1. What is a Photochemical Reactor? How does it work?



2. What is the wavelength of the UV light in the Photochemical Reactor?



3. If I use the Photochemical Reactor, do I have to use derivatizing agents?



4. Is a knitted reactor coil (KRC) included in the purchase of the Photochemical Reactor?



5. Will the Photochemical Reactor enhance my separations?



6. Can I use other UV wavelengths with the Photochemical Reactor?



7. Can I purchase a CE marked version of the Photochemical Reactor?



8. I have been using the Photochemical Reactor for a while now. Is there a decrease in the back pressure rating?



9. What is the pressure rating of the knitted reactor coils (KRC)?



10. What is the knitted reactor coil made from?



11. Can the knitted reactor coils be heated or cooled?



12. How long will the UV lamp operate at acceptable efficiency?



13. I want to use the Post Column Photochemical Reactor for Aflotxins. Which knitted reactor coil (KRC) do you recommend? What other accessories would I need?



14. Can I use the knitted reactor coils of the Post Column Photochemical Reactor with my HPLC Fluorescence detector?

1. What is a Photochemical Reactor? How does it work? [top]
The Photochemical Reactor is a compact, easy to use device that will enhance the UV, Fluorescence, Electrochemical or Chemiluminescence signal. The unit is placed, post column (between the HPLC column and the detector) and the separated samples are exposed to UV light for a considerable time while they make their way through a knitted coil. This UV light increase the sensitivity responses of certain compounds.

2. What is the wavelength of the UV light in the Photochemical Reactor? [top]
The Photochemical Reactor is supplied with a UV lamp that produces mostly a 254nm wavelength.

3. If I use the Photochemical Reactor, do I have to use derivatizing agents? [top]
No, one of the advantages of using the Photochemical Reactor is that the mechanism to boost your signal is photolytic.

4. Is a knitted reactor coil (KRC) included in the purchase of the Photochemical Reactor? [top]
No, you can select from one of 1 (fifteen) coils that will be completely compatible with the Photochemical Reactor. They vary in length and ID.

5. Will the Photochemical Reactor enhance my separations? [top]
The Photochemical Reactor is designed not to change the selectivity of your HPLC column but to increase the signal response of the separated compounds using your current UV, Fluorescence or Electrochemical detectors.

6. Can I use other UV wavelengths with the Photochemical Reactor? [top]
Yes, you can purchase from MicroSolv, a replacement UV lamp for the Photochemical Reactor that emits mostly a 366nm wavelength. This lamp is completely compatible with all knitted reactor coils.

7. Can I purchase a CE marked version of the Photochemical Reactor? [top]
Yes, using a different catalog number, you can purchase a CE Marked Photochemical Reactor.

8. I have been using the Photochemical Reactor for a while now. Is there a decrease in the back pressure rating? [top]
Yes, with long term or constant use there is a natural decrease in the back pressure rating and the knitted reactor coil should be replaced.

9. What is the pressure rating of the knitted reactor coils (KRC)? [top]
The knitted reactor coils are rated to hold 300 psig. After time and extended use, this rating may be significantly reduced.

10. What is the knitted reactor coils made from? [top]
The knitted reactor coils are made of virgin, medical grade PTFE.

11. Can the knitted reactor coils be heated or cooled? [top]
Yes, you can use one of the MicroSolv HPLC Column Water Jackets and pump heated or cooled liquid through it.

12. How long will the UV lamp operate at acceptable efficiency? [top]
The UV lamp should operate at acceptable levels for approximately 3,000 hours then it should be replaced. If you find the signal has significantly decreased, you should replace the lamp.

13. I want to use the Post Column Photochemical Reactor for Aflotxins. Which knitted reactor coil (KRC) do you recommend? What other accessories would I need? [top]
The recommended KRC for Aflatoxin analysis is the 49900-KRC2525, 1.25ml void volume. The uv lamp supplied in the Photochemical Reactor is a low pressure mercury with 254nm light and is purchased with one polished support plate 8" (49900-55) .The KRC requires 2 polished support plates.

14. Can I use the knitted reactor coils of the Post Column Photochemical Reactor with my HPLC Fluorescence detector? [top]
The only restriction on whether or not you can use the knitted reactor coils of the Post Column Photochemical Reactor is the inlet tubing of your detector. The absolute minimum ID can be 0.008". It is preferred that the tubing ID be 0.01". Anything smaller than 0.008" is not compatible.