Biochemical Techniques and Instrumentation

2.2.3.1. Columns

Columns are made of glass or plastic. Simple conventional column consists of single glass tubes equipped with rubber stopper and syringe needle at one end. Sophisticated columns are also made of glass tube with molded end fittings called as flow adaptors. Simple columns are run in a descending mode, while sophisticated columns are run in a ascending mode. Most efficient separations could be achieved only when the sample is pumped up through the separation bed in ascending mode. Commercial columns are usually 7-7.5 mm in diameter and 30-60 cm in length.
Illustration of single glass column and sophisticated column