Chromatography Forum

Hoping for some advice here... And I obviously realize that scientific equipment is never inexpensive, but I'm hoping to find what I need without completely breaking the budget.

I am setting up an LC-MS method on an Applied Biosystems API 2000 system. The method to be setup has an analytical column flow rate of 200 uL/min and the post-column derivatization requires a 20 uL/min infusion to be mixed with the eluent prior to MS detection. I don't imagine using the post-column derivatization assembly for other analyses in our lab, so would like to keep the cost as low as possible. I'm happy to purchase refurbished. Does anyone have any suggestions? I've read about the Pickering reactors, but not sure which specific model(s) would be capable of the 20 uL/min flow rate. Any suggestions would be greatly welcomed!! Thank you so much.

I'm currently using a NE-1000 syringe pump to deliver a post-column ammonium hydroxide solution to my column eluent through a tee before my ESI interface. We worked out a check valve system and a pressurized reservoir for the eluent, and the pump is programmable, so you can have the pump deliver at a set flow rate for a specific volume, then refill at a specified rate and volume. Our pump is all keyed off a start pulse from the injection. I think we got two pumps off eBay for a couple hundred bucks, and the various check valves and fitting cost maybe $100 more. The pumps go for $750 new. My pump is programmed for 10 uL per minute, so if you're only delivering one reagent, you should be able to put a knitted reaction coil right after a tee and before your interface to get your derivitization reaction. Just make sure you're not putting anything non-volatile into the source.

http://www.syringepump.com/NE-1000.php

Thank you so much for the suggestion! I will give this a try and let you know the outcome.

I appreciate your feedback!

I think it very much depends on the type of application. Some post-column applications are easy to establish, some are very difficult if not impossible to establish without buying the application with the post column instrument. This is actually what you get from Pickering for a number of applications. What actually is your application of interest?