Control system and method for flash separation

Abstract

A chromatography system may include: a first solvent supply operatively connected to a chromatography column; a second solvent supply operatively connected to the chromatography column; a controller operatively connected to the first and second solvent supplies for delivering a flow of a solvent system to an inlet for the chromatography column in accord with a predetermined solvent gradient, wherein the flow of the solvent system through the chromatography column will separate components from a sample composition; and a collection apparatus operatively connected to an outlet from the chromatography column for collecting designated portions of the solvent system flow exiting the column. The controller may determine a target sample mass as a function of chromatography column parameters.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A chromatography system, comprising:
 a first solvent supply operatively connected to a chromatography column;   a second solvent supply operatively connected to the chromatography column;   a controller operatively connected to the first and second solvent supplies for delivering a flow of a solvent system to an inlet for the chromatography column in accord with a predetermined solvent gradient, wherein the flow of the solvent system through the chromatography column will separate components from a sample composition; and   a collection apparatus operatively connected to an outlet from the chromatography column for collecting designated portions of the solvent system flow exiting the column;   wherein the controller also determines a target sample mass as a function of chromatography column parameters.   
     
     
         2 . The chromatography system of  claim 1 , wherein the chromatography column parameters include one or more selected from a group consisting of column length, column diameter, and column packing. 
     
     
         3 . The chromatography system of  claim 1 , wherein the controller determines a target sample mass as a function of chromatography column parameters and a target degree of separation. 
     
     
         4 . The chromatography system of  claim 1 , wherein the controller is operatively connected to at least a third solvent supply for delivering a flow of a solvent system including at least three miscible solvents to the inlet for the chromatography column. 
     
     
         5 . The chromatography system of  claim 1 , wherein the controller is operatively connected to at least a third solvent supply for delivering a flow of a third solvent to the chromatography column, and
 wherein the third solvent and the solvent system are delivered to the inlet in sequence.   
     
     
         6 . The chromatography system of  claim 5 , wherein the controller is operatively connected to at least a third solvent supply for delivering a flow of a third solvent to the chromatography column, and
 wherein the third solvent and the solvent system are delivered to the inlet in sequence whereby there is partial overlap between delivery of the solvent system and delivery of the third solvent.