1. P Stanton, “Ion-Exchange Chromatography,” HPLC of Proteins and Peptide:
Methods and Protocols; Aguilar, M.-I. Ed; Method in Molecular Biology, Humana
Press, Totowa, NJ, Vol. 251, Ch 4.
To maintain maximum column performance, use high quality
chromatography grade solvents. Filter all aqueous buffers prior
to use. Solvents containing suspended particulate materials can
damage the fluidic components of the UPLC system and may clog
the inlet distribution frit of the column. This will result in higher
operating pressure and poor performance.
The maximum organic concentration must be <50%. When the
solvent is replaced by distilled or ion exchanged water, the flow
rate must be less than 0.25 mL/min for Protein-Pak Hi Res Q, 5
µm column or less than 0.5mL/min for Protein-Pak Hi Res CM or
SP, 7 µm columns.
e. Pressure
Protein-Pak Hi Res IEX columns can tolerate pressures across the
column of up to 2175 psi for Protein-Pak Hi Res Q, 5 µm column
and up to 1450 PSI for Protein-Pak Hi Res SP, 7 µm and Protein-
Pak Hi Res CM, 7 µm columns. These suggested limits are for the
pressure drop across the column. The actual recorded pressure on
an HPLC or UPLC system is a sum of the pressure generated from
solvent flow through the LC tubing and detector cell combined
to the pressure generated from solvent flow through the packed
IEX column. To determine the actual pressure drop across the
IEX column, subtract the above value from the system pressure
obtained (using the same eluent, flow, and temperature selected
for the IEX separation method) when a union is substituted in place
of the column on the LC System.
Note: Working at the extremes of pressure, pH and/or temperature
may result in shorter column lifetimes.
f. Flow Rate
Standard flow rate:
0.3–0.6 mL/min: Protein-Pak Hi Res Q, 5 µm column
0.5–1.4 mL/min: Protein-Pak Hi Res CM and SP, 7 µm columns
V. TROUBLESHOOTING
The first step in systematic troubleshooting is comparison of the
column, in its current state, to the column when it was functioning
properly. The functional tests with the protein mixture may reveal
subtle changes in surface chemistry that affect the application.
There are several common symptoms of change in the column.
1. An increase in pressure is often associated with lost
performance in the application. The first step in diagnosis is to
ensure that the elevated pressure resides in the column rather
than somewhere else in the system. This is determined by
measuring pressure with and without the column attached to the
instrument. If the system is occluded, the blockage should be
identified and removed. If the pressure increase resides in the
column, it is helpful to know whether the problem was associated
with a single injection or whether it occurred over a series of
injections. If the pressure gradually built up, it is possible that
the column can be cleaned as described in Section VI. For future
stability, it may be useful to incorporate a stronger regeneration
step in the method. If a single sample caused the pressure
increase, it likely reflects particulates or insoluble components,
such as lipids. Cleaning is still an option, but using the more
aggressive options. The sudden pressure increase suggests
that the user should consider some sample preparation, such as
filtration or high-speed centrifugation.
2. Loss of retention can reflect a change in the column surface
chemistry. Before proceeding with diagnostic or corrective
measures, check that the mobile phases have been correctly
prepared and the correct method has been selected. Then
repeat the functional or protein test. If the proteins show
loss of retention, the column may require replacement. If the
changes are small and reflected only for some proteins, one of
the cleaning procedures may be effective.
3. Change in peak shape, resolution, or relative retention of
peaks. Follow the same steps as for loss of retention (Symptom 2).
Under certain conditions (viscous buffers, low temperatures) the
maximum flow rate may have to be reduced so as to not exceed
the maximum column pressure limits.
g. Temperature
Temperatures between 10 ˚C–60 ˚C are recommended for
operating Protein-Pak Hi Res IEX columns.
4. Carryover and memory effects are defined as the appearance
of the constituents of one sample in the next gradient analysis.
First determine whether the column or the system is the
source of carryover. Define a gradient method that includes
an “internal gradient”. That is, the analytical gradient is
repeated within a single method. If the protein peaks appear
in both gradients, at the same time after start, the protein
came from the column in what is often described as a “memory
effect”. If the protein peaks only appear when an injection is
Protein-Pak Hi Res IEX Columns and Standards
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[ CARE AND USE MANUAL ]
made, they likely originate from adsorption to some system
component. In that case follow the instrument manufacturer’s
recommendations. Memory effects as a source of carryover
may be reduced or eliminated in several ways. First, raising the
temperature of the separation reduces the possibility of non-
specific protein adsorption. Second, memory effects may be
more pronounced with steep gradients. Keep the gradient slope
at 10 column volumes or greater. Third, memory effects may
be exacerbated by high flow rates. Reduce the flow rate by one
half while doubling the gradient time to maintain a constant
slope. Finally, apparent memory effects may actually reflect
the solubility of the protein in the mobile phase. Reducing the
amount injected may eliminate the effect.
Note: Useful general information on column troubleshooting
problems may be found in HPLC Columns Theory, Technology
and Practice, U.D. Neue, (Wiley-VCH, 1997), the Waters HPLC
Troubleshooting Guide (Literature code # 720000181EN) or visit
the Waters Corporation website for information on seminars
www.waters.com).
3. Flow reversal or back flushing is often suggested as part of a
cleaning procedure. This should be reserved as a last resort.
It may further damage the column or provide a short-lived
improvement in performance.
b. Storage
For overnight storage, the column can remain in the IEX separation
eluent while maintaining a low flow rate (e.g., 0.1 mL/min). For
long-term storage, replace the eluent at the suggested flow rate
shown below with filtered, high purity water containing 0.05%
sodium azide that will inhibit undesired microbial growth.
<0.25 mL/min for Protein-Pak Hi Res Q, 5 µm columns
<0.5 mL/min for Protein-Pak Hi Res CM and SP, 7 µm columns
Completely seal column to avoid evaporation and drying of the bed.
VII. INTRODUCING ECORD INTELLIGENT
CHIP TECHNOLOGY
VI. COLUMN CLEANING, REGENERATION
AND STORAGE
a. Cleaning and Regeneration
Changes in peak shape, peak splitting, shoulders on the peak,
shifts in retention, change in resolution, carryover, ghost peaks,
or increasing backpressure may indicate contamination of the
column. Choose a cleaning option that may be expected to
dissolve the suspected contaminant.
1. It may be useful to conduct cleaning procedures at one-half the
flow rate typically used with that column. In this way the
possibility of high pressure events is reduced.
2. Several different cleaning solutions may be injected to
strip strongly adsorbed material or particulates from the
column. Make the largest injection possible with the system
configuration. With such strong cleaning solutions, it is best to
disconnect the detector from the column and to direct the flow
to waste.
a. 0.1mol/L NaOH, or
b. 20 ~ 40% acetic acid, or
c. Solution containing aqueous organic solvent such as
methanol or acetonitrile
d. Solution containing a solubilizer such as urea and
non-ionic surfactants
a. Introduction
The eCord intelligent chip is a new technology that will provide
the history of a column’s maximum backpressure, maximum
temperature and the number of injections performed throughout its
lifetime. The eCord will be permanently attached to the column to
assure that the column’s performance history is maintained in the
event that the column is moved from one instrument to another.
Figure D. Waters eCord Intelligent Chip
Protein-Pak Hi Res IEX Columns and Standards
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[ CARE AND USE MANUAL ]
At the time of manufacture, tracking and quality control
information will be downloaded to the eCord. Storing this
information on the chip will eliminate the need for a paper
Certificate of Analysis. Once the user installs the column, the
software will automatically download key parameters into a
column history file stored on the chip. In this manual, we explain
how the eCord will provide a solution for easily tracking the
history of the columns, reduce the frustration of paperwork trails,
and give customers the reassurance that a well performing column
is installed onto their instruments.
Figure E. eCord Inserted into Side of Column Heater.
b. Installation
Install the column into the column heater. Plug the eCord into
the side of the column heater. Once the eCord is coupled to the
reader, the overall column usage information will be available
in the ACQUITY® console, allowing the user to access column
information on their desktop.
d. Column Use Information
The eCord chip provides the customer with column use data. T he
top of the screen identifies the column including chemistry type,
column dimensions and serial number. The overall column usage
information includes the total number of samples, total number
of injections, total sample sets, date of first injection, date of last
injection, maximum pressure, and temperature. The information
also details the column history by sample set including date
started, sample set name, user name, system name, number of
injections in the sample set, number of samples in the sample set,
maximum pressure, and temperature in the sample set and if the
column met basic system suitability requirements.
c. Manufacturing Information
The eCord chip provides the user with an overview of the bulk
material QC test results. The eCord chip provides the user with QC
test conditions and results on the column run by the manufacturer.
The information includes mobile phases, running conditions and
analytes used to test the columns. In addition, the QC results and
acceptance is placed onto the column.
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VIII. ORDERING INFORMATION
Product DescriptionPart Number
Protein-Pak Hi Res CM, 7 µm, 4.6 x 100 mm1860 0 4929
Protein-Pak Hi Res SP, 7 µm, 4.6 x 100 mm18 6004930
Protein-Pak Hi Res Q, 5 µm, 4.6 x 100 mm18600 4931
IEX Cation Test Standard1860 06870
IEX Anion Test Standard186006869
Note: Only when Protein-Pak Hi Res IEX columns are combined with the ACQUITY UPLC system are
the full performance benefits realized. See Waters service notes P/N 715002147A for ACQUITY UPLC
system configuration guidelines for ion-exchange chromatography.
Waters, The Science of W hat’s Possible, ACQUITY U PLC,
ACQUITY, and UPLC are registered trademarks of Waters
Corporaiton. Protein-Pak, TruView, and eCord are trademarks
of Waters Corporation. All other trademarks are the property
of their respective owners.