Packing a GC column

[Fabiano]

I need to pack a column with OV-275 phase, however, I can't find a 1/8" OD 2mm ID tube . only with a 1.2 mm ID. If a packed column follows the basic theory of chromatography I should have sharper peaks, right? Or should I have any problem with smaller ID, maybe easier overload or problems with decreased flow rate?

I plan to use a SS-316 tube from Parker, it need some treatment before I pack my column?



Best Regards,
Fabiano

[chromatographer1]

You are discussing tubing with .047 inch (commonly replaced with 0.050 inch tubing). This is commonly found with 1/16 inch SS tubing. This is sold by many vendors.

Most vendors sell 1/8" OD tubing at a std ID ie 2.1mm (0.084 inch).

Such columns are difficult to pack with OV-275 phase coated supports.

It might be cheaper to have a known supplier make you a column.

Supelco, Restek, Alltech, etc are well respected vendors in the USA.

best wishes,

Rod

[stappg]

You've spent a lot of time and money setting up your lab and buying a GC. I know it's easy for me to say, but I suggest now is not the time to try and save a relatively small amount of money packing your own column. If your budget allows, go to a reputable vendor and order a pre-packed column from Supelco, Alltech etc. Each lot of stainless steal tube could have different activity and may be contaminated with washing solvents and other contaminents - sounds too risky and not very easy to reproduce if you need to?? Good luck. Peter

[Fabiano]

Although some advices for don't do it, I did.
I used 3 pieces of old 2.1 mm ID tube and connected them using unions from Parker. I washed them with water, ethanol, acetone and chloroform. Dry with nitrogen flow. Packed using a vibrator, after 2 hours the column was ready. Conditioned overnight, the column only shows some tailing in solvent peak, besides that, it’s the same chromatogram as in Supelco Bulletin.
No mystery.

[Consumer Products Guy]

Fab - what is your time worth to your employer? Like Stap stated, why spend thousands on a GC system then get cheap on a column? My guess (and Stap's) is all that fabrication and cleaning the column with solvents, etc., was not worth your time, which could've been spent doing something more value-added.

[Russ]

Unfortunately, some companies regard the chemists time as "free" and get upset over having to "spend" money. If it takes time away from other work, why the chemist can just work extra to get it all done. I am guessing most of us (at least in the US) don't get paid overtime as we are "professionals". Don't know about Fabiano, though.