Simple tips to help your D3606 column set last longer

Restek’s packed column set for ASTM D3606 attains better separation of benzene and ethanol while following ASTM method requirements. In order to obtain the longest lifetimes for this column set, several simple precautions should not be overlooked.

D3606 Column Sets purchased in July 2021 and later (cat.# 83606A-)

Ultra-high purity carrier gas (helium or nitrogen) is essential. Not only should the highest quality gas be purchased from your supplier, but high quality indicating gas traps should be located as close to your GC as possible.  Our baseplate traps are ideal for this application.  It is imperative that you keep moisture and oxygen from entering these columns..

Properly set the back-flush time. I can’t stress enough the importance of keeping C9 and heavier components off of column #2 (the 15.5ft column)..

Never exceed the maximum temperature of 140°C. Damage will be irreversible.

D3606 Column Sets purchased before July 2021 (cat.# 83606-).

Ultra-high purity carrier gas (helium or nitrogen) is essential.  Not only should the highest quality gas be purchased from your supplier, but high quality indicating gas traps should be located as close to your GC as possible.  Our baseplate traps are ideal for this application.  It is imperative that you keep moisture and oxygen from entering these columns..

Properly set the back-flush time.  I can’t stress enough the importance of keeping C9 and heavier components off of column #2 (the 16ft column)..

Never exceed the maximum temperature of 150°C.  Damage will be irreversible.

By following the three simple steps above, you will obtain the full lifetime of this column set.  If you are experiencing any difficulties using these columns, please review our blog entitled "Optimizing the performance of your D3606 column set".

Thanks for reading.