Troubleshooting High Back Pressure
Troubleshooting high back pressure in chromatography means checking the column, guard column, inlet frit, tubing, filters, injector, and detector path to locate the source of increased resistance. It traces the same path the mobile phase travels through the column and system to find where the resistance has increased. Reading the Pressure Pattern Troubleshooting starts by reading how the pressure is behaving, since a sudden jump points to a new restriction while a slow climb points to gradual buildup. Interpreting that pattern is covered in back pressure as a diagnostic signal , and it sets the direction for the checks that follow. Working Along the Flow Path The most reliable approach follows the route the mobile phase takes, from the inlet through to the detector, checking one part at a time. The restriction may sit before, inside, or after the column. Isolating each section in turn shows where the pressure falls back to normal. Checking the Column Disconnect or replace the ...