Waters ACQUITY UPLC BEH Columns - Manual (Page 3)

d. eCord Installation
The eCord button should be attached to the side of the column
heater module. The eCord button is magnetized and does not
require specific orientation.
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. The Waters
isocratic column testing systems have been modified in order
to achieve extremely low system volumes. This presents a
more challenging test of how well the column was packed. This
guarantees the highest quality packed column. These special
testing systems have been modified to such an extent that they are
not commercially viable and have limited method flexibility other
than isocratic column testing.
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 UPLC
chemistries and frits as our 2.1 mm ID UPLC columns. VanGuard
Pre-columns are designed to be attached directly to the inlet side
of an ACQUITY UPLC 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.
Installation Instructions
1. Remove VanGuard Pre-column from box and shipping tube and
remove plastic plug.
2. Orient 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 ACQUITY UPLC Column perpendicular to work surface
so that column inlet is on the bottom (column outlet on top).
4. From below, insert VanGuard Pre-column into ACQUITY UPLC
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 ACQUITY UPLC
Column flats and VanGuard Pre-column hex nut (male end) as
shown above.
7. Tighten 1/4 turn to set collet and ferrule.
8. Check that ferrule is set by loosening 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.
ACQUITY UPLC Column VanGuard Pre-Column
Place wrench here
Ferrule
Collet
Place wrench here
Flow
3
[ CARE AND USE MANUAL ]
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