Storing your columns

Storing your columns

Given the unprecedented events taking place around the globe, we wanted to take a moment to outline the best practices for long-term storage of our HPLC and SFC columns. We hope that you don't need this information and are able to continue working in your labs, but if necessary we want to make it as easy as possible for you to find the information that you require.

Reverse Phase HPLC

  • For columns running mobile phases containing a buffer salt, wash with 10 column volumes of distilled water. Follow with 10 column volumes of methanol. Use plugs in both ends and be sure they are completely seated. The column can be stored in methanol for up to one month. For longer-term storage, use isopropanol in place of methanol.
  • For columns running mobile phases without buffer salts, wash with 10 column volumes of methanol. Use plugs in both ends and be sure they are completely seated. The column can be stored in methanol for up to one month. For longer-term storage, use isopropanol in place of methanol.

Normal Phase HPLC

For columns running in normal phase mode, wash with 20 column volumes of Hexane or Heptane. Use plugs in both ends and be sure they are completely seated. The column can be stored in either solvent indefinitely.

SFC

  • The best way to store SFC columns for any duration is “dry” or just as they come off the instrument. Allow the column to completely depressurize after removing from your instrument. A good rule of thumb is to allow 30 minutes for this process to complete. Use plugs in both ends and be sure they are completely seated. The column can be stored indefinitely in this manner.
  • If you wish to use a solvent for storage, methanol is suggested for short term (up to one month) and isopropanol for longer duration. Flush with desired solvent for 20 column volumes.

Should you have any questions on how to store our columns, please send us an email at info@pci-hplc.com

We hope that you and your families stay safe and healthy.