Sigma-Aldrich Metal Packed GC Column (fits Agilent, Configuration "A")

Packed column made up of stainless steel are basically employed when higher carrier gas flow rates are employed as they can sustain elevated pressure. Stainless steel columns are usually washed with dilute hydrochloric acid, then with water followed by methanol, acetone, methylene dichloride and n-hexane in order to remove any corrosion products and traces of lubricating agents.[1]

An economical metal column should be used for less demanding applications where the inertness of glass is not required. This column fits Agilent 5880, 5890, 6890, 7820, and 7890 (configuration A, on-column injection, all detectors except TCD).

Molecular Sieve 5A support in stainless steel gas chromatographic column maybe used for the measurement of atmospheric nitrous oxide.[2]