Patent ID: 6015491
Filing Date: 2000-01-18
Classification: B01D,B01J,G01N,Y10T

Abstract:
A apparatus for equalising pressure and flush in a vessel (1) having at least one concave extremity, the vessel comprising a chromatographic separation chamber (5) or a reaction chamber, at least one distribution plate (3) or collection plate located in the vessel, a pressure equalisation chamber (4) defined at least in part by the extremity of said vessel and by a first face of the plate, the separation chamber (5) or reaction chamber being at least partially defined by a second face of said distribution or collection plate, a first conduit (6) which places a first fluid in communication with the distribution or collection plate, the separation or reaction chamber (5) communicating with the equalisation chamber (4) via a flush chamber (10) comprising a first opening (21), the apparatus being characterized in that a line (9) for supplying a second fluid which is substantially pure or substantially non contaminated is directly connected to the flush chamber at a point such that a portion of said second fluid can circulate towards the pressure equalisation chamber via a further outlet opening (20) and the remaining portion can circulate towards the separation or reaction chamber via the first opening (21), and in that said pressure equalisation chamber (4) is connected to a means (14) for evacuating the fluid it contains.