Researchers, scientists and other laboratory workers handle chromatography equipment to separate chemicals for purification, analysis or identification purposes. The process involves using the equipment to test whether a chemical will dissolve into liquid or stick to a surface. Primarily, equipment used in chromatography separates colors or pigments used for industrial applications. Researchers use chromatographic equipment in environmental chemistry. Forensics also uses chromatography equipment to detect drug use through samples of body fluids, or to analyze fibers or blood found at a crime scene.

New and used chromatography equipment comes as plastic and glass chromatography columns, sprayers, reservoirs and adaptors for storing, separating or analyzing chemicals. Stirring components, temperature controllers, detectors, stoppers and clamps also fall into the chromatography equipment category. Some chromatography methods require gas chromatography equipment, which vaporizes liquids in columns. Liquid chromatography tests compounds by using columns, detectors and ultraviolet light. Gel chromatography equipment separates molecules to test for environmental hazards such as pesticides. If your laboratory requires chromatography equipment:

1. Buy chromatography equipment for detection and testing purposes.

2. Supply your lab with accessories and other components to work with chromatographic equipment.

3. Find manufacturers that offer support, restoration and repair services in case chromatography equipment breaks or malfunctions.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Buy chromatography equipment such as ionization and deionization detectors

Liquid and gas chromatography equipment is also needed for monitoring organic, inorganic, halogen or electron affinity compounds.

I recommend: Valco Instruments/VICI AG International manufactures gas chromatography equipment such as thermal conductivity and pulse discharge detectors. Sigma-Aldrich also specializes in gas chromatography equipment and gel chromatography equipment such as reagents and sensor materials. Hamilton offers polymer-based chromatographic equipment such as column heaters. Syringes are also available for sample injections.

Find accessories such as a gas chromatography mass spectrometer

Other supplies or accessories should also be considered for chromatography equipment processes.

I recommend: P.W. Perkins supplies carbon dioxide filters, trap cartridges and gas purifiers to use safely with chromatographic equipment. Find glass or plastic vials, microplates and inserts to use with gel chromatography equipment or any gas chromatography instrument from manufacturer J.G. Finneran Associates. Chromatography equipment such as liquid metering pumps and dispensers are found at Fluid Metering.

Locate service companies that specialize in chromatography equipment

In addition to buying liquid or gas chromatographs, research companies that provide other services such as training or repairing.

I recommend: Thermo Fisher Scientific is a top supplier of chromatography equipment and other lab supplies, such as disposable glassware. They also provide maintenance training and product support to keep your chromatography equipment running efficiently. Southeastern Lab Apparatus restores broken glassware equipment used in chromatography. If you're designing custom chromatography equipment, the company also offers support services.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Russian chemist Mikhail Tsvett formed the word chromatography in 1906 while working with plant pigments. Chromatography comes from the Greek roots chroma, or color, and graphy, or writing.