SiliaPrep Phase Separator Cartridges

SiliCycle offers SiliaPrep Phase Separator Cartridges to separate the aqueous phase from heavier chlorinated solvents, under gravity.

These ready-to-use cartridges are fitted with a proprietary hydrophobic frit and are a great alternative to liquid-liquid extraction, the most popular technique to do this separation. However, this last method is time consuming, requires the use of a glass funnel (which needs to be washed between each separate extraction) and is not suitable for multiple extractions. SiliaPrep Phase Separator Cartridges solve these drawbacks and offer many advantages:

• Ease of use
• Efficient and cost saving
• Compatible with automated systems

Typical Experimental Procedure

• 1. Select the appropriate size of SiliaPrep Phase Separator Cartridge to hold your entire sample volume (both aqueous and chlorinated phases).
• 2. Connect the SiliaPrep Phase Separator Cartridge on a vacuum manifold. Ensure the collection vessel volume is large enough to entirely recover the organic layer.
  Note: Do not connect the manifold to a vacuum source
• 3. Transfer the biphasic sample on top of the SiliPrep Phase Separator Cartridge.
• 4. After a few seconds (under gravity), the water immiscible chlorinated solvent will start to pass through the frit.
• 5. The proprietary frit used in the SiliaPrep Phase Separator Cartridge allows the aqueous layer to be left on the column for at least 48 hours without passing through the frit.

Important Advice

• Process under gravity only - Do not apply vacuum or positive pressure
  The SiliaPrep Phase Separator Cartridges are designed to be used under gravity only. The use of a vacuum or positive pressure source can lead to a loss of separation efficiency.
• Biphasic system required
  The sample needs to contain water and a water immiscible solvent (with greater density than water, to form the lower layer).
  Most common solvents are dichloromethane, chloroform and other chlorinated solvents.
  Try to minimize the presence of water miscible solvent (i.e. methanol, ethanol or acetone), which can cause problems in obtaining a truly biphasic system. The phase separator may not work effectively if the two phases are merging.
• More efficient compound partition
  To obtain a more efficient compound partition between aqueous and organic layers, a liquid-liquid extraction can be done prior to use the phase separator column.