The Column Protection System is an innovative and universal guard holder system for EC 4x2 mm and 4x3 mm guard columns. Suitable for all analytical HPLC columns with 1/16" fittings. Ideal protection for your analytical HPLC column for significantly extended lifetime. Pressure stability up to 1300 bar (18850 psi).
| Guard column dimension | 4 mm length, 2 or 3 mm ID |
| Accessory for HPLC hardware | EC, universal |
| Recommended application(s) | HPLC |
| Storage temperature | 15–25 °C / 59–77 °F |
| Scope of delivery | 1x Guard column holder, 3x Ferrules (for HPLC columns with particle size > 2 µm), 3x Ferrules (for HPLC columns with particle size < 2 µm), 2x double open ended wrenches (12 and 14 mm), 2x replacement capillaries (0.12 mm ID), 1x instruction leaflet |
| Gross weight (incl. packaging) | 223.1 g / 0.49 lbs |
| Packaging dimensions | 165 x 95 x 55 mm / 6.50 x 3.74 x 2.17 Inch |
| Hazardous material | No |
Column Protection System for enhanced HPLC column lifetime
Unwanted sample contaminants are one of the main reasons for the reduction of HPLC column lifetime. Contaminants can clog the column as well as reduce the analytical performance of your HPLC column and therefor lead to prolonged downtimes of your HPLC system. To reduce these issues MACHEREY-NAGEL recommends usage of our innovative Column Protection System (CPS) together with the respective guard columns, which offer the ideal protection for your analytical HPLC column and will extend column lifetime. If you want to know more about or how to install our CPS please watch the video below.
Please note that the inner diameter (ID) of your analytical column predetermines which guard column you have to use:
- For analytical columns with 3, 4 or 4.6 mm ID our EC 4 mm x 3 mm guard columns are recommended
- For analytical columns with 2 mm ID our EC 4 mm x 2 mm guard columns are recommended
Usually it is advised to use the same NUCLEODUR, NUCLEOSIL or NUCLEOSHELL silica gel packing for your analytical column and your guard column to ensure a proper performance. However, MACHEREY-NAGEL offers Universal RP guard columns, too. These universal guard columns together with our CPS can be used with all common RP analytical HPLC columns with a 1/16” fitting also from other manufacturers.
By using our CPS the back pressure of your HPLC system only increases by approximately 10-15% therefor the CPS can be used with all common HPLC instruments. Due to a pressure stability of up to 1300 bar (18850 PSI) and a minimized dead volume usage with UHPLC analytical columns, which are very susceptible to contamination, is also possible. The very low dead volume keeps peak dispersion to a minimum while also maintaining column performance without altering your chromatographic results.
Guard columns can be purchased in packs of 3 for a reasonable price which is much more cost efficient than replacing the analytical column. The guard columns should be replaced when the back pressure increases and/or the chromatographic performance decreases.
How to install the Column Protection System
This video demonstrates the easy installation of the Column Protection System - the universal guard column holder* - protection for your analytical HPLC / UHPLC columns.
* Universal guard column holder system for EC 4x2 mm and 4x3 mm guard columns from MACHEREY-NAGEL. Suitable for all (also for other brands, manufacturers) analytical HPLC columns with 1/16" fittings.
