An HPLC column has a finite lifetime. It is recommended that you routinely monitor a column's retention characteristic and performance using standards. If you plan to store the column for a prolonged period of time, use a mobile phase that inhibits microbial growth (a mobile phase containing sodium azide or high concentrations of methanol, acetonitrile, etc.). For optimum performance and column life, follow these recommendations.
- Routinely monitor the column's performance.
- Switch only between miscible mobile phases.
- Avoid precipitating salts in the column.
- Use filtered and degassed mobile phases.
- Do not allow the column to dry out. Keep it tightly capped when not in use.
- For prolonged storage, use a mobile phase that inhibits bacterial and mold growth.
- Use the column in the direction indicated on the label. An unusually high operating pressure may indicate a plugged inlet frit and may be cleared by reversing flow through the column for 10-20 mL.
- Use Hamilton guard columns to remove particulate matter or impurities that may permanently bind to the analytical column.
Restoring Column Performance
The procedures listed below may restore the performance of a column that has become fouled, but the procedures will not improve the performance of a column that is damaged or beyond its useful life. Nor can all stationary phases be restored. The unique supports in PRP-X500 and PRP-X600 columns make it impossible to restore performance with a washing procedure. For technical assistance regarding these columns, please Contact HPLC Support. NOTE: Before performing a restoration procedure, always make sure that the mobile phases are miscible and that precipitation will not occur. If necessary, wash the column with a suitable intermediate solvent before changing over to the new mobile phase. A minimum of five column volumes of intermediate solvent should be used.
Column Restoration Procedures
Follow the appropriate restoration procedure listed below using a flow rate of 1.0 or 2.0 mL/min. unless otherwise specified. Evaluate column performance using the test mix and conditions listed on the Performance Test Report shipped with each column.
Column Restoration Procedures
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Packing Material Name
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Restoration Procedure
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PRP-C18
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Flush with 40:40:20 (ACN:IPA:H20) for 5-10 column volumes.
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| PRP-1 |
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PRP-3
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PRP-h5
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HxSil C8
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HxSil C18
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PRP-X100
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Pump approximately 50 mL of methanol with 1% 6 N nitric acid
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PRP-X200
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Inject several times with 100 µL of 1 N nitric acid
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PRP-X300
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PRP-X400
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Inject Several times with 100 µL of 0.1 M potassium EDTA
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RCX-10
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Flush with 50 mL 0.1 N sodium hydroxide
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RCX-30
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Flush with 150 mL 0.1 N sodium hydroxide
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HC-40
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Ca2+ Flush with 1% calcium chloride at 0.1 mL/min overnight
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HC-75
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Ca2+ Flush with 1% calcium chloride at 0.1 mL/min overnight
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H+ Flush with 0.1 N sulfuric acid at 0.1 mL/min overnight
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Pb2+ Flush with 1% lead nitrate at 0.1 mL/min overnight
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