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Did I ruin my column? Superdex 75 - 10/300 above max press.
Posted: Tue Nov 25, 2008 11:45 pm
by WuShock
I was troubleshooting a significant negative absorbance observed in my spectra and purged my column at ~450 psi 1.0mL/min and forgot about it for like 90 minutes. I also failed to think to read the manufacturers specs on maximum pressure not to mention that I hope I didn't cause any damage to the pump. Pressure seems to still be relatively stable though (fluctuations of 5 psi up and down). Anyhow, manufacturer's specs say max psi of 261.
http://www1.gelifesciences.com/aptrix/u ... eid=165422
Not my instrument in the first place so I'm a little scared. What's the verdict?
Posted: Wed Nov 26, 2008 12:12 am
by laserman
You did not break pump. However you might be ruined your column.
I do not know your HPLC manufacture, but usually if HPLC detects high pressure, the pump would stop automatically and beep. Waters HPLC (Alliance) pressure limit is 4000 psi, so your HPLC pressure is low enough.
I am not sure if you can continue to use your column.
Testing Reproducibility
Posted: Wed Nov 26, 2008 8:34 pm
by WuShock
Only way to know I guess is to try and reproduce previous acceptable results. Trying now. Lesson learned...
Column is still usable!
Posted: Wed Nov 26, 2008 11:57 pm
by WuShock
Based on reproducibility of results, it turns out I didn't flush $1500 down the drain. Just thought I'd put this in for future reference if anyone makes the same mistake.
Posted: Thu Nov 27, 2008 8:28 am
by Mattias
I have ruined a couple of Superdex columns in the past. 1,0 ml/min should be OK, but not much higher than that. If you run it too fast you will see a void in the top of the column = waste bin
I forgot to open the purge valve once (5 ml/min), and then the column exploded (yes - packing material and broken glass all over the lab)