ) comprising a syringe pump ( 48 ) for each column ( 14 ), an optical system ( 28 ) for transmitting analytical radiation through the flow cells ( 16 ) and a fraction collection sheet ( 110 ) containing wells ( 112 ) which is fed past outlets ( 34 - 35 ) from the column plate structure ( 12 ). |