A method of making and loading a chromatography column, the method comprising: selecting a column tube which has an elasticity, and an inner surface having an inner diameter and a length to accommodate a volume of packing medium, selecting first and second flow distributors each in the form of a disc having an outer diameter, which outer diameter is larger than the inner diameter of the inner surface of the column tube, permanently securing the first flow distributor to a first end of the column tube; loading a packing medium into the column tube; inserting the second flow distributor into a second end of the column tube by applying an axial force to drive the second flow distributor into the column tube to establish an interference fit between the second flow distributor and the inner surface of the column tube to form a sealed chamber within the column tube between the first and second flow distributors, wherein the interference fit induces a hoop tension sufficient to provide a liquid-tight seal allowing the column to withstand operational pressures up to 689.5kPa (100 psi) and maintain a hydrostatic seal without the second flow distributor being permanently fixed in position, and adjusting a longitudinal position of the second flow distributor within the column tube by (i) applying an additional axial force to move the second flow distributor further into the column tube, or (ii) forcing liquid into the sealed chamber to apply a hydraulic force to move the second flow distributor back towards the second end of the column tube, or any combination of (i) and (ii); and when the second flow distributor has reached a final longitudinal position, permanently securing the second flow distributor within the column tube at the final longitudinal position. selecting a column tube which has an elasticity, and an inner surface having an inner diameter and a length to accommodate a volume of packing medium, selecting first and second flow distributors each in the form of a disc having an outer diameter, which outer diameter is larger than the inner diameter of the inner surface of the column tube, permanently securing the first flow distributor to a first end of the column tube; loading a packing medium into the column tube; inserting the second flow distributor into a second end of the column tube by applying an axial force to drive the second flow distributor into the column tube to establish an interference fit between the second flow distributor and the inner surface of the column tube to form a sealed chamber within the column tube between the first and second flow distributors, wherein the interference fit induces a hoop tension sufficient to provide a liquid-tight seal allowing the column to withstand operational pressures up to 689.5kPa (100 psi) and maintain a hydrostatic seal without the second flow distributor being permanently fixed in position, and adjusting a longitudinal position of the second flow distributor within the column tube by (i) applying an additional axial force to move the second flow distributor further into the column tube, or (ii) forcing liquid into the sealed chamber to apply a hydraulic force to move the second flow distributor back towards the second end of the column tube, or (i) applying an additional axial force to move the second flow distributor further into the column tube, or (ii) forcing liquid into the sealed chamber to apply a hydraulic force to move the second flow distributor back towards the second end of the column tube, or any combination of (i) and (ii); and when the second flow distributor has reached a final longitudinal position, permanently securing the second flow distributor within the column tube at the final longitudinal position. when the second flow distributor has reached a final longitudinal position, permanently securing the second flow distributor within the column tube at the final longitudinal position. <EOS>