Process and device for filling chromatography columns

Abstract

A process and apparatus for filling and packing a chromatographic column by the wet route in which a compression chamber is attached to one end of the column having an internal bore equal to the internal diameter of the column and aligned therewith to form a combined chamber, a fluid suspension of packing particles is introduced into the combined chamber and then a piston member is axially displaced within the compression chamber toward the chromatographic column to compact the packing particles in the column. The suspension liquid flows out of the column through a conduit formed through the piston and/or through the cap at the other end of the column. After compression, the compression chamber and piston are separated from the column and the packed column may then be attached to a chromatograph for use. Vibrators may be provided on the column or compression chamber to promote transverse rearrangement of the particles during compression. The liquid suspension of packing particles may be introduced into the combined chamber via a channel through the piston, or through the compression chamber after removing the piston, or through the opposite end of the chromatographic column. A porous plate may be placed over the conduit to prevent packing particles from exiting the combined chamber with the suspension liquid.