Methods and systems for sensing headspace vial presence are described herein. In one embodiment, a system can include a sample probe, a fluid source in fluid communication with the sample probe, one or more of a pressure sensor and a flow sensor in fluid communication with the sample probe, and a processor configured to: (a) receive a first set of signals from the one or more of the pressure and flow sensors, execute an ejection procedure to remove a sample vial from the sample probe, receive a second set of signals from the one or more of the pressure sensor and the flow sensor during step (b), (d) detect whether the ejection procedure is successful from the first set of signals and the second set of signals, and (e) in response to the detecting, initiate one or more actions selected from the group consisting of: a remediation and an alert.

A chromatography system includes a gradient delay volume defined as an overall fluid volume between where gradient is proportioned until an inlet of a chromatography column, a pump pumping a flow of gradient; and at least one valve located downstream from the pump, the at least one valve having a plurality of ports including an inlet port that receives the flow of gradient from the pump and an outlet port through which the flow of gradient exits the at least one valve, the at least one valve having at least two positions. A first position of the at least two positions of the at least one valve increases the gradient delay volume of the chromatography system relative to when the at least one valve is in a second position.

A chromatography system includes a gradient delay volume defined as an overall fluid volume between where gradient is proportioned until an inlet of a chromatography column, a pump pumping a flow of gradient; and at least one valve located downstream from the pump, the at least one valve having a plurality of ports including an inlet port that receives the flow of gradient from the pump and an outlet port through which the flow of gradient exits the at least one valve, the at least one valve having at least two positions. A first position of the at least two positions of the at least one valve increases the gradient delay volume of the chromatography system relative to when the at least one valve is in a second position.

A sample separation device for separating a fluidic sample includes a fluid drive for driving a mobile phase and the fluidic sample when injected in the mobile phase, a sample separation unit for separating the fluidic sample in the mobile phase, and a control unit configured for bracketing the fluidic sample between two mobile phase portions of the mobile phase. At least one of the mobile phase portions is arranged directly next to the fluidic sample and has a higher solvent strength compared to a solvent of the fluidic sample.

A method performed in a liquid chromatography system includes a metering device pushing a sample into a trap column. The metering device sucks in the sample from a sample reservoir, wherein the sucking in the sample from a sample reservoir precedes the step of pushing the sample into the trap column. The liquid chromatography system also includes a trap column and a metering device, wherein the system is adapted to assume a configuration allowing the metering device to push a sample into the trap column and wherein the metering device is adapted to push the sample into the trap column in this configuration, wherein the system is adapted to assume a configuration allowing the sample to be sucked into the system by means of the metering device. Furthermore, the invention relates to a use of the liquid chromatography system for liquid chromatography, in particular of high-pressure liquid chromatography.

A method performed in a liquid chromatography system includes a metering device pushing a sample into a trap column. The metering device sucks in the sample from a sample reservoir, wherein the sucking in the sample from a sample reservoir precedes the step of pushing the sample into the trap column. The liquid chromatography system also includes a trap column and a metering device, wherein the system is adapted to assume a configuration allowing the metering device to push a sample into the trap column and wherein the metering device is adapted to push the sample into the trap column in this configuration, wherein the system is adapted to assume a configuration allowing the sample to be sucked into the system by means of the metering device. Furthermore, the invention relates to a use of the liquid chromatography system for liquid chromatography, in particular of high-pressure liquid chromatography.

A sample injection device is used to inject a sample into a chromatograph and includes a flow vial, a sampling needle and one or more than one sample dissolution devices. A sample is supplied to the flow vial. The sample that has been supplied to the flow vial is collected by the sampling needle and injected into the chromatograph. At least one of ultrasonic waves, an electric field and a magnetic field is used, so that dissolution of a sample to be injected into the chromatograph is promoted by one or more than one sample dissolution devices.

A sample collection apparatus, being configured for preparing a plurality of liquid samples for a sample processing, includes a collection device including a plurality of collection vessels being configured for accommodating the liquid samples and for providing the liquid samples for the sample processing, wherein the sample collection apparatus is shaped for positioning the collection device directly in a carousel of an autosampler apparatus, in particular a liquid chromatography autosampler apparatus. Preferably, a holder device is provided which is configured for holding the collection device during collecting the liquid samples and during providing the liquid samples for the sample processing, and the holder device is shaped for positioning the holder device with the collection device directly in the carousel of the autosampler apparatus. Furthermore, a sample preparation apparatus including the sample collection apparatus and a sample collection method are described.

A sample collection apparatus, being configured for preparing a plurality of liquid samples for a sample processing, includes a collection device including a plurality of collection vessels being configured for accommodating the liquid samples and for providing the liquid samples for the sample processing, wherein the sample collection apparatus is shaped for positioning the collection device directly in a carousel of an autosampler apparatus, in particular a liquid chromatography autosampler apparatus. Preferably, a holder device is provided which is configured for holding the collection device during collecting the liquid samples and during providing the liquid samples for the sample processing, and the holder device is shaped for positioning the holder device with the collection device directly in the carousel of the autosampler apparatus. Furthermore, a sample preparation apparatus including the sample collection apparatus and a sample collection method are described.

Automated fluid handling system comprising a housing and two or more fluid handling units arranged as interchangeable modular components with an external fluidics section and an internal non fluidics section, and wherein the housing comprises a liquid handling panel with two or more of component positions for receiving said interchangeable modular components such that the external fluidics section is separated from the non fluidics section by the liquid handling panel.