Preparative HPLC Technology
Collect the compound, not only the peak.
From 10 mm semi-prep to 50 mm preparative.
Preparative HPLC separates a target so it can be loaded and collected. This page covers the scale split, the published USHD column range, and the consumables that sit on that flow path.
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Isolation
The run is for a collected fraction, not only a measured peak.
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Scale by ID
10 mm is semi-preparative. 20 mm and larger is preparative.
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Published Phases
C18, C18-AQ, C18-AR, C18-T, and C8, all 120 Å on the sheet.
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Flow-Path Hardware
Guards, frits, filters, and fittings for the column you actually run.
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Scale-Up Path
Start at 10 mm, then move to a larger ID when the mass requires it.
Preparative HPLC Overview
Preparative HPLC uses the same liquid-chromatography principle as analytical HPLC and UHPLC. A liquid mobile phase carries the sample through a packed column, and compounds leave at different times. The difference is the job. Analytical HPLC measures a peak. Preparative HPLC loads more sample and collects the target.
On the USHD sheet, scale follows the internal diameter. 10×150 mm and 10×250 mm are semi-preparative. They carry a higher load than a 4.6 mm analytical column and can still run on many analytical HPLC systems at a higher flow. 20 mm, 21.2 mm, 30 mm, and 50 mm are preparative. Those sizes are for fraction collection and need a preparative pump.
HIPSOUL supplies the USHD preparative column range, plus guard columns, inline filters, and fittings used on that flow path. HIPSOUL does not manufacture the complete instrument.
Open the USHD prep column page
| Factor | Semi-preparative | Preparative |
|---|---|---|
| Internal diameter | 10 mm | 20, 21.2, 30, and 50 mm |
| Lengths on the sheet | 150 mm and 250 mm | 150 mm and 250 mm |
| Particle size | 5 μm and 10 μm. No 8 μm size at 10 mm ID. | 5 μm and 10 μm. 8 μm only for USHD C18 at 30×250 mm and 50×250 mm. |
| Pore size | 120 Å on every listed row | 120 Å on every listed row |
| Phases | C18, C18-AQ, C18-AR, C18-T, and C8 | The same five phases. 21.2 mm is listed for C18, C18-AR, and C18-T, not for C18-AQ or C8. |
| System | Often still run on an analytical HPLC, at a higher flow | Needs a preparative pump and fraction collection |
Loading, flow, and the mass you can collect depend on the instrument, the column, the sample solubility, and the method. This page does not publish a loading number.
Columns and Consumables for Preparative HPLC
Hardware from the published HIPSOUL range. The column does the separation. The guard, filter, frit, and fitting protect the flow path.
USHD Prep HPLC Columns
- Semi-prep 10×150 mm and 10×250 mm
- Prep 20, 21.2, 30, and 50 mm ID
- 5 μm and 10 μm, plus two 8 μm C18 sizes
- C18, C18-AQ, C18-AR, C18-T, and C8
Guard Columns
- Cartridge and holder formats
- Analytical and preparative sizes in the published range
- Sits ahead of the preparative column
- Catches sample material before it reaches the bed
In-Line Filters & Frits
- Inline filter holders
- Replaceable frits
- Stainless steel and PEEK options
- Particle protection, not a chemical separation
Fittings & Tubing
- PEEK and stainless steel fittings
- Capillary tubing
- Match thread, bore, and the pressure the system runs
- A larger ID still needs a leak-free connection
What Changes When the Goal Is Collection
These are the choices on a preparative method. They are not a guaranteed mass or purity on every sample.
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Internal Diameter
A wider column holds more sample than a 4.6 mm analytical column. Pick 10 mm first, then 20 mm or larger when the collected mass requires it.
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Phase Chemistry
Selectivity still comes from the phase and the mobile phase. The sheet publishes C18, C18-AQ, C18-AR, C18-T, and C8.
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Particle Size
5 μm and 10 μm are on the sheet for the five phases. 8 μm is only on two USHD C18 preparative sizes. The catalog row is the specification.
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Bed Protection
A guard, inline filter, and the correct frit reduce avoidable contamination of a larger, more expensive column. They do not replace sample cleanup.
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Outside the Sheet
Other dimensions, phases, particle sizes, and end fittings can be discussed from the OEM page. Share the purification system before a format is confirmed.
How to Choose the Scale
Start with the mass you need to collect and the HPLC system you already have. Then match the internal diameter on the sheet. Catalog numbers live on the preparative column page.
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10 mm semi-prep
10×150 mm and 10×250 mm, in all five phases, at 5 μm and 10 μm. This is the step up from a 4.6 mm analytical column when the method is ready and the system can deliver the higher flow.
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20 to 50 mm prep
20, 21.2, 30, and 50 mm ID, at 150 or 250 mm. Use these when the fraction has to be collected. 21.2 mm is on the sheet for C18, C18-AR, and C18-T only.
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Phase on the sheet
USHD C18, C18-AQ, C18-AR, C18-T, and C8. Every catalog row is 120 Å. Analytical C18 and C8 columns are published separately for method scouting.
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Not on the sheet
PFP, Phenyl, HILIC, SEC, normal phase, other pore sizes, and IDs or lengths outside 10–50 mm by 150–250 mm are custom requests. The product page also names bodies in 316L stainless steel, PEEK, and glass-lined formats as custom hardware.
Typical Preparative Workflow
From a working analytical separation to a collected fraction. HIPSOUL supports the column and consumable steps. Method development and purification projects are discussed under analytical services.
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1 Lock the Separation
Confirm the phase, mobile phase, and peak order on an analytical column before the load goes up.
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2 Choose the ID
10 mm when an analytical HPLC can still run it. 20 mm or larger when the collected mass needs a preparative pump.
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3 Load and Separate
Dissolve and filter the sample. Match fittings and tubing to the flow the system can actually deliver.
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4 Detect and Collect
Use the detector installed on the system to decide which fraction to keep. HIPSOUL does not manufacture the detector or the fraction collector.
Where Preparative HPLC Is Used
Isolation uses named on the USHD preparative column page. A card opens the published industry or method page where HIPSOUL has one. Natural-product isolation opens the column page, because there is no separate industry page for that use.
Need a Column Sized for the Mass You Collect?
Send the phase, the particle size, and whether you need 10 mm or a larger internal diameter. Include the catalog number if it is already on the sheet.
Contact Our ExpertsRelated Resources
Published HIPSOUL pages for the column range, the analytical technique, and method development. These are not customer case studies.
Column Range
USHD Prep HPLC Columns
View Catalog
Related Technology
HPLC & UHPLC Technology
Read the Page
Method Guide
HPLC Method Development Guide
Read NowFrequently Asked Questions
Preparative HPLC uses the same packed-column separation as analytical HPLC, at a larger internal diameter, so a target compound can be loaded and collected. An analytical run measures a peak. A preparative run is for a fraction. HIPSOUL supplies the columns and consumables. HIPSOUL does not manufacture the pump, detector, or fraction collector.
On the USHD preparative selection sheet, the split is the internal diameter. 10×150 mm and 10×250 mm are semi-preparative. 20 mm, 21.2 mm, 30 mm, and 50 mm internal diameters are preparative. The 10 mm size can still run on many analytical HPLC systems at a higher flow. The larger internal diameters need a preparative pump and fraction collection.
The sheet lists five phases, all 120 Å: USHD C18, C18-AQ, C18-AR, C18-T, and C8. Particle sizes are 10 μm and 5 μm, plus 8 μm for USHD C18 only. Lengths are 150 mm and 250 mm. The 8 μm C18 rows are only 30×250 mm and 50×250 mm. 21.2 mm is listed for C18, C18-AR, and C18-T, not for C18-AQ or C8. The full catalog is on the preparative column page.
The 10 mm semi-preparative size is the one that still fits many analytical HPLC systems, at a higher flow than a 4.6 mm analytical column. Confirm the pump flow, the fittings, and the pressure limit before transferring a method. A 20 mm or larger column needs a preparative pump and fraction collection.
No. HIPSOUL manufactures chromatography columns and consumables used on a preparative HPLC flow path, including the published USHD preparative column range, guard columns, inline filters, frits, and fittings. The pump, detector, and fraction collector are part of the instrument.
Dimensions, bonded phase, particle size, and end fittings can be requested to match a purification system. The tables on the preparative column page are the standard set from the selection sheet. Phases such as PFP, Phenyl, HILIC, SEC, and normal phase, and sizes outside that sheet, are custom requests. Share the specification on the OEM page. The technical team has to review it before a format is confirmed.