How to rinse and store columns C18, C8. Are there columns we can store only with water?

Hello  smailchimiste,

There is no one universal answer to your question as it's very dependent on the user and application the column is used for.  Each column is usually accompanied with an information booklet detailing how to properly store when not in use.  Good idea to follow where practical.  There are however, some definite things one shouldn't do and some one should.

1) Never store a column in only water as it not inhibit microbial growth.  If that is the best solvent to store the column then add at least 10% of an organic solvent such as methanol, ACN ect.

2) Never store column in buffered mobile phase since the ppt can damage the column if the solvent evaporates.  

3) Never stop flow in a column which is heated..  Reduce the flow, turn the column heater off or better yet, flush and remove and store the column with an appropriate solvent.

3) Always store the capped column in the box in which it was received as it will prevent damage due to shocks.

4) Some users don't like to store in mobile phase, especially if it's a column dedicated to a single analysis and takes a long time to fully equilibrate.  The caveat being it should not have any buffer which can precipitate.

5) Good practice to keep a column logbook and document what it's used for, how many injections made, mobile used and back pressure.  Ideally it would be a great idea to dedicate a column to a single analysis but that may not always be practical.

Hello  smailchimiste,

There is no one universal answer to your question as it's very dependent on the user and application the column is used for.  Each column is usually accompanied with an information booklet detailing how to properly store when not in use.  Good idea to follow where practical.  There are however, some definite things one shouldn't do and some one should.

1) Never store a column in only water as it not inhibit microbial growth.  If that is the best solvent to store the column then add at least 10% of an organic solvent such as methanol, ACN ect.

2) Never store column in buffered mobile phase since the ppt can damage the column if the solvent evaporates.  

3) Never stop flow in a column which is heated..  Reduce the flow, turn the column heater off or better yet, flush and remove and store the column with an appropriate solvent.

3) Always store the capped column in the box in which it was received as it will prevent damage due to shocks.

4) Some users don't like to store in mobile phase, especially if it's a column dedicated to a single analysis and takes a long time to fully equilibrate.  The caveat being it should not have any buffer which can precipitate.

5) Good practice to keep a column logbook and document what it's used for, how many injections made, mobile used and back pressure.  Ideally it would be a great idea to dedicate a column to a single analysis but that may not always be practical.