Automated temperature programmed preparative chromatography

Claim 1

An apparatus for separating and collecting chromatographic samples said apparatus comprising: (a) three separate chromatographic columns each provided with means for temperature control; (b) containing lines and valving for supplying and removing samples and flushing gas to each of the columns; (c) means for automatically coordinating temperature and flow through the three columns so that, simultaneously, one column is maintained at a programmed elution temperature while sample gas is passed therethrough, another column is maintained at a temperature elevated above the elution temperature while a stream of flushing gas is passed therethrough, and the remaining column is maintained at a temperature decreasing to elution temperature while another stream of flushing gas is passed therethrough; and (d) means for automatically sequencing temperature control and flow so the each column is cycled through elution flow, heated flush, and decreasing to elution temperature flow seriatim.

Claim 2

An apparatus for separating and collecting chromatographic samples said apparatus comprising: (a) three separate chromatographic columns each provided with means for temperature control; (b) containing lines and valving for supplying and removing samples and flushing gas to each of the columns; (c) means for automatically coordinating temperature and flow through the three columns so that, simultaneously, one column is maintained at a programmed elution temperature while sample gas is passed therethrough, another column is maintained at a temperature elevated above the elution temperature while a stream of flushing gas is passed therethrough, and the remaining column is maintained at a temperature decreasing to elution temperature while another stream of flushing gas is passed therethrough; and (d) means for automatically sequencing temperature control and flow so the each column is cycled through elution flow, heated flush, and decreasing to elution temperature flow seriatim.

Claim 5

A method for separating and collecting chromatographic samples said method comprising: (a) passing sample through a first column maintained at elution temperature; (b) simultaneously passing a stream of flush gas thorugh a second column maintained at a temperature elevated above elution temperature; (c) simultaneously passing another stream of flush gas through a third column maintained at a temperature decreasing to elution temperature; and (d) sequencing change of flow through said first, second, and third columns so that each column is passed thorugh a sequence of flow patterns in the order of sample elution followed by elevated temperature flush followed by elution temperature flush in continuous repetition.

Claim 6

A method for separating and collecting chromatographic samples said method comprising: (a) passing sample through a first column maintained at elution temperature; (b) simultaneously passing a stream of flush gas thorugh a second column maintained at a temperature elevated above elution temperature; (c) simultaneously passing another stream of flush gas through a third column maintained at a temperature decreasing to elution temperature; and (d) sequencing change of flow through said first, second, and third columns so that each column is passed thorugh a sequence of flow patterns in the order of sample elution followed by elevated temperature flush followed by elution temperature flush in continuous repetition.