A target component is collected using a preparative separation and purification device having a holder for holding a trap column in which the target component has been captured, a liquid feeder for feeding a first solvent having compatibility with the water remaining in the trap column and a second solvent having low compatibility with water and high compatibility with the first solvent into the trap column, a flow-path switch for connecting the exit end of the trap column to a waste liquid flow path and a collection flow path, and a control unit for controlling the flow-path switch so that solution including water flows into the waste liquid flow path.

A target component is collected using a preparative separation and purification device having a holder for holding a trap column in which the target component has been captured, a liquid feeder for feeding a first solvent having compatibility with the water remaining in the trap column and a second solvent having low compatibility with water and high compatibility with the first solvent into the trap column, a flow-path switch for connecting the exit end of the trap column to a waste liquid flow path and a collection flow path, and a control unit for controlling the flow-path switch so that solution including water flows into the waste liquid flow path.

The present invention discloses methods for packing chromatography columns using dual-purpose valve assemblies. The key components of the dual-purpose valve comprise of the following; the inlet port (224) which sits on the first adaptor (212), the hollow nozzle (320) which passes through the first adaptor (212) cavity and is closed on the bottom end, and the internal movable plug (322). Different components of our de-vice work in way that the mobile phase and analyte(s) distribution is not blocked in the centre of the column, allowing for a uniform and homogeneous fluid distribution. This simple yet novel design offers uniform fluid distribution, stable packed bed, eliminates any void volume, and prevents bacterial contamination/growth. Ease of use, scalability, ease of cleaning, cost-efficiency and fine-tuning packing conditions such as pressure are key features of this invention.

The present invention discloses methods for packing chromatography columns using dual-purpose valve assemblies. The key components of the dual-purpose valve comprise of the following; the inlet port (224) which sits on the first adaptor (212), the hollow nozzle (320) which passes through the first adaptor (212) cavity and is closed on the bottom end, and the internal movable plug (322). Different components of our de-vice work in way that the mobile phase and analyte(s) distribution is not blocked in the centre of the column, allowing for a uniform and homogeneous fluid distribution. This simple yet novel design offers uniform fluid distribution, stable packed bed, eliminates any void volume, and prevents bacterial contamination/growth. Ease of use, scalability, ease of cleaning, cost-efficiency and fine-tuning packing conditions such as pressure are key features of this invention.

A fluid supply device for providing a mobile phase for a sample separating device includes, a supply conduit for providing a fluid which forms at least a part of the mobile phase, a fluid valve which is fluidically coupled with the supply conduit and, depending on its switching state, enables or prevents a passing of the fluid from the supply conduit, an elastic buffer unit which is fluidically coupled upstream of the fluid valve with the supply conduit and which is configured for buffering the fluid, and a fluid conveying unit for conveying the fluid which passes the fluid valve.

A fluid supply device for providing a mobile phase for a sample separating device includes, a supply conduit for providing a fluid which forms at least a part of the mobile phase, a fluid valve which is fluidically coupled with the supply conduit and, depending on its switching state, enables or prevents a passing of the fluid from the supply conduit, an elastic buffer unit which is fluidically coupled upstream of the fluid valve with the supply conduit and which is configured for buffering the fluid, and a fluid conveying unit for conveying the fluid which passes the fluid valve.

A sample management device which comprises a source flow path in which a fluidic sample can flow, a volume flow adjustment unit configured for adjusting a volume flow of the fluidic sample to be branched off from the source flow path at a fluidic coupling point, and a fluidic valve fluidically coupled with the source flow path and with the volume flow adjustment unit, wherein the fluidic valve is switchable into a branch off state in which the fluidic coupling point is established within the source flow path to branch off an adjustable volume of the fluidic sample from the source flow path via the fluidic coupling point while a flow of the fluidic sample in the source flow path continues.

A sample management device which comprises a source flow path in which a fluidic sample can flow, a volume flow adjustment unit configured for adjusting a volume flow of the fluidic sample to be branched off from the source flow path at a fluidic coupling point, and a fluidic valve fluidically coupled with the source flow path and with the volume flow adjustment unit, wherein the fluidic valve is switchable into a branch off state in which the fluidic coupling point is established within the source flow path to branch off an adjustable volume of the fluidic sample from the source flow path via the fluidic coupling point while a flow of the fluidic sample in the source flow path continues.

A fluid distributor unit comprising a channel system where one or more inlet channels (2) starting on an inlet side (3) of the distributor unit branch out successively into several channels (6) ending on the other side of the distributor unit, called the outlet side (4), characterised in that said distributor unit is provided in one single body (1) by free form fabrication.

A fluid distributor unit comprising a channel system where one or more inlet channels (2) starting on an inlet side (3) of the distributor unit branch out successively into several channels (6) ending on the other side of the distributor unit, called the outlet side (4), characterised in that said distributor unit is provided in one single body (1) by free form fabrication.