Patent ID: 6736974
Filing Date: 2004-05-18
Classification: B01D,G01N

Abstract:
A method of accessing the interior of a chromatography column comprising the steps of:a) providing a chromatography column having a dispersion section connected to a product inlet and a cylinder with a plunger connected to a drive system, said plunger moveable within a cavity of the cylinder in an operational mode, and a collecting section opposing the dispersion section; b) raising the plunger and dispersion section with the drive system a predetermined distance above a top of the cavity to a first maintenance position without the use of a crane; c) performing intrusive maintenance within the column without removing the plunger from the column; d) lowering the plunger and dispersion section to an operational position within the cylinder with the drive system; and then e) introducing product from the product inlet into the cylinder through the dispersion section with the plunger remaining in the cylinder.