Waters IC-Pak C Method Development Column - Manual (Page 2)

[ Care and Use ManUal ]
Waters IC-Pak C M/D Column 2
II. InstALLInG tHe CoLuMn
a. Preparing the Ion-Exchange System
To prepare the system, you need two 3/8-inch wrenches and a zero
dead-volume union. Before installing the column in the flow path:
1. Directly connect the injector to the detector by replacing the old column
with a zero dead-volume union.
2. Flush the lines and the detector of microparticulates and previous sol-
vents. Use fresh eluent at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min. Flush the injector
loop if applicable.
3. Remove the union.
4. Install the column between the injector and detector (see Section II. b).
b. Installing the Column
Remove the end plugs from the column and save them for use when
you store the column. To install the column:
1. Thread the inlet and outlet fittings into the column until finger-tight.
An arrow on the label indicates the direction of flow.
2. Use the wrenches to tighten the fittings 1 /4 to 1 /2 turn. Do not
overtighten. Overtightening damages the connection.
3. Prepare a new tubing-ferrule connection (Figure 1) when connecting a
new column or when removing a damaged compression screw or worn
ferrule.
Note: The tubing distance beyond the ferrule may differ for each
column type. Resize the tubing to the correct distance by replacing
the ferrule.
Preparing a New Connection
To prepare a new tubing-ferrule connection:
1. Scribe the circumference of the tubing at the desired break using either
a file with a cutting edge or a tube cutter.
2. Grasp the tubing on both sides of the scribe mark with cloth-covered
pliers (to prevent marring the tube surface), and gently work the tube
back and forth until it separates.
Note: Ensure that tubing end is straight, open, and free of burrs.
3. Slide the compression fitting, followed by the ferrule (large end of the
taper first) over the tube.
Note: Properly bottom the tubing in the fitting seat. Otherwise, dead
volume could result in sample bond spreading.
Figure 1: Ferrule and Compression Screw Assembly
c. Equilibrating the Column
1. Precondition new columns by flushing with 100% acetonitrile for 30
minutes at 0.5 mL/min.
2. Flush the column with mobile phase for 5 minutes at 0.5 mL/min,
and them for 30 minutes at 1.0 mL/min before performing the first
separation.
III. PrePArInG MoBILe PHAse And sAMPLes
a. Preparing the Mobile Phase
Chemical requirements
The IC-Pak C M/D uses 0.1 mM EDTA/3.0 mM HNO 3 as a mobile
phase. Store mobile phase at room temperature for up to one month.
• ACS Reagent grade or equivalent quality free-acid EDTA
• Quality nitric acid
• Quality 18 megohm water
• Plasticware to prepare and store all mobile phases, standards, and
samples
Compression Screw or Nut
Ferrule
0.009-inch ID Tubing
(0.23 mm)