Learn More About Chromatography Columns

By Kelly Belli


Chromatography columns are used as a tool for scientists to analyze split chemical compounds. There are two different kinds of techniques used when using these tools. The liquid style is based on movement of a liquid or a mobile phase through a bed made of solid material. In order to get the best results, it's important to find the most reputable research lab supply company for all your equipment.

There are various chromatography products that are used for testing. The dry phase is when a tube is filled with Diatomaceous earth or powder which is then made wet by a mobile substance. The wet method is when a thick liquid substance is allowed to bond with an agent called an eluent. It is bonded with the stationary phase powder and the whole mixture is poured carefully in the column.

The solid stationary phase for gas chromatographic tubes is a preferred method to scrutinize gases such as hydrogen sulphide, carbon monoxide, carbon disulphide, Nitrogen oxide and other gases. The solid stationary phase is made from various substances such as graphite carbon blocks, silica, molecular sieves or polymer beads.

Gasses such as carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulphide, Nitrogen oxide carbon disulphide and other gases will be used along with a solid or thickened liquid phase known as slurries. The slurry is usually liquid that is mixed with a kind of metal that is poured into the cylinder. This process can be used on compounds that can easily become vapor. In both processes, stationary phases need to be less volatile and a scientist must ensure that it is heat resistant.

This process is used in forensic laboratories, hospitals and other laboratories. It is used to separate and analyze petroleum and oils. In hospitals, this process analysis blood samples for recreational drugs. It's also used to evaluate various chemicals that could show up in urine, blood or saliva.

Ion exchange pipes are used to separate ions and molecules for analysis. The success of this process will depend on the ion's similarity to the stationary phase and this creates the exchange systems. The electrostatic between the analytes and the mobile phase as well as the electrostatic phase contribute to the process of separating ions. Diatomaceous earth and polystyrene resins are also used as packing substances.

When a person wants to separate colors from ink, they use a smaller cylinder with a solid base that will separate the two elements. This is used in paper recycling plants to remove ink from paper. This process is also used to study if there are additives in foods and other pesticides. Chromatography columns have been used since the 1950s and they have evolved as technology has expanded on the tools. These days, these tools can be automated to speed up the separating process and allows the scientist more time to analyze the compounds and complete his research.




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