To Understand the Working of the Fused silica Capillary Column

To Understand the Working of the Fused silica Capillary Column Conventionally stainless steel columns and glass columns were being used for the manufacturing of capillary columns, but they were having below drawbacks that catalyzed the introduction of fused silica columns:Problems in stainless steel-made columnsDifferent compounds like amines, free acids, steroids, etc are highly reactive to stainless steel and the efficiency of these columns is also very low.

Problems in glass-made columns- As the nature of glass is fragile, the glass-made columns are very delicate and due to this handling is very precarious.

Since its introduction in 1979, the Fused silica capillary column is made extensively by GC Column Manufacturers. Technically when on a high purity synthetic quartz a polyamide coating is applied on the outer surface, it is known as fused silica. These columns have characteristic features like low reactivity, high flexibility as compared to other columns, and high physical strength. As there is polyamide coating on the capillary walls it provides strength to the capillary and thus can have much thinner walls as compared to glass columns. The flexibility allows these columns to be wound into coils.

There is a logical reason for the efficiency rates achieved by the FSCC. As a thin uniform liquid phase forms a coating on the capillary column and as the fused silica is inert and smooth the efficiency levels achieved are the highest. We have to take care of the coating and we should ensure that it remains undamaged. The operating temperature should be kept below 360 degrees Celsius and if there is high-temperature polyamide coating the temperature can be raised to 400 degrees Celsius. If there is regular exposure to high temperatures the coatings will start to degrade which will result in reactions that are not required.

To understand the working of the capillary column we have to understand the dimensional factors. We will also have to determine how the Efficiency, resolution, analysis time, pressure, and cost will be affected by the dimensional factors.

After enabling ourselves with the above-mentioned knowledge about the factors and their results we can go back to FSCC. It is basically a narrow bone i.e its diameter is between 0.20mm to 0.25 mm. Strength and flexibility are due to polyimide binder on the outside of the capillary. The inside is coated and bonded with a polymer stationary phase.

We have to keep the below points in mind and follow best laboratory practices to derive the maximum potential of our GC:Use best gases for the experimentation: Check for the moisture content, oxygen levels, and contamination by any hydrocarbons present in the air or gas being used. We have to use gases with high purity as it is required for high sensitive chromatography.

System leaks are painful happenings: An indispensable part of the apparatus is the electronic leak detector. Technicians should be trained to use it judiciously and effectively. Maintenance should be done religiously.

Proper installation: the life of the column is directly proportional to the correct installation being done and the best upkeep of the machines.

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