Dear All,
The HPLC column was dropped from the top of HPLC machine to the table when it was connected to the instrument. It made the plastic connector broken and left the broken part in the column (it is still screwed in HPLC column). Does anyone know how to take that part out without destroying the column? Any suggestion or idea will be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!
Actually, this may be very easy to do. Two methods have worked well for me in the past. Go slowly and do not "dig" into the column head with any metal parts. *Two options to try:
(1) Using a pair of pliers (with internally serrated/grooved tips for gripping, not smooth), grip the PEEK tubing right up against the broken tip of the fitting in the column head (so the pliers are 90 degrees to the tubing, parallel to the head of the column). Now try to turn the tubing like a screw to un-thread the ftting (turn anti-clockwise). The broken plastic tip should be swaged onto the tubing allowing it to spin out. You may also be able to back it out enough to grab onto the tip with the pliers and spin it out.
(2) You can use a pair of pliers to grab onto the PEEK TUBING stuck in the broken fitting and using leverage against the column head, slowly pull the tubing out of the broken fitting tip. Once the tubing has been removed, use a small sheet metal screw (one that fits tight, just a few threads) to thread into the remaining PEEK fitting tip inside the column head. It should grip onto the plastic. You should be able to twist it or just yank it out once the screw has a grip onto the plastic (the broken part is soft plastic so you will not damage the SS threads of the column).
The sheet metal screw is a good idea! Another option I've had success with is using the smallest bit in the EZ-out screw extractor set.
Taufeeque Ali: Please do not make such a recommendation to remove the column inlet nut. DO not remove the column inlet fitting nut from the column. If you do so, you may disturb the packing bed resulting in damage to the column. Start with an easy approach which does no harm.
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