Comparing Lesser Known Ion Chromatography Columns to Name Brand Columns

When it comes to ion chromatography, there are several lesser-known brands of columns that offer a competitive alternative to the more well-known, well-established name brands such as Metrohm or Thermo-Fisher-Dionex. In this blog post, we will compare the features, benefits, and value of three of the lesser-known ion chromatography columns, specifically focusing on anion columns. I should state upfront, that I have my favorite columns from each provider. As I get older, I am realizing more and more, other companies offer excellent products and I have started using them when appropriate, and seeing some excellent results so I thought I would share.

1. Concise Separations

Concise Separations is a lesser-known brand in the field of ion chromatography, but it offers several advantages that make it a worthy competitor to the name-brand columns. One of the key benefits of Concise Separations anion columns is their long-standing history in the field of separations. They have operated under different banners over the years but one thing is consistent - their performance! I have a couple of the earlier branded columns that still perform years later with no loss of resolution or increase in pressure. Sure I have cleaned the column over the years but it still works well, so why change it?

Compared to the name brand columns, Concise Separations columns are often more affordable, making them a cost-effective choice for laboratories with budget constraints. Affordability isn’t always just about price. These columns can be more affordable simply because they last so long, work so well, use more common eluents like carbonate/bicarbonate, or clean up so easily. A lab that uses IC for chloride or sulfate analysis only, and doesn’t care about other analytes, might find the performance of the Concise AN2 a perfect column. Yes, the ICSep AN2 is one of my favorites!

Additionally, Concise Separations columns have been found to last longer than some of the name-brand columns. This is a significant advantage as it reduces the frequency of column replacements, saving both time and money for the laboratory. The longer lifespan of Concise Separations columns can be attributed to their high-quality materials and superior manufacturing processes.

Moreover, Concise Separations columns offer excellent performance and reliability. They are designed to deliver accurate and precise results, ensuring the integrity of analytical data. This reliability makes them suitable for a wide range of applications, from environmental analysis to petrochemical wastewater to pharmaceutical research.

2. Hamilton

Hamilton is a company known for their automation products and HPLC columns, but maybe only to me, another lesser-known brand in Ion Chromatography that deserves attention. Similar to Concise Separations, Hamilton anion columns offer a lower-cost alternative to the name-brand options. This affordability can be particularly beneficial for laboratories operating on a tight budget or those looking for an alternative column source.

In terms of performance, Hamilton anion columns are on par with or even surpass some of the name-brand columns for quality and reliability. They exhibit excellent separation efficiency and resolution, allowing for accurate quantification of analytes. This high performance ensures reliable and reproducible results, making Hamilton columns a reliable choice for analytical IC laboratories.

Furthermore, Hamilton columns are known for their durability and longevity. They are designed to withstand harsh operating conditions and maintain their performance over an extended period. This durability translates into cost savings for laboratories as they require fewer column replacements.

My history with Hamilton is more recent although I have used a Hamilton PRP-X100 earlier in my career for a particular separation. It performed well, but at the time, my mindset was to stay with my Dionex and Metrohm columns. More recently, I have had the opportunity to work with a Hamilton PRP-X110S column, and I have to say I am impressed. It has performed well and I am expanding my evaluations to other columns to see what else I might accomplish with Hamilton.

3. Shodex

Shodex is certainly known for its separation capability, at least overseas, but in the US, or again, maybe only to me, they are a lesser-known brand that offers specialized ion chromatography columns, among other products. While it may not have the same level of recognition as Metrohm or Dionex, Shodex anion columns offer unique features and benefits that set them apart.

One of the key advantages of Shodex anion columns is their versatility. They are compatible with a wide range of eluents and can be used for various applications, including the analysis of inorganic and organic anions. This versatility makes Shodex columns suitable for laboratories working on diverse projects. With column versatility, choice of eluents and modifiers, reduced flow rates, and high efficiency, Shodex Anion columns will compete with anyone. There…I said it…they will compete with anyone and compete well!

Additionally, Shodex columns are known for their exceptional column efficiency. They provide excellent peak resolution and separation, enabling accurate and reliable quantification of analytes. This high efficiency translates into improved analytical performance and more precise results.

Moreover, Shodex anion columns offer a good balance between cost and performance. While they may not be the cheapest option on the market, they provide a solid value proposition considering their performance and durability.

Conclusion

While Metrohm and Thermo-Fisher Dionex are well-established name brands in the ion chromatography column market, they aren’t the only players. It is important to consider the alternatives offered by lesser-known brands such as Concise Separations, Hamilton, and Shodex. These brands offer anion columns that can provide excellent performance and reliability, while sometimes lowering costs, lasting longer, and performing well for many applications.

The marketing machines of Thermo-Fisher Dionex and even Metrohm to a lesser degree, do an excellent job of producing chromatograms for all their columns showing capability and reassurances their columns can perform a separation. This is a valuable resource and one of the reasons I too purchase their columns.

I believe if Concise and Hamilton did more on the applications publication front, their column sales would increase. Shodex does offer a fairly extensive applications database for their IC columns online but it is not as well publicized as the other well-known columns mentioned.

By exploring these lesser-known options, laboratories can find a suitable column that meets their specific requirements while also optimizing their budget. It is always recommended to evaluate the features, benefits, and value of different column brands before making a purchasing decision, as this can lead to long-term cost savings and improved analytical performance. If you have a question I can answer regarding column choices, I would be happy to help. I may even have an application in my personal database that already has the proper conditions using various columns by who knows who!

I only mentioned three companies but there are others. I am happy to evaluate and report on any other company that would like to provide their version of IC columns.