Multidimensional liquid analysis
system (10), comprising: an analysis
system of first dimension (12) comprising a first
separation column for the
chromatographic separation of a liquid mobile phase into an
efflux of first dimension (20) with an
efflux rate of first dimension; a
flow divider (24) for separating the outflow of first dimension (20) into a first outlet partial flow (26) and a second outlet partial flow (28) with a first pressure; a second-
dimensional analysis system (14) comprising a second
separation column (34) for chromatographically separating the second outlet partial
stream (28) into a second-dimensional outflow (38) and an injection valve (32) for directing the samples from the second outlet partial
stream (28) into the second
separation column (34), wherein the injection valve (32) has an inlet opening (1) for receiving the second outlet partial
stream (28), an outlet opening (6) and a first and second
separate sample loop (36a, 36b), comprising flow channels that can be alternately positioned in fluidic connection with the second outlet partial stream (28) or the second separation column (34); and a flow metering device (30) for receiving the second exhaust partial flow (28) from the outlet opening (6) of the injection valve (32) along an exhaust flow path (29), wherein the flow metering device (30) comprises a valve for selectively closing or opening the exhaust flow path (29) in response to a
control signal (72) from a metering control (74) programmed to allow the second exhaust partial flow (28) from the
flow divider (24) at a predetermined second partial exhaust flow rate, wherein the second partial exhaust flow rate is determined by a volume of the second exhaust partial flow (28) enabled by the flow metering device (30) along the exhaust flow path (29) within a defined time interval. wherein the flow metering device (30) includes: (i) a
stator (112) with a
stator surface (116), a first
stator inlet passage (114) extending along the outlet flow path (29) through the stator (112) and opening into the stator surface (116) through a first stator opening (118), a first
discharge passage (120) extending along the outlet flow path (29) through the stator (112) and through a second stator opening (124) spaced apart from the first stator opening (118), and a second
discharge passage (122) extending along a
discharge path (33) through the stator (112) and opening into the stator surface (116) through a third stator opening (126); and (ii) a rotor (128) with a rotor surface (130) which is in fluid-tight contact with the stator surface (116) at an interface, wherein the rotor surface (130) includes a boat (132, 134) designed to receive a partial quantity of liquid in fluid-flow communication with the interface, wherein the rotor (128) is rotatable about an axis of rotation (136) with respect to the stator (112) in order to move the boat (132, 134) successively into several stations spaced apart about the axis, wherein a first
station (138) aligns the boat (132, 134) in fluid-flow communication with the outlet flow path (29) at the first stator opening (118) and a second
station (140) aligns the boat (132, 134) in fluid-flow communication with the outlet flow path (29) at the second aligns the stator opening (124), with the second and third stator openings (124, 126) being positioned at least when the boat (132, 134) is at the second
station (140),are connected to each other in terms of fluid dynamics.