MODE OF OPERATION AND PERFORMANCE-CHARACTERISTICS OF MICROBORE COLUMNS FOR USE IN LIQUID-CHROMATOGRAPHY

The production and operating characteristics of microbore columns are described and details of the modification of the LDC UV monitor to give the necessary low dead volume detection cell for use with such columns are given. A method of connecting the Valco high-pressure sampling valve to microbore columns to provide the necessary small sample volume is described and a system given that permits the operation of the Waters Assoc. 6000 pump over the flow-rate range of 2 to I00,ul/min. The effect on column performance of column radius and particle diameter of the packing is examined in detail and height equivalent to a theoretical plate curves and reduced plate height curves are included; the effect of coiling the column on efficiency is also reported. Examples of the use of microbore columns for high-speed and high- efficiency separations are given and include results obtained from reversed-phase columns. The construction and performance of a column having 750,000 plates is described. © 1979.