difference of the analytical and preparative flow cell

[moon704520]

hi all:

what is the difference bwtween the analytical and preparative flow cell?can I exchang an analytical flow cell to my preparative HPLC ?

thank you!
best regards

[tom jupille]

what is the difference bwtween the analytical and preparative flow cell?

Preprarative flow cells usually have a shorter optical path.

can I exchang an analytical flow cell to my preparative HPLC ?

Sometimes yes, sometimes no. If the manufacturer of your detector makes an analytical flow cell for that model detector, then usually it can be installed in place of the prep cell. Check with the manufacturer.

[Bruce Hamilton]

Please also check that the analytical flow cells can handle the flow rate.

If your preparative cell was passing all the eluant flow, rather than a smaller side flow ( eg a few ml/min ), then an analytical cell could cause high back pressure, or even burst, unless the high flow rate is split.

Bruce Hamilton

[tom jupille]

Good point, Bruce! I had assumed that the original poster was switching to an analytical column (and appropriate flow) as well.