Resources

INSIDER TIPS

Most clogged column and/or tip problems can often be easily diagnosed with visual examination using a transmitted light microscope.

The most common reasons that columns become clogged are as follows:

Using in-house meg-ohm water can cause carbon particulates to build up within columns. Carbon build-up will often result in a black band at the head of the column. Using HPLC-grade bottled water reduces the likelihood of clogging due to particulate contamination.

Improper cleaving of fused-silica tubing can lead to silica shards in your column or tip. These particles will be transparent and have sharp, fractured edges. Always be sure to follow proper cleaving procedures and cleave the end of all columns and fused-silica tips prior to use. Contaminated filters and unions should be replaced.

It is very easy to allow contaminants and foreign particles to be lodged in your column bed during the packing process. New Objective offers quality pre-packed columns, which are all inspected prior to shipment. Customer-supplied materials can be custom packed.

All New Objective columns and tips are visually inspected prior to shipping to have an open bore and to be clean and free of obstruction.