Waters CORTECS 1.6 um Columns - Manual (Page 3)

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CORTECS Columns
e. Initial Column efficiency Determination
1. Perform an efficiency test on the column before using it. This
test may consist of:
a.
An analyte test mixture that is commonly used in your
laboratory, and/or
b. An analyte mixture as found on the “Performance Test
Chromatogram” which accompanied your column.
Note: If b. is performed, the isocratic efficiencies measured in
your laboratory may be less than those given on the Waters
“Performance Test Chromatogram”. This is normal. CORTECS
Columns are QC tested on ACQUITY UPLC I-Class Systems
which have extremely low system volumes. This presents a
more challenging test of how well the column was packed and
guarantees the highest quality packed column.
2. Determine the number of theoretical plates (N) and use this
value for periodic comparisons.
3. Repeat the test at predetermined intervals to track column
performance over time. Slight variations may be obtained
on two different UPLC
® Systems due to the quality of the
connections, operating environment, system electronics,
reagent quality, column condition and operator technique.
f. VanGuard Pre-Columns
VanGuard ™ Pre-columns are 2.1 mm ID x 5 mm length guard
column devices designed specifically for use in the ACQUITY
UPLC System. VanGuard Pre-columns are packed with the same
CORTECS chemistries and frits as our 2.1 mm ID CORTECS
Columns. VanGuard Pre-columns are designed to be attached
directly to the inlet side of a CORTECS Column.
Note: In order to ensure void-free and leak-free connections, the
VanGuard Pre-column is shipped with the collet and ferrule NOT
permanently attached. Care must be taken when removing the
O-ring that holds these two pieces on the pre-column tubing.
CoRteCs Column VanGuard Pre-Column
Place wrench here
Ferrule
Collet
Place wrench here
Flow
Installation Instructions
1. Remove the VanGuard Pre-column from its box and shipping
tube and remove plastic plug.
2. Orient the pre-column so that male end is facing up and
carefully remove rubber O-ring that holds collet and ferrule
in place during shipping (collet and ferrule are not yet
permanently attached).
3. Orient the CORTECS Column perpendicular to the work surface
so that column inlet is on the bottom (column outlet on top).
4. From below, insert the VanGuard Pre-column into the CORTECS
Column inlet and hand-tighten (collet and ferrule are not yet
permanently attached).
5. While pushing the VanGuard Pre-Column into the column
inlet, turn assembled column and pre-column 180˚ so that
pre-column is now on top.
6. Tighten with two 5/16” wrenches placed onto the CORTECS
Column flats and the VanGuard Pre-column hex nut (male end)
as shown above.
7. Tighten 1/4 turn to set collet and ferrule.
8. Check that the ferrule is set by loosening the connection and
inspecting the ferrule depth. A properly set ferrule depth will
resemble other connections in the ACQUITY UPLC System.
9. Reattach pre-column, apply mobile-phase flow and inspect
for leaks.