How to Condition OT-CEC Columns

1. What is the best way to regain flow in the column if I allowed it to dry out overnight, accidentally?
2. What is the best way to determine if I have blockage in my column?
3. Will I damage the column if I accidentally condition the OT-CEC Columns with NaOH?
4. Can I destroy the column by applying too much pressure to it?
5. Does my CE unit have enough pressure to force solvents and buffers through the column?
6. What is the best way to condition or get the column ready for separation?
7. What other steps should I take to ensure optimal and easy chromatograms with the OT-CEC Columns?
8. What procedure do you recommend for degassing solvents and buffers for use with OT-CEC?

1. What is the best way to regain flow in the column if I allowed it to dry out overnight, accidentally? [top]
The best way to regain flow is to remove 1or 2mm on each end of the capillary. Then you should force methanol through the column using a syringe.

2. What is the best way to determine if I have blockage in my column? [top]
The first thing that I would do is to inspect the column under a stereo microscope. You can see through the column into the open tubular part of the column under normal conditions. If there is a blockage, you should be able to see it.

3. Will I damage the column if I accidentally condition the OT-CEC Columns with NaOH? [top]
Yes!

4. Can I destroy the column by applying too much pressure to it? [top]
No, the way “coating” is chemically bonded to the wall through a patented process that makes it very, very strong. The ligand used should be able to withstand the same pressure and other conditions as an HPLC ligand does.

5. Does my CE unit have enough pressure to force solvents and buffers through the column? [top]
Yes, unlike the pre-packed CEC columns such as the Milli-phase columns, most Commercially available CE units have sufficient capabilities of forcing solvents and mobile phases through an unblocked capillary.

6. What is the best way to condition or get the column ready for separation? [top]
The recommended procedure for preparing the MicroSolv OT-CEC columns is to force the buffer you plan to use through the capillary with a syringe. You should do this for 3-5 minutes. Then install the column into your CE instrument, run with buffer and check for a current. Within a few minutes you should see a stable baseline. No other conditioning steps are needed.

7. What other steps should I take to ensure optimal and easy chromatograms with the OT-CEC Columns? [top]
One of the most important steps that you can take to ensure the best results is to make sure that your buffers used in the OT-CEC column is thoroughly degassed.