Chromatographic column adapter and use for fluid connection

Abstract

The present disclosure generally relates to a chromatography column adapter for forming a fluid connection between a chromatography column and a GC component. The present disclosure also relates to a fluid connection for a gas chromatography system.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 416,887, filed on October 17, 2022, and U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 168,389, filed on February 13, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to a chromatography column adapter for forming a fluid connection between a column and another component of a gas chromatography system. The present disclosure also relates to a fluid connection for a gas chromatography system. Background Art

[0003] Gas chromatograph (GC) can analyze gas, liquid or solid samples by separating the components of the sample and generating a signal indicating the amount and type of analyte in the sample. The sample is injected into the inlet of the GC manually or using a sampling device. If it is not yet in a gaseous state, the sample evaporates in the inlet and is pushed onto the column by a pressurized carrier gas. The typical carrier gas used in gas chromatography includes a mixture of helium, hydrogen, nitrogen, and argon and methane. Typical column flow rates vary from 0.5ml / min to 20ml / min, and pressures are typically in the range of vacuum to 150psi. The column is heated by an oven or other heating device and contains a stationary phase, which separates the analyte of the sample together with the temperature of the column. The temperature of a laboratory GC instrument is usually in the range of -20°C to 450°C. The temperature of the column and other components of the GC can also be gradual. The gradual rate of the GC column is typically about 5°C / min, but sometimes up to 120°C / min. After the separated analytes leave the column, they enter a detector, which generates a signal indicating the amount and type of analyte in the sample. Therefore, a GC system requires several fluid connections between the various components.

[0004] One of the traditional ways to establish fluid connection is nut-ferrule connection. This type of connection uses ferrule and nut to keep the pipe tightly inside the fitting and create a fluid-tight seal between the pipe, ferrule and the fitting. Fittings and ferrules have been used in this way to form fluid connections between two pipes in various flow components or between a pipe and another component. Ferrules are generally used in applications (such as analytical instruments and microfluidic devices) involving small-scale fluid flows, and therefore the size can be determined to connect small-pore conduits (such as capillaries or fluid fittings). As an example, ferrules can be used to connect the end of a capillary-grade chromatographic column to a fitting, which is a part of or communicated with the sample inlet of an analytical detector or analytical measuring device. Ferrules are typically made of metal, graphite or a composite (such as graphite-polyimide). The body of a typical ferrule is axisymmetric and defines an internal hole, and the pipe to be sealed is inserted through the internal hole. At least a portion or "nose" portion of the ferrule is generally conical.

[0005] Nut-ferrule connection is widely used in gas chromatograph. However, using this type of connection in GC instrument has some disadvantages. One risk of using nut-ferrule connection is peak widening or tailing caused by dead volume (volume not swept or poorly swept, such as cavity in flow path) or excess volume between tubes or in fittings. Even very small dead volume in flow path may also affect the performance of GC system. Nut-ferrule connection is also prone to over-tightening (this may cause column fracture) or insufficient tightening (this may cause leakage due to poor sealing). There is also the risk of incorrectly installing the column in ferrule and fittings, thereby causing excessive dead volume in flow path. In addition, nut-ferrule connection needs to create a fluid-tight seal at two interfaces to avoid leakage.

[0006] Another way to establish connections between tubes in GC is to glue adapter connections, but this also has disadvantages. After gluing the column, the detector and / or injector is permanently attached to the column or at least requires special tools to detach, which may result in damage to some parts.

[0007] Chromatographic columns are available in a variety of forms, including many different diameters. Many chromatographic columns are capillary columns, which typically have an outer diameter (OD) in the range of 0.2mm to 0.8mm; however, some columns (called packed columns) are filled with coated or uncoated particles to increase the interaction between the sample and the column stationary phase. Compared with capillary columns, these columns have a larger OD, which is typically in the range of from 1 / 16 inch to 1 / 4 inch and has an inner diameter (ID) of about 0.75mm to 4mm. Both types of chromatographic columns need to have a physical and / or fluid interface with GC components (such as inlets, detectors and other flow path components). Due to the significant difference in the OD of capillary columns and packed columns, if the same connection and sealing surface are used to create a fluid connection between GC components and various types of columns, there is a risk of dead volume and leakage in the flow path. Alternatively, it is not cost-effective to interface customized inlets, detectors and other GC components with various types of columns, and it is not allowed for users to switch between these different column types without replacing the inlets or detectors of different column types, which may be an invasive process.

[0008] Existing devices for interfacing columns with detectors or inlets are typically designed to accept a ferrule and nut to fluidically seal to a capillary column (the most commonly installed type of column). To interface with a packed column, a fitting and ferrule are typically used. As will be described below, existing fitting and ferrule devices are subject to breakage during installation and create dead volume in the flow path.

[0009] There remains a need for robust connections between GC components and packed columns while minimizing dead volume in the flow path. Summary of the invention

[0010] As one aspect of the present invention, a chromatography column adapter for fluidically coupling a packed column to a GC component is provided. The GC column adapter comprises: a GC component interface end and a column receiving end; an adapter body, the adapter body comprising a wide adapter hole at the column receiving end, a narrow adapter hole at the GC component interface end, and a tapered adapter hole connecting the wide adapter hole and the narrow adapter hole; and an external conical sealing surface at the GC component interface end for forming a seal with the GC component.

[0011] As another aspect, a gas chromatography column adapter assembly is provided. The GC column adapter assembly includes: a GC column including a column end; and an adapter in the present adapter attached to the column end. In some embodiments, the chromatographic column adapter assembly includes: a chromatographic column having a chromatographic column end; a chromatographic column adapter as described herein; and another GC component including a GC component flow path. The chromatographic column end is disposed in the wide adapter bore, and the GC component interface end of the chromatographic column adapter is fluidically connected to the GC component flow path.

[0012] As yet another aspect, a method for forming a fluid connection between a chromatographic column and a flow interface of a GC component is provided. The method includes attaching a chromatographic column adapter as described herein to a GC component, thereby forming a fluid connection between the narrow adapter hole and the GC component flow path. The method also includes passing the end of the chromatographic column through a ferrule and a nut. The adapter includes a thread on an outer adapter wall, and the nut includes a thread opposite to the thread on the adapter. The ferrule and the post are inserted into the wide adapter hole of the adapter. The post is attached to the adapter by matching the thread of the nut with the thread of the adapter and tightening the nut on the adapter. In some embodiments, the adapter body includes an engagement feature, and the method includes using the engagement feature to rotate the adapter relative to the GC component to form a seal. In some embodiments, the method includes preventing the rotation of the adapter when tightening the nut on the adapter to avoid further tightening of the connection between the adapter and the GC component.

[0013] These and other features and advantages of the present apparatus and method will be apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 is a simplified block diagram of a GC system according to a representative embodiment.

[0015] 2A and 2B illustrate conventional fitting assemblies for fluidly connecting a chromatography column to GC components.

[0016] Figure 3 An embodiment of the present chromatography column adapter is shown.

[0017] Figure 4A and Figure 4B An embodiment of the present adapter is shown mounted on a GC component with a packed chromatography column attached to the adapter.

[0018] The present teachings can be best understood from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Features are not necessarily drawn to scale. Wherever practical, like reference numerals refer to like features. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] The present adapter provides several advantages over the prior art for establishing a fluid connection between a chromatographic column (especially a packed column with a relatively large outer diameter) and another component of a GC system (especially a component with a relatively small inner diameter). As an example, the present adapter can provide a robust fluid connection with minimal dead volume in the flow path. The present adapter can also allow a user to tighten the fluid connection in a controlled manner and resist damage due to use or misuse (such as over-tightening). Gas chromatography system

[0020] Figure 1 1 is a simplified block diagram of a GC system 100 according to a representative embodiment. Many aspects of the GC system 100 are known to those of ordinary skill in the art. As such, details of certain known components of the GC system 100 are omitted. In some cases, representative examples of known components that may be implemented are noted, but are presented for illustration purposes and are not intended to be limiting in any way.

[0021] The GC system comprises a sample inlet 101 where a sample is introduced into the GC flow path. The sample inlet is fluidly coupled to an inlet of a column 102, which may be one of a variety of columns useful in gas chromatography.

[0022] Column 102 separates the components of the chemical sample. Column 102 can be a capillary column including a pipe (not shown), the pipe is usually a fused silica pipe, and a coating is provided on the inner portion of the pipe, and the coating interacts with the sample from the sample inlet 101 to separate the components of the chemical sample. The size of this column 102 varies, but the typical inner diameter is in the range of from 100 μm to 530 μm. The typical length is in the range of from 5 meters to 60 meters. The column can also be a packed column, which is usually formed by glass or metal, and the typical outer diameter is between 1 / 16 inch and 1 / 4 inch (about 1.59 mm and 6.35 mm) and is filled with a stationary phase.

[0023] The outlet of column 102 is connected to detector 103, which detects the presence and often the amount of components separated by column 102. Generally, detector 103 is a GC detector, such as a flame ionization detector (FID), a mass spectrometer detector (MSD), a thermal conductivity detector (TCD), an electron capture detector (ECD), a nitrogen phosphorus detector (NPD), a sulfur chemiluminescence detector (SCD), a nitrogen chemiluminescence detector (NCD), a pulsed flame photometric detector (PFPD), or a helium ionization detector (HID). According to a representative embodiment, the detector can be a flame photometric detector (FPD).

[0024] The column may also be connected to other components within the GC system, such as flow devices for backflushing, switching, splitting, or chemical modification of fluids in the flow path. Chromatography adapter

[0025] The GC inlet and detector in a gas chromatography (GC) system need to interface with the GC column by forming a physical and fluid connection. The column can be a capillary column (0.2mm-0.8mm OD) or a packed column (1 / 16 inch to 1 / 4 inch OD) or other type. A user of a given GC system may need to use different types of columns at different times. Given the significant difference between the outer diameters of capillary columns and packed columns, the inlet and detector need to have different interfaces to accommodate these two different types of columns, thereby creating a leak-free seal and reducing dead volume in the flow path. Instead of creating two different inlets or detectors, the inlet and detector are typically designed to accept a capillary column (the most commonly used type of column), and some type of fitting is used when the user wants to attach a packed column instead.

[0026] An example of an existing fitting 212 for connecting a packed column to an inlet or detector is shown in FIG. 2A. The fitting 212 is positioned in a GC component 214, which may be a GC detector or a GC inlet or other component. The fitting 212 has a recess 218 at the end of the fitting, which interfaces with the GC component 214 so that a separate ferrule 216 can be held by the fitting 212. A small hole or capillary 224 is connected to the fitting 212, which forms a flow path between the fitting 212 and the GC component 214 to which it is being connected. By applying force between the GC component 214 and the fitting 212 (by tightening the mating threads on each, i.e., the GC component threads 215 and the fitting threads 213), a leak-free seal is created between the outer tapered sealing surface of the ferrule 216 and the inner tapered sealing surface 220 of the GC component 214 and between the inner hole of the ferrule 216 and the outer surface of the connected tube 224.

[0027] At the other end of the fitting 212 is a recess 222 sized to receive a packed column. A separate ferrule 226 is used to create a fluid connection between the column 228 and the fitting 212 by creating a seal between the outer conical sealing surface of the ferrule 226 and the inner conical sealing surface of the fitting 212 and between the inner bore of the ferrule 226 and the outer surface of the column 228. The mating threads on the fitting 212 and the nut 230 (i.e., the mating threads 221 and the nut threads 231) are used to apply the forces required to create these seals. A flat portion 236 is provided on the fitting 212 for tightening the connection between the fitting 212 and the GC component 214 and for supporting the fitting 212 while tightening the nut 230.

[0028] Although this provides a relatively good fluid connection, it still has disadvantages. For example, as shown in FIG. 2B , there is a gap between the connected tube 224 and the inner diameter of the mating flow path 232 in the GC component 214, which provides an unswept volume or dead volume 234 that causes the fluid to be trapped or delayed. This is likely to cause problems with chromatographic analysis and results. In addition, if the fitting 212 is over-tightened, the stress applied to the connected tube 224 and the ferrule 216 may cause the connection inside the GC component to break.

[0029] The present column adapter avoids several disadvantages of existing fittings and ferrules. It eliminates the connected tube 224 and the separate ferrule for connecting to the GC component, effectively integrating the function of the ferrule into the adapter. This integral adapter design also reduces the complexity of assembly and increases ease of use. By integrating the ferrule for the attachment and sealing of the adapter and the GC component, the connected tube 224 can be eliminated, thereby avoiding or reducing the unswept volume between the outer diameter of the tube and the inner diameter of the GC component, and reducing the possibility of fracture. In contrast, the connected tube 224, or at least the part of the tube extending beyond the end of the ferrule, creates a dead volume, and cannot be avoided when using a detachable ferrule. In addition, the tube cannot be shortened too much and needs to extend beyond the end of the ferrule nose for a distance, otherwise the seal between the ferrule and the column will be damaged. In the absence of a method to create a gas-tight seal between the rear flat surface of the ferrule and the recess of the fitting, the tube cannot be eliminated from the existing fitting. This is difficult for metal ferrules, and graphite vespel ferrules will cause inertness problems because the inner diameter of such ferrules will be in a flow path without a tube. The present adapter design also eliminates additional sealing surfaces present between the ferrule and the tube, which reduces potential sources of leaks.

[0030] exist Figure 3 An example of the present chromatography column adapter for fluidly coupling a column to a GC component is shown in FIG. Figure 3A cross section of a chromatography column adapter 332 is shown, the chromatography column adapter including a GC component interface end 334 and a column receiving end 336. The adapter also includes an adapter body 338, the adapter body including a wide adapter hole 342 at the column receiving end 336, a narrow adapter hole 340 at the GC component interface end 334, and a tapered adapter hole 344 connecting the wide adapter hole and the narrow adapter hole. The narrow adapter hole can be sized to be substantially similar or approximately the same as the diameter of the flow path in the GC component to which the adapter is intended to be attached (e.g., from about 0.5 mm to about 1.3 mm, or about 0.8 mm). The narrow adapter hole forms at least a portion of the flow path to the GC component, wherein a sample flowing through the adapter contacts the inside adapter wall of the narrow adapter hole, rather than contacting a tube inserted through the narrow adapter hole.

[0031] The size of the wide adapter hole can be determined to be substantially similar to the OD of the column it is expected to receive to avoid gaps or corners where the sample may be trapped (e.g., 1 / 16 inch to 1 / 4 inch). There may also be an intermediate hole connecting these wide adapter holes and narrow adapter holes optionally. The intermediate hole can have a diameter larger than the narrow adapter hole but smaller than the wide adapter hole. It can have a diameter substantially similar or approximately the same as the inner diameter of the column being attached to the adapter to facilitate flow between the adapter and the attached column (e.g., 0.75mm to 2mm). The intermediate hole forms a portion of the flow path, wherein the sample contacts the wall of the intermediate hole. The wide adapter hole accommodates the column, but the wide adapter hole does not typically form a portion of the flow path, which means that the sample does not contact the wall of the wide adapter hole because it flows through the attached column instead. If there is no intermediate hole, the tapered adapter hole spans the transition between the narrow adapter hole and the wide adapter hole; however, if there is an intermediate adapter hole, the tapered adapter hole spans the transition between the narrow adapter hole and the intermediate adapter hole.

[0032] The adapter also includes an outer conical sealing surface 346 for forming a seal with the GC component at the GC component interface end 334. At the end of the protrusion, the fluid leaves the adapter through the narrow adapter hole. The narrow adapter hole 340 is used as a flow path for sample and / or carrier gas to flow through the GC system, which is contrary to inserting a separate tube into the hole to be used as a flow path. The GC component interface end and the GC component flow path are connected so that the fluid transferred from the narrow adapter hole to the GC component flow path does not accumulate in the unswept area. The chromatographic column adapter is configured to establish a fluid connection with the GC component without using a separate ferrule to seal to the GC component and without a separate tube in the narrow adapter hole. In some embodiments, the adapter body 338 is described as having an outer adapter wall 352 and an inner adapter wall 354. The adapter 332 generally includes an adapter end having an outer adapter wall 352 extending between the adapter ends. The inner adapter wall 354 surrounds the central axis of the adapter 332 and defines a wide adapter hole 342, a tapered adapter hole 344, an intermediate adapter hole 343, and a narrow adapter hole 340. The inner adapter wall 354 can form a flow path for sample and / or carrier gas to flow through the GC system and / or accommodate one or more tubes that form a flow path, as would typically be the case with a wide adapter bore 342 of a holding column. In some embodiments, the adapter 332 further includes a recess 348 for receiving a protrusion or edge in a connected GC component.

[0033] In some embodiments, the outer adapter wall 352 can have interlocking features such as threads to enable connection with a GC component or other connection means such as a nut for attaching a GC column and applying a force for sealing the adapter to the GC component and the chromatographic column. For example, a first threaded region 353 can be provided on the outer adapter wall 352 on the GC component interface end 334 for mating with corresponding threads on the GC component, and a second threaded region 355 can be provided on the outer adapter wall 352 on the column receiving end 336 for interfacing with an element for connecting a GC column. The first threaded region 353 and the second threaded region 355 can form a single threaded region if they extend along the length of the adapter body.

[0034] In some embodiments, the adapter 332 includes an engagement feature 350 to facilitate engagement of the adapter 332 by a tool, fastener, or other object. For example, the engagement feature 350 can be configured so that a tool can more easily engage the adapter 332 when the adapter 332 is being positioned or adjusted relative to another structure. The engagement feature 350 can include a widened portion of the adapter body 338 (e.g., Figure 3The engagement feature 350 may be a flat portion that is used to match a wrench when the adapter is connected to a GC component or a chromatographic column.

[0035] In various embodiments of the present adapter, the adapter body and / or the outer adapter wall and / or the inner adapter wall can be circular, rectangular, square or any desired shape in cross section. In some embodiments, the adapter body is substantially cylindrical. In some embodiments, the adapter body has a length from about 20 mm to about 80 mm. In some embodiments, the narrow adapter hole has a diameter between about 0.5 mm and about 1.3 mm, or about 0.8 mm. In some embodiments, the middle adapter hole and / or the middle portion of the adapter body has a length of about 10 mm or about 12 mm or more, such as from about 10 mm to about 40 mm, although it can be longer in some cases.

[0036] In some embodiments, the outer tapered sealing surface has a protruding end surrounding the narrow adapter hole and a protruding sidewall extending between the protruding end and the remainder of the adapter body. In some embodiments, the protruding end has a radius between about 0.9 mm and about 1.5 mm and / or can be substantially flat. The protruding sidewall can be at an angle of from about 40° to about 60° relative to the protruding end. Fluidic connections to GC components

[0037] This chromatographic column adapter can be used to create a fluid connection between a column and many types of GC components (such as microfluidic devices, inlets, detectors) and other fluid components of a GC system (such as an auxiliary gas input device). For example, in the case where the flow path of an adapter and a GC component (such as a matching GC inlet or detector) according to the present disclosure is attached with a fluid-tight connection, a fluid connection can be formed. In some embodiments, the outer tapered sealing surface of the GC component interface end of the adapter is pressed against one or more parts (such as an inner tapered sealing surface) of the GC component. That is, the outer adapter wall can have a thread at the GC component interface end, and the thread is used to engage with the thread on the GC component so that a compressive force is applied to the outer tapered sealing surface. The other end of the adapter can be formed to be connected to the fluid of the GC column by pressing the inner tapered sealing surface 347 of the column interface end 336 of the adapter 332 against the ferrule that is also used to seal to the GC column. That is, the outer adapter wall can have a thread, and a nut with a matching thread can engage the ferrule and apply a compressive force to the ferrule.

[0038] Figure 4A and Figure 4B An embodiment of the present adapter mounted on a GC component is shown, wherein a packed chromatographic column is attached to the adapter. The chromatographic column adapter 432 fluidically couples a column 456 to a GC component 414, which may be a GC inlet or a GC detector or other components having a flow path. More specifically, the adapter 432 includes a GC component interface end 434 and a column receiving end 436. The adapter 432 also includes an adapter body 438, which includes a wide adapter hole 442 at the column receiving end 436, a narrow adapter hole 440 at the GC component interface end 434, an intermediate adapter hole 443, and a tapered adapter hole 444 connecting the narrow adapter hole 440 and the intermediate adapter hole 443. The narrow adapter hole 440, the tapered adapter hole 444, and the inner adapter wall 454 can be considered as a transition portion, so as to enter the outer conical sealing surface 446 at the GC component interface end 43 from the column receiving end 436 and further reach the GC component 414. The length of column adapter 432 and the arrangement therein are examples of such transitions for a 1 / 8 inch GC column, and for larger columns, additional transitions may be included to achieve better fluid dynamics. Figure 4B , the wide adapter hole 442 and the narrow adapter hole 440 are connected by both the intermediate adapter hole 443 and the tapered adapter hole 444, but it is also contemplated that the wide adapter hole and the narrow adapter hole can be connected only by the intermediate adapter hole or only by the tapered adapter hole. In some embodiments, the present adapter includes more than one intermediate adapter hole (including intermediate adapter holes with the same or different diameters) and / or more than one tapered adapter hole (such as a first tapered adapter hole between the narrow adapter hole and the first intermediate adapter hole and a second tapered adapter hole between the first intermediate adapter hole and the second intermediate adapter hole).

[0039] Figure 4BThe adapter 432 in the embodiment also includes an outer tapered sealing surface 446 at the GC component interface end 434 for forming a seal with the inner tapered sealing surface 420 of the GC component 414. The outer tapered sealing surface 446 of the chromatography column adapter 432 is configured to establish a fluid connection with the inner tapered sealing surface 420 in the GC component 414 without using a separate ferrule and without a separate tube in the narrow adapter hole 440. The outer tapered sealing surface 446 of the chromatography column adapter 432 is also configured to establish a direct sealing interface with the inner tapered sealing surface 420, that is, there are no additional parts between the two surfaces to create a seal. The adapter body 438 can also be described as having an outer adapter wall 452 and an inner adapter wall 454. The adapter 432 includes an engagement feature 450 to facilitate engagement of the adapter 432 by a tool, fastener or other object.

[0040] To establish a fluid connection between the GC component 414 and the chromatography column 456, the GC component interface end 434 of the adapter 432 is inserted into the GC component 414. Interlocking features (such as threads 453) on the adapter 432 can interface with interlocking features (such as GC component threads 415) on the GC component 414. The interlocking features can facilitate applying a force between the GC component 414 and the adapter 432 to create a seal between the outer tapered sealing surface 446 and the inner tapered sealing surface 420. This can be achieved, for example, by using a tool having an engagement feature 450 to rotate or stabilize the adapter 432.

[0041] The chromatographic column 456 is inserted into the column receiving end 436 of the adapter 432. The other end of the adapter 432 can form a fluid connection with the chromatographic column 456 by pressing the inner conical sealing surface 447 of the column interface end 436 of the adapter 432 against the ferrule 460. In general, the connector can be configured to hold the column 456 in the adapter and apply pressure to form a seal and fluid connection between the chromatographic column 456 and the adapter 432. Figure 4A and Figure 4B In the illustrated embodiment, the assembly nut 458 has threads that mate with the threaded area 455 of the adapter 432, and the nut 458 and the ring 460 are used to attach the chromatography column 456 to the adapter 432 by creating a seal between the outer conical sealing surface of the ring 460 and the inner conical sealing surface 447 of the adapter 432 and between the inner hole of the ring 460 and the outer surface of the column 456.

[0042] In the adapter described herein, the outer adapter wall can be configured to be interconnected to other devices (such as nuts or other connectors) such as by having interlocking features or threads. Interlocking features include features that engage each other by overlapping or cooperating projections and recesses. The adapter can be configured to be firmly attached to the GC component 414 so that the adapter can only be removed by deliberate effort. Alternatively, the outer adapter wall does not have interlocking features, and the adapter is configured to be attached in another way. For example, the connection can include a clamping mechanism that holds the adapter and transfers pressure to the adapter to form a seal with the GC component.

[0043] This adapter can be constructed of any material that can form a seal with the GC components. Preferably, the material does not react with any analyte, reagent, carrier gas, or other components used in the GC system and can withstand the high temperature of the GC baking oven. In some embodiments, the adapter is a metal such as stainless steel or brass or has hardness to support other materials that seal when the adapter is not damaged. This adapter can be constructed of a single material or by multiple materials. For example, the adapter body can be constructed of a material, and a coating of another material can be applied to form an outer adapter wall and / or an inner adapter wall and / or an outer tapered sealing surface. The coating on the inner adapter wall can be used to reduce the interaction of the surface of the analyte and the adapter. The coating on the outer tapered sealing surface (such as gold) can be used to promote the creation of a seal with the GC components. This adapter can be manufactured according to any suitable technology for material. For example, this adapter can be manufactured by injection molding, compression molding or machining.

[0044] The present column adapter can be designed and used with any desired chromatographic column and is particularly advantageous for packing columns. In some embodiments, the chromatographic column adapter has a column receiving end, which is configured to receive a chromatographic column with an outer diameter of a selected size or within a selected range. For example, the column receiving end can be configured to receive a column with an outer diameter of about 1 / 16 inch (about 1.59 mm), or about 1 / 8 inch (about 3.2 mm), or about 1 / 4 inch (about 6.4 mm), or about 3 / 8 inch (about 9.5 mm), or about 0.5 inch (about 12.7 mm) or more. The column receiving end can be configured to receive such a column by having a wide adapter hole, the wide adapter hole having a diameter approximately the same as the outer diameter of the column, or no more than 2% larger, alternatively no more than 1%, no more than 0.5%, or a diameter sufficient to have a sliding fit between the column conduit and the fitting body, the size of the sliding fit being determined to meet standard machining tolerances, such as from about 0.12 mm to about 0.45 mm. In some embodiments, the chromatography column is a packed column, which refers to a chromatography column having a relatively large inner diameter and packed with particulate material.

[0045] The present adapter can also be used with GC components configured to interface with capillary columns, which are longer open tubular columns whose inner walls are coated with a stationary phase. Typically, the inner diameter of a capillary column is from 0.05 mm to 0.55 mm, while the outer diameter of a capillary column is usually from 0.25 mm to 0.8 mm.

[0046] The present adapter eliminates the need for a separate ferrule for connection between the adapter and the GC component. Compared to conventional nut-ferrule connections, the present adapter avoids its disadvantages, such as gas leaks and unswept areas. This is partly due to the elimination of tubing within the ferrule by the present column adapter.

[0047] In some embodiments, the present adapter is attached to the GC component via an integral engagement feature, such as a thread on its outer adapter wall that engages with a mating thread on the inner wall of the GC component. The adapter can be tightened using a wrench or other tool, or in some embodiments by hand, depending on the material. Alternatively, the adapter can be press-fitted into the GC component, thereby eliminating the need for threads. For press-fit, the outer diameter on the portion of the adapter will be appropriately sized relative to the inner diameter of the GC component to facilitate press-fit. In some embodiments, nuts or other fasteners are beneficial to avoid loosening of the adapter during thermal cycling or other conditions and allow the adapter to be disconnected to replace the column. The size of the wide adapter hole is determined to accommodate the end of the column. Qualified terms

[0048] It should be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. The defined terms are in addition to the technical and scientific meanings of the defined terms as commonly understood and accepted in the technical field of the present teachings.

[0049] As used herein, the term "ferrule" generally encompasses a fluid connection having a tapered nose and forming a seal with the outer circumference of a tube and a tapered surface of a fitting. In some cases, the ferrule may be similar to the ferrule described in U.S. Patent Application Publication 20160377203 to Norman et al. or another available stainless steel or graphite Vespel (polyimide) ferrule, and may be coated with a conformal material such as gold or silver.

[0050] For the present adapter, the fluid connection is typically fluid-tight within a specified range of expected operating pressures.In some applications, one or more adapter holes and the tubing to which it may be connected have diameters in the millimeter or micrometer range, in which case the adapter may be considered a microfluidic connector.

[0051] The term "flow path" generally refers to any structure configured to provide for a fluid flow. A flow path can be a tube or channel formed in a substrate. A flow path can be formed by or include one or more tubes or channels in fluid communication. The geometry of the flow path can be widely different and include circular, rectangular, square, D-shaped, trapezoidal or other polygonal cross-sections. The flow path can include a varying geometry (e.g., rectangular at one cross-section and trapezoidal at another cross-section). In some embodiments, the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path used is substantially constant, for example, to avoid or reduce dead volume or even additional swept volume.

[0052] As used herein, the term "external" generally refers to the outside, outside, or away from the center of a body or component. As used herein, the term "interior" generally refers to the inside, inside, or closer to the center of a body or component. As used herein, the meaning of exterior and interior will generally be clear from or informed by the context.

[0053] As used herein, the term "taper" generally refers to a structure shaped as a cone or cone-like, including but not limited to a truncated cone. A tapered structure has a surface that is angled between 0 and 90 degrees, more typically between 15 and 75 degrees, relative to the longitudinal axis of the structure.

[0054] In the present disclosure, the term "substantially" or "substantially" refers to within the acceptable limit or degree for a person of ordinary skill in the art. The term "approximately" and "about" refer to within the acceptable limit or amount for a person of ordinary skill in the art. The term "approximately" generally refers to plus or minus 15% of the indicated number. For example, "about 10" can indicate a range of 8.5 to 11.5. For example, "about the same" means that a person of ordinary skill in the art considers that the items being compared are the same. When the range of values ​​is set forth in the present disclosure, it should be understood that, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, each intermediate value (to one tenth of the lower limit unit) between the upper limit value and the lower limit value of the range is also specifically disclosed. Each smaller range between any specified value or intermediate value within the specified range and any other specified value or intermediate value within the specified range is included in the present disclosure. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges can be included or excluded independently within the range, and each range in which any one, none, or two limits are included within the smaller range is also included in the present disclosure, subject to any explicitly excluded restrictions within the specified range. Where the stated range includes one or both of the limits, ranges excluding either or both of those included limits are also included in the disclosure.

[0055] Unless otherwise limited, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as those generally understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. Although any methods and materials similar to or equivalent to the methods and materials described herein may also be used for the practice or testing of this teaching, some exemplary methods and materials will now be described. All patents and publications mentioned herein are expressly incorporated by reference.

[0056] As used in the specification and the appended claims, the terms "a", "an", and "the" include singular and plural referents unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Thus, for example, "a component" includes one component and a plurality of components. The terms "first" and "second" are terms used to distinguish between different elements rather than terms providing numerical limitations, and a device having a first element and a second element may also include a third, fourth, fifth, etc., unless otherwise indicated.

[0057] In view of this disclosure, it should be noted that the method can be implemented according to the present teachings. Further, various components, materials, structures and parameters are included only by way of illustration and example and are not intended to be limiting. In view of this disclosure, the present teachings can be implemented in other applications, and components, materials, structures and devices for implementing these applications can be determined while remaining within the scope of the appended claims. Exemplary embodiments

[0058] Exemplary embodiments provided in accordance with the presently disclosed subject matter include, but are not limited to, the following:

[0059] Embodiment 1. A chromatographic column adapter for fluidically connecting a column to a GC component, the adapter comprising: a GC component interface end and a column receiving end; an adapter body, the adapter body comprising a wide adapter hole at the column receiving end, a narrow adapter hole at the GC component interface end, an external conical sealing surface at the GC component interface end; and an internal conical sealing surface of the wide adapter hole at the column receiving end; wherein the narrow adapter hole forms at least a portion of a flow path through the adapter to the GC component.

[0060] Embodiment 2. The chromatography column adapter of Embodiment 1, wherein the adapter does not include a separate tube within the narrow adapter bore.

[0061] Embodiment 3. A chromatography column adapter according to Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2, wherein the column receiving end is configured to receive a column having an outer diameter of from about 1 / 16 inch to about 3 / 8 inch.

[0062] Embodiment 4. The chromatography column adapter according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the adapter body comprises a tapered adapter bore connecting the wide adapter bore and the narrow adapter bore.

[0063] Embodiment 5. The adapter according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the adapter body further includes an intermediate adapter hole between the narrow adapter hole and the wide adapter hole.

[0064] Embodiment 6. The chromatography column adapter of any one of Embodiments 1 to 5, wherein the adapter body comprises an outer adapter wall and an inner adapter wall, wherein the inner adapter wall defines the wide adapter aperture and the narrow adapter aperture.

[0065] Embodiment 7. A chromatography column adapter according to Embodiment 6, wherein the outer adapter wall has threads at the GC component interface end, and the threads are used to engage with threads on the GC component to apply a compressive force to the external conical sealing surface.

[0066] Embodiment 8. A chromatography column adapter according to Embodiment 6, wherein the outer adapter wall has threads at the column receiving end.

[0067] Embodiment 9. The chromatography column adapter of Embodiment 6, further comprising a coating on the inner adapter wall, wherein the coating is adapted to reduce interaction with an analyte.

[0068] Embodiment 10. The chromatography column adapter of any one of Embodiments 1 to 9, further comprising a coating on the outer tapered sealing surface, wherein the coating is adapted to facilitate creating a seal.

[0069] Embodiment 11. A chromatography column adapter according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 10, wherein the outer tapered sealing surface has a protruding end surrounding the narrow adapter hole and a protruding sidewall extending between the protruding end and the remainder of the adapter body.

[0070] Embodiment 12. A chromatography column adapter according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 11, wherein the protruding sidewall is at an angle of 40 to 60 degrees relative to the protruding end.

[0071] Embodiment 13. The chromatography column adapter of any one of Embodiments 1 to 12, wherein the adapter body further comprises an engagement feature.

[0072] Embodiment 14. The chromatography column adapter of any one of Embodiments 1 to 13, wherein the adapter is formed of stainless steel or brass.

[0073] Embodiment 15. A chromatography column adapter assembly, comprising: a chromatography column having a chromatography column end; and a chromatography column adapter according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 14; and a GC component comprising a GC component flow path; wherein the chromatography column end is disposed in the wide adapter hole, and the GC component interface end of the chromatography column adapter is fluidically connected to the GC component flow path.

[0074] Embodiment 16. A chromatography column assembly according to Embodiment 15, wherein the chromatography column is a packed column.

[0075] Embodiment 17. The chromatography column assembly of Embodiment 15 or 16, wherein the fluid connection is established without a separate tube within the narrow adapter bore.

[0076] Embodiment 18. A chromatography column assembly according to any one of Embodiments 15 to 17, wherein the GC component includes: a GC inlet; a GC detector; or a chromatography fluidic device for backflushing, switching, or splitting fluid flow.

[0077] Embodiment 19. The chromatography column assembly of any one of Embodiments 15 to 18, wherein the GC component flow path and the narrow adapter bore have substantially the same cross-sectional area.

[0078] Embodiment 20. The chromatography column assembly of any one of Embodiments 15 to 19, wherein the diameter of the wide adapter hole is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the chromatography column.

[0079] Embodiment 21. A chromatography column assembly according to any one of Embodiments 15 to 20, wherein the GC component has an internal conical sealing surface, and the external conical sealing surface of the chromatography column adapter is sealed with the internal conical sealing surface of the GC component.

[0080] Embodiment 22. A chromatography column assembly according to Embodiment 21, wherein the GC component interface end and the GC component flow path are connected so that fluid transferred from the narrow adapter hole to the GC component flow path does not accumulate in the unswept area.

[0081] Embodiment 23. The chromatography column assembly of any one of Embodiments 15 to 22, wherein the adapter body further comprises an intermediate adapter bore between the narrow adapter bore and the wide adapter bore.

[0082] Embodiment 24. A chromatography column assembly according to Embodiment 23, wherein the diameter of the intermediate adapter hole is substantially the same as the inner diameter of the column.

[0083] Embodiment 25. A chromatography column assembly according to any one of Embodiments 15 to 24, further comprising a ring inserted into the internal conical sealing surface of the chromatography column adapter, and the ring forms a seal with the outer surface of the chromatography column and the internal conical sealing surface in the chromatography column adapter.

[0084] Embodiment 26. The chromatography column assembly of any one of Embodiments 15 to 25, wherein the outer adapter wall comprises threads, and a nut having mating threads engages the ferrule and applies a compressive force to the ferrule.

[0085] Embodiment 27. A method for forming a fluid connection between a chromatographic column and a GC component, the method comprising: attaching a chromatographic column adapter according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 14 to a GC component, thereby forming a seal between an outer conical sealing surface of the column adapter and an inner conical sealing surface of the GC component; passing an end of the chromatographic column through a ferrule and a nut; inserting the column into a wide adapter hole of the adapter; inserting a ferrule into the inner conical sealing surface; and attaching the column to the adapter by applying force to the ferrule to form a seal between the ferrule and the chromatographic column adapter and the chromatographic column.

[0086] Embodiment 28. A method according to embodiment 27, wherein the adapter includes threads on the outer adapter wall, and the nut includes threads opposite to the threads on the adapter, and the column is attached to the adapter by matching the threads of the nut with the threads of the adapter and tightening the nut on the adapter.

[0087] Embodiment 29. A method according to Embodiment 27 or Embodiment 28, wherein the adapter body includes engagement features, and the method includes using these engagement features to rotate the adapter relative to the GC component to form a seal.

[0088] Embodiment 30. A method according to any one of Embodiments 27 to 29, comprising preventing rotation of the adapter when tightening the nut on the adapter to avoid further tightening the connection between the adapter and the GC component.

[0089] The foregoing description of exemplary or preferred embodiments should be considered as illustrative, rather than limiting the present invention as defined by the embodiments. As will be readily understood, without departing from the present invention as described in the embodiments, many variations and combinations of the features described above may be utilized. Such variations are not considered as departing from the scope of the present invention, and all such variations are intended to be included within the scope of the attached embodiments. All references cited herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Claims

1. A chromatography column adapter for fluidly coupling a column to a GC component, the adapter comprising: A GC component interface end and a column receiving end; an adapter body comprising a wide adapter bore at the column receiving end, a narrow adapter bore at the GC component interface end, an external tapered sealing surface at the GC component interface end; as well as an internal tapered sealing surface of the wide adapter bore at the post receiving end; wherein the narrow adapter aperture forms at least a portion of a flow path through the adapter to the GC component.

2. The chromatography column adapter according to claim 1, wherein: The adapter does not include a separate tube within the narrow adapter bore.

3. The chromatography column adapter according to claim 1, wherein: The post receiving end is configured to receive a post having an outer diameter from about 1 / 16 inch to about 3 / 8 inch.

4. The chromatography column adapter according to claim 1, wherein: The adapter body includes a tapered adapter bore connecting the wide adapter bore and the narrow adapter bore.

5. The adapter according to claim 1, wherein: The adapter body further includes an intermediate adapter bore between the narrow adapter bore and the wide adapter bore.

6. The chromatography column adapter according to claim 1, wherein: The adapter body includes an outer adapter wall and an inner adapter wall, wherein the inner adapter wall defines the wide adapter aperture and the narrow adapter aperture.

7. The chromatography column adapter according to claim 6, wherein: The outer adapter wall has threads at the GC component interface end for engaging threads on the GC component to apply a compressive force to the outer tapered sealing surface.

8. The chromatography column adapter according to claim 6, wherein: The outer adapter wall has threads at the post receiving end.

9. The chromatography column adapter of claim 6, further comprising a coating on the inner adapter wall, wherein: The coating is adapted to reduce interaction with the analyte.

10. The chromatography column adapter of claim 1, further comprising a coating on the outer tapered sealing surface, wherein: The coating is adapted to facilitate creating a seal.

11. The chromatography column adapter according to claim 1, wherein: The outer tapered sealing surface has a protruding end surrounding the narrow adapter bore and a protruding sidewall extending between the protruding end and a remainder of the adapter body.

12. The chromatography column adapter according to claim 1, wherein: The protruding side wall is at an angle of 40 to 60 degrees relative to the protruding end.

13. The chromatography column adapter according to claim 1, wherein: The adapter body further includes an engagement feature.

14. The chromatography column adapter according to claim 1, wherein: The adapter is formed from stainless steel or brass.

15. A chromatography column adapter assembly, comprising: a chromatographic column having a chromatographic column end; as well as The chromatographic column adapter according to claim 1; as well as a GC component including a GC component flow path; Wherein, the chromatography column end is disposed in the wide adapter bore, and the GC component interface end of the chromatography column adapter is fluidically connected to the GC component flow path.

16. The chromatography column assembly according to claim 15, wherein The chromatography column is a packed column.

17. The chromatography column assembly according to claim 15, wherein The fluid connection is established without a separate tube within the narrow adapter bore.

18. The chromatography column assembly according to claim 15, wherein The GC components include: a GC inlet; a GC detector; or a chromatographic fluidics device for backflushing, switching, or splitting fluid flows.

19. The chromatography column assembly according to claim 15, wherein: The GC component flow path and the narrow adapter bore have substantially the same cross-sectional area.

20. A method for forming a fluid connection between a chromatography column and a GC component, the method comprising: attaching a chromatography column adapter according to claim 1 to a GC component, thereby forming a seal between an outer tapered sealing surface of the column adapter and an inner tapered sealing surface of the GC component; Passing the end of the chromatography column through a ferrule and a nut; inserting the post into the wide adapter hole of the adapter; inserting a ferrule into the inner tapered sealing surface; as well as The column is attached to the adapter by applying a force to the ferrule to form a seal between the ferrule and the chromatography column adapter and the chromatography column.

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