Guard Columns
Guard columns help protect analytical HPLC and UHPLC columns from particulates and retained sample components that can accumulate during use. Installed between the injection valve and analytical column, a properly selected guard can reduce column fouling while minimizing its effect on the separation.
Start with your analytical column and method. Then select an appropriate guard packing, verify the operating pressure and connection requirements, and choose the cartridge and holder configuration available for your system.
How to Choose a Guard Column
Before choosing between OPTI-GUARD, EXP, and OPTI-LYNX, use your method requirements to narrow the options.
- Start with the analytical column and method. Identify the analytical column's stationary phase, the sample and mobile-phase conditions, and the contamination or fouling you want the guard to address.
- Choose an appropriate guard stationary phase. Select guard packing suitable for your analytical method. Confirm that the required phase is offered in the guard-column system you are considering.
- Confirm operating pressure. Check your method's pressure requirements against the packed guard cartridge's operating rating. A holder's higher hardware pressure rating does not necessarily apply to its packed cartridge.
- Check dimensions, connections, and materials. Consider available guard dimensions and particle sizes, extra-column volume and dispersion, and whether a direct-connect or in-line arrangement is appropriate. For applications requiring a biocompatible flow path, verify the wetted materials of the selected configuration.
- Verify the actual orderable configuration. Confirm the cartridge or integrated assembly, any required holder hardware, phase and size options, pack quantity, and resulting part number on the product page. Not every combination is available in every system.
Compare Optimize Guard Column Systems
Once you know the requirements of your method, compare the three guard-column families below and follow the links to available cartridges, holders, and kits.
OPTI-GUARD
A compact, direct-to-column guard format. Standard and biocompatible options are supplied in packs containing five mated, disposable holders and cartridges, so a separate reusable holder is not required.
Explore OPTI-GUARD 1 mm Guard Columns, OPTI-GUARD Biocompatible 1 mm Guard Columns, or the OPTI-GUARD Method Development Kit.
EXP
A replaceable-cartridge guard system for UHPLC. Packed EXP guard cartridges are rated for routine use at up to 15,000 psi, while EXP holder hardware has a separate, higher pressure rating. Compatible holders allow hand-tight cartridge replacement without disconnecting the holder's fluid connections.
Review EXP Guard Column Cartridges, the EXP Direct Connect Holder, or the EXP In-Line Holder.
OPTI-LYNX
A quick-connect HPLC guard system with replaceable cartridges. Direct-connect and in-line guard holder arrangements are available; confirm the appropriate cartridge, holder, and connection configuration for your method.
Review OPTI-LYNX Guard Column Cartridges, the OPTI-LYNX Direct-Connect Guard Column Holder, or the OPTI-LYNX In-Line Guard Column Holder.
Need help selecting a guard phase, cartridge, or holder? Contact Optimize Technologies for technical assistance with your analytical-column details and operating requirements.