Kinetex Core-Shell Columns

A1: Under the same running conditions and column dimension a 3.5x increase (vs. 5 µm fully porous particle) and a 1.3x increase (vs. 3 µm fully porous particle) in backpressure is typically observed. However, the increased performance provided by Kinetex 2.6 µm columns allows the use of shorter length columns to mitigate increases in backpressure. For an estimate of the backpressure you will experience when using a Kinetex 2.6 µm column on your current method visit The Kinetex Calculator.
NOTE - Typically backpressures experienced when using Kinetex 2.6 µm columns are within the pressure limitations of conventional HPLC systems.

A2: Kinetex 1.7 µm core-shell columns result in backpressures that are comparable to other sub-2 µm columns in the market. Chromatographers can expect lower backpressure when using a Kinetex 2.6 µm vs. Kinetex 1.7 µm column.

A3: Kinetex 1.7 µm core-shell columns result in backpressures that are comparable to other sub-2 µm columns in the market. A UHPLC system is required when using a Kinetex 1.7 µm core-shell column.

A4: To choose the correct length column for increasing productivity you can use this simple ratio comparison.

Or, we've created a convenient online tool, The Kinetex Calculator, to assist with column selection when transferring from a fully porous to core-shell column. By entering your current method conditions and column dimensions, The Kinetex Calculator instantly converts your existing method to the optimized core-shell column dimension and running conditions to achieve UHPLC results.

A5: The lifetime of any column varies depending on factors such as the sample, sample preparation/column protection effectiveness, the mobile phase quality, and how well the system is maintained. Chromatographers can expect Kinetex column lifetimes equal to or greater than those achieved on fully-porous UHPLC columns. For significantly increased column lifetimes, use SecurityGuard ULTRA to protect your Kinetex column.

A6: The effective surface area and resulting loading capacity of Kinetex core-shell columns is comparable to many fully porous particle columns on the market. However, loading capacity of any column is dependent on multiple factors including surface area of particle, packing density of materials, and charged state of the compounds being separated.

A7: Kinetex 2.6 µm core-shell particles allow chromatographers to achieve UHPLC performance at significantly lower backpressures compared to sub-2 µm fully porous materials. This translates to increased resolution, higher sensitivity, and faster analysis on conventional HPLC systems and UHPLC systems.

Kinetex 1.7 µm core-shell particles have been shown to outperform sub-2 µm fully porous particles by 20% producing greater resolution and increased sensitivity.

A8: Though Kinetex core-shell technology provides significant performance advantages in the analytical environment it is currently not available in preparative scale chromatography for purification purposes.

A9: By taking advantage of the up to 3x increase in performance 2.6 µm Kinetex columns offer over traditional 5 µm fully porous columns you can decrease your cost per sample. A 75 mm length, 2.6 µm Kinetex column has been shown to provide the same resolving power as a 250 mm length, 5 µm fully porous column. This reduction in column length results in cost savings by decreasing run time and solvent consumption.

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We've created a convenient online tool, The KinetexCalculator, that can assist you in calculating potential savings when transferring from a fully porous to core-shell column.

A10: Kinetex 2.6 µm particles provide roughly 3x the efficiency of 5 µm fully porous particles and 2x the efficiency of 3 µm fully porous particles without the need for specialized, high pressure instrumentation.

A11: We've created a convenient online tool, The Kinetex Calculator, that can assist you in calculating reductions in analysis time when transferring from a fully porous to core-shell column. By entering your current fully porous method conditions and column dimensions, The Kinetex Calculator instantly optimizes your existing method with the correct core-shell column dimension and running conditions to achieve UHPLC results.

A12: You may not need to revalidate your method when switching to Kinetex. Governing bodies such as USP (United States Pharmacopeia), EP (European Pharmacopeia), & ICH (International Committee on Harmonization) state that certain changes in column dimension, particle size, and running conditions are allowable without the need for method revalidation. However, most companies have their own guidelines for what determines whether method revalidation is required and should be consulted first.

A13: Yes. A number of peer reviewed journal articles have explored the theoretical and observed performance of Kinetex core-shell technology and compared it to other HPLC and UHPLC products on the market. Access several of these publications courtesy of Phenomenex.

A1: All available Kinetex lengths fit into commercially available HPLC and UHPLC system column heaters.

A2: Yes. SecurityGuard ULTRA, a guard cartridge system for UHPLC columns, is designed to protect and extend the lifetime of core-shell columns on both HPLC and UHPLC systems.

A3: The price of Kinetex columns vary based on particle size and dimension. Log into the Phenomenex website to view pricing or contact your local Phenomenex representative.

A4: Reversed phase (C18, XB-C18, C8, PFP, Phenyl-Hexyl) columns:

• Gradient mode: 1.5 - 8.5
• Isocratic mode: 1.5 - 10.0

HILIC phase columns: 2.0 - 7.5

A5: There are currently six phases available, including C18, XB-C18, C8, PFP, Phenyl-Hexyl, & HILIC.

A6: Lengths available range from 30 mm to 150 mm. Internal diameters range from 2.1 mm to 4.6 mm. Particle sizes available include 1.7 µm and 2.6 µm.

A7: Use injection volume ranges typically associated with the internal diameter of fully porous columns.

• 2.1 mm: 0.2 - 10 µL
• 3.0 mm: 0.4 - 20 µL
• 4.6 mm: 1 - 50 µL

A8: Yes, you can expect similar hydrophobic selectivity to standard C18 phases. We recommend that chromatographers have both the C18 and the XB-C18 phases at their disposal since both chemistries have been shown to offer complementary selectivities to each other increasing the chances of successful compound separation.

A9: For custom Kinetex column dimension requests, contact your local Phenomenex representative.

A10: Yes. Kinetex 2.6 µm columns were designed specifically for UHPLC performance without the drawbacks of ultra-high pressure. For an estimate of the backpressure and performance increases you will experience when using a Kinetex 2.6 µm column on your current method visit The Kinetex Calculator.

A11: Currently, there has not been a need or demand for this dimension. Core-shell technology performance provided by 150 mm length (and shorter) columns have proven to meet and exceed the separation needs of HPLC and UHPLC users with the added benefits of solvent savings and reduced run times relative to 250 mm columns.

A12: Currently, Kinetex core-shell columns are only available in analytical dimensions.

A13: It's easy. Follow the same steps you would for installing an Waters ACQUITY^® column on your system. For additional help, we've created a short video which demonstrates the simple, 3-step process for connecting your Kinetex column to your system.

A1: For inquiries about Kinetex column trials contact your local Phenomenex representative.

A2: We've created a convenient online tool, The Kinetex Calculator, to assist with column selection. By entering your current system type, method conditions and column dimensions, The Kinetex Calculator instantly optimizes your existing method with the correct core-shell column dimension and running conditions to achieve UHPLC results.

A3: Kinetex 1.7 µm particles result in pressures that are only compatible with UHPLC systems (pressure is equal to or greater than 400 bar). Kinetex 2.6 µm particles are compatible with HPLC and UHPLC systems pressure limits. Depending on the goal of your method, UHPLC system users may want to consider developing UHPLC methods on a Kinetex 2.6 µm core-shell column if they plan to transfer the method to labs using HPLC systems.

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We've created a convenient online tool, The Kinetex Calculator, that can assist you in choosing the most suitable particle size, column dimension, and running conditions for your separation goals.

A1: Access the Kinetex column care and use guidelines to learn how to properly clean, backflush, and regenerate your column. To protect your Kinetex column from clogging, we recommend the SecurityGuard ULTRA column protection system.

A2: The most common cause of decreased column lifetime is clogging of the inlet frit by particulates from systems seals, solvents, and samples. Prevent these particulates from reaching your Kinetex column by using the SecurityGuard ULTRA column protection system.

A3: The most common cause of efficiency loss on core-shell columns is excess system dwell volume. Visit our system optimization section for tips on how to reduce the effects of excess system dwell volume.

A4: There are number of things that can be done to decrease backpressure, including decreasing column length, increasing column internal diameter, adjusting mobile phase composition, and increasing temperature. The Kinetex Calculator allows you to virtually modify various method parameters and see the effect on the backpressure.

A5: There are a number of reasons why you could be experiencing irreproducibility. Please contact your local Phenomenex representative to assist you in troubleshooting your reproducibility issue.

A6: We don't recommend this. The standard SecurityGuard guard cartridge system was not designed for particles smaller than 3 µm and therefore introduces additional dead volume reducing column and system performance. In addition, it is it is not pressure rated for UHPLC applications (> 3500 psi). We do offer SecurityGuard ULTRA to meet the demanding performance needs of core-shell technology.

A7: The most common cause of efficiency loss on core-shell columns is due to excess system dwell volume. Visit our system optimization section for tips on how to reduce the effects of excess system dwell volume

A1: We've created a convenient online tool, The Kinetex Calculator, that can assist you in calculating gradient and other method parameter adjustments to get the full performance benefit of Kinetex core-shell technology. For further assistance contact your local Phenomenex representative.

A2: If C18 and other Kinetex reversed phased selectivities are not retaining your polar compounds, we recommend trying the Kinetex HILIC phase. HILIC chromatography is well suited for the separation and retention of very polar compounds.

A3: If the same column dimension is being used it may be possible to switch to Kinetex 1.7 µm column without any changes to your method parameters. However, if changing column dimensions be sure to adjust for the difference in column volume in order to maintain the same volumetric gradient profile.

A4: In general, you should experience a decrease in backpressure since acetonitrile is less viscous than methanol.

A5: The optimal flow rates for Kinetex core-shell columns are:

• 4.6 mm ID: 1 - 4 mL/min
• 3.0 mm ID: 0.5 - 2 mL/min
• 2.1 mm ID: 0.3 - 1.2 mL/min

A6: We've created a convenient online tool, The Kinetex Calculator, to assist with column & method parameter adjustment when transferring from a fully porous to core-shell column. By entering your current method conditions and column dimensions, The Kinetex Calculator instantly optimizes your existing method with the correct core-shell column dimension and running conditions to achieve UHPLC results.

A7: The Kinetex HILIC phase can be operated in the pH range of 2.0-7.5. Though ammonium formate and ammonium acetate buffers have been shown to work well in HILIC chromatography there are no restrictions to the buffers you can use so long as you are operating within the suggested pH range.

A8: If currently using a 3.0 mm or 4.6 mm diameter column, we recommend using a 2mm ID to work at flow rates compatible with your MS. If that is not an option, you will need to split the flow from the column to the MS so some will go to waste and only what MS can handle can be sent to MS.