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claening copper tubing

Posted: Thu Feb 01, 2007 1:29 am
by DTM
A purchasing error resulted in commercial grade copper tubing being bought by mistake (for a packed column application). I remember there was a procedure for cleaning this up. Does anyone recall the order of solvents that can be used to do this.

Many thanks

DTM

Posted: Thu Feb 01, 2007 12:45 pm
by chromatographer1
So many solvents !

So many combinations !

Often folks will use hexane, followed by acetone, followed by ipa, followed by methanol, followed by steam or water. Dry with nitrogen and heat.

One could skip IPA and perhaps even acetone.

Some just use steam alone.

Be sure to make the purchasing agent do the cleaning of the copper tubing.

Then the mistake won't happen again. :D

best wishes,

Rod

Posted: Fri Feb 02, 2007 7:25 am
by Peter Apps
You will probably find that the solvents you use to clean the tubing cost more than a new piece of tubing of the proper grade.

Peter

Posted: Fri Feb 02, 2007 7:37 pm
by chromatographer1
Peter,

You have made a very good point.

To pay a restocking fee and to buy the correct tubing might be the best choice as far as time and money is concerned.

best wishes,

Rod