Multi-dimensional chromatographic system for analyzing multiple sample components

A chromatography system comprises a first chromatography column for receiving and separating a flow stream, a plurality of traps configured to trap a plurality of distinct flow segments exiting the first chromatography column during separation of the flow stream, and a second chromatography column operatively associated with the plurality of traps for receiving and separating the distinct flow segments. A plurality of multi-port valves (VR, VL) may be provided, which may be configurable to a first position to couple a first chromatography column to a detector (PDA); and a second position defining a second flow path that couples the first column to one of the plurality of traps. The system may include at-column dilution at trapping and separating stages. A chromatography method for operating the chromatographic system may include measuring a plurality of time segments corresponding to a plurality of peaks of a fluid sample flowing through the first chromatographic column, and sequentially fluidly coupling the plurality of distinct flow segments with the corresponding plurality of traps during time segments corresponding to the plurality of peaks.