Backpressure Changes, Pressure Drop from HPLC Tubing Selection (0.007, 0.005, 0.010")

In previous articles we have discussed how the choice of column particle size directly changes the system backpressure. Smaller particles generate higher back-pressures. We have also discussed the importance of HPLC tubing selection to minimize delay volume and diffusion within the HPLC's laminar flow path. Let us now focus on how the tubing's internal diameter and length impacts the total HPLC back-pressure (or pressure drop) observed. 

Key Points:  

1. Try to optimize the plumbing of your HPLC system.  
2. HPLC Tubing lengths between connections (or HPLC modules) should always be as short as possible. 
3. Pressure drop is dependent on the tubing length and inner diameter. Doubling the inner diameter of the tubing will decrease the pressure by a factor of 16.

Once the HPLC tubing connection lengths have been minimized, the next critical dimension which affects band broadening, delay volume and peak-width is the internal diameter (ID) of the tubing. The tubing selected should be narrow enough to reduce the undesirable spread of the peak(s) inside the tubing, but not be so narrow or restricted to result in clogs or obstructions (which is why good chromatography guidelines should be followed insuring that each sample is fully dissolved and filtered before injection). Commonly used tubing ID’s for most analytical HPLC systems are: 0.010” (0.25 mm), 0.007” (0.17 mm) or 0.005” (0.12 mm). By far, 0.007” (0.17 mm) is the most commonly used size for modern analytical HPLC analysis as it offers a compromise between low delay-volume and modest back-pressure (with fewer clogs). However, in addition to the much lower internal volumes which accompany the narrower ID’s, the pressure drop measured across equivalent lengths of tubing may change dramatically and this should be noted during set-up, selection and operation. Take the time to learn what "normal" backpressures are under specified conditions.

 

Understanding how the HPLC system backpressure changes as the internal diameter of the tubing varies is extremely useful in troubleshooting a number of common HPLC problems.

Let us compare the pressure drops measured across three popular HPLC tubing ID’s of the same length (40 cm) using common HPLC mobile phase solvents. This table will help illustrate the observed backpressure changes that the tubing ID and liquid have on the pressure drop.

PRESSURE DROP (in bars):

SS Capillary Tubing, 40 cm length, flow rate 1.000 mL/min.

Mobile Phase / Tubing ID	Water	ACN	MeOH	MeOH/Water (1:1)	IPA
0.010” (0.25 mm)	0.7	0.2	0.4	1.2	1.5
0.007” (0.17 mm)	2.7	1.0	1.6	5.1	6.2
0.005” (0.12 mm)	10.4	4.0	6.3	19.1	24

Note: Pressure drop is also a function of tubing length so if we halve (1/2) the length of tubing used, we also will reduce the pressure drop by one-half. 

Note the four-fold change that narrowing the tubing ID has at each ID reduction. The change is more dramatic when viscous solutions are used (i.e. MeOH/Water or IPA). If you re-plumb any part of your HPLC system with new tubing, then awareness of this physical change will assist you in troubleshooting many types of HPLC problems (to know which types of pressure changes indicate a real problem and which types of pressure changes are normal). Changes to the overall length or ID may result in noticeable changes to the total system backpressure. As an experienced chromatographer knows, when HPLC solvents are mixed together (e.g. gradient analysis) the pressure does NOT always follow a linear progression. In some cases, a reaction occurs between the solutions resulting in an overall change to the final viscosity of the mixture which may not be expected or understood by novice chromatographers (e.g. mixtures of MeOH/Water and ACN/Water are very well know examples which show these properties). 

 

You can download a free, more detailed table of 'HPLC Tubing Backpressure Examples' in PDF Format at this link:

HPLC Tubing and Fittings; An introduction to Nuts, Ferrules and Tubing Choices

INTRODUCTION:

Setting up a high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) system to run trouble-free takes  patience and a strong set of troubleshooting skills. The patience aspect has usually worn out with most of us, but the troubleshooting skills often come from years of tinkering and practical experience. As a consultant who works with chromatographers on a daily basis, I have found that most chromatographers share many of the same basic HPLC hardware problems. Some of these problems the result of a failure to logically troubleshoot a problem from scratch or by overlooking seemingly minor changes that have been made to the system over time. One common area that is often overlooked in the area of HPLC is that of connection fittings (nuts and ferrules) and tubing selection. Selection and installation of the correct HPLC fittings and tubing can help you avoid future problems while allowing your system to run at peak performance. Common types of high pressure chromatography fittings and tubing found in the laboratory will be discussed in this article.

Please click on this link to download the entire article in PDF format.

The HPLC Restriction Capillary; Troubleshooting, Qualification and Running Without A Column:

Most types of HPLC pumps will not operate properly without 30 or more bars of back-pressure on their outlets to prevent cavitation and excessive pulsation. Columns play a vital role in stabilizing the baseline during an analysis. In this application, they not only aid retention, but act as a cushion or buffer.

When we want to closely replicate the operation of an HPLC system under "normal" conditions and do not want to use an HPLC column in-line (because a column adds variability), we install a "restrictor" such as a restriction capillary in its place. A restriction capillary is often a very narrow ID section of long tubing (capillary) which will restrict the flow of mobile phase through it. For most HPLC systems, a restrictor which is sized to provide about 1,000 to 2,000 psi (~ 70 to 140 Bars) of back-pressure will closely replicate normal operating conditions. The restrictor can be chosen based on length, ID, volume and your flow rate to create this level of back-pressure. You could place a high pressure rated, zero-dead-volume union its place, but in doing so, the system back-pressure may be extremely low ( a few bars) and show poor pump performance. We need to replicate actual analysis conditions during testing or the results obtained may be invalid and unscientific. An HPLC column, with its densely packed small particles inside acts as a pressure pulse buffer and adds a great deal of back-pressure to the HPLC system. That back-pressure greatly improves the stability of the pump operation and overall baseline. HPLC Columns prevents pulsations by acting as a dampener and/or system buffer.

There will be times when you need to operate the HPLC system without an HPLC column installed.

For Example: 

• Troubleshooting sources of contamination, carryover or artifact peaks on a column;
• Measuring the HPLC system delay volume (gradient delay);
• Testing the performance of the injector;
• Testing the performance of the pump (measure % ripple); 
• Testing the performance of a detector module (measure S/N);
• Running HPLC Operational Qualification Tests (OQ);
• Running HPLC Installation Qualification Tests (IQ);
• Running Performance Verification Tests on a Module (PV);
• Running many of the ASTM Tests (e.g. "Baseline Noise & Drift Test").

Example of a commercially available Restriction Capillary (Agilent P/N G1312-67500). You will want to include any needed details of the restriction capillary chosen for your work in the SOP's that you write which utilize it as part of any test (P/N, source, dimensions, volume...).

HPLC Capillary Tubing Connection Volumes:

The length and internal diameter of the HPLC interconnecting tubing used in your system really does matter. The total volume contained in the tubing can dilute your sample or separated peaks. This can effectively undue the work of separating the peak(s) on a column. Extra volume in the tubing can also have the effect of increasing the gradient delay factor for your method (the greater the volume of the tubing from the pump head to the column inlet, the greater the delay in the solvent mixture arriving at the column). In general, keep the the total delay volume as low as possible. This is accomplished by connecting the various modules together using the shortest lengths of tubing possible. For systems which use standard sized HPLC columns (e.g. I.D.'s of 3.0 to 4.6mm and lengths from 100mm to 300mm) the tubing internal diameter should be 0.17mm (0.007"). For systems which use very short, mini or micro bore sized HPLC columns (e.g. I.D.'s of 1.0 to 2.1 mm and lengths from 50mm to 250mm) the tubing internal diameter should be 0.12mm (0.005"). Looked at another way, if the total column volume is less than 750 ul, consider using the smaller internal diameter tubing (0.17mm) to reduce band broadening. 

Here are some tubing volumes to help you evaluate the effect changing the I.D. or length has on the tubing that you use.

I.D. (mm)	I.D. (inches)		ul / cm	ul / inch
0.12	0.005		0.127	0.323
0.17	0.007		0.249	0.632
0.25	0.010		0.507	1.288
0.51	0.020		2.026	5.146
1.02	0.040		8.103	20.581

HPLC Flow Cell Volume & Path Length:

Modern UV/VIS detectors offer several different flow cell options. The option(s) you select can make a big difference in the level of signal sensitivity, sample dispersion and response you obtain. If you fail to note which type of HPLC flow cell you use in a particular system, then you may discover some problems when transferring a method to a different instrument. Always record the flow cell volume and path length used as part of your method description. 

Flow Cells Usually Differ In Three Ways:

(1) Maximum Rated Back-pressure;

(2) Flow Cell Volume and

(3) Flow Cell Path length. 

Let’s take a look at these in more detail.

• Maximum Rated Back-pressure: Unless the detector is in series with another detector, column or has a back-pressure regulator on it, the expected back-pressure on a typical flow cell’s outlet is just about one bar as it usually is directed to an open waste line. *This topic will be discussed in more detail in the future as part of another “hint and tip” topic. Today we are more concerned about the remaining two options:

• Flow Cell Volume: Analytical flow cells are commonly offered in nl to ul sizes. Depending on your instrument setup, column and sample(s), one flow cell volume may make more sense than another. After you have spent time separating and concentrating the peak of interest into a tiny volume you do not want to elute it off the column and mix it with another peak because the cell volume is too large. Ideal cell volume is a compromise between sample dispersion and sensitivity. The best choice will be determined mostly by the actual peak volume of your separated sample. The general rule is that your flow cell volume should be no larger than 10% of your peak volume and ideally ~ 2.5% (a 1:40 ratio), but there are some exceptions to this rule. When in doubt, experiment with different cells and do not forget to consider the total volume of all the connecting tubing and valves in your system as these contribute to many issues when the column volume decreases (such as when using mini or narrow bore columns are used). Some common analytical cell volumes offered by various manufacturers are 2 ul, 6 ul and 13 ul. For narrow bore columns (~ 2.1mm ID) a smaller cell volume (~ 2 ul) will result in less sample dispersion, while a larger cell volume may increase overall sensitivity (esp. when used with a longer path length). Mid-bore or Mid-Size columns (2.1 to 4.6mm ID) often are best suited to cell volumes around 6 ul to minimize dispersion and still provide good sensitivity. Larger flow cells such as the common 13ul size often have longer path lengths which can be used to enhance sensitivity. Standard 4.6mm ID columns often benefit from a 13ul volume cell to provide maximum sensitivity with less concern for dispersion effects when larger columns are used (e.g. 4.6 x 250mm). Keep in mind that these are general guidelines only. Most samples contain many peaks of varying width & volume, so you will need to select the cell volume that is optimized to most of the peaks found in your sample.

• Flow Cell Path Length: The flow cell’s path length affects the intensity of light reaching the detector (Beer-Lambert law). For the same volume of sample, the apparent concentration of the sample will appear to be higher if the path length is longer. There is no established standard for ‘path length’ so it is important that you always known what the path length of each flow cell is in your detector (10 mm is very common). Just as volumes vary, manufacturer’s offer different flow cells with varying path lengths. Even identical detectors can use flow cells with identical volumes, but have different path lengths. When comparing the analysis results obtained from two different instruments, always make note of the flow cell dimensions used in each instrument. If the method is to be accurately reproduced on a second system, then the flow cells used should have the same geometry (volume and path length). One way that the difference in path length can be used to enhance sensitivity of an existing method is to use a flow cell with a longer optical path length. For example, if your current flow cell has a path length of 6 mm you could replace it with one having a longer path length of 10 mm. This would increase the sample peak response (as more light would be absorbed) in your method. *This fact can be useful to squeeze out additional sensitivity in a method and often does not require any change of column or conditions.