How do I translate the 14-digit serial number for Waters columns? - WKB26147

ENVIRONMENT

• HPLC columns
• UPLC columns
• serial number
• translate
• decipher
• read
• information
• ACQUITY
• BEH
• CSH
• Symmetry
• Xterra
• Resolve
• XBridge
• Sunfire
• BioResolve

ANSWER

The standard Waters Column serial numbering system that is used for columns like XBridge, Symmetry and XTerra HPLC columns as well as Acquity UPLC columns is as follows:

The serial number is a 14-digit number. (Note: The first 10 digits of the serial number are the column lot number as well.)

Part# WAT066224 - SYMMETRY C18 3.5U 4.6X75 COL, Serial #: 02233724923829

Digits 1, 2, 3, and 4 = Batch number (gel lot number).  (0223 = batch 223)
Digit 5 = Manufacturing location. (3 = Wexford, Ireland; 1 = Taunton, MA)
Digit 6 = last digit of year (7 = 2017)
Digits 7, 8, and 9  = day of year (day of the year - in this case day 249 of year 2017 = 06-SEP-2017 Date of manufacture) 
Digit 10 = Production run that this column came from (2 = this column was packed during production run number two on the date of manufacture) 
Digits 11 and 12 = Packing station number (38 = packing station #38)
Digits 13 and 14 = Column's position in that production run (29 = the 29th column packed during the production run)

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Also see:  Can I determine what a column description is based only on a serial number?