Waters CORTECS - User Manual

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[ CARE AND USE MANUAL ]

CONTENTS

I. INTRODUCTION

II. GETTING STARTED

a. eCord Installation

b. Column Installation

c. Column Equilibration

d. Initial Column

Efficiency Determination

e. Column QR Code

f. CORTECS Columns

— VanGuard Protection

g. VanGuard FIT Cartridges

III. COLUMN USE

a. Sample Preparation

b. pH Range

c. Solvents

d. Pressure

e. Temperature

IV. COLUMN CLEANING, REGENERATING,

AND STORAGE

a. Cleaning and Regeneration

b. Storage

V. eCORD INTELLIGENT

CHIP TECHNOLOGY

a. Introduction

b. Installation

c. Manufacturing Information

d. Column Use Information

VI. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

a. Tips for Maximizing CORTECS

Column Lifetimes

b. Getting Started with CORTECS

HILIC Columns

VII. CAUTIONARY NOTE

I. INTRODUCTION

Thank you for choosing a Waters™ CORTECS™ and/or

CORTECS Premier Column. The CORTECS packing materials

are manufactured in a cGMP, ISO 9001 certified plant using

ultra pure reagents. Each batch of CORTECS packing

material is tested chromatographically with acidic, basic,

and neutral analytes and the results are held to narrow

specification ranges to assure excellent, reproducible

performance. Every column is individually tested and a

Performance Chromatogram and Certificate of Batch

Analysis are provided on the eCord™ Intelligent Chip.

The CORTECS Premier Column is offered with or without

a VanGuard™ Fully-Integrated Technology [FIT] Cartridge.

To address the desire to extend the operating lifetimes of

analytical columns, the VanGuard FIT Cartridge is designed

to prevent the non-desired introduction of sample matrix or

particulates onto the column without degrading the separation.

It can be easily replaced to restore separation performance and

extend the analytical column’s lifetime.

In addition, the CORTECS Premier Columns utilize

MaxPeak™ High Performance Surfaces, an innovative

technology designed to increase analyte recovery, sensitivity,

and reproducibility by minimizing analyte/surface interactions

that can lead to sample losses.

CORTECS and CORTECS Premier 2.7 µm Columns

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The CORTECS and CORTECS Premier 2.7 µm Columns are high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) columns designed for analytical separations. These columns are manufactured using a certified ISO 9001 quality system and undergo rigorous testing to ensure batch-to-batch reproducibility and consistent performance. The CORTECS columns feature solid-core particle technology, which provides sharper peaks, higher efficiency, and faster separations compared to traditional fully porous particles.

Function Description

The CORTECS and CORTECS Premier 2.7 µm Columns are used in analytical laboratories for the separation, identification, and quantification of various chemical compounds. They are particularly well-suited for applications requiring high resolution and sensitivity, such as pharmaceutical analysis, environmental testing, and food safety. The solid-core particle design minimizes eddy diffusion and improves mass transfer kinetics, leading to enhanced chromatographic performance.

Important Technical Specifications

Particle Size: 2.7 µm (CORTECS and CORTECS Premier)
Column Dimensions: Available in various lengths and internal diameters (e.g., 2.1 mm I.D. x 50 mm, 2.1 mm I.D. x 100 mm, 4.6 mm I.D. x 150 mm).
Chemistry Types: Available in multiple chemistries including C18, C8, HILIC, and Phenyl, offering versatility for a wide range of applications.
Pressure Limit: Designed to withstand high pressures typical of UHPLC systems, with maximum pressure ratings specified for each column dimension and chemistry. For instance, 2.1 mm I.D. CORTECS and CORTECS Premier 2.5 µm Columns can tolerate operating pressures up to 18,000 psi (1241 bar or 124 MPa).
Temperature Limit: Recommended operating temperatures are typically between 20-45 °C, with specific maximums depending on the column chemistry and application. Higher temperatures (e.g., >45 °C) may result in shorter column lifetimes.
pH Range: Each column chemistry has a specified pH operating range to ensure optimal performance and column longevity. For example, CORTECS C18 columns typically operate within a pH range of 2.0-8.0.
eCord Intelligent Chip Technology: Many CORTECS columns are equipped with an eCord chip, which stores critical information about the column, including manufacturing details, QC test results, and column usage history. This chip helps ensure traceability and provides valuable data for method development and troubleshooting.

Usage Features

Method Development: The CORTECS columns offer excellent peak shape and resolution, simplifying method development. The availability of various chemistries allows for optimization across different compound types.
High Throughput: The solid-core particle technology enables faster separations without compromising resolution, making them ideal for high-throughput screening applications.
Compatibility: Compatible with most HPLC and UHPLC systems.
VanGuard Cartridges: For extended column lifetime, VanGuard Cartridges are recommended. These guard columns protect the analytical column from particulate matter and strongly retained compounds.
Sample Preparation: Proper sample preparation is crucial for optimal column performance and longevity. This includes filtering samples and ensuring compatibility with the mobile phase.
Mobile Phase Preparation: Use high-quality solvents and buffers, filter aqueous portions through a 0.2 µm filter, and prepare mobile phases fresh to prevent bacterial growth. Adding 5-10% organic modifier to mobile phase A can also help.
Column Equilibration: Proper column equilibration is essential before running samples to ensure stable baselines and reproducible results. The manual provides specific guidelines for equilibration volumes based on column dimensions.
Troubleshooting: The manual includes extensive troubleshooting tips for common issues such as backpressure, mobile phase problems, peak splitting, and sample quality.

Maintenance Features

eCord Chip for Traceability: The eCord chip stores manufacturing information, QC test results, and column usage data (total injections, samples, pressure, temperature, etc.). This data is invaluable for tracking column performance, identifying potential issues, and ensuring compliance.
Quality Control (QC) Reference Material: Incorporating a QC reference material into the workflow is recommended to monitor system health and column performance over time.
Water and Solvent Quality: Using ultra-pure water (18 megohm-cm) and high-quality solvents is paramount for column longevity.
Mobile Phase Management: Regularly change aqueous mobile phases (every 24-48 hours) and discard old ones to prevent bacterial growth.
In-line Filters/VanGuard Cartridges: Using an in-line filter unit or a VanGuard Cartridge is highly recommended to protect the analytical column from contaminants, thereby extending its lifetime.
Storage: Proper storage conditions are critical for maintaining column integrity. Columns should be stored in their recommended storage solvent, sealed, and at room temperature. For longer periods, store in 100% acetonitrile or 95:5 acetonitrile/water.
Cleaning and Regeneration: The manual provides detailed procedures for cleaning and regenerating columns to restore performance, including specific recommendations for different chemistry types and types of contamination. For example, for reversed-phase columns, flushing with a strong solvent like acetonitrile or methanol can remove hydrophobic contaminants. For HILIC columns, specific cleaning procedures involving different solvent mixtures are outlined.