SNAP
®
Series Glass Columns
Operating the Column without the Packing Adaptor
Preparation:
The main column components in contact with the mobile phase must be cleaned thoroughly before the column is used for
the first time. Essential Life Solutions recommends dismantling the column and washing the components in an appropriate
laboratory cleaning solution prior to use. After cleaning, all components should be rinsed in double distilled water and reas-
sembled.
Essential Life Solutions assumes that the column will be slurry packed. Slurry packing would involve mixing approximately
equal parts mobile phase and stationary phase outside of the column prior to packing.
Consult with your supplier for media
bulk density.
This will result in a volume approximately double the final packed volume.
V
= (π
R
2
H)
1000
V=volume (mL) R=radius of column (mm) H=desired height (mm)
m = V
x
BD
m=mass (grams) BD=bulk density (grams/mL)
Column operation is initiated by attaching to an appropriate chromatographic system or pump using the supplied fittings.
Tubing size should be selected to provide appropriate flow conditions. Tubing material should also be biocompatible with the
mobile phase selected. Connect the inlet tubing to the end of the piston and the controller unit. To prevent back pressure, do
not connect the outlet tubing to the controller unit and cap the end of the tubing during the packing process.
Packing the Column:
Position the column so that it is perfectly vertical. In an external beaker using proper ventilation, mix the buffer and stationary
phase until suspended in solution. Slowly add the slurry to the inside wall of the glass column being careful not to trap air
bubbles. Allow resin to sit until approximately one centimeter of buffer sits on top of the bed. Continue to add additional buffer
until a meniscus forms on top of the column.
Wet the tip of the piston (Frit and O-Ring) in 20% ethanol to break the surface tension and allow for unrestricted flow. Insert the
piston just inside the resin volume. Make sure air bubble are not present. Position the nut so that it contacts the glass. Attach
the clamp and fasten SNAP
®
latch. Remove cap from outlet tubing and direct it to waste.
Turn on the pump to the appropriate flow rate and pressure. Slightly before the resin bed packs half of the desired length,
pause the pump. Disconnect inlet tubing and direct to waste. Cap the outlet tubing. Slowly turn the clamp counterclockwise.
As the piston submerges into the buffer, excess buffer will flow up the piston into the waste. Stop piston just above the resin
bed. Uncap the outlet tubing directing it to waste and reconnect the inlet tubing to the controller unit. Allow to run for about
two more minutes.
Once the bed compresses fully, stop the pump, cap the outlet tubing and unscrew the inlet tubing sending it to waste. Turn the
clamp counterclockwise until the frit just contacts the surface of the bed. Reconnect the inlet and outlet tubing to the control
unit. The column is ready to use.
Essential Life Solutions recommends the use of a packing adaptor when the desired bed length is greater than half of the
maximum bed length allowed for in the column.
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