A clamp for chromatography columns has a first seal with a first opening a movable seal with a second opening and a movable coupler. The movable coupler has first and second coupler seals with communicating third and fourth openings. The clamp is arranged for pressing a first chromatography column between the first seal and the first coupler seal and for pressing a second chromatography column between the movable seal and the second coupler seal, such that the first opening fluidly communicates with the second opening through the first chromatography column, the third and fourth openings and the second chromatography column.

The present invention describes a device for distributing incoming fluid or for collecting fluid being discharged from a column forming part of an assembly of N columns in series intended to be used in a simulated moving bed separation process. The present device can be used to very substantially reduce the non-selective volumes at each column, while at the same time providing the flow with good synchronicity.

A method and an apparatus suitable for a continuous chromatography process which only needs three separation columns, and a two-step process containing two chromatographic steps, in which the first chromatographic step (capture) is performed alternating and sequentially on two separation columns, the second chromatographic step (polishing) is performed, also sequentially, on the third column.

Presented herein is a ligand-assisted elution chromatography process for the separation of metal ions using a sorbent. In particular, the present invention discloses a process of two sets of column system in combination with two sets of eluting ligand solutions to prepare substantially pure rare earth elements, wherein the first set of column comprises strong acid cation exchange resins and the second set of chromatographic columns comprises hydrous polyvalent metal oxide selected from the group consisting of TiO.sub.2, ZrO.sub.2, or SnO.sub.2 and wherein ligand of said second ligand solution coordinates with said hydrous polyvalent metal oxide.

A streamlined method for purifying alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAT) from an AAT-containing protein mixture, such as Coh fraction IV precipitate, is provided. In the method of the invention, contaminating proteins are destabilized by cleavage of disulfide bonds with a reducing reagent, such as dithiol, which does not affect AAT. The destabilized proteins are then preferentially adsorbed on a solid protein-adsorbing material, without the addition of a salt as a precipitante. Spearation of the solid absorbent from the solution leaves a purified AAT solution that is directly suitabale for chromatographic purification, without the need for extensive desalting as in prior art processes. A process incorporating this method, which provides pharmaceutical grade AAT in high yield on a commercial scale, is also described.

A separation column connecting device includes: a column holder for retaining a separation column; a first fitting holder carrying a first fitting which includes a seal portion to be connected to an upstream seal portion of the separation column and connected with an upstream pipe; a second fitting holder carrying a second fitting which includes a seal portion to be connected to a downstream seal portion of the separation column and connected with a downstream pipe; a body member to which either one of the first fitting holder and the second fitting holder is fixed; a driver for moving, relative to the body member, the first fitting holder or the second fitting holder not fixed to the body member; a guide for guiding the column holder in a direction of movement driven by the driver; and an elastic body disposed between the column holder and the second fitting holder.

A liquid chromatography system including a solvent delivery pump for delivering a mobile phase through the liquid chromatography system, an injector for injecting a sample into the mobile phase, a column for effecting a separation of components of the sample, and a dispersive element positioned between the injector and the column, the dispersive element configured to dilute a sample solvent in the mobile phase prior to entering the column is provided. Further dispersive elements, systems, and methods are also provided.

Systems and methods are provided for performing washing of columns in a simulated moving bed chromatography system while separation is being performed in the system.

An adapter housing is described that can be used for high performance liquid chromatography, which can be releasably connected to a socket unit. The adapter housing includes a bore which passes through the adapter housing and a pre-column which can be arranged in the bore to protect the separation column from contaminants and/or to concentrate the fluid to be analyzed. A sealing element seals the adapter housing in relation to the socket unit at the end-face wall of a pilot bore.

A chromatography column for the use of separation of acidic sugar chains, wherein the column comprises a first column and a second column, the second column connected by a flow path downstream of an outlet of the first column, and selected from the following (1) or (2): (1) the carrier of the first column is hydrophobically modified silica having a group containing a primary amine, a secondary amine or/and a tertiary amine, and the carrier of the second column is a resin having a group containing a primary amine, a secondary amine or/and a tertiary amine; (2) the carrier of the first column is a resin having a group containing a primary amine, a secondary amine or/and a tertiary amine, and the carrier of the second column is hydrophobically modified silica having a group containing a primary amine, a secondary amine, or/and a tertiary amine.