From:
Chantal, Pierre (HC/SC) <pierre.chantal**At_Symbol_Here**HC-SC.GC.CA>
Subject:
Re: [DCHAS-L] Chromatography Refrigerator for FPLC-20% ethanol cleaning issue
Date:
Jul 30, 2025 19:54 UTC
Reply-To:
ACS Division of Chemical Health and Safety <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**Princeton.EDU>
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<YT4PR01MB105843592C3761E6D281BE3588024A**At_Symbol_Here**YT4PR01MB10584.CANPRD01.PROD.OUTLOOK.COM>
In-Reply-To:
<CAAszpkxgC4S8hEtoEDE8ZHJ-xgEPK=2w6BUWBEV19H7307ctEg**At_Symbol_Here**mail.gmail.com>
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Hi,
The flash point of 20% Ethanol in water is around 33 C. Having the instrument maintained between 2 C – 8 C would reduce its flammability. However, you might want to consider to acquire a small environmental
chamber that can operate in this temperature range and that can upgrade with explosion proof electrical outlet and lights. There is many manufacturers on the market that can provide these types of chamber.
Hope this help
Pierre Chantal, PhD, Eng
(he-him | il-lui)
Head, chemistry section
Product Safety Laboratory
1800 Walkley road, AL6402A2
Ottawa, ON
K1H 8K3
i-phone: 613-291-1084
From: ACS Division of Chemical Health and Safety <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**Princeton.EDU>
On Behalf Of Margaret Rakas
Sent: 2025-07-30 11:29 AM
To: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**Princeton.EDU
Subject: [DCHAS-L] Chromatography Refrigerator for FPLC-20% ethanol cleaning issue
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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.
--
Margaret A. Rakas, Ph.D.
Lab Safety & Compliance Director
Clark Science Center
Smith College
413-585-3877 (p)
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