Simple tests for HPLC columns

Any newly packed or acquired columns should be automatically put through at least the simple tests described in this section. Any suspicion of reduction in plate number, increased tailing or poor permeability must be verified by means of a suitable test. 

The number of theoretical plates is often used to characterize a column but it should not be overvalued as a result. The statement my column has 10000 plates must also be accompanied by the following information  

Practical High-Performance Liquid Chromatography, Fifth edition Veronika R. Meyer 

The number of theoretical plates must be determined only under isocratic conditions Solvent gradients will compress the peaks. 

The column can be tested for its characteristics towards acids and bases by including the respective components (phenols, amines) in the test mixture. Pronounced tailing in one case or another shows that the column is unsuitable for the type of analyte. 

Practical High-Peiformance Liquid Chromatography, Fourth edition Veronika R. Meyer 2004 John Wiley Sons, Ltd ISBN 0-470-09377-3 (Hardback) 0-470-09378-1 (Paperback) 

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