EMPTY HPLC COLUMN HARDWARE
Empty HPLC Column Hardware
316L stainless-steel empty column tubes for HPLC and UHPLC, from 2.1 mm analytical hardware to 50 mm preparative tubes. Supplied without packing so you can load your own stationary phase.
Surface roughness of the HPLC column tube hardware can reach 0.09 μm.
2.1–50 mm ID
316L stainless steel
Analytical to preparative
OEM dimensions available
What Is an Empty HPLC Column?
An empty HPLC column is column hardware that has not been filled with stationary phase. It is the tube, fittings and frit assembly used in liquid chromatography before packing. The column cannot separate a sample until the appropriate packing is added.
uHPLCs supplies this hardware in high-purity 316L stainless steel for analytical and preparative LC. Related packed products are on the HPLC columns and preparative HPLC columns pages. Frits used at the column ends are listed with HPLC frits.
Empty HPLC Column Hardware Options
Choose by inner diameter and pressure class. Each card uses the product photo and portfolio page already published for that hardware family.
Empty Column Dimensions
Lengths below are the sizes listed for each inner diameter. Other lengths from 20 mm to 1100 mm can be discussed as custom hardware. Dimensions are customizable.
| Inner diameter | Listed lengths | Material | Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.1 mm | 30, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, 200, 250, 300 mm | 316L stainless steel | Analytical |
| 3.0 mm | 30, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, 200, 250, 300 mm | 316L stainless steel | Analytical |
| 4.0 mm | 20, 30, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300 mm | 316L stainless steel | Analytical |
| 4.6 mm | 20, 30, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300 mm | 316L stainless steel | Analytical |
| 7.8 mm | 150, 250, 300 mm | 316L stainless steel | Semi-prep |
| 10 mm | 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300 mm | 316L stainless steel | Semi-prep |
| 20 mm | 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300 mm | 316L stainless steel | Semi-prep |
| 21.2 mm | 150, 250 mm | 316L stainless steel | Semi-prep |
The 10 mm row on the previous page was labeled with a 20 mm series heading. The lengths shown are the 10 × mm sizes from that row. 50 mm hardware is available as a preparative option; request the length rather than assuming a catalog length.
Key Features of Empty HPLC Columns
316L Stainless Steel
Mechanical strength and chemical resistance for a wide range of analytical conditions.
Analytical to Preparative
Inner diameters from 2.1 mm to 50 mm, with lengths from 20 mm to 1100 mm available as options.
High-Pressure Hardware
Published design rating up to 15,000 psi (1034 bar). Confirm the pressure class for the specific ID and end fitting before use.
Precision Bore
Precision-machined hardware with a 2.0 µm frit cap, for uniform packing from batch to batch.
Leak-Resistant Ends
Stainless-steel column heads with an inner connector, tube connector and rear nut for the chromatography system.
OEM Dimensions
Column dimensions, frit size and connection details can be specified for a private-label or method-specific tube.
Inner Surface Finish
The internal surface of the HPLC column tube is finished so roughness can reach 0.09 μm. That bore finish is what the hardware is specified to deliver before packing.
A smooth tube is only one part of column performance. End frits and HPLC fittings still have to match the system.
Analytical vs Preparative Empty Columns
| Analytical empty column | Preparative empty column | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Identification and quantification | Purification or isolation |
| Column diameter | Narrower, typically 2.1–4.6 mm | Wider, typically 10–50 mm |
| Column length | Typically 25–150 mm | Typically 150–500 mm |
| Flow rate | Typically 0.1–1.0 mL/min | Typically 1.0–10 mL/min |
| Sample size | Typically µL to mL | Typically mL to L |
These ranges are typical selection guidance, not a pressure or particle-size guarantee for every tube.
Empty HPLC Column Hardware in Use
Manufacturing and Inspection
Empty column hardware is machined, inspected and checked before packing and shipment. The photos below are from the same HPLC column hardware workflow.
Production
Inspection
Testing
OEM Empty HPLC Column Hardware
An OEM empty HPLC column is supplied without packing so another system or brand can use its own stationary phase. Share dimensions, pressure and end fittings before production.
- Column inner diameter and length
- Stationary phase you plan to pack, so the bore and frit stay compatible
- System pressure and flow rate
- End fitting and frit size
- Sample review before a production batch
316L tube material
Design review
Sample before production
Empty HPLC Column FAQ
What is empty HPLC column hardware?
Empty HPLC column hardware is the unpacked column tube, end fittings and frit assembly. It is supplied without stationary phase, so the user packs the chemistry needed for the method. Until it is packed, it does not perform a separation.
What material are uHPLCs empty HPLC columns made from?
The empty column tubes on this page are 316L stainless steel. The published internal surface finish can reach 0.09 μm, which helps keep dead volume low and supports consistent packing.
What inner diameters are available?
Listed hardware covers 2.1, 3.0, 4.0, 4.6, 7.8, 10, 20, 30 and 50 mm inner diameter. Analytical sizes are typically 2.1 to 4.6 mm. Wider tubes are used for semi-preparative and preparative work. Confirm the exact length for your ID before ordering.
Why does the inner surface of an empty HPLC column tube matter?
A smooth bore reduces unwanted wall effects and helps the packed bed stay uniform. The hardware on this page is specified with a mirror-like internal finish down to 0.09 μm so flow and packing behavior stay consistent from column to column.
What is the difference between an analytical and a preparative empty column?
Analytical empty columns are the narrower tubes, typically 2.1 to 4.6 mm, used for identification and quantification. Preparative empty columns are wider, typically 10 to 50 mm, and are used when the goal is purification or isolation at higher flow and sample load.
Can HIPSOUL customize empty HPLC column hardware?
Yes. OEM options include column dimensions, frit size and connection details. Send the target ID, length, pressure class and end-fitting requirement. The column is supplied empty so you can pack your own stationary phase.
Related HPLC Hardware
Read how to choose an empty HPLC column tube. Also see HPLC guard columns, HPLC frits, fittings and OEM / custom.
Need an Empty HPLC Column?
Send the inner diameter, length, pressure class and end-fitting requirement. We will confirm whether a listed tube or a custom 316L hardware set is the right match.
Prefer email? [email protected]