Flow Cell Volume and Connecting Tube Dimensions for High Efficiency Operation

9 Flow Cell Volume and Connecting Tube Dimensions for High Efficiency Operation 

If the correctly sized flow cell and connecting tubing are not used, the high efficiency of a column or high theoretical plate number columns cannot be effectively used. The detector cell volume contributes hold-up volume. The larger is the cell volume, the greater the peak broadening. The cell volume 

The connecting tubing should be as short and narrow as possible. The volume of a 20 cm x 0.5 mm i.d. tube is 39.3 p. That of a 20 cm x 0.25 mm i.d. tube is 9.8 /A, and that of a 20 cm x 0.125 mm i.d. tube is 2.5 [A. Some detectors are equipped with a heat exchanger that consists of a metal block containing a capillary tube. The volume of this tube also affects the theoretical plate number. If highly sensitive operation is not required, the heat exchanger can be removed or bypassed. 

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