How to perform a solvent changeover procedure on Waters Styragel columns to convert from THF to chloroform - WKB46848

Article number: 46848

OBJECTIVE or GOAL

Convert Styragel columns packed in tetrahydrofuran (THF) to chloroform.

Set the column oven to 45 to 50 °C.
For 7.8 x 300 mm columns, set the pump flow rate to 0.1 mL/min; for 6.0 x 150 mm columns, use 0.06 mL/min throughout the procedure; for 4.6 x 300 mm columns, use 0.03 mL/min throughout procedure.
If gradient, program 95:5 THF/chloroform to 100% chloroform over 4 hours.
If isocratic, make separate THF/chloroform solutions in 5% steps from 95:5 THF/chloroform to 100% chloroform, and increase chloroform strength over 4 hours.
Flush with 100% chloroform for 6 hours per column. If there are two columns in the column bank, flush for 12 hours. This equates to 10 column volumes per column.
This solvent switch should only be performed once in the column's lifetime.

GPC Columns – General Operating Procedures (after solvent has been changed over)

When starting to use column, always ramp from 0.1 mL/min to approximately 1 mL/min over 5 minutes.

Do likewise when ramping down flow rate.

Typical operating flow rates:

19.0 x 300 mm column - 6.0 mL/min

7.8 x 300 mm columns - 1.0 mL/min

6.0 x 150 mm columns - 0.6 mL/min

4.6 x 300 mm columns - 0.3 mL/min

When the column is not in use, keep the flow rate at least 0.1 mL/min at all times. Do not turn the pump off.

id46848, EMPGPC, GPCV2K