AN INTRODUCTION TO SMALL-BORE COLUMNS

The advantages of small-bore columns in general liquid chromatographic analyses are discussed and the attributes of solvent economy and mass sensitivity considered in some detail. Column design in liquid chromatography is examined with particular reference to the determination of the optimum column radius. It is pointed out that small column radii, although advantageous, cannot be selected on whim or fancy. There is a minimum column radius that can be used for any given separation and with any given chromatographic apparatus that will provide minimum solvent consumption and maximum mass sensitivity.