Date: Thu, 18 Jun 2009 07:11:29 -0400
Reply-To: kauletta**At_Symbol_Here**NOTES.CC.SUNYSB.EDU
Sender: DCHAS-L Discussion List <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU>
From: Kim Auletta <kauletta**At_Symbol_Here**NOTES.CC.SUNYSB.EDU>
Subject: Re: Flash column chromatography
In-Reply-To: <F78074E5CA3141BBAA62B4610F31F723**At_Symbol_Here**AdminFin.ADS.umass.edu>
I asked the safety coordinator for our largest Chem research group, & his 
answer is:

Flash chromatography is best done in a fume hood because of potential 
exposure to solvent vapors if done outside of a fume hood.  We do use 
"house air" but the spigot is not opened all the way.  Just enough to get 
the air flowing to the column. Flash chromatography column should 
be wrapped with tape just in case of breakage due to stress on glass or 
air pressure.  To control the air flow, we use a flow control adapter for 
chromatography that is available from chemglass (Catalog # is CG-1195) 
which enable the control of air flow and thus prevents column breakage due 
to excess air pressure.  If the control valve is use properly, column 
breakage is rare. The columns should be inspected before each use and 
columns that show any signs of stress on the glass should not be used.  
Since, column breakage during use is always a possibility, gloves, safety 
glasses or goggles and a lab coat should always be worn when doing flash 
chromatography.

Kim Auletta
Lab Safety Specialist
EH&S    Z=6200
Stony Brook University
kauletta**At_Symbol_Here**notes.cc.sunysb.edu
631-632-3032
EH&S Web site: http://www.stonybrook.edu/ehs/lab/

Remember to wash your hands!


From:
Yung Morgan 
To:
DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU
Date:
06/17/2009 02:43 PM
Subject:
[DCHAS-L] Flash column chromatography
Sent by:
DCHAS-L Discussion List 


Dear DCHAS group,
 
I was wondering if anyone had an idea or can direct me to literature on 
"Flash chromatography" whereby air is directed the solvent column to speed 
up its elution of the compound wanted. One of our researchers had gotten a 
cut from the glass column breaking and cutting him on the arm.
Again, when asked, he said: everybody uses this technique! Being an old 
analytical chemist, I did not remember this method. However, an organic 
professor had informed me that this method is also called "Flash 
chromatography" and recommended the air pressure to be no more than 20PSIG 
and to wrap the column in plastic tapes to protect from breakage! . The 
lab in question use air spigots on lab benches which runs more than 20PSI 
if fully opened. 
Any thoughts or comments you all have are welcome. Thank you in advance 
and enjoy your summer. 
 
Yung Morgan, MsPH
Laboratory Safety
Industrial Hygiene Services
Environmental Health and Safety
117 Draper hall
UMASS,Amherst MA 01003
phone (413)  545-2682
Fax  (413) 545-2600
email : pmorgan**At_Symbol_Here**ehs.umass.edu
 

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