Good Ideas
- If using a vacuum aspirator to accelerate the movement of solvent through
the column, check the aspirator for suction. Also check all hoses and stoppers
for proper fit before using.
- As you pack the column, be sure the boundaries that separate the different
layers are level (horizontal). Slanted layers will distort the movement of the
solvent and sample fronts as they pass through the column.
- Leave enough empty space at the top of the column to serve as a liquid reservoir.
Too small of a space will mean having to continuously add solvent as the
experiment proceeds.
- If you are using the aspirator, don't expect the movement of solvent to stop
instantly after turning the water off. It is better to turn the aspirator
off in advance and then turn the column off using the column's valve.