Modular Liquid Chromatography Systems

Abstract

The present invention relates to an automated liquid chromatography system (1) having at least one fluid handling unit (2) provided as a replaceable modular component. The system (1) further comprises at least one extension carrier (3) having at least one preferably frameless component position (C, C', D, D', E) for receiving the at least one fluid handling unit (2). The system further comprises a base plate (6) and / or a cover plate (4). At least one extension carrier (3) has at least one mechanical connection element (15) that protrudes from one plane to an adjacent plane during intended use, the plane being selected from the extension carrier (3), the cover plate (4), and the base plate (6).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an automated liquid chromatography system with an expansion carrier for modular expansion of the liquid chromatography system, and to an expansion carrier for such a system. [Background technology]

[0002] There are various liquid chromatography systems for laboratory use that include several fluid handling units, such as one or more pumps, valves, mixers, sensor units, etc. These fluid handling units are interconnected by fluid lines in the form of rigid or flexible tubes, etc. Some systems may be designed for a particular type of application with specific flow paths, but often flexibility and the possibility to change or optimize the fluid flow paths of the system are required. Upgrade kits are often supplied as external auxiliary equipment, but they must be placed alongside the original system, increasing the floor space of the system. These must be connected to the system both fluidically and electrically (i.e., to the system control bus, etc.). In addition, replacing a faulty fluid handling unit is a time-consuming and delicate task.

[0003] Attempts exist in the state of the art to address the lack of flexibility of these systems. For example, WO 2010 / 144037 describes a chromatography device with exchangeable modular components in a fixed housing. However, this system has the drawback that the housing itself cannot be expanded. Since standardized fixed positions are assigned to the exchangeable components, the components must be of a fixed size.

[0004] A similar system to WO 2010 / 144037 is described in WO 2013 / 028828. The system disclosed therein comprises a fixed mounting frame having a series of mounting positions for holding individual modules, in which size and position are again predetermined by the frame configuration. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art, in particular to provide a flexible liquid chromatography system that can be expanded as required without the need to predetermine the size and dimensions of the individual fluid handling units. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] This problem is solved by the independent claims. Alternative embodiments can be found in the dependent claims.

[0007] An aspect of the invention relates to an automated liquid chromatography system. The liquid chromatography system is configured to direct a flow of fluid to and from a chromatographic separation device. The system comprises at least one, preferably a plurality of fluid handling units provided as interchangeable modular components. The at least one fluid handling unit is connected or connectable to the liquid chromatography fluid path. The at least one fluid handling unit can have at least one data carrier, in particular a microcontroller or a microchip, capable of storing or storing characteristic data of the fluid handling unit. Optionally, operating signals received from outside the unit can be transmitted to the fluid handling unit and stored therein. For several fluid handling units, there can be only one data carrier in total, or two or more data carriers. For example, it is conceivable that each fluid handling unit has a data carrier, or that two or more fluid handling units are connectable or connected to the same data carrier.

[0008] The system further comprises at least one, and preferably two or more, extension carriers with at least one, preferably frameless, component position for receiving at least one, and preferably two or more fluid handling units.

[0009] The term "frameless" means in particular that no additional separating devices are provided between the individual component positions.

[0010] At least one expansion carrier has an open front side for inserting at least one fluid handling unit. Each component position can have a signal connection by which at least one data carrier of the fluid handling unit located at the component position can be read out. In particular a connection can be established with a microcontroller or microchip of the fluid handling unit located at the component position.

[0011] The system further includes a base plate and / or a cover plate. The at least one extension carrier further has at least one mechanical connection element. When used as intended, the at least one mechanical connection element protrudes from one plane to an adjacent plane, the plane being selected from the extension carrier, the cover plate, and the base plate. The adjacent plane may be the next higher plane if the planes overlap each other, and / or may be a horizontally adjacent plane if the planes are located next to each other.

[0012] The at least one mechanical connecting element is in particular used for connecting a further expansion carrier or a cover plate or a base plate.

[0013] Such liquid chromatography systems are characterized on the one hand by their compact design, but on the other hand by their ability to be expanded as required. This means that the system can be adapted to the available space without compromising functionality. Thus, such liquid chromatography systems are equally suitable for both small and large laboratories. Mechanical connection elements allow for a highly stable arrangement between different planes.

[0014] The compact design also allows for the use of shorter flow paths, resulting in reduced dead volumes and faster analysis times.

[0015] Liquid chromatography fluid paths should be understood in particular as the paths and connections between reagents, samples, eluents and waste.

[0016] A liquid chromatography system can include two or more extension carriers that, when used as intended, are vertically stackable in such a manner that at least one mechanical connection element protrudes from one extension carrier to an adjacent extension carrier.

[0017] The arrangement can be extended vertically if required and is extremely stable thanks to the mechanical connecting elements.

[0018] At least one expansion carrier can be stacked vertically in such a manner that, when used as intended, at least one mechanical connection element protrudes from at least one expansion carrier to an adjacent base plate and / or cover plate.

[0019] Conveniently, the at least two fluid handling units are, or are positionable, horizontally adjacent to one another in component positions of the at least one expansion carrier, when in intended use.

[0020] The protruding mechanical connection elements may be screws, threaded rods, clips, bolts, pins, nails, hooks, clamps, springs, rivets, profiles, angles, flaps, in particular perforated flaps, hinges, rails or magnets. The adjacent extension carriers and / or cover plates and / or base plates preferably have female counterparts, in particular female threads, recesses, depressions, bushings, sleeves, profiles, dowels, eyelets, cams, grooves, magnets.

[0021] In addition, the liquid chromatography system can further include an autosampler. Compared with conventional systems, the system is very compact, so that the autosampler can be easily incorporated into the system without requiring additional space.

[0022] Preferably, the cover plate further comprises a reagent organizer, which allows reagents to be stored in the system in a space-saving manner, and also allows for increased reagent bottle capacity compared to conventional systems, allowing for longer usage times without requiring user intervention.

[0023] The fill level in the reagent vessel is preferably measured using an ultrasonic distance sensor, which does not have to be placed in the center of the vessel. This allows, for example, the use of a stirrer without affecting the distance measurement. Non-contact, continuous and accurate measurements of milliliters are possible.

[0024] Preferably, each expansion carrier has the same standard front height or an integral multiple thereof, and each expansion carrier has the same standard front width or an integral multiple thereof. Rectangular expansion carriers are particularly preferred.

[0025] Standard sizes or multiples thereof have the advantage that the same components, e.g. doors or side panels, can be used for the cladding. This is again explained with reference to FIG.

[0026] Each expansion carrier may have a power supply unit, which means that the power and number of expansions can be increased as needed.

[0027] Preferably, one or more component positions per extension carrier are shortened in the insertion direction of the fluid handling unit compared to the maximum component position depth, in particular to provide space for accommodating a corresponding power supply unit.

[0028] It is possible for an extended carrier to have one or more shortened component positions as well as one or more component positions having a maximum component position depth. Preferably, the ratio of maximum component position depth to shortened component position depth is between 1.3:1 and 1.1:1, preferably 1.2:1. For example, the maximum depth may be 330mm and the shortened component position depth may be 275mm.

[0029] At least one extended carrier may include, in addition to the fluid handling units, cooling channels, a central control node, and / or fans, particularly adjacent to the shortened component locations.

[0030] Preferably, fluid guides, in particular hoses, can be guided along a side panel (9) that extends across one or more expansion carriers (3).

[0031] Preferably, a gap is formed between the extension carrier and the inside of the side panel, or a door module associated with the side panel is provided with a recess through which the fluid guide can be guided. It is also contemplated that mounting rails for guiding the fluid guide or other accessories may be provided, as will be explained in more detail below.

[0032] The inlet lines can be routed along one side panel stack and the outlet lines can be routed along the opposing side panel stack.

[0033] Reagent and solvent inlet hoses can preferably be attached to the side panels of the extended carrier.

[0034] It is also possible for the cover plate to have one or more hose passages. Preferably, the hose passages are designed in such a way that a hose can be passed through with a coupling, a so-called fitting. The fittings can be, for example, of the M6 ​​or fingertight type, which are usually used in high-speed chromatography. However, other types well known to the expert are also possible.

[0035] At least one fluid handling unit may have a temperature control body that may function as a heating or cooling body that protrudes into the cooling channels when used as intended. The temperature control body may comprise a so-called heat pipe, which is connected, e.g. soldered, to the cooling fins. The heat pipe and the cooling fins are preferably part of the fluid handling unit. When the fluid handling unit is placed in the expansion carrier, the cooling fins may protrude into the cooling channels of the expansion carrier. As an alternative to a heat pipe, other heat conducting elements may also be used.

[0036] This arrangement allows a particularly efficient temperature control, especially cooling, of the units. This means that the analytical results are not influenced or falsified by temperature differences between the units. The temperature can be controlled very efficiently. The sensitivity to errors, for example in the baseline of the chromatogram, is significantly reduced.

[0037] Each expansion carrier can have a stop door, so that several stacked stop doors can be connected to each other when used as intended. This ensures baseline consistency despite the frameless design. The system is less susceptible to external temperature differences, drafts, etc.

[0038] It is also contemplated that a stop door may be provided that extends across two or more stacked expansion carriers.

[0039] The stop door may be symmetric so that it can be installed as left- or right-hand opening. This means that as few different parts as possible are needed for the liquid chromatography system. More standardized components allow for cost-efficient production and easier replacement.

[0040] The door hinges can be set back from the open front of the expansion carrier in the direction of insertion of the fluid handling unit, allowing easier access to the unit.

[0041] The term "open front" refers to the vertical plane defined by the front face of the component that protrudes most into the room.

[0042] The fluid handling unit is preferably selected from the group of pumps, in particular high pressure or peristaltic pumps, metering units, multi-way valves, separation columns, detectors, sample preparation units, suppressors.

[0043] The side panels of the extension carrier are designed in such a way that they can create an airflow transverse to the direction of insertion of the fluid handling units. This can be achieved, for example, by fans and intakes, in particular by perforated grids in the side panels.

[0044] Preferably, the air flow transverse to the insertion direction is a branch off from a main flow direction which preferably extends at least partly parallel to the insertion direction of the fluid handling unit.

[0045] A liquid chromatography system according to the present invention preferably has the following series of airflow elements:

[0046] - preferably an intake port on the side panel, -fan, - one or more cooling channels, -Optional power supply unit.

[0047] As an alternative to the side panel inlets, a gap may be provided between the side panel and the sheet metal, preferably aluminum, sheet of each expansion carrier.

[0048] Each expansion carrier may include at least one fan and one cooling fin block, which may optionally be mounted on the expansion carrier itself or on the fluid handling unit.

[0049] The liquid chromatography system may include a central control node in at least one expansion carrier. If present, the control node may be located in the main expansion carrier or may be located separately in each expansion carrier. The main expansion carrier is the expansion carrier that can centrally control all units via the control node.

[0050] Additionally, the fluid chromatography system may include software in communication with at least one central control node as well as microcontrollers or microchips in fluid handling units located at the component locations.

[0051] The software is (1) identifying the locations of fluid handling units and their components; (3) coordinating the fluid handling units into a flow scheme; (4) assisting a user in making fluid connections between fluid handling units through a graphical user interface; (5) A fluid handling unit directs the fluid according to a flow protocol to a chromatographic separation device and then to a chromatographic separation device. It may be programmable as follows.

[0052] Furthermore, one or more vertical drip edges may be arranged between the individual fluid handling units. Preferably, these drip edges are separated from the interior of the fluid handling units by a seal. This arrangement prevents liquid from flowing from the wetted area into the unit.

[0053] The system may further comprise mounting rails. These may for example be located between the individual fluid handling units and are primarily used for mounting accessories and hoses. A location below the vertical drip edge is particularly preferred so that drips can be directed from the drip edge into the mounting rail and therefore away from the inside of the unit.

[0054] The mounting rail particularly preferably extends horizontally along the one or more fluid handling units. The mounting rail can extend along and / or transversely to the installation direction of the fluid handling units. The seals can be attached above and / or below the mounting rail and extend over the entire length of the mounting rail. However, it is also possible that individual seals are only attached in the area of ​​the dripping edge.

[0055] This seal configuration also supports essentially frameless assembly of the system. Furthermore, the liquid chromatography system can exhibit electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) after disposing the at least one fluid handling unit in the at least one extended carrier. In particular, the design allows for the provision of frameless components, which nevertheless meets EMC requirements upon installation.

[0056] EMC is defined as the ability of electronic equipment to function satisfactorily in its electromagnetic environment, without causing unacceptable effects to this environment, which may also contain other equipment.

[0057] EMC includes both interference immunity and the limitation of the emission of interference, which is divided into individual sub-areas such as radio frequency interference, electrostatic discharge, electromagnetic fields, and fast transient interference. Relevant EMC standards and guidelines known to experts must be observed. For example, these may include EN 61326-1 and EN 61000-6-3 / 4 for interference emissions, and EN 61326-1 and EN 6100-6-1 / 2 for interference immunity.

[0058] Another aspect of the invention relates to an expansion carrier for an automated liquid chromatography system as described above. The expansion carrier comprises: at least one preferably frameless component position for holding at least one fluid handling unit; an open front side for inserting at least one fluid handling unit; one signal connection per component location, by means of which a data carrier of a fluid handling unit located at the component location can be read and in particular a connection can be established with a microcontroller or a microchip of a fluid handling unit located at the component location; Equipped with.

[0059] The extension carrier has at least one mechanical connection element capable of protruding into an adjacent vertical plane.

[0060] The extension carrier may have two or more frameless component positions for holding two or more fluid handling units, which, when in intended use, may be arranged side-by-side in the component positions of the extension carrier in a horizontal plane.

[0061] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings, which merely illustrate preferred embodiments and should not be understood as limiting, and in which like reference numerals refer to like elements.

[0062] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [Brief description of the drawings]

[0063] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a liquid chromatography system according to the present invention having several extension carriers. [Diagram 2] 2 shows a front view showing details of the liquid chromatography system according to the present invention shown in FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] 1 shows a top view of an expansion carrier according to the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 shows an example of a possible arrangement of different fluid handling units within an extension carrier. [Figure 5a] 1 illustrates an exemplary arrangement of mechanical connection elements. [Figure 5b] 1 shows a detailed view of a mechanical connection element for connecting adjacent expansion carriers. [Figure 6] 1 shows an example of a side panel. [Figure 7] 1 shows a top view of the reagent organizer. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 shows a detailed view of the hose passage. [Figure 9a] A single stop door is shown. [Figure 9b] A multi-stage stop door is shown. [Figure 9c] A single stop door is shown in cross section passing through the hinge pivot point. [Figure 10] 1 shows a fluid handling unit; [Figure 11] 1 shows a further embodiment of a fluid handling unit; [Figure 12a] 1 shows a side panel with an intake port. [Figure 12b] The airflow path is shown. [Figure 12c] 1 shows a possible design of a heat pipe in a fluid handling unit. [Figure 12d]13 shows a second configuration of heat pipes in a further fluid handling unit; [Figure 13a] 1 shows a perspective view of a leakage liquid collection system having a drip collection rail and an internal vertical drip edge. [Figure 13b] FIG. 13b shows a side view of the leaking liquid collection system of FIG. 13a. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0064] FIG. 1 shows an example of a liquid chromatography system 1 according to the invention with several extension carriers 3 and 3'. Each of the three extension carriers 3 in the upper region has several component positions for a fluid handling unit 2 (schematic view). The further extension carrier 3' in the lower region has only one component position for a fluid handling unit 2. In the lower region, the extension unit comprises an autosampler 5 as a fluid handling unit. The extension carrier 3 has a standard height H and a standard width B. The extension carrier 3' has the same standard width B, but twice the standard height H of the extension carrier 3. By using a standard height H or width B or a multiple thereof, for example H3, the same components can be used in the system 1. For example, in the case of the extension carrier 3', two side panels 9 with standard dimensions can simply be used, so that no adjustment of the side panels 9 is necessary. The situation is similar for the door (not shown). Furthermore, the system comprises a cover plate 4 and a base plate 6. A reagent organizer 7 with four reagent containers is arranged on the cover plate 4. Furthermore, the extension carriers 3, 3' are covered with side panels 9. The side panels have a perforated grid 18 as an intake opening.

[0065] Figure 2 shows a front view of the system 1 according to the invention shown in Figure 1. The uppermost expansion carrier 3 has five component positions, four of which are occupied by fluid handling units (e.g. 2 or 2''). The third expansion carrier 3''' has four component positions and is occupied by two fluid handling units 2'.

[0066] Figure 3 shows a plan view of an expansion carrier 3 according to the present invention. The expansion carrier 3 has a sheet metal base 28, a power supply unit 10 and coupling locations 11 for coupling the fluid handling unit to an integrated temperature control or heat sink (not shown). Each component location has a signal connection 8 in the form of a unit switch board (UNSB). In addition, the expansion carrier has an open front 12 and side panels 9 and 9'.

[0067] Figure 4 shows an example of a possible arrangement of different fluid handling units 2 in an extension carrier 3. In this example, fluid handling units 2 with heat pipes can only occupy component positions D and D'. Positions D and D' further comprise ventilation ducts 22 and cooling fins 13. Fluid handling units 2 with control node (CN) functionality on the unit switch board can only be placed in position E. These fluid handling units with CN functionality have their own specific control unit. Component position E further comprises a fan 14. Component positions C and C' are only suitable for fluid handling units of short design. Component positions D, D' and E are also suitable for individual fluid handling units 2 of longer design.

[0068] Figures 5a and 5b show an example of a mechanical connecting element 15 and a counter part 16. In particular, Figure 5a shows a side view of the expansion carrier 3 with the connecting elements 15 and 16, and Figure 5b shows a detailed view of the two connecting elements 15 and 16. The mechanical connecting element 15 is designed as a perforated flap. Its female counter part 16 is designed as a pocket into which the perforated flap is pressed (Figure 5b). It can be fixed in place using an additional screw.

[0069] Figure 6 shows an example of a side panel 9. This side panel 9 has a perforated grid 18 through which air can be drawn in. In addition, the side panel 9 has struts 23 which form ventilation ducts 17 when the side panel 9 is installed.

[0070] Figure 7 shows a top view of the reagent organiser 7. Six positions 19 for reagents can be seen. On the left side there is a hose pass-through 20 which can hold up to six hoses or several capillaries. The reagent organiser 7 can be connected to a flat surface, e.g. a cover plate or an extension carrier, using four lateral screws.

[0071] 8 shows a detailed view of the hose passage 20 through which the hose 21 passes. The passage 20 is designed to allow the passage of the hose 21 and a fitting. This means that a fitting, for example in the form of an M6 fitting, fits particularly well through the uninterrupted portion 20' of the hose bushing 20.

[0072] Fig. 9a shows a single stop door 24 with a single hinge 25. The stop door 24 is symmetrical with a stop 25 on the right side of the figure and a hinge 25' on the left side of the figure, as well as a left stop and a right hinge (not visible in the figure). Thus, the door 24 can be opened to the left or right. Furthermore, the hinged door 24 has an observation window 26.

[0073] Figure 9b shows a multi-stop door 27, each with a hinge 25' at each step height. The hinges 25' are again mounted symmetrically on both sides so that again the door 27 can be mounted on the left and right side and opened accordingly.

[0074] Figure 9c shows a cross section through the pivot point of hinge 25' of single action door 24. Door 24 has a slight moment so that the door will stay in any open position and will not open or close freely.

[0075] Figure 10 shows a fluid handling unit in the form of an accessory drawer 30 without a control node. It can be used in particular to accommodate a sample preparation unit. The drawer 30 comprises a housing 31 and an extendable element 32 having a front cover 33. The extendable element 32 comprises a positioning element 34 for positioning the accessory. Furthermore, the extendable element 32 can include a connector 35 for fluidly connecting the accessory to the system.

[0076] Figure 11 shows a further embodiment of a fluid handling unit in the form of a further accessory drawer 30', particularly for separation columns (not shown). The drawer 30' may have the same elements as those described with reference to Figure 10. Furthermore, the accessory drawer 30' may comprise electronic circuitry 36, preferably located at the top and front of the housing 31'. Placing the electronics in this position simplifies the electronic links to the system.

[0077] Figures 12a-d explain the temperature control in further detail. Figure 12a shows a side panel 9 having a perforated grid 18. The holes in the perforated grid 18 act as intakes to direct cooling air through the housing.

[0078] A possible cooling air flow 37 is shown diagrammatically in FIG. 12b. The main air flow 37 does not pass laterally through the housing, but only inside the cooling channels 17. The air 37 is drawn in through a perforated grille 18 in the side panel 9 at the right front. On its path back to the fan 14, the air flows over the side wall of the shelf (schematically indicated by the horizontal arrows) and cools it. After the fan 14, the air flows through two cooling fin blocks 13. The heated air is still cool enough to cool the power supply unit 10 before it leaves the duct as exhaust air 38. Here, the cooling is now achieved by forced convection through the fan 14.

[0079] 12c and 12d show additional heat pipes 39 in the various fluid handling units 2 connected to the cooling fin block 13.

[0080] Fig. 13a shows an example of an embodiment of a possible leakage liquid collection system to prevent liquid from collecting inside a liquid chromatography system. Here, a mounting rail 40 for accessories such as hoses is mounted horizontally between the fluid handling units 2 of the liquid chromatography system 1. The fluid handling units 2 are provided with a vertical dripping edge 41, via which liquid escaping due to leakage is guided first into the mounting rail 40 and then further over its edge and thus past the individual components of the system. An additional seal 43 prevents water from entering the system. The side view of the mounting rail shows an inverted C-shape. The side shape is also shown in Fig. 13b.

Claims

1. configured to direct fluid flow to and from a chromatographic separation device; at least one fluid handling unit (2) provided as an interchangeable modular component, at least one fluid handling unit (2), wherein at least one said fluid handling unit (2) is connected or connectable to a liquid chromatography fluid path; - at least one expansion carrier (3) with at least one component position (C, C', D, D', E) for receiving at least one fluid handling unit (2), - at least one expansion carrier (3), said at least one expansion carrier (3) having an open front face (12) for inserting at least one said fluid handling unit (2); - a base plate (6) and / or a cover plate (4) 1. An automated liquid chromatography system (1) comprising: the at least one extension carrier (3) having at least one mechanical connection element (15), the at least one mechanical connection element (15) protruding from one plane to an adjacent plane when used as intended, the plane being selected from the extension carrier (3), a cover plate (4), and a base plate (6).

2. 2. A liquid chromatography system (1) according to claim 1, wherein at least one fluid handling unit (2) comprises at least one data carrier capable of storing or storing characteristic data of said fluid handling unit (2).

3. 3. A liquid chromatography system (1) according to claim 2, wherein each component position (C, C', D, D', E) has a signal connection (8) capable of reading out the at least one data carrier of a fluid handling unit (2) located at said component position (C, C', D, D', E).

4. A liquid chromatography system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising two or more extension carriers (3) and being vertically stackable such that, when used as intended, the at least one mechanical connection element (15) protrudes from one extension carrier (3) to an adjacent extension carrier (3).

5. 4. A liquid chromatography system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one extension carrier (3) is vertically stackable in such a way that, when used as intended, the at least one mechanical connection element (15) protrudes from the at least one extension carrier (3) to an adjacent base plate (6) and / or cover plate (4).

6. 4. A liquid chromatography system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least two fluid handling units (2) are arranged or are arrangeable horizontally next to each other in the component positions (C, C', D, D', E) of the at least one extension carrier (3) when used as intended.

7. A liquid chromatography system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein each of the extension carriers (3) has the same standard front height or an integer multiple thereof, and each of the extension carriers (3) has the same standard front width or an integer multiple thereof.

8. A liquid chromatography system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein each extension carrier (3) comprises a power supply unit (10).

9. 4. The liquid chromatography system (1) of claim 1, wherein the at least one expansion carrier (3) comprises, in addition to the fluid handling unit (2), cooling channels (17), a central control node, and / or a fan (14).

10. A liquid chromatography system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the fluid guides can be led along side panels (9) that extend across one or more extension carriers (3).

11. a) a gap is formed between the extension carrier (3) and the inside of the side panel (9) through which the fluid guide can be guided; or 11. The liquid chromatography system (1) according to claim 10, wherein a door module (24, 25) combined with the side panel (9) is provided with a recess into which the fluid guide can be guided.

12. A liquid chromatography system (1) as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least one of the fluid handling units (2) has a temperature control body that protrudes into the cooling channel (17) of the extension carrier (3) when used as intended.

13. The liquid chromatography system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the fluid handling unit (2) is selected from the group consisting of a pump, a metering unit, a multi-way valve, a separation column, a detector, a sample preparation unit, and a suppressor.

14. A liquid chromatography system (1) as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the side panel (9) of the extension carrier (3), having an intake port (18) for cooling air, is designed to be able to generate an airflow in a direction transverse to the direction of introduction of the fluid handling unit (2).

15. The following sequence: - intake port (18), - Fan (14), - one or more cooling channels (17) A liquid chromatography system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein is present in the arrangement of air flow elements.

16. A liquid chromatography system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein one or more vertical drip edges (41) are arranged between the fluid handling units (2).

17. A liquid chromatography system (1) as described in claim 16, wherein the vertical drip edge (41) is separated from the interior of the fluid handling unit (2) by a seal (43).

18. A liquid chromatography system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a mounting rail (40) for mounting fluid guides and / or accessories.

19. 4. An expansion carrier (3) for an automated liquid chromatography system (1) according to claim 2 or 3, comprising: - at least one component position (C, C', D, D', E) for receiving at least one fluid handling unit (2); an open front face (12) for inserting at least one fluid handling unit (2); The expansion carrier (3) comprises at least one mechanical connection element (15) capable of projecting into an adjacent vertical plane.

20. 20. The expansion carrier (3) according to claim 19, comprising for each component position (C, C', D, D', E) a signal connection (8) by which the data carrier of the fluid handling unit (2) located at said component position (C, C', D, D', E) can be read.

21. 20. An expansion carrier (3) according to claim 19, having two or more frameless component positions (C, C', D, D', E) for receiving two or more fluid handling units (2), wherein two or more fluid handling units (2) can be arranged next to each other in the component positions (C, C', D, D', E) of the expansion carrier (3) in a horizontal plane when used as intended.

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