Frequently asked questions

In general, Shodex recommends to store the columns in the shipping solvent at ambient temperature (avoid significant temperature fluctuation), if not otherwise stated in the column manual. Some IC columns should be stored in the fridge, this is mentioned on the box and in the manual. The shipping solvent is mentioned in the catalog or in the column manual.

When the separation performance of the column is decreasing, e.g. shift of retention times and/or peak deformation, the column may be regenerated by certain washing procedures. The column cleaning procedures can be found in the column manual. You can also see an overview about the column cleaning procedures here: https://www.shodex.de/column-cleaning-and-troubleshooting (https://www.shodex.de/column-cleaning-and-troubleshooting)

For many years we offered the possibility to test our columns for free with demo columns. Unfortunately this option is not available any more. It is also not possible to buy the column and return them if they don't work for your method ( no money-back warranty or refund). Please contact our technical specialist to get a scientific recommendation about the suitability of the columns for your application.

You find all manuals for download as PDF file here: Download column manuals(javascript:void(0))

Shodex doesn’t provide any spare parts (e.g. nuts, frits, fittings, capillaries, ...) for HPLC columns. Please choose another vendor for general laboratory epuipment supply.

Shodex is offering small complete columns which are used as guard columns. They are connected via fittings and capillaries. Here is a guide: https://www.shodex.de/how-to-connect-guard-columns (https://www.shodex.de/how-to-connect-guard-columns) There are following exception, which consist of a holder and exchangeable filter cartridges: GPC HK-G, IC SI-2GF and line filter IC FL-1.

The guard column and the main column can easily be connected by fittings and capillaries. Please use short capillaries with small inner diameter to avoid dead volume.

Shodex is offering two silica-based RP C18 columns for UHPLC: Silica C18 columns(javascript:void(0)) Other Shodex HPLC columns can be used in UHPLC instruments, but only up to the low maximum pressure limit which are specified for each of the columns. In general, most Shodex columns are polymer-based and the polymer particles are "softer" than silica particles, so the maximum pressure limit is lower.

Please take a look at the solvent replacement table here: Pay attention to the miscibility of the used solvents. A frequent solvent exchange can shorten the life time of the GPC column.

In general, the equilibration time depends on the separation technique and column size. For example, for our HILIC columns, an equilibration of 10 to 15 column volumes is recommended.

Compared to silica-based columns, polymeric columns can show a 2 to 3 times longer lifetime. Please be aware that in general the lifetime highly depends on the sample/sample matrix. Therefore, a certain number of injections cannot be guaranteed.

There is a direct correlation between the injection volume as well as the loading capacity and the cross sectional area, which can be described by A = πr2, and length of the column. Therefore, in the case a certain method was already established on an analytical column with 4.6 mm inner diameter and should be transferred to a bigger column with 8.0 mm inner diameter with same length, the loading capacity would increase approximately by a factor of 3.

Yes, all Shodex columns are equipped with standard ports (screw type: Unified Thread Standard No. 10-32 UNF) to install standard 1/16’’ tube fittings and are compatible with all general HPLC instruments. Please pay attention to the maximum pressure limit of every column when starting a new method.

A guard column or also called precolumn protects the main analytical column of clogging and contamination by samples and mobile phase. We recommend to use guard columns, because they are easy to replace and cost less than the main column. Depending on the sample matrix 1-3 guard columns can be used during the life time of the main column.

USP comes from the United States Pharmacopeia convention. It provides a listing of columns referenced in liquid chromatographic methods. For example: silica-based C18 columns (USP L1) Here is the overview for Shodex: USP column list (https://www.shodex.de/usp-column-list)

The number of theoretical plates (N) is an index used to determine the performance and effectiveness of columns. They are an indirect measure of peak width for a peak at a specific retention time. The number of theoretical plates can be calculated: N=5.54x(tR/W0.5h)2, with tR= retention time and W0.5h=peak width at 50% of the peak height. For column comparison purposes the number of theoretical plates per meter (N/m) is often used by other manufacturers. For Shodex columns we use theoretical plates per column (N/per column).

Yes, please contact us with the contact form and provide the individual serial number of your column. It is written on the column tag. https://static.wixstatic.com/media/undefined

Country of origin: Japan

HPLC columns: HS code 90279000 Parts and accessories of instruments and apparatus for physical or chemical analysis Calibration Standards: Pullulan: HS code 39139000 Natural polymers and modified natural polymers, e.g. hardened proteins, chemical derivatives of natural rubber PMMA: HS code 39061000 Polymethyl methacrylate PS: HS code 39031900 Polystyrene