A novel technology for packing and unpacking pilot and production scale columns.

A new method of packing and unpacking large scale chromatography columns is described. This involves use of a 3-position valve that can inject chromatography media into a closed column thereby packing it. This same valve in another state is then used to unpack the column. Heights equivalent to a theoretical plate and asymmetry factors of packs on columns from 280 to 800 mm diameter are discussed.