Guard column systems – for a longer service life for your HPLC column

Unwanted sample contamination is one of the main reasons for the reduced service life of your HPLC columns. Contamination can both clog the column and reduce the analytical performance of your system, thereby leading to longer periods of downtime for your equipment. To minimise these problems, MACHEREY-NAGEL recommends using a guard column system in combination with the appropriate guard columns. Using such a system is significantly more cost-effective than regularly replacing the analytical column. This makes guard column systems particularly economical in the long term. A guard column should be replaced if an increase in backpressure is detected and/or chromatographic performance deteriorates.

The right guard column for your system

The internal diameter (ID) of your analytical column determines which guard column is best suited to your system:

For analytical columns with a 2 mm ID, we recommend our 4x2 mm guard columns; for analytical columns with a 3, 4 or 4.6 mm ID, please use our 4x3 mm guard columns. To minimise any impact on your system and ensure flawless performance, please use precolumns packed with a sorbent that is similar to or identical to that of your analytical column. Alternatively, MACHEREY-NAGEL also offers universal RP precolumns, which can be used with all analytical reverse-phase HPLC columns available on the market that feature a 1/16" connection. Using our guard column systems increases the backpressure of your HPLC system by approximately 10–15 per cent, meaning the system can be used with all standard HPLC instruments. The very low dead volume reduces peak dispersion to a minimum, whilst maintaining column performance without compromising your chromatographic results.

NUCLEOGUARD Universal Protection System

The NUCLEOGUARD Universal Protection System is the latest and most advanced guard column holder from MACHEREY-NAGEL. The redesigned two-piece design significantly improves handling during assembly. Thanks to its adjustable thread, it is compatible with all standard analytical columns on the market featuring a 1/16" connection and helps to extend the service life of your HPLC column. In addition, this stabilises the capillary, reducing the risk of breakage or bending and thus minimising any loss of performance. The system can be used with all analytical columns featuring fully porous particles ≥3 µm. The recommended maximum system pressure is 330 bar. The system is available as a Starter Kit (718981), including a tool, instructions and spare ferrules, or as an RP Kit with Universal RP guard columns with an internal diameter of 2 mm (718981.20) or 3 mm (718981.30). Further information can be found in the accompanying product flyer.

Column Protection System (CPS)

The Column Protection System (CPS) from MACHEREY-NAGEL is a compact solution for protecting all types of analytical columns with a 1/16’ connection. The holder consists of three parts and allows capillaries and ferrules to be changed. The spare parts required for this, along with a tool and instructions, are included in the scope of delivery for item 718966. If you need help installing the system, please refer to the enclosed instructions or watch our video tutorial on the CPS.