General description

In a packed column, the carrier gas percolates through the porous bed and separation is achieved by moving the solutes apart. Packed columns are made up of two main materials; stainless steel and Pyrex glass. Metal packed columns are more suitable for long and high carrier gas flow rates to tolerate the elevated pressures. Chromosorb P is a diatomite support to any stationary phase. Chromosorb P (AW) gives the best separation of volatile fatty acids consistent with the lowest temperatures.

An economical metal column should be used for less demanding applications where the inertness of glass is not required. This column is of a general configuration, and can be carefully bent to fit most instruments.