Slurry and column preparation

Set up the column with the packing reservoir in place. Attach a vacuum line and solvent collection vessel to the bottom of the column. Do not apply a vacuum at this stage. Re-suspend the stationary phase either manually or by gentle mechanical agitation then pour the slurry, without stopping, into the column-reservoir assembly. It is essential that the slurry is added 

Apply a vacuum to the outlet of the column and draw off the solvent until it is a few millimetres above the bed surface. Remove the vacuum line and plug the bottom column outlet. 

Remove the column reservoir and attach the column end fitting. Attach a waste solvent line to the top end fitting (with the bottom fitting still plugged). Compress the column until the packing pressure recommended by the column manufacturer is achieved (typically 60-100 bar). The column is now ready for equilibration in the solvents required for the separation. Although the position of the piston can often be locked it is actually best kept under constant pressure in order to maintain a well packed bed. 

Although the slurry concentration and process for the preparation of the slurry remains the same, the protocols for column packing differ slightly due to the general layout. In this system the column length accommodates the total slurry volume. 

In both cases the column should not be pressurized beyond the manufacturer s recommendations. 

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