Size exclusion chromatography (SEC) columns are highly sensitive to operating conditions, including the composition of the mobile phase and the nature of analyzed samples. Improper handling and unsuitable method conditions can significantly reduce column lifetime. This guide summarizes common causes of column degradation and provides practical recommendations for extending column lifespan.<h3>Common Causes of Reduced Column Lifetime</h3>Several factors can negatively affect the performance and durability of SEC columns:<h4>1. Contamination of the Stationary Phase</h4><ul><li>Accumulation of impurities from samples or mobile phases</li><li>Microbial growth due to infrequent replacement of mobile phase</li></ul><h4>2. Stationary Phase Degradation</h4><ul><li>Caused by unsuitable pH conditions</li><li>Exposure to inappropriate temperatures</li><li>Use of harsh chemical agents</li></ul><h4>3. Improper Column Storage</h4><ul><li>Incorrect storage conditions may reduce column performance over time</li></ul><h4>4. Column Inlet Blockage</h4><ul><li>Particulates from insufficiently prepared samples can clog the column inlet</li></ul><h3>Preventive Measures and Best Practices</h3><h4>1. Preventing Contamination</h4><ul><li>Use high-quality solvents</li><li>Prepare buffer solutions daily</li><li>Filter both mobile phases and samples before use</li><li>Perform regular column cleaning</li></ul>Important note: Not all SEC columns can be reverse flushed. For example:<ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products/1534">Biozen dSEC-2</a> and Yarra SEC-X7 columns must not be backflushed</li></ul><h4>2. Protecting the Stationary Phase</h4><ul><li>Operate within recommended pH and temperature limits</li><li>When using strong denaturants (e.g., urea or SDS):<ul><li>Perform immediate and thorough water flushing after use</li></ul></li></ul><h4>3. Proper Column Storage</h4>Before storage always clean the column thoroughly<ul><li>Two storage options:<ul><li>Buffer with bacteriostatic agent (e.g., sodium azide)</li><li>No buffer: water with 20% methanol</li></ul></li></ul>When introducing methanol:<ul><li>Use low flow rates</li><li>Prevent pressure spikes that could damage the column</li></ul>When restarting the column:<ul><li>Consider that the column contains 20% methanol</li><li>Adjust flow conditions accordingly</li></ul><h4>4. Preventing Column Inlet Clogging</h4>Use protective components:<ul><li>Guard column</li><li>Precolumn</li></ul>These act as barriers to prevent contamination of the analytical column.<h5>Types of Protection:</h5><ul><li>Security guard cartridges<ul><li>Minimal added length</li></ul></li><li>Short precolumns<ul><li>Same stationary phase as analytical column</li></ul></li></ul><h5>Key Advantage:</h5><ul><li>Essential for columns that cannot be backflushed</li><li>Protects against:<ul><li>Poorly centrifuged samples</li><li>Particulate contamination</li><li>Dirty sample matrices</li></ul></li></ul><h3>Conclusion</h3>Extending the lifetime of SEC columns requires careful attention to:<ul><li>Sample preparation</li><li>Mobile phase quality</li><li>Operating conditions</li><li>Storage procedures</li><li>Use of protective accessories</li></ul>Implementing these practices helps prevent contamination, degradation, and mechanical damage, ensuring consistent column performance and longer service life.

Extending the Lifetime of Size Exclusion Columns

<h4>Let’s begin with a simple question: what do we actually mean by high throughput?</h4>In the laboratory, high throughput usually refers to the ability to analyze tens, hundreds, or even thousands of samples per day, either across a laboratory workflow or on a single analytical system. Achieving this requires more than just a fast method. It depends on reliable instrumentation, automation, sufficient sample capacity, and smart system design that minimizes idle time between runs.In this article, we look at the key requirements for high-throughput HPLC analysis and how they are addressed in the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products/2371">HTQC system</a>.<h4>Speed</h4>High-throughput HPLC workflows typically rely on short methods. This includes both the chromatographic runtime and the cycle time of the injection module.With the HTQC system, fast gradient applications up to 1200 bar can be implemented using two integrated UHPLC high-pressure gradient pumps.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/KNAUER_Fig_1_2_HPG_pumps_of_HTQC_system_left_P_8_1_L_max_pressure_1240_bar_right_P_6_1_L_max_pressure_1000_bar_4d4873ff2f.jpg" alt="KNAUER: Fig. 1–2 HPG pumps of HTQC system, left: P 8.1L (max. pressure 1240 bar), right: P 6.1L (max. pressure 1000 bar)" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_KNAUER_Fig_1_2_HPG_pumps_of_HTQC_system_left_P_8_1_L_max_pressure_1240_bar_right_P_6_1_L_max_pressure_1000_bar_4d4873ff2f.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1266" height="386">We will not discuss the full details of transferring classical HPLC methods to fast, high-resolution UHPLC methods here, but UHPLC implementation can dramatically reduce total analysis time.Let’s use a hypothetical example. Imagine Giorgia, a randomly chosen name, working in pharmaceutical quality control in 1998. She must have travelled back in time, because she would have been too young to work in a lab then, but the example still works. With a classical HPLC method, each sample takes approximately 75 minutes, including equilibration, analysis, and backflushing of a 250 × 4.6 mm ID column. This type of method has been common in QC laboratories around the world. During an eight-hour working day, Giorgia can analyze around six samples.Now let’s transfer the same method to UHPLC. The improvement is substantial. Analysis time, equilibration time, and backflushing time are all reduced to under six minutes per sample. Giorgia can now process around 90 samples in one working day.You may wonder why the HTQC system requires two UHPLC gradient pumps. We will come back to that shortly.The next way to increase speed is to reduce injector cycle time. Injection procedures and washing steps can sometimes take a significant amount of time. This is where the LH 8.1 liquid handler becomes important.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/KNAUER_Fig_3_KNAUER_LH_8_1_Liquid_Handler_77ab506ca6.webp" alt="KNAUER: Fig. 3 KNAUER LH 8.1 Liquid Handler" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_KNAUER_Fig_3_KNAUER_LH_8_1_Liquid_Handler_77ab506ca6.webp 129w," sizes="100vw" width="800" height="971">The LH 8.1 supports overlapped injections. This means that the next injection can already be prepared while the current analysis is still running. Necessary cleaning steps of the injection system are still maintained, but idle time is reduced.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/KNAUER_Fig_4_Schematic_buildup_of_injections_with_and_without_overlapped_injections_af089ba652.webp" alt="KNAUER: Fig. 4 Schematic buildup of injections with and without overlapped injections" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_KNAUER_Fig_4_Schematic_buildup_of_injections_with_and_without_overlapped_injections_af089ba652.webp 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1920" height="452">Let’s return to Giorgia. By using overlapped injections in her QC method, she saves about one minute per sample. This increases her capacity to approximately 105 samples per day.<h4>Sample Throughput</h4>A high-throughput system must also be able to handle and store a sufficient number of samples. Here, the LH 8.1 provides another major advantage. In the long-rail version, it can be equipped with up to three robotic coolers.With three coolers, each containing three drawers, the system can hold nine 10 × 13 sample trays. That means a total capacity of 1170 vials. The samples are also temperature controlled.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/KNAUER_Fig_5_6_Robotic_Cooler_with_two_10x6_trays_LH_8_1_887_version_with_two_Robotic_Coolers_855b10c2a3.jpg" alt="KNAUER: Fig. 5–6 Robotic Cooler with two 10x6 trays, LH 8.1 (887 version) with two Robotic Coolers" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_KNAUER_Fig_5_6_Robotic_Cooler_with_two_10x6_trays_LH_8_1_887_version_with_two_Robotic_Coolers_855b10c2a3.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1262" height="503">Combined with the low eluent consumption typical of UHPLC, this large sample capacity makes it possible to extend operation from an eight-hour workday to 24-hour operation.For Giorgia and her QC lab, this changes everything again. The same UHPLC method, including overlapped injections, can now run continuously around the clock. This allows approximately 320 samples to be processed per day.Is that enough? Maybe not. As the blog title suggests: we just can’t get enough.<h4>Automation</h4>In addition to a standard 6-port, 2-position injection valve, the HTQC system includes an additional valve. This special column-switching and backflushing valve enables two columns to be operated alternately within a single UHPLC system.While one column is used for analysis, the second column can be backflushed and equilibrated in the reverse flow direction at the same time. This is particularly useful for reducing matrix effects, which are often encountered in QC laboratories when complex sample matrices are analyzed. It also helps reduce overall method runtime.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/KNAUER_Fig_7_Exemplary_flow_scheme_of_special_column_switching_valve_d837a71117.webp" alt="KNAUER: Fig. 7 Exemplary flow scheme of special column switching valve" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_KNAUER_Fig_7_Exemplary_flow_scheme_of_special_column_switching_valve_d837a71117.webp 127w," sizes="100vw" width="735" height="905"><h4>Parallel Processing</h4>Remember the earlier question: why does the system use two UHPLC gradient pumps?The reason is now clear. The second gradient pump is required to backflush one column while the other column is connected to the analytical flow path through the special switching valve.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/KNAUER_Fig_8_Schematic_illustration_of_column_cleaning_equilibration_and_analysis_with_special_backflush_valve_eae2e6f705.webp" alt="KNAUER: Fig. 8 Schematic illustration of column cleaning, equilibration and analysis with special backflush valve" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_KNAUER_Fig_8_Schematic_illustration_of_column_cleaning_equilibration_and_analysis_with_special_backflush_valve_eae2e6f705.webp 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1920" height="281">Giorgia immediately ordered a second UHPLC pump and the special valve for her QC lab. She now has a complete HTQC system and is very pleased with the result.Why? Let’s calculate it one final time. With all automation features in place, Giorgia can clean one column while the other column analyzes a sample. This enables her to process an impressive 600 samples per day.Compared with the classical HPLC method she used in 1998, the daily sample throughput has increased from six samples to 600 samples. That is a 100-fold increase.<h4>Summary</h4>We started with a question, so let’s end with one too: what steps increased the throughput?First, the method was scaled down from classical HPLC to a fast UHPLC approach. Then, a second pump and a special column-switching and backflushing valve were added to the UHPLC setup. Together with the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products/1454">LH 8.1 liquid handler</a> and its exceptional sample capacity, the HTQC system becomes a flexible and powerful configuration for high-throughput analysis.The system can also be coupled to nearly any detector used in HPLC. Because of its ability to operate at very high speed, it is especially well suited for mass spectrometric methods.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/KNAUER_Fig_9_Complete_flow_scheme_of_HTQC_system_with_highlighted_system_components_edef36cb42.webp" alt="KNAUER: Fig. 9 Complete flow scheme of HTQC system with highlighted system components" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_KNAUER_Fig_9_Complete_flow_scheme_of_HTQC_system_with_highlighted_system_components_edef36cb42.webp 161w," sizes="100vw" width="800" height="775"><blockquote>For further information on this topic, please contact our authors: kramer@knauer.net, m.myrach@knauer.net</blockquote>

Introducing Our System Solution for High Throughput Quality Control – HTQC

News from LabRulezLCMS Library - Week 19, 2026

Article

Product

Application

Academy

Video

Poster

Everything from the world of analytical chemistry in one place. We connect people in solving their problems. At Labrulez you will find all the necessary information easily, quickly and clearly. Stop searching and start finding.

LabRulez

Phenomenex is a global technology leader committed to developing novel analytical chemistry solutions that solve the separation and purification challenges of researchers in industrial, government and academic laboratories.

Phenomenex

Based in Berlin, KNAUER is a medium-sized, owner-managed company that has been serving the sciences since 1962. We develop and manufacture scientific instruments of superior quality for liquid chromatography, including: Analytical HPLC/UHPLC, Preparative HPLC, Fast protein liquid chromatography (FPLC), Multi-column chromatography/Simulated moving bed (SMB) chromatography. High pressure dosing, in-line detection systems, and osmometry are additional business areas.

KNAUER

Wiley KnowItAll LC-MS Database Collection

The KnowItAll LC-MS Library offers access to an impressive collection of over 2.7 million high-quality mass spectra designed to accelerate spectral identification.

<h4>KnowItAll LC-MS Library: Confident Identification Starts Here</h4>Access over 2.7 million high-quality LC-MS spectra with the KnowItAll LC-MS Library—designed to accelerate and streamline compound identification and classification.<h5>Key Features:</h5><ul><li>Includes four trusted LC-MS databases covering lipids, PFAS, polymers, drugs, and more</li><li>Each record features spectra, chemical structures, and metadata</li><li>Continuously updated to provide the latest compound coverage</li><li>Compatible with most MS instrument formats</li><li>Expert-reviewed for data accuracy and reliability</li></ul><h5>Applications:</h5>Ideal for environmental analysis, food safety, metabolomics, clinical research, QC, and more. This collection supports fast, reliable LC-MS workflows in both research and routine lab settings.<h5>Database Coverage:</h5><ul><li>LC-MS – Class Rule-Based PFAS Library: Over 7,000 spectra</li><li>LC-MS – Class Rule-Based Polymer Library: Over 202,000 spectra</li><li>LC-MS – Class Rule-Based Lipids Library: Over 2.5 million spectra</li><li>Wiley Registry of Tandem Mass Spectral Data: MSforID: 12,000 spectra</li></ul>Extend your coverage with optional NIST bundles and other spectral libraries.

Wiley KnowItAll Solutions for LC-MS

LC Expert streamlines LC-MS workflows with automated processing, deconvolution, and MS/MS or accurate mass search. Combined with KnowItAll databases, it ensures fast and complete spectral analysis.

<h4>Revolutionize Your LC-MS Workflow with KnowItAll LC Expert</h4>KnowItAll LC Expert brings speed and precision to LC-MS analysis. New in KnowItAll 2025, this tool automates deconvolution, processing, and spectral searches—turning hours of manual work into minutes.<h5>Key Features:</h5><ul><li>Automated non-targeted LC-MS/MS analysis LC Expert processes raw chromatograms, extracts components, and matches MS/MS spectra to Wiley’s trusted databases.</li><li>Targeted accurate mass identification Identify known compounds using accurate mass and structure databases with support for retention times and custom metadata.</li><li>Advanced spectral search algorithms Use patented adaptive search and MSforID algorithms to explore similar or coeluted spectra when exact matches aren’t found.</li><li>Access to premium LC-MS databases Includes millions of spectra from PFAS, polymer, lipid, and drug-related libraries. Expandable with NIST and Maurer libraries.</li><li>Database building &amp; in-house data integration Build multi-technique databases using MineIt and import existing MSP collections. Easily manage compound records and raw data.</li><li>Integrated tools for structure &amp; reporting Use ChemWindow for 2D structure drawing and ReportIt for automated documentation with spectra, tables, and annotations.</li></ul><h5>Applications Across Fields:</h5>Perfect for pharmaceuticals, forensics, metabolomics, environmental testing, cosmetics, materials science, and academic research.<h5>Compatibility:</h5>Vendor-neutral and supports multiple instruments and data formats—ensuring seamless integration and workflow continuity.Take your LC-MS analysis to the next level—faster, smarter, more reliable.Learn more at: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://sciencesolutions.wiley.com">sciencesolutions.wiley.com</a>

Wiley NIST/EPA/NIH Mass Spectral Library 2023

The 2023 NIST/EPA/NIH Mass Spectral Library is a major update from NIST's expert team, reflecting 40+ years of development. It’s an essential, trusted resource for accurate mass spectral analysis.

<h4>Boost Your MS Workflow with the NIST 2023 Mass Spectral Library</h4>The NIST/EPA/NIH Mass Spectral Library 2023 is a major update to one of the world’s most trusted MS databases. Developed by NIST's expert team over four decades, it remains a vital tool for GC-MS and MS/MS analysis.What's Included:<ul><li>EI Library: 394,000 spectra, 341,600 unique compounds, now with AI-RI values</li><li>MS/MS Libraries: 2.3M+ spectra, 51,500+ compounds, 399,000+ precursor ions</li><li>GC Retention Index Library: 491,700 RI values, 180,600 unique compounds</li><li>NIST Software: MS Search, AMDIS, MS Interpreter</li></ul>New in 2023:<ul><li>40,000+ new EI compounds and 43,000+ spectra added</li><li>MS/MS coverage expanded by 60% over 2020 release</li><li>Enhanced compatibility with most MS platforms via Wiley</li></ul>Even More with Wiley:<ul><li>Combine with the Wiley Registry 2023 for greater coverage</li><li>Add KnowItAll Software for advanced spectral analysis</li></ul>Compatible with most MS data systems. Learn more: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://sciencesolutions.wiley.com/compatibility">sciencesolutions.wiley.com/compatibility</a>

Wiley LC-MSⁿ Library of Drugs, Poisons and Their Metabolites, 2nd Edition

The Maurer/Wissenbach/Weber LC-MSⁿ Library, 2nd Ed., offers MS² and MS³ spectra for over 2,270 drugs and 3,600+ metabolites. It enables proven metabolite-based LC-MSⁿ screening and is one of the few libraries focused on metabolite spectra.

<h4>Optimize LC-MSⁿ Screening with a Proven Metabolite-Based Library</h4>The Maurer/Wissenbach/Weber LC-MSⁿ Library, 2nd Edition, offers a powerful screening method using MS² and MS³ spectra for over 2,270 parent drugs and 3,600+ metabolites. It’s one of the few libraries focused specifically on metabolite spectra, improving sensitivity, selectivity, and reducing false negatives in LC-MS analysis.Developed for clinical and forensic applications, the library helps confirm compound identity and detect metabolites even when parent analytes are suppressed. It also reduces false positives through characteristic metabolite patterns.Includes instrument-specific training materials on sample prep, chromatography, and MS settings.<h5>Library Specs:</h5><ul><li>Spectra: &gt;13,000</li><li>Structures: 10,787</li><li>Compounds: &gt;2,270</li><li>Metabolites/Artifacts: &gt;3,600</li><li>Endogenous Molecules: 90</li></ul>Search compound coverage at <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://spectrabase.com/">compoundsearch.com</a>.

Wiley Registry of Tandem Mass Spectral Data – MSforID

The "Wiley Registry of Tandem Mass Spectral Data: MS for ID" consists of 12,048 positive and negative mode spectra of over 1,000 compounds of interest for forensics, toxicology, and pathology. 

<h4>High Mass-Accuracy LC-MS/MS Library for Confident Identification</h4>The Wiley Registry of Tandem Mass Spectral Data: MS for ID includes 12,048 spectra in positive and negative modes covering 1,163 compounds relevant to forensics, toxicology, and pathology—including drugs, pesticides, and pharmaceuticals.Developed by the Oberacher team at Innsbruck Medical University under controlled conditions, the library offers ~95% specificity and &gt;92% sensitivity. It delivers fast, reproducible results and is highly transferable across LC-MS/MS platforms.Highlights:<ul><li>12,048 spectra for 1,000+ small bioorganic molecules</li><li>Optimized for high-accuracy identification</li><li>Includes advanced LC-MS/MS search algorithm</li><li>Compatible with most instrument formats</li></ul>Search compound coverage at: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.compoundsearch.com">www.compoundsearch.com</a>

Wiley LC-HR-MS/MS Library of Drugs, Poisons and Their Metabolites

The updated MMHW LC-HR-MS/MS library offers 5,500+ spectra of drugs, poisons, and metabolites. A trusted resource for toxicology, doping control, and environmental analysis.

<h4>From the Leader in Spectral Data</h4>The Maurer, Meyer, Helfer, Weber: LC-HR-MS/MS Library of Drugs, Poisons, and Their Metabolites, 2nd Edition (MMHW) is one of the most comprehensive LC-MS resources for clinical and forensic toxicologists. Developed by Prof. Hans H. Maurer and his team, the database emphasizes metabolites essential for accurate toxicological screening.This edition contains over 5,500 high-quality spectra, covering 2,300+ parent drugs/poisons and 3,200+ metabolites or artifacts across 100+ classification groups. Substances are categorized by toxicological relevance, with accompanying methods in PDF format.The data is carefully curated and reviewed by experts, ensuring reliable compound identification. Wiley collaborates with major MS vendors, supporting multiple instruments and formats for seamless workflow integration.<h4>Applications</h4>The MMHW library is trusted worldwide for compound analysis and verification in:<ul><li>Clinical and forensic toxicology</li><li>Doping control</li><li>Environmental and food chemistry</li><li>Pharmacokinetics and pathology</li></ul><h4>What’s New</h4>The 2nd edition adds 550+ new datasets, including designer drugs, cannabinoids, opioids, stimulants, and more.<h4>Specifications</h4><ul><li>Spectra: 5,558</li><li>Structures: 4,270</li><li>Unique Compounds: 2,763</li><li>Metabolites/Artifacts: &gt;3,250</li></ul>Available in KnowItAll and NIST formats, this library remains a critical resource for accurate, sensitive, and selective LC-HR-MS/MS screening.Search compound coverage at <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://spectrabase.com/">compoundsearch.com</a>.

Products from category LCMS libraries distributed by LabRulez - page 1

Related content

News from LabRulezLCMS Library - Week 19, 2026

Introducing Our System Solution for High Throughput Quality Control – HTQC

Extending the Lifetime of Size Exclusion Columns