A pre-packed empty column and column packing system thereof

Abstract

The present invention discloses a pre-loaded empty column and a column loading system thereof. The pre-loaded empty column comprises a vertical and hollow column, wherein the upper and lower ends of the column are respectively provided with an upper end cover and a lower end cover, wherein the upper end cover is provided with a through first through hole, and the lower end cover is provided with a through second through hole, and the second through hole is connected to a vertical waste discharge pipe; the side of the column is connected to a large cavity via a small cavity, and the large cavity is connected to a filler inlet. The pre-loaded empty column in the present invention can timely remove the bubbles generated in the column through the through hole by arranging a screw and a sealing gasket at the inlet to control the filler, thereby reducing the noise peak and avoiding a decrease in analytical sensitivity, and can be directly used for chromatography work without increasing preparation work, thereby improving work efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the field of biochemical equipment, and in particular to a pre-packed empty column and a column packing system thereof. Background Art

[0002] Prepacked columns are experimental consumables that can be filled with various chromatographic fillers and utilize the filler's own characteristics to obtain the target protein. The filler is generally filled by wet method, also known as homogenization method.

[0003] The structure of the pre-packed column currently used includes a column body, upper and lower flange covers, upper and lower inlets and outlets, and a sieve plate. When the empty column is loaded with fillers, a slurry made of fillers and pure water enters from the top inlet and is filled on the sieve plate. The disadvantage is that due to the wet filling method, bubbles will be generated when entering the empty column, and the bubbles will appear as noise peaks, which will cause a decrease in analytical sensitivity in severe cases. At present, the bubbles in the column can only be reduced by the system pump of the chromatography system, but there are still bubbles in the column, and the preparation work before chromatography is increased. The pre-packed column cannot be used directly for chromatography. Summary of the invention

[0004] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a pre-packed empty column and a column packing system thereof.

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a pre-installed empty column, comprising a vertical and hollow column, wherein an upper end cover and a lower end cover are respectively provided at the upper and lower ends of the column, the upper end cover is provided with a first through hole, the lower end cover is provided with a second through hole, and the second through hole is connected to a vertical waste discharge pipe; the side of the column is connected to a large cavity via a small cavity, and the large cavity is connected to a filler inlet.

[0006] The pre-loaded empty column and the column loading system thereof in the present invention control the filler by arranging a screw and a sealing pad at the inlet of the pre-loaded empty column, so that the bubbles generated in the column can be removed through the through holes in time, thereby reducing the noise peak and avoiding the decrease in analysis sensitivity. The column can be directly used for chromatography work without adding preparation work, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0007] In some embodiments, a third through hole is provided below the large cavity to communicate with a filler inlet, wherein a screw is installed in the large cavity, and a sealing gasket is provided at the end of the screw, so that when filling from the filler inlet, the filling condition can be controlled by operating the rotating screw.

[0008] In some embodiments, a first sealing ring is disposed between the upper end cap and the lower end cap and the column, so that the upper end cap and the lower end cap of the pre-installed empty column and the column can be effectively sealed by the first sealing ring.

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a column loading system using the above-mentioned preloaded empty columns, comprising a homogenization tank, a pure water tank, a constant pressure delivery module, an intermediate column, a preloaded empty column and a main pipeline, wherein the homogenization tank and the pure water tank are both connected to the inlet of the main pipeline, the constant pressure delivery module is installed on the main pipeline, and the outlet of the main pipeline is connected to the preloaded empty column through the intermediate column.

[0010] In some embodiments, a first valve is provided on the outlet pipe of the homogenization tank, and a second valve is provided on the outlet pipe of the pure water tank, so that the flow rates of the homogenization tank and the pure water tank can be controlled respectively by the first valve and the second valve.

[0011] In some embodiments, the constant pressure delivery module includes a diaphragm pump assembly and a pressure sensor both mounted on the main pipeline. Thus, the specific composition of the constant pressure delivery module is described, and the diaphragm pump assembly and the pressure sensor can be used to control the delivery of liquid from the main pipeline to ensure that it is at a constant pressure and speed.

[0012] In some embodiments, the intermediate column includes a vertical and hollow hollow column, the upper and lower ends of the hollow column are respectively provided with an upper cover and a lower cover, the upper cover is provided with a through bubble discharge port, and the lower cover is provided with a through liquid inlet and liquid outlet; wherein the liquid inlet is connected to the outlet of the main pipeline, and the liquid outlet is connected to the filler inlet 0 of the pre-installed hollow column. Thus, the main structure of the intermediate column is set.

[0013] In some embodiments, the upper cover and the lower cover are both detachable, and a third sealing ring is provided between the upper cover and the lower cover of the middle column and the hollow column, thereby effectively sealing the upper cover and the lower cover of the middle column and the hollow column through the third sealing ring.

[0014] In some embodiments, a vertical pipe is installed on the hollow column, and the vertical pipe is connected to the lower cover and communicated with the liquid inlet, so that the liquid entering the hollow column can be drained to a sufficient height through the vertical pipe.

[0015] In some embodiments, each pipeline connected to the pre-loaded empty column and the waste discharge pipeline are provided with a flow-stopping and flow-controlling clamp, so that the flow-stopping and flow-controlling clamp can control the flow of liquid flowing into and out of the pre-loaded empty column. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of a pre-loaded empty column according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of region A shown;

[0018] Figure 3 For application Figure 1 The structural schematic diagram of the column packing system of the pre-packed empty column is shown;

[0019] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the structure of the middle column shown.

[0020] In the figure: column 1, upper end cover 2, clamping part 3, first through hole 4, second through hole 5, waste discharge pipe 6, fixed bracket 7, first support frame 8, first sealing ring 9, filler inlet 10, large cavity 11, third through hole 12, screw 13, sealing gasket 14, second sealing ring 15, small cavity 16, lower end cover 17, empty column 21, upper cover 22, lower cover 23, bubble discharge port 24, liquid inlet 25, liquid outlet 26, vertical pipe 27, second support frame 28, third sealing ring 29, homogenization tank 31, pure water tank 32, constant pressure delivery module 33, first valve 34, second valve 35, intermediate column 36, pre-installed empty column 37, flow stop and control clamp 38, main pipeline 39. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] The present invention will be further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0022] Figure 1 The structure of a pre-packed empty column according to one embodiment of the present invention is schematically shown. Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 The structure of the A region in Figure 1-2 As shown, the pre-installed empty column includes a vertically arranged column 1, which is hollow and has an upper end cover 2 and a lower end cover 17 at its upper and lower ends respectively. A first sealing ring 9 is provided between the upper end cover 2 and the column 1 and between the lower end cover 17 and the column 1 for sealing.

[0023] The upper end cover 2 is provided with a through first through hole 4, and the lower end cover 17 is provided with a through second through hole 5, and the first through hole 4 and the second through hole 5 both connect the inner cavity of the column 1 with the outside. The first through hole 4 is used to remove bubbles, and the second through hole 5 is used to remove waste.

[0024] The second through hole 5 is connected to a waste discharge pipe 6 . The waste discharge pipe 6 is substantially vertical, and its upper and lower ends are fixed to the column 1 through two fixing brackets 7 , respectively.

[0025] In addition, both sides of the bottom end of the column 1 are connected to the first support frame 8 through the clamping portion 3, so that the column 1 is stably supported by the first support frame 8.

[0026] The side of the column 1 is connected to a large cavity 11 through a small cavity 16, and a screw 13 is installed in the large cavity 11. A sealing gasket 14 is provided at the end of the screw, and a second sealing ring 15 is provided on the screw 13 for sealing. A filler inlet 10 is also connected to the bottom of the large cavity 11 through a third through hole 12.

[0027] The filling of the filler can be controlled by operating the rotation of the screw 13, wherein when the screw 13 rotates inwardly, the sealing gasket 14 can block the connection between the small cavity 16 and the large cavity 11, thereby preventing foreign matter from entering the column 1; and when the screw 13 rotates outwardly, the sealing gasket 14 moves away from the small cavity 16 to connect the large cavity 11, and the filler can be introduced from the filler inlet 10, and enter the column 1 through the third through hole 12, the large cavity 11 and the small cavity 16 in turn, and the bubbles in the filler will be discharged through the first through hole 4 on the upper end cover 2.

[0028] Figure 3 Schematic diagram showing the application Figure 1 The structure of the column packing system for pre-packed empty columns is shown in FIG. Figure 4 Shows Figure 3 The structure of the middle column in Figure 3-4 As shown, the column loading system mainly includes a homogenization tank 31, a pure water tank 32, a constant pressure delivery module 33, an intermediate column 36, a pre-loaded empty column 37 and a main pipeline 39. Among them, the pipelines of the homogenization tank 31 and the pure water tank 32 are connected to the inlet of the main pipeline 39, the constant pressure delivery module 33 is installed on the main pipeline 39, and the outlet of the main pipeline 39 is connected to the pre-loaded empty column 37 through the intermediate column 36.

[0029] A first valve 34 is provided on the outlet pipe of the homogenizing tank 31, and a second valve 35 is provided on the outlet pipe of the pure water tank 32, and the first valve 34 and the second valve 35 can respectively control the liquid flow through the homogenizing tank 31 and the pure water tank 32. The homogenizing tank 31 is filled with filler, and the pure water tank 32 is filled with pure water, and the liquid mixed by the two will be passed into the main pipe 39.

[0030] The constant pressure delivery module 33 includes a diaphragm pump assembly 331 and a pressure sensor 332, and the diaphragm pump assembly 331 and the pressure sensor 332 are both installed on the main pipeline 39. The pressure sensor 332 can monitor the pressure on the main pipeline 39 in real time, and feed back the pressure information to the signal receiving end of the diaphragm pump assembly 332, so as to timely control the flow of the liquid through the diaphragm pump assembly 332. Then, the diaphragm pump assembly 332 passes the liquid into the middle column 36.

[0031] The middle column 36 includes a vertically arranged hollow column 21, which is hollow and has a detachable upper cover 22 and a lower cover 23 at its upper and lower ends, respectively. A third sealing ring 29 is provided between the upper cover 22 and the hollow column 21 and between the lower cover 23 and the hollow column 21 for sealing.

[0032] The upper cover 22 is provided with a through bubble discharge port 24, and the lower cover 23 is provided with a through liquid inlet 25 and a liquid outlet 26, and the bubble discharge port 24, the liquid inlet 25 and the liquid outlet 26 are all connected to the inner cavity of the hollow column 21 and the outside. Among them, the liquid inlet 25 is connected to the outlet of the main pipeline 39, and the liquid can enter the middle column 36 from the main pipeline 39 through the liquid inlet 25, and then flow out through the liquid outlet 26, and the bubbles in the liquid can be discharged through the bubble discharge port 24.

[0033] In addition, a vertical tube 27 is installed on the hollow cylinder 21, wherein the vertical tube 27 is connected to the lower cover 23, and the vertical tube 27 is connected to the liquid inlet 25. When liquid is introduced, the vertical tube 27 can guide the liquid to a sufficiently high position in the hollow cylinder 21, so that bubbles can be fully discharged through the bubble discharge port 24.

[0034] Preferably, a second support frame 28 is further provided at the bottom of the middle column 36 to stably support the middle column 36 .

[0035] The liquid outlet 26 of the middle column 36 is connected to the filler inlet 10 of the pre-loaded empty column 37. After the liquid flows out of the middle column 36 through the liquid outlet 26, it can flow into the pre-loaded empty column 37 from the filler inlet 10, and the liquid outlet 26 and the pre-loaded empty column 37 can be connected by a hose.

[0036] Preferably, each pipe connected to the pre-installed empty column 37, such as the hose connected to the liquid outlet 26, the external pipe connected to the first through hole 4, and the waste pipe 6 connected to the second through hole 5, can be provided with a flow stop and control clamp 38, so that the flow of liquid or gas therein can be properly controlled.

[0037] In this embodiment, the pre-filled empty column 37 and the intermediate column 36 can be made of materials such as stainless steel, glass, polymer, etc., which have biological and chemical compatibility with samples and solutions used in the process and disinfection process, such as being able to withstand 5M NaOH, 2M acetic acid, conventional organic reagents such as benzyl alcohol, etc. The homogenization tank 31 and the pure water tank 32 can be selected as containers that can load fillers and pure water.

[0038] The above are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, several modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the creative concept of the present invention, which all belong to the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A column packing system using a pre-packed empty column, characterized in that: The pre-installed empty column comprises a vertical and hollow column (1), wherein the upper and lower ends of the column (1) are respectively provided with an upper end cover (2) and a lower end cover (17), wherein the upper end cover (2) is provided with a through first through hole (4), and the lower end cover (17) is provided with a through second through hole (5), and the second through hole (5) is connected to a vertical waste discharge pipe (6); a side of the column (1) is connected to a large cavity (11) via a small cavity (16), and the large cavity (11) is connected to a filler inlet (10), wherein the lower part of the large cavity (11) is connected to a filler inlet (10) via a third through hole (12), a screw (13) is installed in the large cavity (11), and a sealing gasket (14) is provided at the end of the screw (13), and a first sealing ring (9) is provided between the upper end cover (2) and the lower end cover (17) and the column (1); The column loading system comprises a homogenization tank (31), a pure water tank (32), a constant pressure delivery module (33), an intermediate column (36), a pre-loaded empty column (37) and a main pipeline (39), wherein the homogenization tank (31) and the pure water tank (32) are both connected to the inlet of the main pipeline (39), the constant pressure delivery module (33) is installed on the main pipeline (39), and the outlet of the main pipeline (39) is connected to the pre-loaded empty column (37) via the intermediate column (36); The intermediate column (36) comprises a vertical and hollow hollow column (21), wherein an upper cover (22) and a lower cover (23) are respectively provided at the upper and lower ends of the hollow column (21), wherein the upper cover (22) is provided with a through bubble discharge port (24), and the lower cover (23) is provided with a through liquid inlet (25) and a liquid outlet (26); wherein the liquid inlet (25) is connected to the outlet of the main pipeline (39), and the liquid outlet (26) is connected to the filler inlet (10) of the pre-installed hollow column (37).

2. A column packing system using a pre-packed empty column according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outlet pipe of the homogenization tank (31) is provided with a first valve (34), and the outlet pipe of the pure water tank (32) is provided with a second valve (35).

3. A column packing system using a pre-packed empty column according to claim 1, characterized in that: The constant pressure delivery module (33) comprises a diaphragm pump assembly (331) and a pressure sensor (332) both mounted on the main pipeline (39).

4. A column packing system using a pre-packed empty column according to claim 1, characterized in that: The upper cover (22) and the lower cover (23) are both detachable, and a third sealing ring (29) is provided between each of them and the hollow cylinder (21).

5. A column packing system using a pre-packed empty column according to claim 1, characterized in that: A vertical tube (27) is installed on the hollow column (21), and the vertical tube (27) is connected to the lower cover (23) and communicates with the liquid inlet (25).

6. A column packing system using pre-packed empty columns according to claim 1, characterized in that: Each pipeline connected to the pre-installed empty column (37) and the waste discharge pipeline (6) is provided with a flow-stopping and flow-controlling clamp (38).

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