Just my two cents:
It is not likely to catch fire at room temperature unless in large volumes with a heat source due to its water content. (Case in point -liquor isn't considered flammable until 40 proof or more. Thank goodness my wine and beer aren't considered flammable.)
Also, most FPLC systems are closed liquid flow systems, so you only need to worry about the waste at the end. Just empty it after each use. The volumes are rarely above 1L for a benchtop unit. Typically, this small amount and lower concentration of ethanol is not of concern. However, if you put any flammables in a closed system, there could be issues. Most researchers run a benchtop FPLC system that requires 4C in a glass sliding door refrigerator (chromatography refrigerators) or a cold room. An alternative would be to put the solutions on ice and insulate the apparatus and just use the chiller for the small column.
Tammy
-----Original Message-----
From: ACS Division of Chemical Health and Safety <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**Princeton.EDU> On Behalf Of davivid
Sent: Thursday, July 31, 2025 12:47 PM
To: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**Princeton.EDU
Subject: Re: [DCHAS-L] Chromatography Refrigerator for FPLC-20% ethanol cleaning issue
Would something like an insulated cabinet cooled by a recirculating chiller work? All electrical circuits would be outside the cabinet.
Cheers!
Dave Lane
Chief Science Officer
Zyviva Laboratories
On 7/30/25 8:28 AM, Margaret Rakas wrote:
> 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
>
> --
> Margaret A. Rakas, Ph.D.
> Lab Safety & Compliance Director
> Clark Science Center
> Smith College
> 413-585-3877 (p)
>
> --- For more information about the DCHAS-L e-mail list, contact the
> Divisional membership chair at membership**At_Symbol_Here**dchas.org
> <mailto:membership**At_Symbol_Here**dchas.org>
---
For more information about the DCHAS-L e-mail list, contact the Divisional membership chair at membership**At_Symbol_Here**dchas.org
---
For more information about the DCHAS-L e-mail list, contact the Divisional membership chair at membership**At_Symbol_Here**dchas.org