HPLC columns are a critical component of chromatographic systems for the effective separation and analysis of components across a wide range of applications. Each HPLC column has a limited lifespan, and to maximize its utility, proper care is essential, which can extend its usage time. It is recommended to regularly monitor the column's efficiency and separation capabilities using standards. If you plan to store the column for an extended period, use a mobile phase that inhibits microbial growth (such as mobile phases containing sodium azide or higher concentrations of methanol, acetonitrile, etc.).To achieve optimal HPLC column performance and longevity, follow these recommendations:<ul><li>#1 Check the column‘s efficiency on a regular basis.</li><li>#2 Always sure that both mobile phases are well miscible when changing them.</li><li>#3 Avoid salts from precipitation in the column, e.g. high content of the organic component in the buffer.</li><li>#4 Use only perfectly filtered and degassed mobile phases.</li><li>#5 Keep the column from drying out. Close securely when not in use.</li><li>#6 For long-term preservation, use a mobile phase to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria, for example, by adding NaN3.</li><li>#7 Use the column according in direction on the label. Reverse flow of 5 - 10 column volumes can assist in clearing a clogged inlet frit when there is a significant column backpressure.</li><li>#8 Use guard column to protect your analytical column from particulates, solvent impurities and retained sample components.</li></ul>The right column choice is as essential for successful analysis as is its subsequent care. Watrex Praha offers a broad portfolio of HPLC columns, which they prepare in-house at their laboratory.<h3>Types filling of and Applications for HPLC Columns</h3><h4>1. Reversed Phase</h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://watrex.com/?s=deltasil+100+c18&amp;post_type=product&amp;dgwt_wcas=1?utm_source=labrulez&amp;utm_medium=propagace&amp;utm_campaign=labrulez_produkty">Watrex reversed-phase columns</a> use high-quality silica-based stationary phases modified with C18 alkyl chains, with effective endcapping to deactivate residual silanol groups.They are ideal for the separation of slightly polar to nonpolar compounds across a wide range of products, including components of medicines, food products and supplements, environmental pollutants or other natural products.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Watrex_Figure_1_Chromatogram_1_Column_Watrex_Ion_Plus_TM_CS_19_200x4mm_36d35a09a4.jpg" alt="Watrex: Figure 1: Chromatogram 1 - Column: Watrex IonPlus CS19, 200x4mm; Mobile phase: 4mM HNO3; Flowrate: 1.0 ml/min; Detection: Conductivity without suppression. Chromatogram 2 - Column: Watrex IC Anion I; Mobile phase: 4mM Na 2 CO 3 + 1mM NaHCO 3 + 0.1mM NaSCN; Flowrate: 1,2 ml/min; Pressure: 54 bar; Detection: Conductivity with suppression; Injection: 20 μl." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Watrex_Figure_1_Chromatogram_1_Column_Watrex_Ion_Plus_TM_CS_19_200x4mm_36d35a09a4.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="2419" height="1181"><ul><li>Column Dimensions: Depending on customer requirements – from standard analytical columns (2.1 - 4.6 mm diameter, typical lenght 100 mm to 250 mm) packed with strictly monodisperse particles sized 3 or 5 μm. Preparative columns suitable for the separation and purification of biomolecules (peptides, amino acids, nucleotides, etc.) with larger porosity are available in semi-preparative (8 mm diameter) and preparative (20 mm diameter) formats.</li><li>Example Applications: Analysis of pharmaceuticals, environmental analyses, food composition.</li></ul><h4>2. Ion-Exchange Columns</h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://watrex.com/?s=ionplus&amp;post_type=product&amp;dgwt_wcas=1?utm_source=labrulez&amp;utm_medium=propagace&amp;utm_campaign=labrulez_produkty">Watrex ion-exchange columns</a> are designed for the separation of ionic compounds, based on interactions between ions in the stationary phase and analytes. These columns are suitable for the separation of inorganic ions, amino acids, or proteins.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Watrex_Figure_2_Chromatogram_3_Column_Watrex_Deltasil_100_C18_258df30fcd.jpg" alt="Watrex: Figure 2: Chromatogram 3 - Column: Watrex Deltasil 100 C18; Mobile phase: 85% ACN; Flowrate:0.65 ml/min; Pressure: 54 bar; Detection: 254 nm; Injection: 2 μl." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Watrex_Figure_2_Chromatogram_3_Column_Watrex_Deltasil_100_C18_258df30fcd.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="2419" height="1181"><ul><li>Column Dimensions: Columns available in various dimensions.</li><li>Example Applications: Analysis of ions, biomolecules, peptide separation.</li></ul><h4>3. Ion-Exclusion Columns</h4>These <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://watrex.com/?s=polymer+iex&amp;post_type=product&amp;dgwt_wcas=1?utm_source=labrulez&amp;utm_medium=propagace&amp;utm_campaign=labrulez_produkty">Watrex Polymer IEX HPLC columns</a> are suitable for the separation of weak organic acids and carbohydrates, based on ion exclusion principles. The basis is polymer monodisperse particles with a size of 8 μm modified by sulfonation and supplied in various ionic forms.<ul><li>The H-form is intended for the determination of weak organic acids in food or agricultural and veterinary products.</li><li>The Ca- and Pb-forms are typically used for the determination of mono-, di- and oligosaccharides in the food industry.</li></ul><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Watrex_Figure_3_Chromatogram_4_Column_Watrex_Polymer_IEX_Ca_250x8mm_Chromatogram_5_Column_Watrex_Polymer_IEX_H_c3818e4cc1.jpg" alt="Watrex: Figure 3: Chromatogram 4 - Column: Watrex Polymer IEX Ca 250x8mm; Eluent: H2O; Flow-rate: 0.5 ml/min; Pressure: 26 bar; Inj. Volume: 20 μl; Concentration: 20 ppm; Temperature: 90 °C; Detection: RI. Chromatogram 5 - Column: Watrex Polymer IEX H 250x8mm; Eluent: 9mM H2SO4; Flow-rate: 0.5 ml/min; Pressure: 45 bar; Inj. Volume: 20 μl; Concentration: 20 ppm; Temperature: ambient; Detection: UV 210 nm." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Watrex_Figure_3_Chromatogram_4_Column_Watrex_Polymer_IEX_Ca_250x8mm_Chromatogram_5_Column_Watrex_Polymer_IEX_H_c3818e4cc1.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="2419" height="1181"><ul><li>Column Dimensions: 8 mm diameter and lengths of 250 or 300 mm.</li><li>Example Applications: Analysis of organic acids in food products, fermentation processes.</li></ul><h4> 4. Gel Permeation/Size Exclusion Chromatography (GPC/SEC) Columns</h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://watrex.com/?s=deltagel&amp;post_type=product&amp;dgwt_wcas=1?utm_source=labrulez&amp;utm_medium=propagace&amp;utm_campaign=labrulez_produkty">Watrex gel permeation chromatography (GPC) columns</a> are used for separating highmolecular-weight compounds, typically synthetic or water-soluble polymers, based on molecule size. Smaller molecules penetrate more deeply into the porous structure of the sorbents and thus elute later than larger molecules.According to the type of stationary phase, the columns are usually divided into Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC) columns used in the separation of synthetic polymers with organic mobile phases (e.g. tetrahydrofuran, THF, DMF, toluene THF) on polystyrene - divinylbenzene sorbents with defined porosity.In contrast, the term Size-Exclusion Chromatography (SEC) typically refers to columns for the separation of water-soluble polymers, biomacromolecules (e.g. peptides or proteins), which occur in buffered aqueous phases on porous hydrophilic sorbents (e.g. based on agarose or methacrylate particles modified with hydrophilic groups).<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Watrex_Figure_4_Chromatogram_6_Delta_Gel_TM_Mixed_C_Chromatogram_7_Delta_Gel_TM_Mixed_D_541ef2ed25.jpg" alt="Watrex: Figure 4: Chromatogram 6 - DeltaGelTM Mixed C. Chromatogram 7 - DeltaGelTM Mixed D." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Watrex_Figure_4_Chromatogram_6_Delta_Gel_TM_Mixed_C_Chromatogram_7_Delta_Gel_TM_Mixed_D_541ef2ed25.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="2419" height="946"><ul><li>Column dimensions: Watrex GPC/SEC columns are available in analytical (8x250 mm or 8x300 mm) and preparative configurations (20x300 mm).</li><li>Examples of use: Separation of synthetic polymers, peptides, proteins, polysaccharides.</li></ul><h3>Advantages of Watrex HPLC columns</h3>Columns manufactured directly in the Watrex laboratory provide several fundamental advantages:<ul><li>High quality at friendly prices. Thanks to the fact that they produce the columns themselves, they can offer top quality at very affordable prices.</li><li>A wide range of sizes and types. It offers columns adapted to various chromatographic techniques, including analytical and preparative applications.</li><li>Flexibility in applications. Watrex columns are compatible with a variety of mobile phases and can be used for the separation of ionic compounds, organic acids, polymers and biomolecules.</li></ul><h3>Conclusion</h3><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products?category=48&amp;distributorItems=59&amp;manufacturerItems=93">Watrex HPLC and GPC/SEC columns </a>are a highly reliable solution for a wide range of chromatographic applications and combine high quality with a favorable price. Whether you need columns for reverse phase, ion exchange, ion exclusion, size exclusion chromatography (SEC) or gel permeation chromatography (GPC), Watrex products guarantee you excellent separation properties and reproducible results.For more information, feel free to contact Watrex <a href="(watrex@watrex.com">(watrex@watrex.com</a>) or visit their website (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://watrex.com/cs/uvod/?utm_source=labrulez">www.watrex.com</a>).

8 points on how to care for HPLC columns

At first glance, they seem like the perfect material for any DIY enthusiast—old railway sleepers are an appealing choice for gardeners and handymen. Their robust appearance, relative availability, and apparent durability make them attractive for landscaping projects such as raised garden beds, pathway borders, or even components of terraces or outdoor furniture. However, few realize that these seemingly harmless pieces of wood conceal serious health and environmental risks.&nbsp;In this article, prepared for <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://watrex.com/?utm_source=labrulez&amp;utm_medium=propagace&amp;utm_campaign=labrulez_clanky">Watrex Praha</a> by <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://watrex.com/are-you-scientifically-prepared-for-the-new-mushroom-picking-season/?utm_source=labrulez&amp;utm_medium=propagace&amp;utm_campaign=labrulez_clanky">RNDr. Roman Kysilka, CSc.</a>, we’ll explore not only why using old sleepers outside the railway network is problematic but also how harmful substances in these materials can be identified using modern analytical methods. We’ll introduce the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://watrex.com/obchod/chromatography/dedicated-instruments/scs-205-sample-clean-up-system/?utm_source=labrulez&amp;utm_medium=propagace&amp;utm_campaign=labrulez_clanky">SCS 205 Sample Clean-up System</a>, a device that plays a key role in the analysis.&nbsp;Take a closer look with us—both literally and analytically—at what lies inside this seemingly innocent wood.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Watrex_prazce_3_c71ed8d715.jpg" alt="Watrex: Introductory illustrative photograph" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Watrex_prazce_3_c71ed8d715.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1600" height="900"><h4>Why Are Old Sleepers So Risky? The Key Issue Is Creosote Treatment&nbsp;</h4>The main reason to avoid using old railway sleepers is the way they were preserved. For decades, sleepers were treated with creosote—a dark, oily substance derived from tar.&nbsp;Creosote is extremely effective at protecting wood from rot, mold, and pests, which extends the lifespan of sleepers in harsh outdoor environments. However, this same effectiveness is also linked to its high toxicity. Creosote is classified as a carcinogen. It contains hundreds of chemical compounds, the most concerning of which are polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Long-term contact with creosote components—through inhalation or ingestion (for example, via contaminated produce)— can lead to a range of health problems, including:&nbsp;<ul><li>Cancer:&nbsp;Creosote is considered a probable human carcinogen. Skin contact can cause skin cancer, and the risk increases with inhalation of fumes.&nbsp;</li><li>Skin and Eye Irritation:&nbsp;Direct contact with creosote-treated sleepers can lead to severe irritation, rashes, blisters, and itching.&nbsp;</li><li>Respiratory Issues:&nbsp;Inhaling creosote vapors can irritate the respiratory tract, causing coughing and breathing difficulties, especially for individuals with asthma or other respiratory conditions.&nbsp;</li><li>Liver and Kidney Damage:&nbsp;Long-term exposure may impact liver and kidney function.&nbsp;</li><li>Photosensitivity (Phototoxicity):&nbsp;Creosote can increase skin sensitivity to sunlight, leading to more severe sunburns.</li></ul><h4>Environmental Burden: Toxic Substances in Soil and Water&nbsp;</h4>Beyond direct health risks, old sleepers pose a serious environmental threat. Toxic substances are gradually released from the sleepers into their surroundings through rain, sunlight, and soil microbes. These toxins accumulate in the soil, where they can be absorbed by plants. Fruits and vegetables grown in contaminated soil may contain harmful substances that ultimately end up on your plate.&nbsp;Additionally, if sleepers are placed near water sources, the toxic compounds may leach into groundwater and contaminate wells or surface water bodies. This not only endangers human health but also threatens wildlife and aquatic ecosystems. Burning sleepers is absolutely unacceptable, as it releases highly toxic pollutants into the air.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Watrex_prazce_2_473edfda63.jpg" alt="Watrex Image 2: Illustrative photo of a bench made from railway sleepers." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Watrex_prazce_2_473edfda63.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1600" height="900"><h4>Legislative Restrictions and Recommendations&nbsp;</h4>In many countries, including the Czech Republic and the European Union, the use of creosote and the handling of creosote-treated sleepers are regulated. New sleepers are no longer treated with creosote. The sale of old sleepers for domestic use is banned within the EU, with exceptions made only for specific industrial applications where exposure risk is minimal. These regulations aim to protect public health and the environment. Nevertheless, such sleepers can still occasionally be found in online listings.&nbsp;<h4>Railway Sleepers from the Perspective of Analytical Chemistry</h4>Determining the content of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in railway sleepers is essential for assessing environmental risks and ensuring proper disposal or recycling. Since PAHs are a complex mixture and their concentrations in sleepers can vary, it is crucial to follow a standardized and robust analytical procedure. The following outlines a typical workflow:&nbsp;<h5>1. Sampling&nbsp;</h5>Representative sampling is essential for obtaining reliable results. Due to the variability in sleepers (different impregnation levels, ages, environmental exposure), samples must be collected from various locations and depths within the sleeper.&nbsp;<h5>2. PAH Extraction&nbsp;</h5>PAHs are tightly bound within the wood matrix, so they must be extracted using a suitable solvent. The process involves drying and milling—the wood samples are first dried (preferably at a low temperature to prevent loss of volatile PAHs) and then ground into a fine powder to increase surface area and extraction efficiency. Various extraction techniques are used, typically involving organic solvents (such as hexane, dichloromethane, toluene, or mixtures thereof), which are effective for PAHs. Extraction is usually done via traditional Soxhlet extraction (a time-intensive method), ultrasonic extraction, pressurized liquid extraction, or microwave-assisted extraction.&nbsp;<h5>3. Extract Cleanup&nbsp;</h5>Extracts contain not only PAHs but also other interfering compounds (e.g., lignins, cellulose, resins) that can disrupt subsequent instrumental analysis. Therefore, the extract must be purified. Common methods include solid-phase extraction (SPE) using silica gel, Florisil, or C18 phases, or easily automated liquid chromatographyThe <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://watrex.com/obchod/chromatography/dedicated-instruments/scs-205-sample-clean-up-system/?utm_source=labrulez&amp;utm_medium=propagace&amp;utm_campaign=labrulez_clanky">Watrex SCS 205 Sample Clean-up System</a> utilizes gel permeation chromatography with a preparative column filled with pressure-resistant sorbent. This significantly shortens sample preparation time compared to traditional soft-gel column chromatography. The system includes a pump, injection valve, fraction collector, and control unit.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Watrex_prazce_1_59fe68af4a.jpg" alt="Watrex Image 3: Watrex SCS 205 GPS Sample Cleanup System" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Watrex_prazce_1_59fe68af4a.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1600" height="900"><h5>4. Instrumental Analysis (PAH Quantification)&nbsp;</h5>To determine and quantify PAHs, highly sensitive and selective chromatographic methods are most commonly used:&nbsp;<ul><li>Gas Chromatography with Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS)&nbsp;</li><li>High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) with Fluorescence or UV Detection&nbsp;</li></ul>Given the typically high concentrations of PAHs (ranging from hundreds to thousands of mg/kg), a cost-effective method such as HPLC with UV detection&nbsp;is often suitable for this type of analysis.&nbsp;<h4>Health and Safety First&nbsp;</h4>The aesthetics and practicality of railway sleepers may be tempting, but they come with a toxic price—paid with the health and safety of your surroundings. Instead of using contaminated materials, choose eco-friendly and non-toxic alternatives. Your garden and home should be places of relaxation and safety, not sources of hazardous substances.<blockquote>If you have an old piece of wood in your garden and are unsure of its origin or safety, don’t hesitate to contact us. At <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://watrex.com/?utm_source=labrulez&amp;utm_medium=propagace&amp;utm_campaign=labrulez_clanky">Watrex Praha</a>, we’ll be happy to help—simply send us a sample, and we’ll perform a professional PAH analysis to determine whether the material contains harmful substances.&nbsp;</blockquote>Your health and safety are definitely worth it.

Old Railway Sleepers: A Hidden Danger for Your Garden and Home

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WATREX Prague is the distributor and producer of HPLC techniques in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Main Chromatografic and Related Techniques Supported: LC, GPC, IC, IEC, Automated SPE, LC Columns and special column packings, LC method development, Software development, Laboratory Robots.

Old Railway Sleepers: A Hidden Danger for Your Garden and Home

8 points on how to care for HPLC columns

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