CPC B01D 15/1878 (2013.01) [B01D 15/163 (2013.01); G01N 27/44773 (2013.01); G01N 30/06 (2013.01); G01N 30/16 (2013.01); G01N 30/32 (2013.01); G01N 30/463 (2013.01); G01N 2030/326 (2013.01)] | 20 Claims |
1. A sample separation apparatus for separating a fluidic sample, the sample separation apparatus comprising:
a first-dimension separation unit for separating the fluidic sample, wherein the first-dimension separation unit comprises a first-dimension outlet for outputting the fluidic sample or fractions thereof after treatment by the first-dimension separation unit;
a second-dimension separation unit for further separating the fluidic sample or fractions thereof after treatment by the first-dimension separation unit, wherein the second-dimension separation unit comprises a second-dimension inlet fluidically coupled to the first-dimension outlet;
a modulation unit fluidically coupled between the first-dimension outlet and the second-dimension inlet at a first coupling point, wherein the modulation unit is configured to withdraw fluid from the first coupling point and to eject fluid into the first coupling point; and
a second-dimension fluid drive fluidically coupled to a second coupling point between the first-dimension outlet and the second-dimension inlet, wherein the second coupling point is located downstream from the first coupling point, and the second-dimension fluid drive is configured to generate a fluid flow for driving at least part of the fluidic sample after treatment by the first-dimension separation unit through the second-dimension separation unit,
wherein the first-dimension separation unit is fluidically coupled to the second-dimension separation unit via the first coupling point and the second coupling point, with the first coupling point and the second coupling point each comprising three fluid terminals and providing a permanent fluid communication between the three fluid terminals.
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