Patent ID: 8066876
Filing Date: 2011-11-29
Classification: B01D,G01N

Abstract:
1. A column module for a chromatographic packing system, the column module comprising: a frame; a column removably supported by the frame and comprising a first end and an axially opposing second end; a piston head axially movable in the column and removable from the column; a flange attached to the frame in a fixed position at an axial distance from the first end; a piston rod extending through a bore of the flange and removably coupled to the piston head; a locking mechanism movable from an unlocked state in which the piston rod and the piston head are axially movable relative to the column, to a locked state in which the locking mechanism prevents the piston rod and the piston head from axially moving away from the column, wherein the frame, the column, the piston head, the flange, the piston rod and the locking mechanism are movable as a unit while in the locked state; and an end cap assembly comprising a hydraulic lifting mechanism and an end cap supported by the hydraulic lifting mechanism, wherein: the end cap assembly is attached to the frame wherein the end cap communicates with the column at the second end; the end cap assembly is removable from the frame wherein the end cap assembly, including the end cap and the hydraulic lifting mechanism, is removable as a single unit; the column when removed from the frame is removable as a single unit with the end cap assembly and the hydraulic lifting mechanism; and the hydraulic lifting mechanism is axially movable from a lowered position to a raised position while the locking mechanism is in the unlocked state and in the locked state, wherein the end cap is axially movable with the hydraulic lifting mechanism and, while the end cap assembly is attached to the frame, the column and the flange are axially movable with the hydraulic lifting mechanism.