HPLC Management in the Laboratory

 

Today’s High Tech laboratory environment demands the best results, achieved using the latest safety and production solutions.  Combined with the best consumables and equipment HPLC is a powerful tool in analysis, a must for today’s results driven, cost conscious laboratory.

Whatever HPLC/UHPLC method is used in the laboratory, choosing the right solvents, safety handling equipment  and filtration method is a very important factor to consider when working to achieve the best analytical results.  Greyhound Chromatography, experts in the field of Chromatography supply, are delighted to represent the most valued manufacturers of HPLC Products, AIT France; Solvent Safety Caps, Biosolve; Solvents and Formulations for HPLC/UHPLC/Mass Spectrometry/SFC Solvents for Gas Chromatography/ Reference Standard Solvents for Gas Chromatography and Greyhound Chromatography's Q-Fil Syringe Filters and Filter Membranes. 

 

AIT Smart Waste Caps reduce harmful substance emissions from waste bottles by up to 95% and are available to fit a wide range of waste bottle sizes, including drums, either directly or through the use of a suitable adapter.  They allow waste solvents from an HPLC to enter the waste bottle but prevent solvent vapours from escaping into the laboratory, by use of an activated charcoal filter cartridge. Smart Waste Caps are available to fit waste solvent containers with a wide range of threads as well as barrels of up to 200 liters in size, (custom manufacturing for other applications is available on request).

 

AIT Smart Healthy Caps:  ·        Protect health  ·        Minimise solvent evaporation  ·        Maintain accurate solvent concentrations  ·        No external contamination of eluent

Smart Healthy Caps are designed to comply with the increasing safety regulations of the modern laboratory and are manufactured from inert, chemically resistant materials, such as PTFE and polypropylene.

The use of Smart Healthy Caps can reduce harmful solvent evaporation from solvent inlet reservoirs by up to 80%, protecting health and keeping the HPLC eluent concentration accurate for several days. This is achieved by the use of a one-way check valve which allows air to enter the bottle for pressure equalization, but eliminates solvent vapour emissions.

Smart Healthy Caps also protect solvents against external contamination and are available to fit a wide range of bottle types and sizes. They can be supplied with 1 to 5 outlet ports to accommodate multiple HPLCs. Tubing (1/ 8˝ or 1/ 16˝ od.) is securely fixed with use of the AIT universal fitting which requires no ferrule or flanging of the tube.

 

Biosolve products are manufactured under strict and detailed operating procedures. The manufacturing plants meet the latest environmental and quality ISO standards, serving as the development, production and distribution centers. From the initial acceptance of selected raw material through process control to the final packed product, all steps are accurately documented. This ensures a high quality of production with lot-to-lot reproducibility and complete traceability for all purposes. Thanks to continual research and development, Biosolve offer one of the finest grade Acetonitrile for HPLC & UHPLC available worldwide: The Supra-gradient grade and the highest brand ULC/MS grade. Manufacturing and recommended expiry dates are clearly stated on the label whenever relevant. Thanks to the strict policy of quality control, Biosolve are an approved vendor to large health organizations, leading pharmaceutical companies and for the chemical and electronic industries.

Biosolve Solvent Grades: A R Grade Dioxins, Pesti-S, Furans, PCB Analysis Extra Dry GC Headspace HPLC HPLC Supra LC-MS LV-GC

Biosolve Acetonitrile HPLC-R Brochure

    

Biosolve ULC/MS CC/SFC Acetonitrile Solvents Catalogue

   

Biosolve Organic Trace Analyses Brochure

   

All of the above brochures contains product details of products from Bioslove. If you have any questions about Biosolve products or wish to discuss the pricing and delivery of products from this manufacturer, or any of the many other Manufacturers we represent, please do not hesitate to contact us either by email Sales@greyhoundchrom.com or rachel@greyhoundchrom.com (Greyhound Chromatography’s Sales Manager). We are proud of our long-standing relationships with our customers and agents. We value our agent network highly and are constantly looking to appoint new agents with the right expertise, in areas where we are not represented. Please email sales@greyhoundchrom.com if you are interested in becoming one of our agents. Visit https://www.greyhoundchrom.com for a full range of Chromatography consumables, including Certified Reference Standards and Materials, Solvents, Reagents and Laboratory Chemicals.

High Quality Filtering Solutions

                                       

 

The main source of particle contamination in HPLC columns originate in the sample to be analysed. Therefore, the final preparation step prior to sample injection into the HPLC instrument is to remove any small particulates from the sample by filtration. Removal of the solid materials is very important as they can interfere with the compound of interest and easily clog up the column being used. This will inevitably have a detrimental effect on the performance of the column, i.e. back pressure, peak size, retention time, peak shape. Severe contamination can lead to the column being irreversibly blocked and therefore having to be replaced. Other costs can include instrument downtime, and the loss of valuable samples.

Sample Types

Samples differ in a variety of ways, they may be heavily loaded with fine or coarse particulates, dissolved in aqueous or organic solvents with varying viscosities. To facilitate the most appropriate sample preparation result, filters should be optimised to match the particular requirements of each kind of sample being injected.

Standard Samples

A matrix of 5-10mL is the most common sample volume, with low viscosity, low particle contamination and dissolved in either an organic or an aqueous solvent. Greyhound Q-Fil Regenerated Cellulose Syringe Filters are an excellent choice for such samples. Their inert housing manufactured from high density medical grade virgin polypropylene, complete with the integrated Regenerated Cellulose (RC) membrane has a high chemical resistance against the most common HPLC solvents and is very suitable for aqueous samples. Every batch is HPLC-tested for low extractables. Whilst 0.45µm is the most commonly used membrane porosity, the 0.22µm membrane provides improved purity when using capillary columns or HPLC packings with a particle size of 3µm or less

Demanding Samples

More difficult samples which contain high loads of particulates, high viscosity or unusually high volumes place additional challenges on the user when preparing samples for HPLC analysis. The particles have a tendency to block the filter, high viscosities will decrease the flow rate and high volumes increase the time required to complete the filtration process. These challenges often result in the user applying a greater degree of manual pressure to the process and potentially exceeding the maximum pressure limit of the filter with a subsequent risk of bursting the housing. As a result, the sample will be lost and a potential safety risk can arise if corrosive solvents or harmful chemicals are being filtered. To assist in overcoming these challenges, the use of Q-Fil Syringe Filters with a built in Glass Microfiber pre-filter are recommended. The pre-filter removes the larger particulates from the sample leaving only the smaller particulates to be filtered by the membrane. These filters increase the flow rate through the unit resulting in a higher volume of sample to be filtered and less pressure being required by the user.

Small Volume Samples

Smaller volume samples are often valuable and require special attention. Any loss of the analyte due to adsorption by the filter membrane or housing or a large dead volume can have a detrimental effect on the analysis. Smaller filters of 13mm and 4mm diameter decrease the dead volume to less than 25uL and 8uL respectively making them ideal for smaller volume samples.

Summary

Sample filtration is an important factor in ensuring that HPLC analysis is achieved in an efficient and cost-effective way. The extensive range of Q-Fil Syringe Filters have been developed to meet the demands of the analyst and the different sample matrices being used and without losing any of the important sample.

Quality is an Important Factor

Greyhound ensures that every batch of filters is manufactured and tested in accordance with strict ISO 9001:2000 quality procedures.

Greyhound ensures that each batch is checked prior to release for:

- External Dimensions - Bubble Point - Water Flow Rate - UV Extractables - Burst Pressure and compliance - Filter Integrity.

Choosing a filter on price against quality is not cost effective in the long run.  Although higher spec filters may seem expensive it is false economy to choose cheaper filters as their fail rate is much higher, causing delays in the laboratory.

Q-Fil Syringe Filters

How to choose the right syringe filter for your application

•          Choose the size of filter based on the volume of sample to be filtered
•          Choose the filters porosity based on the size of the potential particulates in the sample. It is important to be aware that the finer the porosity of the membrane the greater the pressure will be required to pass the sample through the filter. A sample containing large quantities of particulates is best filtered using a filter with a built-in glass microfiber pre-filter
•          Choose the type of membrane based on the solvent being filtered

 

30mm Diameter Designed for the largest sample volumes or solvent filtration Filtration area 5.39cm2 Maximum filtration volume <200ml Maximum operating pressure 87psi (6.0 bar) at 20°C Sample volume <200ml Holdup volume <200µl

 

 

25mm Diameter Designed for larger sample volumes or solvent filtration Filtration area 4.08cm2 Maximum filtration volume >100ml Maximum operating pressure 87psi (6.0 bar) at 20°C Sample volume <100ml Holdup volume <100µl

 

13mm Diameter Suitable for most applications Filtration area 1.09cm2 Maximum filtration volume >10ml Maximum operating pressure 87psi (6.0 bar) at 20°C Sample volume <10ml Holdup volume <25µl

 

4mm Diameter Suitable for smaller volume applications Filtration area 0.1cm2 Maximum filtration volume <2ml Maximum operating pressure 75psi (5.0 bar) at 20°C Sample volume <2ml Holdup volume <8ul

Pore Sizes

Q-Fil Syringe Filters are available in 0.22µm and 0.45µm pore sizes, (other pore sizes are available on request). The 0.22µm filters remove the smallest particulates whilst the 0.45µm filters are designed to remove particulates which would be detrimental to most analytical columns.

Pre-filters have a glass microfiber membrane which is chemically inert and resists most solvents. Q-Fil glass microfiber pre-filters are recommended for removing large particulates from the sample and are ideal for dissolution tests.

 Syringe Filters with Glass Microfiber Pre-Filter

 

These filters have the same high-quality filter membranes and polypropylene housings as our other Q-Fil Syringe Filters, but include a Glass Microfiber (GMF) membrane used as a pre-filter

 

The glass microfiber pre-filter is mounted before the microporous filter membrane, eliminating the need for a pre-filtration step, minimising sample loss and prolonging the life of the filter membrane

 

 

 

Flow rates are increased and the filtrate volume is significantly greater when compared to filters without pre-filters

 

Regenerated Cellulose membrane filters with the GMF membrane incorporated as a pre-filter, are particularly useful for tissue culture media filtration, as well as for general biological sample filtration

 

These filters are ideal for general laboratory filtration of samples which contain excessive amounts of particulates

 

The glass microfiber pre-filter removes the large particulates and prevents premature clogging of the filter membrane

   

Greyhound Q-Fil Membrane Filters

 Q-Fil Membrane Filters set the new Quality standard for today’s analytical laboratories. Manufactured from the highest quality materials, Q-Fil Membrane Filters provide excellent chemical compatibility with acids, alcohols, bases, ethers, glycols, ketones and oils.

 

As a trusted name in the supply of chromatography consumables and certified reference standards, Greyhound also offers a comprehensive selection of top quality own brand products including Capillary columns HPLC columns, Syringe Filters, Consumables etc. This catalogue contains details of our range of Q-Fil Membrane Filters.  Other product catalogues are available on request.

 

These quality products are backed by the guaranteed reliability and technical support which has become synonymous with the name Greyhound.

 

 

 

                                                

 

 

 

 Membrane Filter Comparison Chart

 

 

 

 

 

 

NYLON Features:  Hydrophilic membrane  Excellent for HPLC samples and general filtration  Compatible with organic and aqueous liquids  Good solvent resistance and high protein retention  Strong mechanical stability Not suitable for use with strong acids or bases, halogenated hydrocarbons or protein Special discounts are available for call-off and bulk orders, please enquire.  Multiple Pore Sizes and Diameters Available.

 

 

 

PTFE Hydrophobic Features:  Hydrophobic membrane resistant to strong acids, aggressive solvents, alcohols, bases and aromatics  Ideal for the filtration and degassing of chromatography solvents and for extremely basic mobile phase solutions  Very low extractables  Mechanically strong  Excellent thermal stability Multiple Pore Sizes and Diameters Available.

 

 

 

PTFE HydrophilicFeatures:  Hydrophilic membrane resistant to strong acids, aggressive solvents, alcohols, bases and aromatics  Ideal for the filtration and degassing of chromatography solvents and for extremely basic mobile phase solutions  Very low extractables  Mechanically strong  Excellent thermal stability Multiple Pore Sizes and Diameters Available.

 

 

 

CELLULOSE NITRATE Features:  Naturally hydrophilic  High physical strength  Ideal for clarification and filtration of aqueous samples  For immunoblotting, the high protein retention of Nitrocellulose is ideal to bind DNA Multiple Pore Sizes and Diameters available

 

 

 

CELLULOSE ACETATE Features:  Hydrophilic membrane  Ideal for aqueous based samples, tissue       culture media filtration and sensitive       biological samples  Very low protein binding capacity, lower than PVDF and PES membranes  High physical strength  Strength and dimension stability  Lower chemical resistance than Regenerated Cellulose  Multiple Pore Sizes and Diameters available.

 

 

 

PVDF (Hydrophobic) Features:  Polyvinylidene difluoride membrane  Hydrophobic  Wide chemical compatibility  Excellent mechanical properties  Resistant to solvents, exhibits low levels of extractables  Low protein binding, can be used with proteins and peptides  Suitable for filtration of aqueous and organic solvents Multiple Diameters and Pore Sizes Available

 

 

 

MIXED CELLULOSE ESTERS - Gridded Features: Gridded MCE membranes are unsupported natural hydrophilic filters which have clearly defined grid lines.  The special ink used is non-toxic and completely free from bacterial growth inhibitors.  Composed of cellulose acetate and cellulose nitrate, they are one of the most widely used membranes in analytic and research applications. The white gridded disks are specially designed for the recovery and retention of E.Coli bacteria in water/waste water analysis as well as other microbiological tests.  The black gridded disks assist with manual counting procedures and provide enhanced contrast between residue or cell colours and the filter without having to counter stain the membrane.

 

 

 

Features  Hydrophobic  Gridded membrane is perfect for microbiology analysis  0.22µm, 0.45µm and 0.8µm pore sizes available  Sterilised by gamma irradiation  Individually packaged with easy to open separator paper

Applications  Clarification of aqueous solvents, removal and analysis of microbiological contaminants  Sterilizing filtration, air monitoring, particle monitoring, particle removal, bioassay  Dairy microbiology, retention of yeast, moulds and algae  QC analysis of fluid holding, particle collection and analysis

 

POLYETHERSULFONE Features:  Inherently hydrophilic membrane  Low protein binding  Provides high flow rates and good throughput volume  Best choice for tissue culture work  Very low extractables  Mechanically strong membrane, suitable for use with strong bases, alcohols and resistive proteins Multiple Pore Sizes and Dimensions available.

 

POLYPROPYLENE Features:  Hydrophobic, high resistance to solvents  High density with high capacity  Wide range of chemical compatibility to organic solvents  Ideal for biological sample filtration  Low protein binding  Ideal for chromatography protein analysis and biological sample filtration  Suitable for acids and bases and general HPLC analysis Multiple Pore Sizes and Dimensions available.

 

GLASS FIBER Features:  Binder Free  Commonly used as pre-filters for membranes to remove large particulates and prevent the membrane from silting   up  Extends the loading capacity of filter membranes  High flow rate and high permeability to air  Reduce filtration costs and premature clogging of membranes when filtering difficult or highly contaminated solutions  Excellent wet strength for easy handling and filter integrity Multiple Pore Sizes and Dimensions available.

 

All Greyhound Vacuum Filtration Devices are made of stainless steel which is suitable for filtration, especially in the microbiological field.    Each station uses a separate control valve for independent operation, is easy to use and to disinfect.  The multiple unit systems can filtrate three or six samples at the same time at a low flow rate, with high sensitivity.  Sturdy won’t tip when fully loaded due to the units having a low centre of gravity.  Anodized aluminum handles on both ends are designed for positioning on a benchtop.

 

Cat. No. Description 41-100600 Stainless steel manifold One 300mL stainless steel filtration unit One glass collection bottle One  length of hosepipe 41-100601 Stainless steel manifold One 300mL glass filtration unit One glass collection bottle, One length of hosepipe 41-100602 Stainless steel manifold Three 300mL stainless steel filtration units One glass collection bottle, One length of hosepipe 41-100603 Stainless steel manifold Three 300mL glass filtration units One glass collection bottle, One length of hosepipe 41-100604 Stainless steel manifold Six 300mL stainless steel filtration units One glass collection bottle, One length of hosepipe 41-100605 Stainless steel manifold Six 300mL glass filtration units One glass collection bottle, One length of hosepipe 41-100610 Stainless Steel Manifold, single unit 41-100611 Stainless Steel Manifold, three unit 41-100612 Stainless Steel Manifold, six unit 41-100613 Glass Funnel, 300mL 41-100614 Stainless Steel Funnel, 300mL

 

Greyhound Solvent Filtration Apparatus are used for the filtration of HPLC mobile phases, to remove particulate and microbiological contaminants.  Manufactured of durable borosilicate glass for use with aqueous, organic or corrosive liquids.   Can be sterilised in an autoclave at 121°C. The base design has an integral vacuum connection located above the filtrate drip to prevent contamination of the vacuum line with droplets. Unit consists of a funnel, coarse porosity fritted glass filter support base with integral vacuum connection and a flask with inner joint.  An aluminium clamp connects the funnel and support base.

 

 

 

                                          

 

Cat. No. Description 41-100620 Glass Solvent Filtration Apparatus - 300mL for 47mm dia. filters Graduated glass funnel, fritted glass base with side arm, joint flask, anodized aluminium clamp, vacuum hose 41-100621 Glass Solvent Filtration Apparatus - 500mL for 47mm dia. filters Graduated glass funnel, fritted glass base with side arm, joint flask, anodized aluminium clamp, vacuum hose 41-100622 Glass Funnel - 300mL 41-100623 Glass Funnel - 500mL 41-100624 Glass Solvent Collection Flask - 1000mL 41-100625 Glass Solvent Collection Flask - 2000mL 41-100626 Glass Filter Head Kit (includes 300mL Glass Funnel, Fritted Glass Base, Clamp, Silicone stopper) 41-100627 Glass Filter Head Kit (includes 500mL Glass Funnel, Fritted Glass Base, Clamp, Silicone stopper) 41-100628 Aluminium Clamp

 

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 About The Author

Susan Massie, Sales & Marketing Director, Greyhound Chromatography and Allied Chemicals Email: sue@greyhoundchrom.com

Susan Massie is the Sales & Marketing Director for Greyhound Chromatography and Allied Chemicals, affectionately known as 'Greyhound' in our scientific community. Greyhound was founded by Susan's husband Paul Massie almost 40 years ago, Susan hasn't been in the business for all of that time but has been involved with Greyhound for over 17 years. Greyhound continues to grow, expanding into new markets and taking on the challenges of our ever changing environment. It's heartwarming to witness the world waking up to the fact that we are damaging our planet on a daily basis. Every action we take has a direct effect on our planet and the world we leave behind for future generations. Susan is passionate about climate change and is happy to work in an industry that can have a direct effect on reducing the impact of our actions on the environment. All of the team at Greyhound take our responsibilities very seriously, the products that we supply are used by the world's leading scientists and chemists as they endeavour to monitor and repair the environment. All is not lost, if we all take responsibility for our actions, from reducing our waste and reusing or recycling our material collateral we can make a difference. The internet is full of useful advice and guidance, Susan is proud to contribute to that wealth of knowledge whenever she can.

Greyhound prides itself on personal service which provides prompt, efficient, cost-effective, safe delivery of all products. Greyhound provides technical advice and distribution of Certified Reference Standards and Materials, Laboratory Consumables, Solvents and Reagents across all scientific disciplines. Greyhound Chromatography offers over 1 Million products from its UK warehouse. The team at Greyhound are proud to support the work of the world's leading scientists and chemists as they challenge the abuse of our planet and try to make a difference to the world we leave behind for our ancestors.

You can view Susan's Linked In Profile here https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-massie-79ab4121/