Online Calculator Converts Methods to New Core-Shell Column Technology

Phenomenex, Inc announced a new web-based tool that quickly optimises customer HPLC methods for use with the company’s new Kinetex core-shell columns. The specific benefits to be gained by switching from fully porous particle columns are also calculated. With the Kinetex Calculator, the researchers input their method running conditions and details regarding their current chromatographic results. In less than one minute, the calculator delivers an optimised method with the recommended Kinetex column and optimal run conditions for the user’s system, whether it’s HPLC or UHPLC. The calculator also provides expected backpressures, efficiency gains, solvent reduction, time savings and resolution improvements. The Kinetex calculator can process details of both isocratic and gradient methods. Delivering significant improvements in speed and separation efficiency over traditional 3- and 5-micron columns, Kinetex enables chromatographers to get performance comparable to sub-2-micron columns on existing LC instruments. With Kinetex, researchers can achieve UHPLC results on any LC system, completing chromatographic methods in a fraction of the time previously required, without sacrificing performance.

“With this new calculator, chromatographers are able to instantly preview the benefits Kinetex columns can bring to their specific methods,” said Jeremy Bierman, Brand Manager for Phenomenex. “This takes the guesswork out of choosing the best column for their method and adjusting their running conditions for optimum performance.”Initially, Kinetex core-shell columns are available in two particle sizes – 2.6- and 1.7- micron – and three chemistries – C18, PFP and HILIC. Kinetex 2.6- micron columns deliver separation efficiencies that match or exceed the performance of traditional fully porous sub-2-micron columns. The Kinetex 1.7-micron is the first ever sub-2-micron core-shell technology and delivers efficiency gains of 15 to 20% over traditional fully porous sub-2-micron columns. Method transfer challenges, common with traditional sub-2-micron products, are eliminated with Kinetex. Methods developed with either 2.6- or 1.7-micron Kinetex columns are scalable and can be transferred to any LC system using the 2.6-micron column, regardless of the instrument’s pressure capability.