What size chromatography column should I choose to separate samples?

It is important to choose a column size for which silica fills between a third and half of its volume. In this circumstance, the diameter and length may not matter, as long as a narrow column could have the same volume as a wider column. Another factor is the analysis of the experiment. Columns which are less than 50 mm in length are ideal for fast separations, while those up to 250 mm are better for high-resolution separations. Regarding diameter, 4 mm and 4.6mm columns are most often used. For higher sensitivity, a narrower column of 2.1 m, 1mm, or less would be ideal. The size of the column will affect how particles disperse through it, the volume of those particles required, and how reactions occur within the column. To summarize, the column’s length, film thickness, and diameter depend on the overall complexity of the sample, as well as the quantity of the sample that will be injected.