Since wide-bore columns are made of flexible fused silica and the cage diameter is only 7", they can be installed in any GC systems regardless of injector/detector distance or position. Wide-bore columns can therefore be installed in a GC system for packed columns. The only accessories needed are an injection port liner with an inert fused silica insert. Column performance can be (further) improved by using an inlet splitter or make-up gas.

Positioning of 'wide bore' column in direct injector

Installation of wide-bore column

Injection onto a wide-bore column  

When using a direct injector, the section of the column inserted into the liner should be as short as possible, preferably only a few millimeter. Any longer insertion leads to extra dead-volume and consequently loss of efficiency.

The only extra devices needed are special liners for wide-bore columns. These liners have constrictions with the internal diameter a bit smaller than the outside diameter of the wide-bore column. This way, dead-volume is reduced to zero provided that the wide-bore column is inserted up to the constriction. An additional advantage of these liners is the fact that the column is centered in the injector, preventing the appearance of tailing peaks.

Direct injection