Waters IC-Pak Ion Exclusion Columns - Manual (Page 2)

[ Care and Use ManUal ]
2 Waters IC-PAK ™ Ion Exclusion Columns
II. InstallInG and eQuIlIBratInG tHe ColuMn
a. Preparation
Before attaching a new column in the flow path:
1. Directly connect the HPLC injector to the detector by replacing
the of column with a zero-dead-volume union.
2. Flush the lines to remove any microparticulates and old
solvents. Flush the injector loop, if applicable.
3. Remove the union.
b. Installing the Column
Remove the compression screws from your column with a 5/16-inch
wrench and save them for use when storing the column. Initially
attach the column so that flow follows the direction of the arrow on
the column label.
Note: The IC-Pak Ion Exclusion column actually can be used in either
flow direction.
Procedure
To install the column, thread the inlet and outlet fittings into the
column until finger tight, and then tighten the fittings 1/4 to 1/2
turn. A properly prepared and assembled compression fitting will
seal if these instructions are followed.
Note: Do not over-tighten; this will damage the connection.
Note: The critical distance between the end of the ferrule and the end of the
tubing may differ for different column types. If this is the case, make up a
new full (Figure 1) using tubing with an internal diameter of 0.009-inch.
Tubing of this diameter should be used for all lines between the injector and
detector for the best analytical chromatography.
COMPRESSION SCREW OR NUT
TUBE
FERRULE
END MUST BE STRAIGHT
AND SMOOTH TO ACHIEVE
MAXIMUM COLUMN EFFICIENCY
CRTITICAL DISTANCE TO BE DETERMINED BY
EACH APPLICATION (UNION, COLUMN FITTING ETC.)
Figure 1. Ferrule and Compression Screw Assembly
When the Seal is Poor
Occassionally, a ferrule may not form an effective seal. Do not try to
over-tighten the fitting. To replace a worn reffule or damaged screw,
use the following procedure:
1. Using file with a cutting edge, or a tubing cutter, scribe
the circumference of the tubing at the desired break.
2. Grasp the tubing on both sides of the scribe mark with cloth
covered pliers (to prevent marring the tubing surface), and
gently work the tubing back and forth until it separates.
Note: Ensure that the tubing end is straight, open, and free
of burrs.
3. Slide the compression screw fitting, followed by the ferrule
(large end of the taper first) over the tube (Figure 1).
Note: 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.
c. Equilibration
The Ion Exclusion column is shipped in 10% methanol and requires
equilibration with the test eluent or mobile phase prior to use.
Procedure
To equilibrate the column:
1. Connect the column to your system.
2. Equilibrate with the desired eluent for 10 minutes at
0.5 mL/min to remove most of the methanol.
3. Ramp to 1.0 mL/min in 60 seconds, allowing the pump
pressure to stabilize between 0.1 mL/min increments.
4. Maintain the flow at 1.0 mL/min for 20 minutes, or until
the baseline is stable, and proceed with your analysis. If the
baseline does not stabilize, check the other components of your
LC system.