INSITU LOADING AND RE-LOADING OF GAS-CHROMATOGRAPHIC COLUMNS WITH STATIONARY LIQUIDS

The supercritical in situ loading technique is shown to be a promising method for loading columns that are difficult to pack, such as small-bore columns packed with small particles and capillary packed columns. The applicability of the method is shown for gas chromatographic columns of normal dimensions, for small-bore columns packed with small particles for use in high-pressure gas chromatography and for capillary columns. The percentage loading can be varied and predicted. The range of polarities of stationary liquids that can be loaded with n-pentane as solvent is satisfactory. This range can probably be extended by using acetone as solvent. The loading and reloading of columns with different stationary liquids is shown to be possible. The method is relatively fast: about 4 h are needed for the complete procedure. © 1979.