General description

In packed columns 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 W is a fragile white solid which is prepared by heating diatomaceous earth with a flux. The resulting fine structure is cemented over glass which results in large and irregular pores.† HP is the classification of a support as high performance grade.†

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.