Restek Rt-Alumina BOND columns are highly selective for C1–C5 hydrocarbons and separate all saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbon isomers above ambient temperatures. The reactivity of the aluminum oxide stationary phase is minimized by deactivation with inorganic salts, such as KCl or Na2SO4, to improve column response for polar unsaturates, like dienes, and the columns sensitivity (or response) ensures linear and quantitative chromatographic analysis for these compounds. Strong bonding minimizes particle generation and release, which allows valve switching with minimal risk to the injection or detection systems. And because they are stable up to at least 200 °C, Rt-Alumina BOND columns can be regenerated to restore full efficiency and selectivity by conditioning at their maximum temperature if water is adsorbed. High capacity and loadability give you exceptionally symmetrical peaks, making these columns ideal for volatile hydrocarbon separations at percent levels, as well as impurity analyses at ppm concentrations. Restek Rt-Alumina BOND PLOT columns are manufactured on fused silica tubing; select phases are also available on metal MXT tubing.
To ensure reproducible retention times and predictable flow behavior column to column, each Rt-Alumina BOND column is extensively tested. A hydrocarbon test mix confirms proper phase retention and selectivity. To calculate k (retention or capacity factor), which is a measure of phase retention, 1,3-butadiene is used, while selectivity is measured using retention indices for propadiene and methyl acetylene. The resolution of trans-2-butene and 1-butene is also verified and, to measure efficiency, plates per meter are checked using 1,3-butadiene.
We do not recommend recoiling PLOT columns as this may cause particles to dislodge from the side of the tubing.
Resteks R&D chemists have optimized the deactivation technology applied to our Rt-Alumina BOND/MAPD column for improved analysis of trace concentrations of polar hydrocarbons like acetylene, methyl acetylene, and propadiene in hydrocarbon streams containing higher levels of C1-C5 hydrocarbons. Our alumina PLOT deactivation produces an incredibly inert column that offers superior reproducibility and stable response factors to maximize the number of analyses before recalibration is required. Its high sample capacity reduces peak tailing, thereby improving the separation of target compounds. In addition, a 250 °C maximum operating temperature lets you more quickly elute hydrocarbons up to dodecane and reduces regeneration time when the column is exposed to water from samples or carrier gases.
