Patent ID: 7419599

Claim:
A method for packing of columns comprising: providing an automated control unit comprising automation software and hardware; providing a column that includes a movable adapter movable by pumping liquid in or out of a sealed space between said movable adapter and a lid of said column; providing said control unit to monitor movement of the movable adapter in the column, wherein the control unit is configured to pack the column with a settled bed of media based on the control unit having relevant media information of a desired packed bed height, a volume of slurry with a specified particle concentration and a descent speed for the movable adapter has to move to provide a required settled bed height and a required amount of compression of the settled bed of media; providing said control unit to determine a breakpoint when said movable adapter begins to compress said settled bed of media by calculating the position where a pressure rise starts in said sealed space; and providing said automation software to calculate the distance that said movable adapter has to move from said breakpoint to achieve a predetermined amount of bed compression and moving said movable adapter to the position corresponding to the distance.