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Updated: May 8, 2026
06:44
Curtain Flow Column: Optimization of Efficiency and Sensitivity
Published on: June 12, 2016
Segmented flow and curtain flow chromatography: overcoming the wall effect and heterogeneous bed structures
Ross Andrew Shalliker1, Harald Ritchie2
1Australian Centre for Research on Separation Science (ACROSS), School of Science and Health, University of Western Sydney (Parramatta), Sydney, NSW, Australia.
Journal of Chromatography. A
|August 21, 2013
Summary
New active flow technology in HPLC columns overcomes the wall-effect caused by packing heterogeneity. This improves efficiency and sensitivity by separating central flow from wall flow for better sample collection.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Chromatography
Background:
- Mobile phase velocity variations with column radius limit HPLC column efficiency.
- Radial packing heterogeneity causes the 'wall-effect,' leading to parabolic elution profiles, sample dilution, and band tailing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and discuss a novel column technology designed to mitigate the wall-effect in HPLC.
- To present active flow technology, including parallel segmented flow and curtain flow designs, as a solution to packing heterogeneity limitations.
Main Methods:
- Development of active flow technology with two distinct column designs: parallel segmented flow and curtain flow.
- Separation of eluting sample in the central column region from the wall-eluting flow.
Main Results:
- Active flow technology minimizes limitations from packing heterogeneity.
- Collection of sample from the most efficiently packed region enhances theoretical plates and increases sensitivity.
- The curtain flow design further improves sensitivity by reducing sample dilution from diffuse tails.
Conclusions:
- Active flow technology offers a significant advancement in HPLC column design.
- These new column technologies effectively overcome the wall-effect, leading to improved chromatographic performance and enhanced detection sensitivity.
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