1. Why are Milli-phase™ packed capillaries better than other products on the market?



2. Will MicroSolv load my CEC Column into my instruments holder?



3. What is the total length of a Milli-phase™ capillary?



4. Will I have to cut my Milli-phase™ capillary to fit my instrument?



5. Can I purchase a Milli-phase™ capillary pre cut with a window burned for my instrument?



6. What are the frits in the Milli-phase™ made of?



7. Where should the detection window be created?



8. Why would someone buy a Milli-phase™ capillary without a window already in it?



9. Could I use the MicroSolv Window Maker to create a window in the Milli-phase™ capillary?



10. Are there any special conditioning steps that must be followed before I can successfully use a CEC capillary?



11. What is the best way to remove air bubbles from a CEC capillary?



12. Does my CE/CEC instrument have enough pressure to force air bubbles out of the capillary?



13. Can I get other stationary phases not listed in the MicroSolv product line for Milli-phase columns?



14. Are there advantages to having both pressure and voltage across a CEC Capillary?



15. Can I get a pre-packed bed of 20cm with extra column tubing on the outlet side so that I can hook it up to a MS detector?



16. How are the frits made in the Milli-phase™ CEC packed capillaries?



17. How do you suggest I inject liquid onto my Milli-phase™ packed CEC capillary?



18. What do you suggest I use for the separations, Pressure or Current?



19. What is the recommended ramp rate for applying current for Millil-phase CEC capillaries?

1. Why are Milli-phase™ packed capillaries better than other products on the market? [top]
We use the patented electrokinetic packing technology. This technique makes the packed bed more uniform and homogenous. The packed bed will last longer than a slurry packed bed making the capillary last longe. Also, there is less chance of generating a void with the Milli-phase™ capillary than with the slurry packed method.

2. Will MicroSolv load my CEC Column into my instruments holder? [top]
Yes. If you send us your Agilent 3D™ or Beckman P/ACE™ cartridge, and reference your purchase order, we will load the cartridge for you, free of charge.

3. What is the total length of a Milli-phase™ capillary? [top]
Milli-phase™ packed capillaries are supplied with a packed bed either 20cm or 25cm minimum lengths depending on your instrument. The total length of the capillary is the packed bed plus 10cm.

4. Will I have to cut my Milli-phase™ capillary to fit my instrument? [top]
Yes. But NEVER CUT THE INLET SIDE of the capillary. A few cm will be required to be removed from the outlet side depending on your instrument.

5. Can I purchase a Milli-phase™ capillary pre cut with a window burned for my instrument? [top]
Yes, when you place your order with MicroSolv or one of our dealers, you must inform us which instrument you have. We will then cut the capillary to fit with a window in the normal position. There is no extra charge for this service.

6. What are the frits in the Milli-phase™ made of? [top]
Sintered Silica particles.

7. Where should the detection window be created? [top]
About 2mm after the outlet frit.

8. Why would someone buy a Milli-phase™ capillary without a window already in it? [top]
For CEC-Mass Spec. There is no need for the window and the window is a weak link and a source for breakage. If you do not need a window, you should a order the CEC capillary without the pre-burned windows.

9. Could I use the MicroSolv Window Maker to create a window in the Milli-phase™ capillary? [top]
Yes, it would be recommended that you purchase the 1mm replacement module and use it for making a window. Great care must be exercised in making this window so that you do not destroy the outlet frit.

10. Are there any special conditioning steps that must be followed before I can successfully use a CEC capillary? [top]
Yes, and this is very important. Please see our instructions on How to Condition CEC Columns on our web site.

11. What is the best way to remove air bubbles from a CEC capillary? [top]
The best way is with a syringe pump. You will need sufficient pressure to push the air bubbles out of the capillary and this will take some time. If you do not have a syringe pump, you can use our manual CEC Hand Pump for use with a manual syringe listed on our web site. See our web site for How to Condition CEC Capillaries.

12. Does my CE/CEC instrument have enough pressure to force air bubbles out of the capillary? [top]
No, not usually. If the air bubble is near the outlet frit, you may be able to be successful with this but if the air bubble is not near the outlet frit, it will take more pressure.

13. Can I get other stationary phases not listed in the MicroSolv product line for Milli-phase columns? [top]
Yes, most stationary phases pack well with our patented technology but it is best to inquire either by calling, faxing or e-mailing our customer service department.

14. Are there advantages to having both pressure and voltage across a CEC Capillary? [top]
Yes, they are 1) selectivity manipulation by changing the ration of pressure to voltage, 2) preventing bubble formation and dry-out in the column, 3) increased speed, 4) longer columns packed with smaller particles are feasible, and 5) improved reproducibility due to use of valve injection.

15. Can I get a pre-packed bed of 20cm with extra column tubing on the outlet side so that I can hook it up to a MS detector? [top]
Yes, when you order your Milli-phase™ capillary from MicroSolv or one of our dealers, inform us that you wish to have extra tubing on the outlet side of capillary and how much you would like. If we can supply your requirements we will be happy to accommodate you.

16. How are the frits made in the Milli-phase™ CEC packed capillaries? [top]
The frits are made using a proprietary process by fusing silica with a laser.

17. How do you suggest I inject liquid onto my Milli-phase™ packed CEC capillary? [top]
Using the pressure system of your instrument and apply pressure on both the inlet and the outlet sides of the packed capillary.

18. What do you suggest I use for the separations, Pressure or Current? [top]
We have found the very best and most reproducible results come from methods that use both the pressure and current at the same time. Also, it is imperative that you thoroughly degass your mobile phase (buffer/solvents).

19.What is the recommended ramp rate for applying current for Millil-phase CEC capillaries? [top]
The speed at which you apply voltage with these packed capillaries is not critical. You can raise the voltage from 0kV to 25kV in 5 seconds if you wish.