Importance

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Abstract

The invention relates to a method for providing a defined fluid flow, especially for use in liquid chromatography. According to the method, a constant total flow (f.sub.0) is subdivided into an internal excess flow (f.sub.ie) in an excess branch and into an internal working flow (f.sub.iw) in a working branch. The ratio of subdivision of the internal working flow (f.sub.iw) and the internal excess flow (f.sub.ie) depends on the reverse ratio of a fluidic resistance provided in the working branch and a fluidic resistance in the excess branch. The excess branch and the working branch are interlinked at the respective outputs of the two fluidic outputs of the fluidic resistances by a cross-branch. The equalizing flow occurring between the outputs of the fluidic resistances is measured by means of a flow sensor. A desired, external working flow in the further course of the working branch can be fed to a working device, for example a chromatography column mounted downstream of the device. Further down the excess branch a variable fluidic resistance device is arranged. The resistance value of the variable fluidic resistance device is controlled, thereby controlling the equalizing flow in such a manner that the equalizing flow, preferably in the temporal mean, is substantially zero or equals a defined offset value whose amount is small compared to the internal working flow (f.sub.iw). The invention also relates to a device for carrying out the inventive method.

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First Claim