Stress distribution and dimensional changes in chromatographic columns

High pressures, in the kilobar range, are now used in liquid chromatography. Basic equations from mechanics are applied to investigate the stress state in several idealized chromatography tubes, and these stresses are evaluated with respect to the maximum allowable stresses predicted by several methods used in pressure vessel design. An analytical solution is developed for the dimensional changes of idealized tubes subjected to internal pressure, and the analytical solutions used to verify the results from a numerical approximation. Numerical approximations are then used to explore the effects of the end restraint provided by the end frits. Conclusions are derived regarding the requirements for a safe operation of these high pressure chromatography tubes.