GB2592965A

GB2592965A - Rotatable analytical device

Info

Publication number: GB2592965A
Application number: GB2003589.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Loraing Daniela; Lembcke Jan; Siegmundt-Pan Qi; Hoelzer Rene
Original assignee: Agilent Technologies Inc
Current assignee: Agilent Technologies Inc
Priority date: 2020-03-12
Filing date: 2020-03-12
Publication date: 2021-09-15
Anticipated expiration: 2040-03-12
Also published as: GB202003589D0; GB2592965B

Abstract

An analytical device (200) configured for analysing a sample comprising an interface section (210, 220, 230) configured for allowing to interface with the analytical device, and a turnable unit (205) configured for allowing to rotate a position of the interface section, at least within a given range around a rotational axis. The interface section may comprise a user interface, a supply interface, a transfer interface, a service interface. The device may comprise a non-turnable unit (240, 250), configured to remain in position when the position of the turnable unit is rotated. The device may comprise on or more housing, and each housing comprising one or more function units configured for analysing the sample. The device may comprise a plurality of modules, with at least one module comprising the interface and being rotatable around the rotational axis. The device may also comprise a supply channel (260) substantially concentric with the rotational axis. The analytical device may be a chromatography system, or it may be a liquid chromatography system. Also provided is a method of use.

Description

DESCRIPTION

ROTATABLE ANALYTICAL DEVICE BACKGROUND ART

[0001] The present invention relates to an analytical device configured for analyzing a sample, preferably for chromatographic sample separation.

[0002] For liquid separation in a chromatography system, a mobile phase comprising a sample fluid (e.g. a chemical or biological mixture) with compounds to be separated is driven through a stationary phase (such as a chromatographic column packing), thus separating different compounds of the sample fluid which may then be identified. The term compound, as used herein, shall cover compounds which might comprise one or more different components.

[0003] The mobile phase, typically comprised of one or more solvents, is pumped under high-pressure typically through a chromatographic column containing packing medium (also referred to as packing material or stationary phase). As the sample is carried through the column by the liquid flow, the different compounds, each one having a different affinity to the packing medium, move through the column at different speeds. Those compounds having greater affinity for the stationary phase move more slowly through the column than those having less affinity, and this speed differential results in the compounds being separated from one another as they pass through the column. The stationary phase is subject to a mechanical force generated in particular by a hydraulic pump that pumps the mobile phase usually from an upstream connection of the column to a downstream connection of the column. As a result of flow, depending on the physical properties of the stationary phase and the mobile phase, a relatively high-pressure drop is generated across the column.

[0004] The mobile phase with the separated compounds exits the column and passes through a detector, which registers and/or identifies the molecules, for example by spectrophotometric absorbance measurements. A two-dimensional plot of the detector measurements against elution time or volume, known as a chromatogram, may be made, and from the chromatogram the compounds may be identified. For each compound, the chromatogram displays a separate curve feature -1 -also designated as a "peak".

[0005] In preparative chromatography systems, a liquid as the mobile phase is provided usually at a controlled flow rate (e. g. in the range of 1 mL/min to thousands of mL/min, e.g. in analytical scale preparative LC in the range of 1 -5 mL/min and preparative scale in the range of 4 -200 mL/min) and at pressure in the range of tens to hundreds bar, e.g. 20 -600 bar.

[0006] In high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), a liquid as the mobile phase has to be provided usually at a very controlled flow rate (e. g. in the range of microliters to milliliters per minute) and at high-pressure (typically 20-100 MPa, 200- 1000 bar, and beyond up to currently 200 MPa, 2000 bar) at which compressibility of the liquid becomes noticeable.

[0007] In preparative chromatography systems used for chromatography fluidically separating samples at a larger volume, typically in the range of 0.1 mL to tens of mL, there often is a need for analysing a smaller volume of such sample prior to running the separation of the larger volume (e.g. in the sense of an "analytical scouting run").

For such purpose, an analytical chromatography system may be used for chromatographically separating smaller sample volumes, typically in the range of 10 uL -50 ul. Such analytical chromatography system may be an HPLC system.

[0008] Analytical devices (often referred to also as instruments) are provided for analysing a sample, such as for carrying out a chromatographic separation of the sample. Such analytical devices are typically provided as a single unit (i.e. within a single housing) or by multiple modules which may be stacked together e.g. one over the other in the sense of a tower. In many laboratory floors, a great number of analytical devices are placed together in more or less close physical proximity. For accessing or interfacing with such analytical device, e.g. if a service engineer or any other person doing surveys or installation, it is often very difficult to reach e.g. the rear side of the instrument for example to perform a service task, which may be connecting or disconnecting cables, loosen or tighten screws, et cetera. Many analytical devices are rather heavy and cannot be turned around. Further, such analytical devices may be interconnected with other devices or there is not enough room between plural devices, so that it may be difficult to rotate such devices or to access e.g. their rear -2 -side.

DISCLOSURE

[0009] It is an object of the invention to provide an improved interfacing with an analytical device, preferably for chromatographic sample separation. The object is 5 solved by the independent claims. Further embodiments are shown by the dependent claims.

[0010] In one embodiment, an analytical device configured for analysing a sample is provided. The analytical device comprises an interface section configured for allowing to interface with the analytical device, and a turnable unit configured for allowing to rotate a position of the interface section at least within a given range around a rotational axis. This improves accessing the interface section by appropriately rotating the turnable unit.

[0011] The interface section is or may comprise at least one of: a user interface configured for allowing a user to interface with the analytical device; a supply interface configured for supplying the analytical device with at least one of: electrical energy, one or more fluids preferably one or more solvents, the sample; a transfer interface configured for transferring to and/or from the analytical device at least one of: one or more fluids preferably one or more solvents and/or a waste fluid, information relating to at least one of: the sample, analysing the sample, the analytical device, operating the analytical device, one or more fluids supplied to and/or from the analytical device; and a service interface configured for allowing a service personnel to interface with the analytical device. Automated access e.g. by a robot or another device such as a sample preparation device or autosampler may also be possible. The device may also rotate autonomously (e.g. for robot access or to connect with another device.

[0012] The interface section is or may comprise an interface configured for allowing to interact with the analytical device. The interface may comprise a power supply interface to supply the analytical device with electric energy. Alternatively or in addition, the interface may comprise a data transfer interface to transfer data from and/or to the analytical device (as for instance, a network interface, a USB-interface, a flash-card reader, a fire-wire interface, a Thunderbolt interface, a video display interface as HDMI, VGA, DVI, DisplayPort or the like, audio interface, a PS/2 -3 -interface, an optical interface, RFID, NFC, Wireless Lan, Ethernet, or the like. Alternatively or in addition, the interface may comprise an input device to control/operate the analytical device (as for instance a button, a touch screen, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch sensor or touch switch, a touchless sensor or the like).

Alternatively or in addition, the interface may comprise an interface to visualize data or a state of the analytical device (as for instance a screen, a LED, a e-paper display, a display, a lamp or the like).

[0013] Alternatively or in addition, the interface may comprise a sample transfer interface to add samples or to remove samples from the analytical device (as for instance the opening/the door of an autosampler, a sample holding mechanism, a valve port, a syringe port or the like). Alternatively or in addition, the interface may comprise hardware ports for connecting tubing or conduits to and/or between at least parts of the analytical device (as for instance valve ports, column ports, syringe ports, pump ports or the like). Alternatively or in addition, the interface may comprise solvent bottles for supplying the analytical device with one or more fluids (for instance to replace or refill such bottles or to connect such bottles to tubing or conduits). Alternatively or in addition, the interface may comprise one or more waste bottles or tanks (for instance to empty or replace such bottles or tanks).

[0014] Alternatively or in addition, the interface may comprise a mechanical interface preferably for holding at least one separating device (as for instance a chromatographic column or the like). Alternatively or in addition, the interface may comprise a maintenance interface preferably for exchanging or maintaining parts of the analytical device (as for instance, a valve head, a pump head, a detector light source or the like). Connection to other devices, such as alternative detectors, like UV/Vis-Spectrometer, mass spectrometer (MS), inductively coupled plasma -mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) may be provided as well.

[0015] In one embodiment, the analytical device comprises one or more non-turnable units configured to remain in position when the position of the turnable unit is rotated.

[0016] In one embodiment, the analytical device comprises one or more housings, each housing comprising one or more functional units configured for analysing the -4 -sample.

[0017] In one embodiment, the analytical device comprises a plurality of housings interconnected by at least one of: electrical, fluidic, and mechanical coupling. Alternatively or in addition, at least one of the housings comprises the interface section. Plural of the housings may each comprise a respective interface section. At least one of the housings may comprise the turnable unit. Alternatively or in addition, at least one of the housing comprises the turnable unit, wherein the turnable unit is configured for allowing to rotate the housing within a given range around the rotational axis.

[0018] In one embodiment, the analytical device comprises a plurality of modules, with at least one of the modules comprising the interface section and being rotatable around the rotational axis, preferably being rotatable independently of other of the modules.

[0019] In one embodiment, the analytical device comprises a turntable being turnable around the rotational axis at least within the given range.

[0020] In one embodiment, the rotation of the turnable unit is a centric rotation around the rotational axis. Alternatively or in addition, the rotation of the turnable unit is an eccentric rotation around the rotational axis.

[0021] In one embodiment, the turnable unit comprises a stopper configured for disabling a rotation of the turnable unit outside the given range.

[0022] In one embodiment, the given range of rotation is equal or less than 360°, preferably equal or less than 2700, more preferably equal or less than 1800, preferably equal or less than 900.

[0023] In one embodiment, the given range of rotation in either direction is equal or less than 180°, preferably equal or less than 1350, more preferably equal or less than 90°, preferably equal or less than 45°.

[0024] In one embodiment, the turnable unit comprises a drive configured for driving the rotation of the turnable unit, wherein the drive preferably is an electric motor. -5 -

[0025] In one embodiment, the turnable unit is configured to rotate between a plurality of defined positions of the interface section, wherein preferably at least one of the plurality of defined positions is a return position to be assumed in the absence of any additional force for moving out of the return position.

[0026] In one embodiment, the rotational axis is a central axis of the analytical device.

[0027] In one embodiment, the analytical device comprises a supply channel substantially concentric with the rotational axis, wherein the supply channel is preferably remaining in its position when the position of the interface section is rotated, and the supply channel is configured to allow access to and/or from the analytical device.

[0028] The supply channel may be configured for supplying the analytical device with at least one of: electrical energy, one or more fluids preferably one or more solvents. Alternatively or in addition, the supply channel may be configured for transferring to and/or from the analytical device at least one of: one or more fluids preferably one or more solvents and/or a waste fluid, information relating to at least one of: the sample, analysing the sample, the analytical device, operating the analytical device, one or more fluids supplied to and/or from the analytical device.

[0029] In one embodiment, the analytical device comprises is a chromatography system comprising a mobile phase drive and a separation unit, wherein the mobile phase drive is configured for driving a mobile phase through the separation unit, and the separation unit is configured for chromatographically separating compounds of a sample fluid in the mobile phase.

[0030] In one embodiment, the analytical device comprises is a liquid chromatography system, wherein the sample fluid is a sample liquid, the mobile phase is comprised of one or more liquid solvents, and the separation unit is a chromatographic column configured for separating liquid compounds of the sample liquid in the mobile phase.

[0031] In one embodiment, a method of operating an analytical device is provided.

The analytical device is configured for analysing a sample and comprises an interface -6 -section configured for allowing to interface with the analytical device. The method comprises rotating a position of the interface section at least within a given range around a rotational axis, and interfacing with the analytical device.

[0032] In one embodiment, the separation system further comprises at least one of a sample dispatcher configured to introduce the sample fluid into the mobile phase, a detector configured to detect separated compounds of the sample fluid, a collection unit configured to collect separated compounds of the sample fluid, a data processing unit configured to process data received from the fluid separation system, a degassing apparatus for degassing the mobile phase.

[0033] Embodiments of the present invention might be embodied based on most conventionally available HPLC systems, such as the Agilent 1220, 1260 and 1290 Infinity LC Series (provided by the applicant Agilent Technologies).

[0034] The separating device preferably comprises a chromatographic column providing the stationary phase. The column might be a glass, metal, ceramic or a composite material tube (e.g. with a diameter from 50 pm to 5 mm and a length of 1 cm to 1 m) or a microfluidic column (as disclosed e.g. in EP 1577012 Al or the Agilent 1200 Series HPLC-Chip/MS System provided by the applicant Agilent Technologies). The individual components are retained by the stationary phase differently and separate from each other while they are propagating at different speeds through the column with the eluent. At the end of the column they elute at least partly separated from each other. During the entire chromatography process the eluent might be also collected in a series of fractions. The stationary phase or adsorbent in column chromatography usually is a solid material. The most common stationary phase for column chromatography is silica gel, followed by alumina.

[0035] The mobile phase (or eluent) can be either a pure solvent or a mixture of different solvents. It can also contain additives, i.e. be a solution of the said additives in a solvent or a mixture of solvents. It can be chosen e.g. to adjust the retention of the compounds of interest and/or the amount of mobile phase to run the chromatography. The mobile phase can also be chosen so that the different compounds can be separated effectively. The mobile phase might comprise an organic solvent like e.g. methanol or acetonitrile, often diluted with water. For gradient -7 -operation water and organic solvent is delivered in separate containers, from which the gradient pump delivers a programmed blend to the system. Other commonly used solvents may be isopropanol, THF, hexane, ethanol and/or any combination thereof or any combination of these with aforementioned solvents.

[0036] The sample fluid might comprise any type of process liquid, natural sample like juice, body fluids like plasma or it may be the result of a reaction like from a fermentation broth, bio reactor, digestion, or other type of sample preparation.

[0037] The fluid is preferably a liquid but may also be or comprise a gas and/or a supercritical fluid (as e.g. used in supercritical fluid chromatography -SFC -as disclosed e.g. in US 4,982,597 A).

[0038] The pressure in the mobile phase might range from 2-200 MPa (20 to 2000 bar), in particular 10-150 MPa (100 to 1500 bar), and more particular 50-130 MPa (500 to 1300 bar).

[0039] The HPLC system might further comprise a detector for detecting separated compounds of the sample fluid, a fractionating unit for outputting separated compounds of the sample fluid, or any combination thereof. Further details of HPLC system are disclosed with respect to the aforementioned Agilent HPLC series, provided by the applicant Agilent Technologies.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0040] Other objects and many of the attendant advantages of embodiments of the present invention will be readily appreciated and become better understood by reference to the following more detailed description of embodiments in connection with the accompanied drawings. Features that are substantially or functionally equal or similar will be referred to by the same reference signs.

[0041] Fig. 1 illustrates a liquid chromatography system according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0042] Figure 2 illustrates an embodiment of an analytical device 200.

[0043] Figure 3 shows examples of different shapes of the analytical device 200 in Figure 2. -8 -

[0044] Referring now in greater detail to the drawings, Fig. 1 depicts a general schematic of a liquid separation system 10. A mobile phase drive 20 (such as a pump) receives a mobile phase from a solvent supply 25, typically via a degasser 27 which degases the mobile phase and thus reduces the amount of dissolved gases in it. The mobile phase drive 20 drives the mobile phase through a separating device 30 (such as a chromatographic column). A sample injector 40 (also referred to as sample introduction apparatus, sample dispatcher, etc.) is provided between the mobile phase drive 20 and the separating device 30 in order to subject or add (often referred to as sample introduction) portions of one or more sample fluids into the flow of a mobile phase. The separating device 30 is adapted for separating compounds of the sample fluid, e.g. a liquid. A detector 50 is provided for detecting separated compounds of the sample fluid. A fractionating unit 60 can be provided for outputting separated compounds of sample fluid. In one embodiment, at least parts of the sample injector 40 and the fractionating unit 60 can be combined, e.g. in the sense that some common hardware is used as applied by both of the sample injector 40 and the fractionating unit 60.

[0045] The separating device 30 may comprise a stationary phase configured for separating compounds of the sample fluid. Alternatively, the separating device 30 may be based on a different separation principle (e.g. field flow fractionation).

[0046] While the mobile phase can be comprised of one solvent only, it may also be mixed of plurality of solvents. Such mixing might be a low pressure mixing and provided upstream of the mobile phase drive 20, so that the mobile phase drive 20 already receives and pumps the mixed solvents as the mobile phase. Alternatively, the mobile phase drive 20 might be comprised of plural individual pumping units, with plural of the pumping units each receiving and pumping a different solvent or mixture, so that the mixing of the mobile phase (as received by the separating device 30) occurs at high pressure and downstream of the mobile phase drive 20 (or as part thereof). The composition (mixture) of the mobile phase may be kept constant over time, the so-called isocratic mode, or varied over time, the so-called gradient mode.

[0047] A data processing unit 70, which can be a conventional PC or workstation, might be coupled (as indicated by the dotted arrows) to one or more of the devices in the liquid separation system 10 in order to receive information and/or control -9 -operation.

[0048] Figure 2 illustrates an embodiment of an analytical device 200 which may incorporate a liquid separation system 10 as e.g. described with respect to Figure 1. The analytical device 200 is configured for analysing a sample such as the sample fluid in the liquid separation system 10. The analytical device 200 comprises a turnable unit 205 bearing three interface sections 210, 220, and 230, each allowing to interface with the analytical device 200, as will be explained in more detail later. The analytical device 200 further comprises a base unit 240 allowing to rotate the turnable unit 205 around a rotational axis, as represented by the arrows in Figure 2.

The base unit 240 will remain in position and will not rotate when the turnable unit 205 will be rotated. The analytical device 200 may further comprise a non-turnable top unit 250 which will also remain in position and not rotate when the turnable unit 205 will be rotated.

[0049] The analytical device 200 in the exemplary embodiment of Figure 2 shall comprise only one rotatable unit, namely the turnable unit 205, while the two other units, namely the base unit 240 and the top unit 250 are provided to be non-rotatable. However, it is clear that other designs are possible accordingly, e.g. with a plurality of rotatable units which may be rotatable more or less independently of each other, or with only a single rotatable unit (i.e. without a non-rotatable unit) so that substantially the entire analytical device 200 becomes rotatable (at least as seen from outside, e.g. as depicted in Figure 2, with the analytical device 200 e.g. having a non-rotatable baseplate more or less invisible from outside).

[0050] In the exemplary embodiment of Figure 2, the interface section 210 shall be a user interface configured for allowing a user to interface with the analytical device. Such user interface may be an input device to control/operate the analytical device 200, for instance a button, a touch screen, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch sensor or touch switch, a touchless sensor or the like, and/or an interface to visualize data or a state of the analytical device, for instance a screen, a LED, a e-paper display, a display, a lamp or the like.

[0051] The interface section 220 may be a supply interface configured for supplying the analytical device with at least one of: electrical energy, one or more fluids preferably one or more solvents, the sample, hardware ports for connecting tubing or conduits to and/or between at least parts of the analytical device (for instance valve ports, column ports, syringe ports, pump ports or the like), solvent bottles for supplying the analytical device with one or more fluids (for instance to replace or refill such bottles or to connect such bottles to tubing or conduits), and one or more waste bottles or tanks (for instance to empty or replace such bottles or tanks).

[0052] Alternatively or in addition, the interface section 220 may be a transfer interface configured for transferring to and/or from the analytical device. Such transfer may comprise one or more of the following: one or more fluids preferably one or more solvents and/or a waste fluid, information relating to at least one of: the sample, analysing the sample, the analytical device, operating the analytical device, one or more fluids supplied to and/or from the analytical device, a data transfer interface to transfer data from and/or to the analytical device (for instance, a network interface, a USB-interface, a flash-card reader, a fire-wire interface, a Thunderbolt interface, a video display interface as HDMI, VGA, DVI, DisplayPort or the like, audio interface, a PS/2 interface, an optical interface, RFID, or the like), a sample transfer interface to add samples or to remove samples from the analytical device (as for instance the opening/the door of an autosampler, a sample holding mechanism, a valve port, a syringe port or the like).

[0053] The interface section 230 shall be a service interface configured for allowing a service personnel to interface with the analytical device, e.g. for exchanging or maintaining parts of the analytical device (as for instance, a valve head, a pump head, a detector light source or the like). Alternatively or in addition, the interface section 230 may be a mechanical interface for example for holding one or more separating devices (as for instance the chromatographic column 30 of Figure 1 or the like).

[0054] In the exemplary embodiment of Figure 2, the base unit 240 together with the turnable unit 205 provide a turntable so that the turnable unit 205 can be turnable around the rotational axis.

[0055] In one embodiment, the turning/rotation of the turnable unit 205 is limited, e.g. resulting from the specific construction or mechanical constraints, within a given range, which range of rotation may be equal or less than 3600, preferably equal or less than 270°, more preferably equal or less than 180°, and further preferably equal or less than 90°. Alternatively, the given range of rotation in either direction may be equal or less than 1800, preferably equal or less than 1350, more preferably equal or less than 90°, preferably equal or less than 45°.

[0056] The base unit 240 may comprise a stopper (not shown in Figure 2) configured for disabling a rotation of the base unit 240 outside the given range.

[0057] While the rotation of the turnable unit 205 preferably is a centric rotation around the rotational axis, an eccentric rotation around the rotational axis may also be applied, dependent on the specifics of the respective application. While the rotational axis is preferably selected to be a central axis of the analytical device 200, it is clear that any other suitable rotational axis can be applied accordingly.

[0058] The base unit 240 and/or the turnable unit 205 may comprise a drive (not shown in Figure 2) for driving the rotation of the turnable unit 205, preferably provided by an electric motor. This may in particular help ensuring that the turnable unit 205 cannot be rotated outside and allowed range of rotation. Further, this may be useful in particular in case of rather heavy analytical devices 240.

[0059] In one embodiment, the turnable unit 205 is configured to rotate between a plurality of defined positions (with respect to at least one of the interface sections 210- 230), so that the turnable unit 205 will assume a respective one of the defined positions as result of the rotational action. In one embodiment, one of the plurality of defined positions is configured as a return position to be assumed in the absence of any additional force for moving out of the return position, so that the turnable unit 205 will always return into such return position.

[0060] The analytical device 200 of the exemplary embodiment of Figure 2 may further comprise a supply channel 260 provided centrally within the top unit 250 and preferably being substantially concentric with the rotational axis of the turnable unit 205. The supply channel 260 can be used for supplying the analytical device 200 (or respective modules or individual units thereof) with electrical energy and/or other resources. Alternatively or in addition, the supply channel 260 may be used for transferring to and/or from the analytical device 200 one or more fluids, preferably one or more solvents (e.g. to provide the mobile phase as explained with respect to Figure 1) and/or a waste fluid, and/or information relating to the sample, analysing the sample, the analytical device, operating the analytical device, and/or et cetera. The supply channel 260 may thus provide management of electrical cables and/or liquid tubings (such as capillaries), and allowing to locate such cables and/or tubings in an organised and tidy fashion.

[0061] With the supply channel 260 being provided with as part of the top unit 250 and extending downwards along the axis of rotation e.g. to the base unit 240, it can be assured that the supply channel 260 can remain its position even when turnable unit 205 is rotated. In other words, the supply channel 260 is preferably designed to remain its spatial position and not to rotate together with the turnable unit 205 or as a result of a rotation of the turnable unit 205.

[0062] While the base unit 240 may be an integral part of the analytical device 200 in the sense of being mechanically coupled with the analytical device 200, it is clear that the base unit 240 may also be provided as individual unit to be coupled with the analytical device 200, e.g. by positioning the analytical device 200 onto the base unit 240. Such base unit 240 being provided as an individual unit may preferably comprise the supply channel 260 or parts thereof.

[0063] Figure 3 shows examples of different (cross-sectional) shapes, as seen e.g. in top or bottom view to the embodiment of the analytical device 200 in Figure 2.

Such shapes may be applied for each only individual modules of the analytical device 200, for example for each of the turnable unit 205, the base unit 240, and the top unit 250. Such shapes may be square (reference numeral 300), square with beveled corners (310), square with rounded corners (320), oblong (330), circle (340) as also shown in the embodiment of Figure 2, polygon (350), or any other suitable shape.

Respective modules with different shapes may also be combined to a respective analytical device 200.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An analytical device (200) configured for analysing a sample, comprising: an interface section (210, 220, 230) configured for allowing to interface with the analytical device (200), and a turnable unit (205) configured for allowing to rotate a position of the interface section (210, 220, 230) at least within a given range around a rotational axis.
2. The analytical device (200) according to the preceding claim, wherein the interface section (210, 220, 230) is or comprises at least one of: a user interface configured for allowing a user to interface with the analytical device (200); a supply interface configured for supplying the analytical device (200) with at least one of: electrical energy, one or more fluids preferably one or more solvents, the sample; a transfer interface configured for transferring to and/or from the analytical device (200) at least one of: one or more fluids preferably one or more solvents and/or a waste fluid, information relating to at least one of: the sample, analysing the sample, the analytical device (200), operating the analytical device (200), one or more fluids supplied to and/or from the analytical device (200); a service interface configured for allowing a service personnel to interface with the analytical device (200).
3. The analytical device (200) according to any one of the above claims, wherein the interface section (210, 220, 230) is or comprises an interface configured for allowing to interact with the analytical device (200), wherein the interface comprises at least one of: a power supply interface to supply the analytical device (200) with electric energy; a data transfer interface to transfer data from and/or to the analytical device -14-(200); an input device to control/operate the analytical device (200); an interface to visualize data or a state of the analytical device (200); a sample transfer interface to add samples or to remove samples from the analytical device (200); hardware ports for connecting tubing or conduits to and/or between at least parts of the analytical device (200); solvent bottles for supplying the analytical device (200) with one or more fluids; one or more waste bottles or tanks; a mechanical interface preferably for holding at least one separating device; a maintenance interface preferably for exchanging or maintaining parts of the analytical device (200).
4. The analytical device (200) according to any one of the above claims, further comprising: a non-turnable unit (240, 250) configured to remain in position when the position of the turnable unit (205) is rotated.
5. The analytical device (200) according to any one of the above claims, further comprising: one or more housings, each housing comprising one or more functional units configured for analysing the sample.
6. The analytical device (200) according to the preceding claim, comprising at least one of: a plurality of the housings are interconnected by at least one of: electrical, fluidic, and mechanical coupling; at least one of the housings comprises the interface section (210, 220, 230); plural of the housings each comprise a respective interface section (210, 220, 230); at least one of the housings comprises the turnable unit (205); at least one of the housing comprises the turnable unit (205), wherein the turnable unit (205) is configured for allowing to rotate the housing within a given range around the rotational axis.
7. The analytical device (200) according to any one of the above claims, comprising: a plurality of modules, with at least one of the modules comprising the interface section (210, 220, 230) and being rotatable around the rotational axis, preferably being rotatable independently of other of the modules.
8. The analytical device (200) according to any one of the above claims, comprising at least one of: a turntable being turnable around the rotational axis at least within the given range; the rotation of the turnable unit (205) is a centric rotation around the rotational axis; the rotation of the turnable unit (205) is an eccentric rotation around the rotational axis; the turnable unit (205) comprises a stopper configured for disabling a rotation of the turnable unit (205) outside the given range; the given range of rotation is equal or less than 360°, preferably equal or less than 2700, more preferably equal or less than 1800, preferably equal or less than 900; the given range of rotation in either direction is equal or less than 180°, preferably equal or less than 135°, more preferably equal or less than 90°, preferably equal or less than 45°; the turnable unit (205) comprises a drive configured for driving the rotation of the turnable unit (205), wherein the drive preferably is an electric motor; the turnable unit (205) is configured to rotate between a plurality of defined positions of the interface section (210, 220, 230), wherein preferably at least one of the plurality of defined positions is a return position to be assumed in the absence of any additional force for moving out of the return position; the rotational axis is a central axis of the analytical device (200).
9. The analytical device (200) according to any one of the above claims, further comprising: a supply channel (260) substantially concentric with the rotational axis, wherein the supply channel (260) is preferably remaining in its position when the position of the interface section (210, 220, 230) is rotated, and the supply channel (260) is configured to allow access to and/or from the analytical device (200).
10. The analytical device (200) according to the preceding claim, wherein the supply channel (260) is configured for at least one of: supplying the analytical device (200) with at least one of: electrical energy, one or more fluids preferably one or more solvents; transferring to and/or from the analytical device (200) at least one of: one or more fluids preferably one or more solvents and/or a waste fluid, information relating to at least one of: the sample, analysing the sample, the analytical device (200), operating the analytical device (200), one or more fluids supplied to and/or from the analytical device (200).
11. The analytical device (200), according to any one of the above claims, being a chromatography system (10) comprising a mobile phase drive (20) and a separation unit (30), wherein the mobile phase drive (20) is configured for driving a mobile phase through the separation unit (30), and the separation unit (30) is configured for chromatographically separating compounds of a sample fluid in the mobile phase.
12. The analytical device (200), according to any one of the above claims, being a liquid chromatography system (10), wherein the sample fluid is a sample liquid, the mobile phase is comprised of one or more liquid solvents, and the separation unit is a chromatographic column configured for separating liquid compounds of the sample liquid in the mobile phase.
13. A method of operating an analytical device (200) configured for analysing a sample and having an interface section (210, 220, 230) configured for allowing to interface with the analytical device (200), the method comprising: rotating a position of the interface section (210, 220, 230) at least within a given range around a rotational axis, and interfacing with the analytical device (200).