Columns
Since the flow programmable pumps are presently available only for moderate ( up to 500psi) or low pressures ( up to 75 psi) the choice of columns for SIC are limited to monolithic columns for moderate pressures or microcolumns for low pressure separations.
Sol-Gel Monoliths are a novel type of HPLC columns manufactured by, e.g., Phenomenex and Merck. In contrast to conventional HPLC columns, the sol-gel monoliths are formed as a single piece of porous silica, having a higher porosity than conventional particulated columns. Merck reports a 15% greater porosity for their Chromolith columns over conventional columns.