How do I troubleshoot a high back pressure increase with my column? - WKB32052

OBJECTIVE or GOAL

Determine the source of a clog in the guard or column. 

ENVIRONMENT

• UPLC
• HPLC
• ACQUITY
• BEH

PROCEDURE

1. First determine where the source of the clog is: guard or column?  See How to determine if a pressure increase is due to a column or guard column
2. Run mobile phase only through a fresh column.  Does the back pressure go up over time or right away?
3. If running just mobile phase through the column causes no increase, make blank injections as if you are injecting a sample. Does the back pressure go up over time or right away?

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

For additional information see Controlling Contamination in LC/MS Systems - Best Practices