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Column

Spotlight: Welch Ghost Buster Columns High-Pressure Endurance Test

In liquid chromatography analysis, when buffer salts or acidic additives are used in the mobile phase and gradient elution is employed, it is common to encounter inexplicable peaks on the chromatogram. We typically refer to such peaks as "ghost peaks.




There are many sources of ghost peaks, including mobile phase issues and instrument contamination. The appearance of ghost peaks can interfere with the separation and quantification of trace or ultra-trace substances, and if not resolved, it can render methods unusable, causing significant problems for analysts.

To address these issues, Welch Materials has developed ghost buster columns that effectively remove ghost peaks originating from various sources. The earlier models of these columns can withstand up to 40 MPa and are commonly used with HPLC instruments.



Ghost-Buster UP Column


Due to its fast analysis speed and excellent separation performance, ultra-high-pressure liquid chromatography (UHPLC) systems have seen widespread application in various fields such as pharmaceuticals, food, and environmental analysis. To accommodate the high pressures used in UHPLC systems, Welch Materials has introduced the Ghost-Buster UP Column, which can withstand pressures up to 90 MPa. This allows for seamless transfer between UHPLC methods and conventional analytical systems.

Pressure Endurance Test

  • Instrument: Agilent UHPLC 1290
  • Chromatography Column: Ultisil® AQ-C18 (2.1 × 150 mm, 1.8 μm)
  • Ghost Buster Column: Ghost-Buster UP Column (2.1 × 50 mm)
  • Mobile Phase: Methanol/Water = 45/55


Installation Diagram of Ghost Buster Column


Test Procedure and Results: Three Ghost Buster columns were installed as shown in the diagram above, without connecting the detector. By adjusting the flow rate, the pressure was increased to over 90 MPa, and the system was run continuously at this pressure for 90 minutes. No leakage was observed in any of the columns.


Pressure Endurance Test of Ghost Buster Column

Conclusion: 
Welch Ghost Buster column can withstand pressures of up to 90 MPa, making it perfectly compatible with ultra-high-pressure liquid chromatography (UHPLC) systems.