Mobile Phase Management in HPLC

MOBILE PHASE CONSIDERATIONS ● Glass – typically used as solvent reservoir ● Cap on the reservoir:

o Vented to allow air to enter as the fluid level drops o Prevent particulate

matter from falling into the reservoir o Tip of the tube immersed in the reservoir is fitted

with a coarse metal filter → functions as a filter in the event that particulates do find their

way into the reservoir and as a “sinker” to keep the tip well under the surface of the liquid.

● Drawing air into the line should be avoided. ● HPLC pump draws the mobile phase

from the reservoir via vacuum action: o Air dissolved in the mobile phase may withdraw from

the liquid and form bubbles in the flow stream unless such air is removed from