Welchrom PSV C18: A Robust HPLC Solution for Preservative Analysis in Complex Food Matrices

Table of contents

Introduction Key Features Specifications Application Example in Preservative Testing Result Lifetime Evaluation Stability Evaluation Batch Reproducibility Conclusion Ordering Information

Introduction

Welch Materials introduces the Welchrom PSV C18, an HPLC column specifically developed for the routine analysis of preservatives and colorants in food. Manufactured on an ultrapure silica substrate and refined through Welch’s proprietary bonding and end-capping technology, Welchrom PSV C18 delivers enhanced resistance to contamination and extended operational life—attributes especially valuable for laboratories handling demanding, high-matrix food samples.

Key Features

High fouling resistance: the large silica pores and low surface area reduce particulate adsorption, improving robustness when analysing fatty or heavily pigmented foods.
Excellent batch-to-batch reproducibility: tight control of stationary phase manufacturing preserves retention times, theoretical plate counts, tailing factors and resolution across lots.
Long operational lifetime: validated performance over extensive injection sequences, reducing downtime and column replacement costs for high-throughput workflows.

Specifications

Stationary Phase	C18
Particle Size	5 µm
Pore Size	150 Å
Specific Surface Area	230 m²/g
pH Range	2.0–9.0
Carbon Load	13%
Max. Temperature	60 ℃

Application Example in Preservative Testing

Method reference: GB 5009.28-2016 (Determination of benzoic acid, sorbic acid and sodium saccharin in food).

To simulate a complex, high-oil matrix, spicy snack strips were used as a representative real sample.

Conditions:

Column: Welchrom PSV C18, 4.6×250 mm, 5 µm
Mobile Phase: 20 mmol/L CH₃COONH₄ : MeOH = 95:5
Flow Rate: 1.0 mL/min
Column Temperature: 30℃
Wavelength: 230 nm
Volume: 10 µL

Concentrations for Standards:

Sorbic acid: 20 µg/mL
Benzoic acid: 20 µg/mL
Sodium saccharin: 20 µg/mL

#	Ret. Time (min)	Area (mV×s)	Height (mV)	Plates	Tailing.	Res.
1	9.798	359644	33279	18348	1.105
2	14.258	478505	31044	19681	1.067	12.818
3	17.493	227884	12808	21774	1.052	7.344

Result

Under the specified method conditions, Welchrom PSV C18 achieved baseline separation for benzoic acid, sorbic acid and sodium saccharin, meeting the acceptance criteria from the national standard.

Lifetime Evaluation

Protocol: samples were injected in sequence; after every 100 injections the column received a regeneration cycle of 30 min with 10% methanol in water, followed by 30 min with 90% methanol in water and a final 30 min rinse with 10% methanol in water. After regeneration the sample sequence was resumed to continue the lifetime assessment.

Result: the column sustained stable analytical performance for at least 1,000 sample injections under the test regimen—substantially exceeding the life expectancy of typical analytical columns.

Stability Evaluation

Injection	Pressure (bar)
0	97
100	97
200	97
300	97
400	97
500	99
600	99
700	99
800	99
900	99
1000	101
1100	114
1200	130

Result: Pressure monitoring recorded only a gradual pressure increase over the course of injections; overall backpressure remained within acceptable operational limits throughout the first 1,000 injections.

Batch Reproducibility

Conditions:

Specification: 4.6×250 mm, 5 µm
Mobile Phase: Acetonitrile : water = 65:35
Flow Rate: 1.0 mL/min
Column Temperature: 30 °C
Wavelength: 254 nm
Volume: 10 µL
Samples:
- Uracil
- Phenol
- 4-Nitrochlorobenzene
- Toluene

#	Ret. Time	Plates	Tailing.	Res.
1	6.879	21743	1.08	6.49
1	6.865	21049	1.05	6.45
1	6.883	21513	1.04	6.47

Conclusion: Three independent batches of the stationary phase were evaluated for retention time consistency, theoretical plate number, tailing factor and resolution. All measured parameters remained consistent across batches, supporting reliable method transfer and minimizing revalidation work when switching column lots.

Conclusion

Welchrom PSV C18 provides food testing laboratories with a purpose-built column for preservative and colorant analysis in challenging matrices. Its combination of fouling resistance, reproducible manufacturing and proven long-term stability makes it well suited for high-throughput routine testing where both precision and uptime are priorities.

For further product details or method transfer support, please contact Welch Materials.

Ordering Information

P/N	Specification
00370-02043	Welchrom PSV C18, 5 µm, 4.6×250 mm
00370-02041	Welchrom PSV C18, 5 µm, 4.6×150 mm