Small-bore packed-column HPLC

Detector selectivity is much more important in LC than in GC since, in general, separations must be performed with a much smaller number of theoretical plates, and for complex mixtures both column separation and detector discrimination may be equally significant in obtaining an acceptable result. Sensitivity is important for trace analysis and for compatibility with the small sizes and miniaturised detector volumes associated with microcolumns in LC. The introduction of small bore packed columns in HPLC with reduced peak volume places an even greater strain on LC detector design. It is generally desirable to have a nondestructive detector this allows coupling several detectors in series (dual... 

The driving forces for the rapid development and growth In mlcrobore column HPLC are (1) savings In solvent consumption a total saving of up to 99.9% can be achieved when narrow-bore microparticle packed columns or open—tubular micro-capillary columns are used (2) the high separation power using long column and small particles (e.g., 3 nm) (3) the compatibility of the column eluent flow rates with a mass spectrometer and flame based detectors and (4) opportunities In new detector development,... 

HPLC. High-performance column liquid chromatography, performed under high pressure with narrow-bore columns containing small-diameter packings and continuous-flow detectors. 

The need for pure solvents is especially acute with HPLC. The narrow bore of the column and the very small particle size of the column packing require that solvents be particularly pure and free of insoluble residue. In most cases, the solvents must be filtered through ultrafine filters and degassed (have dissolved gases removed) before they can be used. 

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