The Shield of Preparative Liquid Chromatography: Prep In-Line Filter

Mountains of Samples Piling Up?

A Tiny Seal Failure?

Preparative Column Blockage?

Suboptimal Purification and Separation?

Today, the On-Line Filter solves it all with a single click.

Why Can an On-Line Filter Solve These Problems?

Operating Principle

The online filter consists of a frit, an O-ring, and a ferrule. As the liquid flows through the online filter, particles larger than the frit’s pore size are retained by the frit. This ensures that the outgoing liquid is free of large particles, preventing them from entering the chromatographic column and detector. This prevents blockages in the preparative column caused by large particles, thereby extending the preparative column's life and reducing wear on the seals.

Preparative Liquid Chromatography Workflow Diagram

Using the 47mm On-line Filter from Welch Materials' WelPacker DAC as an Example, the blue arrow points to the frit, which is the core component of the on-line filter. Although its size is small, its function is significant. It acts as a barrier for large particles, ensuring that the liquid entering the chromatographic column is filtered. The usual frit pore size is 3μm, establishing a defense line for the preparative liquid chromatography system, much like a solid shield.

WelPacker DAC 47mm On-line Filter Structure Diagram

WelPacker DAC on-line filter is available in various sizes, including 20mm, 47mm, and 100mm, suitable for different flow rates and systems. The product advantages are as follows:

• The frit can be cleaned and reused.
• Increases preparative efficiency and prevents experimental interruptions due to column blockages.
• Reduces material waste caused by repeated column packing after blockages.

How to Choose an On-line Filter?

On-line Filter Selection Table

If your preparative chromatography system already has an online filter, how should you perform product maintenance?

• Do not touch the screen plate with your hands.

• After the online filter has been in use for a period of time, large particles may accumulate on the screen plate. It needs to be cleaned regularly using ultrasonic cleaning. The specific steps are as follows: open the online filter fitting, remove the screen plate, and ultrasonically clean it with methanol and ultrapure water according to the level of contamination. Then, place the screen plate back into the fitting and use it as usual.

• If the online filter is found to be damaged, it should be replaced immediately.