Quickly Determine When a Column is Going Bad Eventually all columns lose performance and must be replaced. Timing depends on the chromatographic conditions used as well as the column itself. Also by understanding the major factors that limit column lifetime, steps can be taken to extend the usable lifetime of a column. Many data systems allow these parameters to be printed as a part of the chromatographic report, simplifying the job of monitoring column performance.
Theoretical plates is a measure of the efficiency, or resolving power, of a column.
The most common reasons for losing theoretical plates are column voiding and column fouling. Peaks in your chromatogram broaden with decreasing efficiency. By monitoring N, you can detect these problems long before they affect your chromatographic separation. Capacity factor, k Capacity factor is a measure of retention independent of flow rate and column dimension. Changes in capacity factor under constant chromatographic conditions may indicate either problems with loss of bonded phase or problems with column fouling due to non-eluting compounds.