Causes of Back Pressure in Chromatography
Back pressure in chromatography is caused by resistance from column packing, tubing, frits, particle size, solvent viscosity, flow rate, and blockages in the system. These causes determine how much resistance the mobile phase meets as it moves through the column and chromatographic system. Column Structure Column structure is one of the main causes of back pressure in chromatography because the mobile phase must pass through a packed stationary phase. Longer columns, narrower columns, and tightly packed beds create more resistance. This makes the column the strongest pressure-forming part of the chromatographic system. Particle Size Particle size affects back pressure because smaller stationary phase particles create narrower spaces for the mobile phase to pass through. These smaller flow channels increase resistance inside the column. The mobile phase then needs more pressure to move through the more restricted packed bed. Mobile Phase Viscosity Mobile phase viscosity affects...