We have a useful pressure calculator on our website in which you determine the contribution
Overview
Choosing the correct tubing ID during HPLC system setup is essential for balancing chromatographic performance and system pressure limits. Smaller‑ID tubing lowers extra‑column volume, helping maintain sharper peaks and higher efficiency.
However, this comes with a trade‑off: narrower tubing increases system back pressure, which must be considered when configuring flow rates, column dimensions, and pump capabilities.
Pressure contribution from tubing is determined by key variables:
- Tubing ID
- Tubing length
- Mobile phase viscosity
- Flow rate
A pressure calculator is available on the MICROSOLV website to estimate the pressure generated by different tubing configurations, making it easier to choose a suitable ID for your HPLC system.
Why This Is Important
Understanding the pressure impact of tubing selection helps analysts:
- Prevent system over‑pressurization, protecting pumps and column hardware.
- Optimize peak shape and efficiency by minimizing extra‑column dispersion.
- Select appropriate ID tubing when modifying flow rates or switching column formats.
- Ensure compatibility with UHPLC, microbore, and standard HPLC configurations.
Correct tubing choice improves both performance and system reliability.
Smaller‑diameter tubing lowers extra‑column volume, resulting in sharper, more efficient peaks due to reduced band broadening. However, this comes at the cost of increased system pressure. The pressure generated inside the tubing is affected by the tubing ID, length, mobile phase viscosity, and flow rate. Using the calculator allows you to evaluate these parameters before finalizing your setup.
Choosing the correct tubing helps maintain high‑quality chromatography while keeping the system within safe operating pressures.
Click HERE for high‑pressure tubing ordering information and images.