Standard Phases & PEG

PEG Column

Agilent Metal GC Columns — Standard Phases & PEG

Agilent Metal GC Columns with Standard Phases & PEG chemistries combine the selectivity and analytical performance of traditional fused-silica stationary phases with the ruggedness and durability of metal column construction. Engineered for laboratories that require robust operation under challenging conditions—such as high pressure, high temperature, frequent handling, or process-GC environments—these columns offer exceptional mechanical strength without compromising chromatographic performance.

Available in a wide range of standard stationary phases, including low-polarity, mid-polarity, and polyethylene glycol (PEG) chemistries, Agilent metal columns deliver reliable separations for alcohols, solvents, oxygenates, hydrocarbons, and other volatile organics. PEG-based metal columns provide enhanced polarity for resolving challenging isomers and oxygen-containing compounds, while traditional phases support general-purpose methods across environmental, petrochemical, industrial, and specialty chemical workflows.

The metal tubing used in these columns resists bending, breakage, and thermal stress—making them ideal for process GCs, portable GC systems, field analytical units, and laboratory instruments subjected to harsh operating conditions. Their robust design also simplifies installation in systems where tight bends or compact oven geometries make fused-silica columns difficult to handle or position.

Agilent Metal GC Columns with Standard Phases & PEG provide dependable retention stability, improved lifetime under demanding conditions, and consistent chromatographic results. Whether used for routine QA/QC, high-throughput industrial monitoring, or rugged field applications, these columns deliver the performance, longevity, and reliability expected from Agilent’s metal-column technology.
Key Definitions â–¸
Metal GC Columns
Gas chromatography columns constructed from stainless-steel or metal-clad tubing instead of fused silica, providing superior mechanical strength, reduced breakage risk, and enhanced durability in high-pressure or high-temperature environments.
Standard Phases
Traditional stationary phases such as dimethylpolysiloxane and phenyl-containing polysiloxane chemistries that provide low- to mid-polarity selectivity for general-purpose VOCs, solvents, and hydrocarbon analyses.
PEG (Polyethylene Glycol) Phases
Highly polar stationary phases commonly used for separating alcohols, oxygenates, and polar VOCs. PEG chemistries in metal columns provide enhanced analyte interaction while maintaining superior thermal and mechanical stability.
Mechanical Ruggedness
The resistance of a GC column to bending, breakage, vibration, or physical stress. Metal constructions offer significantly improved ruggedness compared to fused silica, making them ideal for portable, process, and industrial GC systems.
Process GC Compatibility
The ability of a column to withstand continuous operation in industrial gas chromatographs used for real-time monitoring of petrochemical and chemical manufacturing processes. Metal columns provide the durability and stability required for long-term, high-temperature operation.
Frequently Asked Questions â–¸
When should I choose a metal GC column instead of a fused-silica column?
Metal GC columns are recommended when enhanced durability, higher pressure tolerance, or resistance to breakage is required—such as in process GCs, portable analytical systems, high-temperature applications, or environments with frequent column handling.
Do PEG phases behave differently on metal compared to fused silica?
No. PEG stationary phases on metal columns deliver equivalent polarity and selectivity to those on fused-silica columns, while benefiting from improved mechanical robustness and stability under rugged conditions.
Are metal GC columns compatible with all standard GC instruments?
Yes. Agilent metal columns use standard connection hardware and are fully compatible with conventional GC ovens, injectors, and detectors. Their durability also makes them ideal for compact or tightly configured instruments where tight bends are needed.
What applications benefit most from metal Standard Phase & PEG columns?
These columns excel in environmental VOC analysis, petrochemical and refinery monitoring, industrial QA/QC, high-temperature separations, and portable or process GC deployments where robustness and consistent retention stability are essential.