Preparing and Maintaining Cogent Diamond Hydride™ Columns
Proper conditioning and storage are essential for optimal performance and longevity of your Diamond Hydride™ HPLC column. Follow these guidelines for first use, routine care, and long-term maintenance.
Initial Conditioning
Before first use:
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Flush the column with 50:50 methanol/DI water for 30 minutes.
Conditioning Based on Sample Type
1. Biological Samples (e.g., urine, plasma):
- Condition: 80% acetonitrile / 20% DI water with 0.2% acetic acid (or 0.1% formic acid) for 20 minutes.
- Clean: After every 10 injections, flush with 50:50 methanol/DI water for 5 minutes.
2. Standard Samples:
- Condition: Same as above (80:20 ACN/DI water with acid) for 20 minutes.
- Clean: After every 100 injections or sooner if performance changes, flush with 50:50 methanol/DI water for 5 minutes.
Storage Guidelines
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Long-Term:
- Rinse with 10 column volumes of 100% acetonitrile.
- Cap ends securely and store at room temperature.
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Moderate-Term:
- Rinse with 6 column volumes of 90:10 acetonitrile/DI water with 0.1% formic or acetic acid.
- Cap ends and store at room temperature.
Washing to Remove Adsorbed Compounds
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Routine Wash:
- Use 50:50 methanol/DI water with 0.1% formic acid for 60 minutes at a slower flow rate than normal runs.
- Re-equilibrate with your mobile phase.
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Deep Cleaning:
- Wash overnight with 50:50 isopropyl alcohol/DI water with 0.1% formic acid at low flow.
- If needed, uninstall the column, reverse it, and wash with 50:50 methanol/DI water with 0.1% formic acid for 60 minutes.
Never let the column dry out.