Size exclusion chromatography using a semipermeable membrane of graduated pore size

摘要

A method of size exclusion chromatography on a time dispersion basis in which separation is performed using a semi-permeable membrane (4) in which the pore size of the membrane is graduated along the length of the flow channel from the point of introduction of the sample and apparatus therefor. The flow channel is advantageously helical and divided into inner (6) and outer (3) helical parts with the membrane disposed therebetween. The membrane is preferably tubular and preferably the material of the membrane is Alumina/Silica. A method of assembling the apparatus comprises positioning a core (5) (having a helical inlet flow channel in its external surface) within an outer sleeve (1) (having at least one outlet flow channel (3) eg by cutting into the surface of the sleeve) in the presence of a tubular graduated semi-permeable membrane having subjected the components to differential temperatures such that the temperature equalisation gives rise to contraction joint sealing. IMAGE