We have a resear cher who wants to use a stainless steel pneumatic loading vessel to load pe ptides samples onto microcapillary columns that are used for multidimension al chromatography and mass spectrometry. The loading vessel is pressurized with helium up to 1000 psi.=A0 This pressure forces the sample into the cap illary column, after which the pressure is released. The pneumatic vessel i s fabricated from ~=BD-in. stainless steel. The top is made from the same t hickness steel and is attached by bolts to the base.

Has anyone used one of these devices before?=A0 I have concerns about rupture as there is no p ressure release valve, only a vent valve used to release pressure once the microcapillary column is loaded.=A0 I have been told that the column will b low out of the top of the device which will then vent the device before the pressure exceeds the rated 2000 psi and catastrophic failure of the vessel occurs.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Lee

K. Lee Stone M.S., MT (ASCP), NRCC-CHO

Laboratory Safety Manager

Chemical Hygiene Officer

2ND Vice President - IUPUI Staff Council

IUPUI-Environm ental Health and Safety

Union Building

620 Union Drive, Room 043

Indianapolis, IN 46202

317-278-6150 (T)=A0 | =A0 (317) 278-2158 (F)=A0 |=A0

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