Good morning-

We have a new faculty member who is purchasing an FPLC instrument that needs to be kept between 2-8C.  

FPLC typically uses aqueous buffers and salt solutions for purifying proteins; however, 20% ethanol is routinely used to clean columns, which are kept within the instrument during this process.  If the instrument will not be used for a longer period of time than a few days (think December holiday break) then it is generally recommended to store the columns in 20% ethanol.

This is our first FPLC.  20% ethanol is flammable.  It doesn't appear there are many alternatives  for cleaning/prevention of bacterial growth.  

How do other institutions deal with the flammability issue?  I thought I had found a solution with one supplier's chromatography refrigerator with a "safety switch protected internal outlet" but upon checking with their tech support, was informed this safety switch only protects in case of an electrical short in the line, has nothing to do with detection of flammable vapor.

I am really stuck here--unless I'm missing something.  The FPLC vendor does not sell refrigerators and referred our faculty to the standard scientific vendors.  I am now wondering if we need to install an explosion-proof fan in one of our cold rooms (which is ventilated with fresh air).

Feel free to contact me privately either over the phone (my number is below) or else via email.

thank you all so much

Margaret