Waters Styragel Columns - Manual (Page 3)

[ Care and Use ManUal ]
Styragel Columns 3
Installing columns in a column bank
To install your columns:
1. Remove the end plugs from each column and save them.
2. Connect the first column to the injector outlet tubing. Ensure that
solvent flow is in the direction shown by the arrow on the column
label. Finger-tighten the fittings, then tighten the fittings with a
wrench by another 1/4 turn.
3. Connect the next column to the previous column using the U-tubes
supplied with the columns. Ensure that solvent flow is in the
direction shown by the arrow on the column label. Thread the
inlet and outlet fittings of the U-tube until finger tight, then
tighten the fittings by another turn with a wrench.
4. Repeat step 3, until all columns are connected.
5. Connect the last column to the detector inlet tubing using steps
1 through 4.
c. Repairing Damaged Compression Screw Assemblies
To remove a damaged compression screw or a worn ferrule assembly:
1. Scribe the circumference of the tubing at the desired break point
using a tube cutter or a file with a cutting edge.
2. Grasp the tubing on both sides of the scribe mark with cloth-
covered pliers (to prevent marring the tube surface). Gently
work the tube back and forth until it separates at the scribe mark.
Ensure that the tubing end is straight, open, and free of burrs.
3. Slide the compression screw, followed by the ferrule (large end of
the taper first), over the tube. Properly bottom the tubing in the
fitting seat. If the tubing is not completely seated, the resulting
dead volume can lead to poor chromatographic results.
The distance between the end of the ferrule and the end of the U-tube may
differ for different column types. If you have used columns from another
manufacturer, it may be necessary to reset the ferrules, or make up a new
fitting (see Figure 1). Use 0.009-inch (0.25 mm) i.d. tubing for all lines
between the injector and detector. For Waters columns, the critical distance is
0.130 inch (2.25 mm).
d. Equilibrating the Column Bank
Equilibrate the columns when you install them and when you use them after
they have been stored. To equilibrate your column bank:
1. Set the pump flow rate at 0.0 mL/min, then turn on the pump.
2. Increase the flow rate by 0.1 mL/min at 15 second intervals until
you reach the final flow rate.
3. Purge the columns with the shipping solvent until you obtain a
stable baseline.
Figure 1. Ferrule and Compression Screw Assembly
Ferrule 0.009-inch I.D. Tubing (0.25 mm) 0.130-inch gap (3.3 mm)