2.1mm ID analytical column — 2.1*10mm guard cartridge
4.6mm ID analytical column — 4.6*10mm guard cartridge
Availability: In Stock
HPLC Guard Column
Description
Hawach HPLC Guard Columns are designed to protect analytical HPLC columns from contamination caused by sample matrices, particulate matter, strongly retained compounds and chemical impurities. Installed between the injector and analytical column, a guard column acts as a protective pre-column to extend analytical column lifetime while maintaining reliable chromatographic performance.
Our HPLC Guard Column Set includes a high-efficiency guard cartridge, analytical guard column holder, PEEK tubing and fittings, providing a complete installation solution for modern HPLC and UHPLC systems.
Available stationary phases: C18, C8, Phenyl, C4, C30, CN, NH2, HILIC Amide, Silica, Diol, SAX, SCX, PFP, Polar-RP, Amino Acid, PAH, C1, Sugar-H and other specialty phases.
Why Use an HPLC Guard Column?
| Benefit | Description |
| Protect Analytical Columns | Captures contaminants before they reach the main column, preventing irreversible adsorption and premature failure |
| Extend Column Lifetime | Replacing guard cartridges is more economical than replacing expensive analytical columns |
| Maintain Performance | Compatible stationary phases ensure similar selectivity, minimizing retention shifts and peak distortion |
| Reduce Operating Cost | Significantly lowers long-term chromatography costs |
Guard Column Set Structure
| Component | Description |
| Guard Cartridge | Packed stationary phase cartridge for contaminant removal |
| Guard Column Holder | Analytical guard column holder |
| PEEK Tube | 1/16″ PEEK connection tubing |
| PEEK Fittings | High-pressure connection fittings |
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
| Product Type | HPLC Guard Column Set |
| Stationary Phases | C18, C8, Phenyl, C4, C30, CN, NH2, HILIC, Silica, Diol, Ion Exchange, Specialty |
| Particle Sizes | 3μm, 5μm, 10μm (1.8μm for C18-Universal) |
| Pore Sizes | 120Å, 300Å |
| Cartridge Length | 10mm (5mm for C18-Universal) |
| Internal Diameter | 2.1mm, 4.6mm |
| Connection | PEEK tubing and fittings |
| Application | HPLC / UHPLC column protection |
Available Stationary Phases – Quick Reference
| Phase | Chemistry | Best For |
| C18-Universal | Octadecyl (C18) | General reversed-phase, broad compatibility |
| C18-Low pH | C18 (acid-stable) | Low pH mobile phase conditions |
| C18-Aqueous | C18 (aqueous-stable) | Highly aqueous mobile phases |
| C8-Universal | Octyl (C8) | Pharmaceuticals, peptides, moderate retention |
| C8-Fluorine | C8 + fluorinated modifier | Halogenated compounds |
| C8-Low pH | C8 (acid-stable) | Low pH reversed-phase |
| Phenyl | Phenyl bonded | Aromatic compounds, π-π interactions |
| Phenyl-Ether | Phenyl + ether | Alternative aromatic selectivity |
| C4 | Butyl (C4) | Proteins, peptides, large biomolecules |
| C30 | Triacontyl (C30) | Carotenoids, lipids, isomers |
| CN | Cyano | Medium polarity, reversed/normal phase |
| NH₂ | Amino | Carbohydrates, sugars, polar compounds |
| HILIC Amide | Amide | Highly polar compounds, HILIC applications |
| SiO₂ | Bare silica | Normal-phase chromatography |
| Diol | Diol | Polar compounds, biomolecules |
| SCX | Strong Cation Exchange | Basic compounds, ion exchange |
| SAX | Strong Anion Exchange | Nucleotides, organic acids |
| PFP | Pentafluorophenyl | Halogenated, polar aromatics |
| Polar-RP | Polar embedded | Alternative selectivity for polar analytes |
| Amino Acid | Specialty | Amino acid analysis |
| PAH | PAH selective | Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons |
| C1 | Methyl (C1) | Low hydrophobicity, alternative selectivity |
| Sugar-H | Sugar specific | Carbohydrate and sugar analysis |
Ordering Information – Representative SKUs
C18-Universal Guard Column Set
| Cat# | Description |
| 13041053 | C18-Universal, 1.8μm, 120Å, 2.1*5mm Set |
| 13041001 | C18-Universal, 3μm, 120Å, 4.6*10mm Set |
| 13041003 | C18-Universal, 5μm, 120Å, 4.6*10mm Set |
| 13041007 | C18-Universal, 10μm, 120Å, 4.6*10mm Set |
C18-Low pH / C18-Aqueous Guard Column Set
| Cat# | Description |
| 13041051 | C18-Low pH, 3μm, 120Å, 4.6*10mm Set |
| 13041037 | C18-Low pH, 5μm, 120Å, 4.6*10mm Set |
| 13041043 | C18-Aqueous, 3μm, 120Å, 4.6*10mm Set |
| 13041042 | C18-Aqueous, 5μm, 120Å, 4.6*10mm Set |
C8 Guard Column Set
| Cat# | Description |
| 13041002 | C8-Universal, 3μm, 120Å, 4.6*10mm Set |
| 13041004 | C8-Universal, 5μm, 120Å, 4.6*10mm Set |
| 13041032 | C8-Fluorine, 5μm, 120Å, 4.6*10mm Set |
| 13041034 | C8-Low pH, 3μm, 120Å, 4.6*10mm Set |
Phenyl / Phenyl-Ether Guard Column Set
| Cat# | Description |
| 13041022 | Phenyl, 3μm, 120Å, 4.6*10mm Set |
| 13041006 | Phenyl, 5μm, 120Å, 4.6*10mm Set |
| 13041018 | Phenyl-Ether, 5μm, 120Å, 4.6*10mm Set |
C4 Guard Column Set
| Cat# | Description |
| 13041071 | C4, 3μm, 120Å, 4.6*10mm Set |
| 13041031 | C4, 5μm, 120Å, 4.6*10mm Set |
C30 Guard Column Set
| Cat# | Description |
| 13041073 | C30, 3μm, 120Å, 4.6*10mm Set |
| 13041024 | C30, 5μm, 120Å, 4.6*10mm Set |
CN / NH₂ / Diol / SiO₂ Guard Column Set
| Cat# | Description |
| 13041005 | CN, 5μm, 120Å, 4.6*10mm Set |
| 13041027 | NH₂, 5μm, 120Å, 4.6*10mm Set |
| 13041012 | Diol, 5μm, 120Å, 4.6*10mm Set |
| 13041015 | SiO₂, 5μm, 120Å, 4.6*10mm Set |
SCX / SAX / PFP / Polar-RP Guard Column Set
| Cat# | Description |
| 13041009 | SCX, 5μm, 120Å, 4.6*10mm Set |
| 13041010 | SAX, 5μm, 120Å, 4.6*10mm Set |
| 13041019 | PFP, 5μm, 120Å, 4.6*10mm Set |
| 13041038 | Polar-RP, 5μm, 120Å, 4.6*10mm Set |
Specialty Guard Column Set
| Cat# | Description |
| 13041047 | Amino Acid, 5μm, 120Å, 4.6*10mm Set |
| 13041011 | HILIC Amide, 5μm, 120Å, 4.6*10mm Set |
| 13041041 | PAH, 5μm, 120Å, 4.6*10mm Set |
| 13041029 | C1, 5μm, 120Å, 4.6*10mm Set |
| 13041050 | Sugar-H, 5μm, 4.6*10mm Set |
Full SKU list available – including 2.1mm ID, 300Å pore size, and all particle size options. Contact info@hawach.com for complete catalog.
Or download the PDF below.
Download PDF Datasheet
How to Select an HPLC Guard Column
Match Stationary Phase
| Analytical Column | Recommended Guard Column |
| C18 Column | C18-Universal / C18-Low pH / C18-Aqueous |
| C8 Column | C8-Universal / C8-Low pH |
| Phenyl Column | Phenyl Guard Column |
| C4 Column | C4 Guard Column |
| HILIC Column | HILIC Amide Guard Column |
| NH₂ Column | NH₂ Guard Column |
Match Internal Diameter
- 1mm ID analytical column –2.1*10mm guard cartridge
- 6mm ID analytical column –4.6*10mm guard cartridge
Match Particle Size
| Analytical Column | Guard Column |
| 1.7-2μm UHPLC | 1.8-3μm Guard |
| 3μm HPLC | 3μm Guard |
| 5μm HPLC | 5μm Guard |
Installation Guide
Installation Sequence:
HPLC Pump — Injector — HPLC Guard Column — Analytical HPLC Column — Detector
Installation Steps:
- Select compatible guard column (match chemistry, ID, particle size)
- Install guard holder using supplied PEEK tubing and fittings
- Confirm flow direction (marked on cartridge)
- Condition with initial mobile phase before sample injection
Maintenance Recommendations
Replace guard cartridge regularly when you observe:
- Increased system pressure
- Retention time drift
- Reduced peak resolution
- Unexpected peak shape changes
Guard Column vs Analytical Column
| Feature | Guard Column | Analytical Column |
| Main Function | Column protection | Compound separation |
| Position | Before analytical column | Main separation component |
| Length | Short (5-10mm) | Longer (50-300mm) |
| Replacement | Regular (economical) | Less frequent (expensive) |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
FAQs
What is an HPLC Guard Column?
A short protective cartridge installed before an analytical HPLC column to remove contaminants and protect the analytical column from sample matrix damage.
Does a guard column affect HPLC separation?
A properly matched guard column should have minimal impact on separation performance when the stationary phase matches the analytical column.
How often should a guard column be replaced?
Replacement frequency depends on sample type and contamination level. Replace when pressure increases or chromatographic performance decreases.
Should the guard column chemistry match the analytical column?
Yes. For best performance, use the same stationary phase chemistry as the analytical column.
Can guard columns be used for UHPLC?
Yes. Guard columns with smaller particle sizes (1.8μm and 3μm) are compatible with UHPLC systems.
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