Column within a module having an internal or external on-column or flow cell detector with optional heating for liquid chromatography

Abstract

A system and method for separating the functionality of a liquid chromatography (LC) system into physically distinct systems that enable a more versatile LC system, wherein the LC device provides a liquid solvent, a sample, and a pump and injector for pushing the sample in the solvent out of an output port, provides a detachable module including a module input port, a column, and a heating unit on the column, the module provides either a transparent column, an opaque column, or a combination of both, the system provides an on-column detector within the module, or a flow cell detector within the module, within the LC device, or external to the module and the LC device, separates, identifies, and quantifies substances in the sample, and pumps the sample in the solvent through the column to at least one detector using a high-pressure compression connection that enables collection of results from at least one detector and transmission to a computing system for analysis, and attaches the module to the LC device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Background Description of Related Technology: Liquid chromatography (LC) is performed to analyze chemical substances in a solution. FIG. 1 may include, but should not be considered limited to, a container of solvent 10, a pump 12, an injector 14, a sample 16, a column 18, a heater unit 20, a detector 22, and a computing device 24 for data acquisition, and is a block diagram of components that can be part of a prior art LC system. Other components may be required, and the arrangement of specific components can be changed from that shown, but typically these components are used in an LC system.

Background Art

[0002] The function of the LC system can proceed as follows. The LC system can use a pump to pass a pressurized liquid solvent containing a sample mixture through a column filled with a solid adsorbent material. Each component in the sample interacts slightly differently with the adsorbent material, thereby causing different migration rates of the different substances in the sample and resulting in separation of the substances as they flow out of the column.

[0003] When these equipment components are used either in a laboratory or a portable setting, in the current state of the art, it is necessary to make physical connections between the various components of the system. For example, consider the diagram shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 2 shows that there is a connection 30 between the injector 14 and the column 18.

[0004] An LC system provides an LC device with a liquid solvent, a sample, and a pump and injector for extruding the sample in the solvent to an output port, and then provides a mountable module including a module input port, a column, and at least one detector for on-column detection. Then, to separate, identify, and quantify substances in the sample and to collect and analyze the results from at least one detector and transmit them to an LC system for analysis, the module is attached to the LC device using a press-fit connection that enables pumping the sample in the solvent through the column to at least one detector, and by integrating the column and detector within the module having an on-column detector, the prior art is improved.

[0005] Providing several improvements to enhance the versatility and sensitivity of the LC system is an advantage over the prior art. For example, it would be an improvement to provide a system and method for heating the column while it is within the module, thereby providing a column temperature that exceeds the controlled ambient.

[0006] Prior art modules were also limited to providing a capillary column for on-column detection. Thus, it is a further advantage to have an LC system that can include a variety of different columns, including non-transparent columns, and that is not limited to UV or visible light detection using a transparent capillary column.

[0007] In addition to providing a non-transparent column in the module, various detectors can be used, including flow cell detectors that were not previously supported. It would be another advantage if the flow cell detector could be placed inside the module, inside the LC device, or outside both, depending on the size of the flow cell detector. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEM

[0008] Overview The present invention is a system and method for separating the functionality of a liquid chromatography (LC) system into physically distinct systems that enable a more versatile LC system, wherein the LC apparatus provides a liquid solvent, a sample, and a pump and injector for pushing the sample in the solvent out to an output port, provides a removable module including a module input port, a column, and a heating unit on the column, the module provides either a transparent, non-transparent column, or a combination of both, the system provides an on-column detector within the module, or a flow cell detector within the module, within the LC apparatus, or external to the module and the LC apparatus, separates, identifies, and quantifies substances in the sample, and pumps the sample in the solvent through the column to at least one detector for collecting and analyzing the results from at least one detector and transmitting them to a computing system, and attaches the module to the LC apparatus using a high-pressure compression connection that enables this pumping transport.

[0009] In a first aspect of the present invention, it may be advantageous to be able to have a heating unit on only the full length or a part of the length of the column within the module.

[0010] In a second aspect of the present invention, non-transparent or opaque columns may also be used within the module to provide more diverse test capabilities.

[0011] In a third aspect of the present invention, a flow cell detector can be used within the LC system. In a fourth aspect of the present invention, the flow cell detector is placed inside the module, inside the LC apparatus, or outside both the module and the LC apparatus.

[0012] In a fifth aspect of the present invention, a plurality of columns may be connected in series, and the columns are a transparent column, a non-transparent column, or a combination of a transparent column and a non-transparent column.

[0013] In a sixth aspect of the present invention, a detector may be arranged at the junction between the columns. These and other embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art by considering the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0015] Detailed Description The various embodiments of the present invention are numbered and reference is made to the drawings that illustrate the embodiments to enable those skilled in the art to make and use the present invention. It should be understood that the following description is illustrative of embodiments of the present invention and should not be considered as narrowing the following claims.

[0016] The present invention may be usable in a liquid chromatography (LC) system for separating, identifying, and quantifying each component in a sample mixture.

[0017] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a prior art LC system 36 including an LC device 38 and a module 40. The LC device 38 may include several components such as a pump, a pump reservoir for solvents, an injector, a sample, and a battery. The LC device 38 may include fewer components, or may include additional components, and should not be considered limited to the components described above.

[0018] The LC system 36 also includes a module 40. The module 40 may include a housing that enables the module to be attached to the LC device 38 and protects the components disposed within the module.

[0019] Among the prior arts, the connection system between the LC device 38 and the module 40 is an important aspect of the present invention. To provide a highly reliable and reproducible connection system, a slot 70 is provided in the LC device 38 to enable pre-alignment between the LC device 38 and the module 40 and to safely guide the module to the connection point on the LC device. The slot 70 also enables the connection points between the LC device 38 and the module 40 to approach straightly.

[0020] Before explaining these connection points in more detail, it is useful to explain the prior art module 40. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the module 40 having a cover that covers the components disposed inside.

[0021] The housing of the module 40 may be used to attach the module to the LC device 38, but it should be understood that the attachment points are not relied upon for leak-free press-fit connections. For example, the LC device 38 may have corresponding latches that engage a plurality of latch ports 60 shown in the module 40.

[0022] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the first embodiment of the present invention with the cover removed, showing a first possible arrangement of the components inside the module 40. The specific arrangement of the components is not important and should not be considered as limiting the appended claims.

[0023] The module 40 may include a connection end 72 that is seated against a corresponding connection end of the LC device 38. FIG. 5 also shows a column 18 that is curved towards the detector 74. In this first embodiment, a portion of the column 18 may be within the column oven 76. Next, the column 18 exits the column oven 76 and proceeds to the detector 74. Typically, the column 18 ends when it exits the column oven 76 and is replaced by a transfer line 78. The transfer line 78 transfers the solvent and sample to a detector positioned outside the module 40.

[0024] The ability of the first embodiment to include an opaque column in the module 40 means that detectors other than on-column detectors can also be part of the LC system 36. However, other types of detectors are not required. Thus, adding an opaque column does not mean that the LC system 36 cannot continue to perform on-column detection. It requires that the columns be connected in series and that at least one column be transparent. However, if only non-permeable columns are used within the module, either a flow cell detector or some other non-flow cell type detector needs to be used.

[0025] In this particular example, the detector 74 is a UV absorption flow cell detector. Since it is too large to fit inside the module 40, it is placed outside the module. However, it should be understood that the type of detector can vary without changing the scope of the claims.

[0026] The module 40 of FIG. 5 has been modified to include other features, which also differ from the prior art. First, the prior art module 40 required a press-fit connection between the module and the LC device 38. In contrast, the first embodiment may use any connector 82 that provides a high-pressure seal using compression, and thus a high-pressure compression connection. This may be a press-fit connector or a quick-connect type connector. What is important is that the connector is not limited to a press-fit connector.

[0027] Here, the module 40 of the first embodiment includes a heating unit 70 only over the entire length or a part of the length of the column 18. The heating unit 70 may be disposed within a column oven 76 of the module 40. The column oven 76 may be sealed when the cover of the module 40 is attached to the module. The column 18 may include a transfer line 78 that delivers the sample to the flow cell detector 74. The module 40 may also include a waste line 80 that returns the sample to the LC device 38 after passing through the detector 74.

[0028] To enhance the versatility of the module 40, an increasing number of separation columns and packing media from various vendors are becoming available. These may be placed in series to obtain the advantages of using them to obtain the desired separation and detection characteristics.

[0029] Another feature of the first embodiment is the ability to use many of the various types of columns available on the market, not just the transparent columns used for on-column detection as in the prior art. These other columns include non-transparent or opaque columns that are not suitable for on-column detection. For example, some other columns include an opaque coating or are made of an opaque material. Other columns may have a sheath of non-transparent material. Thus, most columns having an OD of about 1 mm or less can be used within the first embodiment of the module 40. This means that any capillary or nearly capillary-sized column can be used with the module 40.

[0030] As described above, while the prior art was limited to on-column UV or fluorescence detectors, the first embodiment may use various flow cell detectors that utilize the flow of a fluid moving through the detector beam path. The first embodiment may also use a detector that is not an on-column or flow cell detector. These are detectors such as mass spectrometers or ion mobility detectors.

[0031] Examples of flow cell detectors include, but are not limited to, UV absorption detectors, photodiode array detectors, fluorescence detectors, electrochemical detectors, electrical conductivity detectors, and refractive index detectors. Thus, another aspect of the first embodiment is that the flow cell detector 74 may be disposed inside the module 40, inside the LC device 38, or, if too large, outside the module and the LC device.

[0032] Note that when the flow cell detector is disposed outside the module 40 and the LC device 38, the transfer line 78 may be coupled to the column 18 and extend from the side or back of the module to reach a detector that is typically placed in proximity.

[0033] One aspect of the first embodiment is that the column used in the present invention need not be a monolithic device. In other words, two different types of columns may be coupled in series to obtain the advantages of different columns. For example, an opaque column 18 may be coupled to a transparent column to perform on-column detection. A detector may also be disposed between different columns. This may be useful, for example, in determining the length of time it takes for a particular sample to pass through different columns.

[0034] The prior art teaches that the LC system shown in FIG. 3 is split only into two separate components, an LC device 38 and a module 40, which together contain all the elements necessary to perform liquid chromatography. However, in the second embodiment shown in the block diagram of FIG. 6, the LC device 38 includes at least one detector 74 that was previously shown to be located within the module 40. Thus, the new module 40 may include only the column 18 and the heater unit 70, and one or more detectors 74 may be arranged inside the LC device 38 adjacent to the input port. In this embodiment, the module 40 is used only for the purpose of separating the sample within the column 18. However, the module 40 can use different types of columns, not just transparent columns.

[0035] In a third embodiment of the system shown in FIG. 7, at least one detector 74 may not be located within the LC device 38 or the module 40. Instead, it is separated from both of these devices 38, 40 and is a third separate component of the LC system 36.

[0036] In FIG. 5, it was explained that the module of this example includes a UV absorption flow cell detector 74 that does not use on-column detection. FIG. 8 is provided as a cross-sectional profile view of the UV absorption Z flow cell detector 74 that can be used in FIG. 5. FIG. 8 shows that the sample is delivered to the Z flow cell detector 74 by the transfer line 78 (or flexible column) at point 80. There may be no capillary column between the input at point 80 and the outlet at point 82. The path between point 80 and point 82 may simply be a hole or channel arranged within the material of the detector 74. Next, the detector 74 is connected to the waste line 68 at point 82.

[0037] The light source 84 enters the path through the window 90 and exits through the window 92, shining on the detector 86 through the longitudinal portion of the transfer column 78. This Z-flow cell detector 74 has a higher sensitivity than the on-column detector because the optical path length 88 is longer than any on-column detector path length as shown in FIG. 8, and is up to 10 times more sensitive.

[0038] Capillary high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) offers substantial advantages in the form of reduced solvent consumption, waste, and sample volume requirements. The range of applications was previously limited by the availability of columns of appropriate dimensions and structures. Now, an increasing number of separation columns and packing media are available from various vendors.

[0039] The embodiments of the present invention shown in FIGS. 5, 6, and 7 teach a small and portable capillary LC that utilizes a modular system for column, or column and detector, replacement. Previous modules required the use of proprietary or custom-packed columns and did not allow for column heating.

[0040] The heated column module of the first embodiment can accommodate a capillary column having an outer diameter (OD) of 1.0 mm and an inner diameter (ID) of 0.075 - 0.500 mm, typically a length of 5 - 25 cm, stable heating up to 80°C, and a fluid configuration that maintains optimal chromatographic performance. The first embodiment can also achieve a stable temperature in less than 20 minutes and can maintain a stable temperature within 0.1°C and may include an inlet transfer line. The specific lengths, dimensions, and temperatures are merely examples and do not limit the following claims.

[0041] This new module design can expand the possible applications by enabling controlled column heating and accepting a wide range of capillary column dimensions from multiple open-market vendors. It also allows for direct column exchange, minimizes the possibility of sub-optimal fluid fitting connections, and includes robust use in various environments.

[0042] The above embodiments may describe a module for use in an on-column or flow cell detection system, but it should be understood that the module and connection system may be adapted for use in any measuring device that requires a secure connection for fluid flow between different components and should not be considered limited to on-column or flow cell detection systems.

[0043] An overview of embodiments of the present invention is as follows. A first embodiment is a liquid chromatography (LC) system for separating, identifying, and quantifying substances in a sample. The system is composed of two devices: an LC device and a module.

[0044] The LC device comprises a pump, a solvent and a sample, an injector for delivering the sample in the solvent, a fluid port for enabling the injector to deliver the sample in the solvent to an output port, and a connection dock for providing a first electrical port.

[0045] A separate module attached to the LC device using high-pressure compression connections forms a high-pressure seal at the output port and includes a module input port for receiving the sample in the solvent, a second electrical port coupled to the first electrical port, a column coupled to the module input port at a first end for receiving the sample in the solvent, and at least one detector for performing on-column or flow cell detection of substances in the sample in the solvent. The column and the detector perform separation, identification, and quantification of the substances, and the results of the separation, identification, and quantification of the substances are transmitted from the module to a computing device using the first electrical port and the second electrical port.

[0046] The LC system may be further defined as having an output port of a connection dock that further includes a normally open output port. Similarly, the module input port further includes a normally open module input port.

[0047] As further details regarding the possible output ports of the connection dock, it further includes a recess or a frustum of a cone, and the module input port further includes a frustum protrusion that is complementary and shape-fitting to the recess of the output port, and the output port and the module input port form a leak-free high-pressure compression connection.

[0048] An important aspect of the present invention is to know that the LC system further forms a high-pressure compression connection that can withstand pressures exceeding 1000 psi. The LC system has been tested at pressures exceeding 10,000 psi and is considered to be able to go even higher.

[0049] The high-pressure compression connection system may be enabled using a knob and a threaded screw. However, first, there is at least one guide rail on the LC device 38 for guiding the module 40 when making a high-pressure compression connection with the LC device to ensure that the connection is made straight, a ratchet knob disposed within the LC device, and a threaded screw coupled to the ratchet knob. When the ratchet knob is rotated, the threaded screw is rotated, and the threaded screw is disposed through the connection dock.

[0050] The threaded hole is also disposed at the connection end of the module. When ensuring that the threaded hole is aligned with the threaded screw of the LC device, when the ratchet knob is rotated, the threaded screw is rotated through the threaded hole. When the output port of the connection dock is coupled to the module input port so that the sample in the solvent can move from the LC device to the module, the ratchet knob prevents the threaded screw from rotating.

[0051] Several other aspects of the present invention should also be addressed. First, the detector is typically disposed in the LC device. In contrast, embodiments of the present invention show the concept that both the column and one or more detectors can be disposed inside the module 40, inside the LC device 38, or outside both the module and the LC device. Thus, different detectors may be used with the same LC device 38 and are no longer dependent on the detectors provided in the LC device for different types of measurements that can be performed.

[0052] In another aspect, a transparent or opaque column 18 of any desired length can also be paired with any type of detector 74 that can fit inside the module. Thus, the LC device 38 can be easily and quickly coupled with any desired combination of column length and one or more detectors 74 using the module 40 and the high-pressure compression connection system of embodiments of the present invention.

[0053] Another aspect of the present invention is that embodiments can operate at both low and high pressures by the recessed and protruding high-pressure compression connection system of embodiments of the present invention. For example, embodiments of the present invention can operate at pressures far exceeding 1000 psi. Thus, embodiments of the present invention should be considered to operate as a low-high pressure LC system.

[0054] Another aspect of embodiments of the present invention is that each module 40 can include a non-volatile memory. The non-volatile memory enables the removal of power from the module 40 without losing the contents of the memory.

[0055] The contents of the memory within the module 40 can be written to and read from the LC device 38 or any other device capable of making a proper connection to the electrical port 44. The contents of the memory within the module 40 can include, but should not be considered limited to, the length of the column, the type of column, the type of detector, the position of the detector along the column, the number of times the module has been used to make measurements, and any other statistics that may be useful to the user of the module.

[0056] As may be apparent from the above description, it should still be stated that the sizes of module 40 and LC device 38 are relatively small. For example, LC system 36 may be portable and may be operated by a battery.

[0057] Nevertheless, LC system 36 may be a desktop system that still uses the same module 40 that can be used with portable LC system 36. Also, module 40 may be small, but that is not a requirement of LC system 36.

[0058] The above-described embodiments relate to an LC system that is divided into two or three separate components, LC device 38, module 40, and optionally external detector 74, which together include all the elements necessary to perform liquid chromatography.

[0059] The general outline of such a device is as follows. It includes a pump, solvents and samples, an injector for delivering the sample in the solvent, a fluid port for enabling the injector to deliver the sample in the solvent to the output port, an input port for receiving the sample in the solvent from the module, and a connection dock for providing a first electrical port.

[0060] Next, a separate module is attached to the LC device using high-pressure compression connections. The module includes a module input port for forming a high-pressure compression connection to the output port and receiving the sample in the solvent, a module output port for forming a high-pressure compression connection to the input port and sending the sample in the solvent to the LC device, a second electrical port coupled to the first electrical port, and a column coupled at a first end to the module input port for receiving the sample in the solvent.

[0061] Next, the LC system performs either an on-column test within the module, a flow cell test within the module, a flow cell test within the LC device, or a flow cell test in a flow cell detector external to both the LC device and the module.

[0062] Although only a few exemplary embodiments have been described in detail above, those skilled in the art will readily understand that many modifications are possible to the exemplary embodiments without substantially departing from the present invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the following claims. It is the express intention of the applicant not to invoke 35 USC 112, paragraph 6 for any limitations of any of the claims herein, except where the claim expressly uses the word "means" with associated functions.

Claims

1. A liquid chromatography (LC) system, wherein the system comprises an LC device, a pump, a solvent, and a sample, an injector for delivering the sample in the solvent, a connection dock for providing the output port and the first electrical port to enable the injector to deliver the sample in the solvent to the output port, an LC device comprising a separate module attached to the LC device, a module input port for forming a high-pressure compression connection to the output port and receiving the sample in the solvent, a second electrical port coupled to the first electrical port, a first column coupled at a first end to the module input port for receiving the sample in the solvent, the first column being opaque or transparent, a heating unit, a column oven disposed around at least a portion of the heating unit and the column, and at least one detector for performing detection of substances in the sample in the solvent, wherein the first column and the detector perform separation, identification, and quantification of substances, a separate module comprising and comprising an LC system, wherein the results of separation, identification, and quantification of substances are transmitted from the module to a computing device using the first electrical port and the second electrical port.

2. The LC system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one detector is selected from the group of detectors consisting of a UV absorption detector, a photodiode array detector, a fluorescence detector, an electrochemical detector, an electrical conductivity detector, a refractive index detector, an on-column detector, a mass spectrometer, and an ion mobility spectrometer.

3. The LC system according to claim 1, wherein the column further comprises at least one additional column coupled to the first column, and the at least one additional column can be opaque or transparent.

4. A liquid chromatography (LC) system, wherein the system comprises an LC device, a pump, a solvent, and a sample, an injector for delivering the sample in the solvent, a connection dock for providing an LC output port, an LC input port, and a first electrical port to enable the injector to deliver the sample in the solvent to the output port, At least one detector coupled to the LC input port, receiving the sample in the solvent, and performing detection of substances in the sample in the solvent, An LC apparatus comprising: A separate module attached to the LC apparatus, A module input port that forms a high-pressure compression connection to the LC output port and receives the sample in the solvent, A second electrical port coupled to the first electrical port, A first column coupled at a first end to the module input port for receiving the sample in the solvent, the first column being transparent or opaque, and the first column being coupled at a second end to the module output port, the first column, A heating unit, A column oven disposed around at least a portion of the heating unit and the first column, A separate module comprising: Comprising: An LC system in which the results of separation, identification, and quantification of substances are transmitted from the module to a computing device using the first electrical port and the second electrical port.

5. The LC system according to claim 4, wherein the at least one detector is selected from the group of detectors consisting of a UV absorption detector, a photodiode array detector, a fluorescence detector, an electrochemical detector, a conductivity detector, a refractive index detector, an on-column detector, a mass spectrometer, and an ion mobility spectrometer.

6. The LC system according to claim 4, wherein the first column further includes at least one additional column coupled to the first column, and the additional column can be transparent or opaque.

7. A liquid chromatography (LC) system, wherein the system includes: An LC apparatus, A pump, a solvent, and a sample, An injector for delivering the sample in the solvent, A connection dock for providing an LC output port, an LC input port, and a first electrical port that enables the injector to deliver the sample in the solvent to the output port, An LC apparatus comprising: A separate module attached to the LC apparatus, A module input port that forms a high-pressure compression connection to the LC output port and receives the sample in the solvent, A second electrical port coupled to the first electrical port, A first column coupled at a first end to the module input port for receiving the sample in the solvent, the first column being transparent or opaque, the first column being coupled at a second end to the module output port, a first column, A heating unit, A column oven disposed around at least a portion of the heating unit and the first column, A separate module comprising, At least one detector coupled to the module output port for receiving the sample in the solvent and performing detection of substances in the sample in the solvent, Comprising, An LC system in which the results of separation, identification, and quantification of substances are transmitted from the module to a computing device using the first electrical port and the second electrical port.

8. The LC system according to claim 7, wherein the at least one detector is selected from the group of detectors consisting of a UV absorption detector, a photodiode array detector, a fluorescence detector, an electrochemical detector, an electrical conductivity detector, a refractive index detector, an on-column detector, a mass spectrometer, and an ion mobility spectrometer.

9. The LC system according to claim 7, wherein the first column further includes at least one additional column coupled to the first column, the additional column being transparent or opaque.

10. A liquid chromatography (LC) system, the system comprising, An LC device, A pump, a solvent and a sample, An injector for delivering the sample in the solvent, A connection dock for providing the output port and the first electrical port to enable the injector to deliver the sample in the solvent to the output port, An LC device comprising, A separate module attached to the LC device, A module input port forming a high-pressure compression connection to the output port for receiving the sample in the solvent, A second electrical port coupled to the first electrical port, A first column coupled at a first end to the module input port for receiving the sample in the solvent, the first column being opaque or transparent, a first column, A heating unit, A column oven disposed around at least a portion of the heating unit and the column, At least one flow cell detector for performing detection of substances in the sample in the solvent, wherein the first column and the detector perform separation, identification, and quantification of substances, at least one flow cell detector A separate module comprising Comprising An LC system in which the results of separation, identification, and quantification of substances are transmitted from the module to a computing device using the first electrical port and the second electrical port **Claim 11** A liquid chromatography (LC) system, wherein the system An LC device, comprising A pump, a solvent, and a sample An injector for delivering the sample in the solvent A connection dock for providing an LC output port, an LC input port, and a first electrical port that enables the injector to deliver the sample in the solvent to an output port At least one flow cell detector coupled to the LC input port, receiving the sample in the solvent, and performing detection of substances in the sample in the solvent An LC device comprising A separate module attached to the LC device, comprising A module input port that forms a high-pressure compression connection to the LC output port and receives the sample in the solvent A second electrical port coupled to the first electrical port A first column coupled at a first end to the module input port for receiving the sample in the solvent, wherein the first column is transparent or opaque and is coupled at a second end to the module output port A heating unit A column oven disposed around at least a portion of the heating unit and the first column A separate module comprising Comprising An LC system in which the results of separation, identification, and quantification of substances are transmitted from the module to a computing device using the first electrical port and the second electrical port **Claim 12** A liquid chromatography (LC) system, wherein the system An LC device, comprising A pump, a solvent, and a sample An injector for delivering the sample in the solvent A connection dock for providing an LC output port, an LC input port, and a first electrical port that enables the injector to deliver the sample in the solvent to an output port An LC device comprising A separate module attached to the LC device, comprising Form a high-pressure compression connection to the LC output port, and a module input port for receiving the sample in the solvent. A second electrical port coupled to the first electrical port. A first column coupled at a first end to the module input port for receiving the sample in the solvent, the first column being transparent or opaque, and the first column being coupled at a second end to the module output port. A heating unit. A column oven disposed around at least a portion of the heating unit and the first column. A separate module comprising: At least one flow cell detector coupled to the module output port, receiving the sample in the solvent, and performing detection of substances in the sample in the solvent. Comprising: An LC system in which the results of substance separation, identification, and quantification are transmitted from the module to a computing device using the first electrical port and the second electrical port.

13. A method of performing liquid chromatography (LC) for separating, identifying, and quantifying substances in a sample, the method comprising: Providing an LC device comprising a pump, a solvent and a sample, an injector for delivering the sample in the solvent, and a connection dock for providing a fluid port and a first electrical port that enable the injector to deliver the sample in the solvent to an LC output port. Providing a separate module attached to the LC device, the module comprising a module input port for forming a high-pressure compression connection to the LC output port and receiving the sample in the solvent, a second electrical port coupled to the first electrical port, a column coupled at a first end to the module input port for receiving the sample in the solvent, the first column being transparent or opaque, a heating unit, a column oven disposed around at least a portion of the heating unit and the first column, and at least one detector for performing detection of substances in the sample in the solvent, the column and the detector performing separation, identification, and quantification of substances. Performing LC by attaching the module to the LC device using the high-pressure compression connection. Injecting the sample in the solvent into the column within the module; Separating the sample in the solvent; Identifying substances in the sample in the solvent based on how the sample interacts with the adsorbent material in the column; Quantifying the substances in the sample; Using the first and second electrical ports to transmit data regarding the substances from the module to a computing device A method comprising the above. Claim 14 The method according to claim 10, further comprising selecting the at least one detector from a group of detectors consisting of a UV absorption detector, a photodiode array detector, a fluorescence detector, an electrochemical detector, a conductivity detector, a refractive index detector, an on-column detector, a mass spectrometer, and an ion mobility spectrometer. Claim 15 The method according to claim 10, further comprising providing an additional column coupled to the first column, the additional column being able to be transparent or opaque.

Images