EcoSEC Column Switching Valve Option
The EcoSEC Elite and EcoSEC High Temperature (HT) GPC systems are equipped with two pumps: a sample pump that delivers the sample and mobile phase through the analytical column(s), and a reference pump that delivers solvent through a reference column to the reference cell of the RI detector. By installing the optional column switching valve and replacing the reference column with a second analytical column, an analysis can be performed on one column set while the other column set is simultaneously equilibrated. For example, the sample may be analyzed on Column 1 while the reference pump delivers solvent through Column 2 to the RI reference cell. After switching the valve, Column 2 becomes the measurement column and Column 1 is placed in the flow path to the reference side of the RI detector.
The column switching valve consists of two 4-port valves and enables column changes while the oven door remains closed, allowing the system to switch directly to an already equilibrated column set. As a result, a stable baseline is established rapidly after switching columns, minimizing downtime between analyses.
This optional feature improves laboratory productivity by reducing both analysis time and baseline stabilization time. Typical applications include switching between low and high molar mass (MM) linear columns or analyzing the same sample on two different column types while using a single solvent system. In this way, users of both the EcoSEC Elite and EcoSEC High Temperature systems can maximize throughput while maintaining reliable chromatographic performance.
A: Flow path with column 1 as the analytical column
B: Flow path with column 2 as the analytical column
