Detailed efficiency analysis of columns with a different packing quality and confirmation via total pore blocking

We report on a systematic study involving columns with a clearly different efficiency (4 distinct quality groups) obtained by packing the columns that were C₁₈ bonded and endcapped with a different carbon loading. Using B-term analysis (via peak parking) and theoretical models to estimate the magnitude of the C_m- and C_s-term contributions, it could be concluded that the difference in efficiency among the groups was entirely due to a difference in eddy dispersion. As such, the columns provided an ideal testing ground to verify how well the total pore blocking (TPB)-method can be used to probe differences in packing heterogeneity. In agreement with earlier literature observations, it turns out the TPB-method is much more sensitive to packing heterogeneities than the eddy dispersion (H_eddy)-contribution measured under open-pore conditions via B- and C- term subtraction. Typically, differences in H_eddy on the order of 0.1-0.5μm translate into a difference on the order of 0.5-2μm in the TPB mode. This confirms the TPB as a powerful technique to make very sensitive measurements of the homogeneity of packed beds.