KW column cleaning procedure

Record: 493

Category: Specifications
Product: KW
Sample:

Question
My lab has an older Protein KW-803 column that cannot be run at 1mL/min because it goes over pressure (5MPa). We have a newer KW-803 that has a running pressure of 3.2MPa at 1mL/min. I was wondering if there is some way we can clean the column so that it does not go over pressure. Is there a special protocol to remove any build up from the column?

Answer
*Cleaning steps for the KW column series
When observing the high pressure, reverse the flow and introduce the eluent at slower flow rate.
When suspecting protein adsorption, use ~0.3M NaCl solution to clean the column.
*do not leave NaCl solution in the column for a long time period since it may cause rust to the column housing.

When suspecting organic substance adsorption, clean with DI water first, and then clean with organic solvent such as MeOH.
Storing the column with 20% MeOH is recommended over sodium azide solution, since NaN3 is a basic eluent and KW series is not recommended to use under basic conditions.

Also for the long term storage, using the following method is the best way.
After cleaning the column with DI water and 20 % MeOH.
1. Remove the exit end of the column from the HPLC system, attach a 1/16 inc 0.8 mm i.d., 50 cm Teflon tubing.
2. Start the pump and once observing eluent flow from the Teflon tubing, stop the pump and place the Teflon tubing in a 100mL solvent resorvoirs which contains 80 mL of the solvent.
3. Remove the entrance side of the column from the HPLC system, screw the end-cap and keep the column (with eluent) at a place with small temperature fluctuations. It is also recommended to change the reserving eluent one a month.

 
 
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