ABSTRACT
The objective of all column preparation methods is to produce a reproducible, uniform packing structure that is stable under reasonable use conditions. This chapter describes methods for column preparation, testing and maintenance. The choice of a method of column preparation depends upon particle size and distribution, and upon column geometry. The column should be attached to the slurry reservoir by an adapter or union that matches the desired column fitting. Semi-preparative and preparative columns can be prepared by scaling-up the amount of packing, volume of slurry solvent, and size of slurry reservoir. Somewhat lower pressures are often employed in pneumatic pump systems for safety reasons, while flow rate must be scaled up in metering pump systems. Microbore and smallbore columns can be prepared by scaling down the amount of packing, volume of slurry solvent, and size of slurry reservoir. Similar, or somewhat higher, pressures are often employed with pneumatic slurry-displacement systems.
