CR Custom

Method-Matched & User-Specific Designs

Overview

CR Custom columns represent Chrom Science & Technology’s flexibility and expertise in delivering customized GC solutions. This range is not a single chemistry, but rather a service/product line where columns are made to match specific methods or user requests. Whether it’s replicating a legacy column phase that a certain standard method calls for, or creating a unique stationary phase or dimension for a novel application, CR Custom handles it. The positioning of CR Custom is very customer-centric: Chrom Science & Technology essentially says “If you have a special GC need, we will meet it.” The tone is collaborative and innovative: we emphasize the company’s willingness to partner with the analyst to develop the perfect column. It also underscores Chrom Science & Technology’s deep technical capability – matching or even improving on competitor or classic phases, and designing new ones. The messaging balances scientific credibility (we can match the chemistry, performance, USP phase code, etc., exactly) with a bit of commercial savvy (why buy from multiple vendors when Chrom Science & Technology can be your one-stop for any column, and often with better quality/inertness). It invites labs to bring their problems or method constraints so Chrom Science & Technology can solve them.

Range of Custom Offerings (Phase Examples & Options)

CR Custom can include, but is not limited to, the following categories:

Legacy Phase Equivalents: Many standard methods (USP, EPA, ASTM, EN) reference older or proprietary column names (e.g., OV-1, SE-30, SP-2330, CarbWax 20M, etc.). Chrom Science & Technology can provide equivalents under CR Custom branding. For example:

Phase Name	Original Reference Phase	Description & Use Case
CR-SE30	SE-30 / OV-1	Legacy 100% dimethyl phase; equivalent to CR-1, but matched for method name recognition
CR-OV1701	OV-1701 / 1301	Mid-polar cyanopropyl phase variant used in methods requiring OV/USP G46 phase exact match
CR-TCEP	TCEP	Tris(2-cyanoethoxy)propane for polar gas separations (C1–C2 hydrocarbons, ethanolamines, etc.)
CR-ACID (FFAP)	FFAP (USP G35)	Modified PEG for fatty acids & volatile organic acid separation (e.g., in foods or FAMEs)
CR-225	DB-225 / SP-225 (USP G19)	50% cyanopropylphenyl phase for glycols, alcohols, residual solvent & EPA method compliance
CR-200	OV-200 / SP-200 (USP G7)	50% trifluoropropyl methyl polysiloxane phase for halogenated solvents or high-selectivity methods
CR-5BA	Deactivated 5% phenyl for amines	Tailored for basic compounds like amines with ultra-deactivation
CR-Biodiesel 105	Biodiesel EN14103 compliant phase	For C18:3, C24:0, and C30:0 methyl esters in biodiesel FAME profiling
CR-Biodiesel 110	Enhanced Biodiesel FAME phase	Similar to 105 but with alternate selectivity or higher polarity for confirmation
CR-ALI / ALC1	Alcohol-specific column	Specialty polar phase for ethanol, methanol, and similar analyses
CR-LAP	Solvent/Low Aromatic Phase	Possibly designed for VOCs or light solvent analysis in high-matrix applications
CR-POF1 / POF2	Polyolefin / Petrochemical GC	Tailored for PONA, oligomer profiling, or complex polyolefin separations
CR-PS255 / 264	Proprietary Solvent Selectivity Phases	For separating challenging aromatic/solvent analytes in pharma or chemical workflows
CR-VOC1	VOC phase (mod. of 624/502.2)	Enhanced selectivity for targeted volatile organic compound analysis

CR-SE30 – Equivalent to the classic SE-30 (100% dimethyl silicone) colum】, which is basically like CR-1 but the name matters in some methods.

CR-OV1701 or CR-1701 (custom) – Equivalent to older OV-1701 or specific “1301” phases, if needed beyond the standard CR-1701. (Though CR-1701 covers it, sometimes method naming conventions matter.)

CR-TCEP – A very polar phase Tris(2-cyanoethoxy)propane, often used as a special packed column phase, but also available as a capillary for separating low-boiling polar compounds (e.g., C1-C2 separation, certain solvents; CR-TCEP would match that, enabling unique separations like separating acetylene, ethylene, and ethane or ethanolamines that few columns can do.

CR-FFAP (as CR-ACID): FFAP is a famous phase (nitroterephthalic-modified PEG) for free fatty acid analysis. It’s used for organic acids, free fatty acids in foods, etc. If a method calls for FFAP (USP phase G35) or similar, CR-ACID fulfills it, with our improved inertness.

CR-225: Equivalent to 50% cyanopropylphenyl, 50% methyl (USP G19)., which corresponds to a DB-225 or SP-225 type column. It’s often needed for specific methods (e.g., some USP methods for glycols or EPA methods for certain analytes call for a 225 phase). CR-225 provides that exact selectivity.

CR-ALI or CR-ALC1: Possibly an alcohol column which could be a specialty for alcohols analysis (maybe an extended polar phase).

CR-200: Likely a phase equivalent to OV-200 or SP-200 (which historically is a 50% trifluoropropyl methyl polysiloxane phase) That corresponds to USP G7 or similar, used for very specific separations (e.g., certain halogenated solvents or unique selectivity needed in some pharmacopeial methods).

CR-5BA:– not entirely clear, but perhaps “Basic” – a 5% phenyl column specifically deactivated for basic compounds? If so, CR-5BA might be offered for users struggling with basic analyte tailing (like amines). It shows that beyond just phase composition, even special deactivations can be provided.

CR-Biodiesel 105 & 110: These are likely columns designed for biodiesel analysis per EN 14103 and similar methods. Biodiesel FAME analysis often uses a polar phase to separate linolenic (C18:3) and ensure resolution of C24:0 etc. were likely two such phases (maybe differing in polarity or temp). CR Custom covers these – ensuring labs analyzing FAMEs in biodiesel have columns that meet EN method specs (which often reference specific columns by name).

CR-LAP:– possibly an acronym (maybe “Low-Aromatic Phase” or “Solvent Analysis Phase” – not sure). It’s listed among custom ones, likely targeting a niche separation.

CR-POF1 & CR-POF2 – likely “PolyOlefin Fractionation” or a specialized polyolefin GC phase (maybe for analyzing oligomers in polyolefins or something to do with olefin separation, as PONA and POF are terms in petrochem). Regardless, these are highly specific phases that Chrom Science & Technology can supply for those particular needs.

CR-PS255 & CR-PS264: -– these sound like unique stationary phases numbers, likely very specific selectivities (maybe for separating aromatic solvents or glycols). If a method calls for “PS-255 column” (which might be an older proprietary phase by another manufacturer), Chrom Science & Technology provides CR-PS255 with matching spec.

CR-VOC1: – – likely a special phase for volatile organics, maybe a slight modification of 624 or 502.2 phase for better resolution of certain VOCs. If a lab had a unique VOC mixture that standard 624 doesn’t quite separate, CR-VOC1 could be that specialized column.

Custom Dimensions & Configurations: CR Custom is not only about phase chemistry, but also about providing columns in custom dimensions (ID, length, film) to exactly match method conditions or user constraints. For example, a USP method might require a 2.0 m packed column equivalent – Chrom Science & Technology could provide a 2 m capillary with the same functionality or a megabore capillary to fit that need. Or a GC in an industrial plant might need a non-standard length (say 25 m instead of 30 m to fit a method timing) – CR Custom can do that. If someone needs an odd film thickness to tweak retention (like 3.5 µm film on a 0.53 mm column for VOCs in water to avoid water interference), that can be made.
Blended or Novel Phases: For advanced users, CR Custom could blend stationary phases or create new ones. For instance, if one desires a phase with intermediate polarity not commercially available, Chrom Science & Technology might create a custom mix (like 25% PEG + 75% dimethyl, as hinted by customizing PEG conten】). Or if a researcher wants a column coated with a novel material (e.g., ionic liquids or a specific chiral selector beyond our standard chiral range, but in a custom arrangement), CR
Custom could attempt it. This highlights Chrom Science & Technology’s R&D prowess.

Technical & Quality Considerations

When Chrom Science & Technology produces a custom column, they ensure that:

Feature	Specification & Notes
Custom Phase Matching	Exact replica or improved equivalent of legacy phases (USP, EPA, ASTM references matched)
Improved Bonding & Inertness	Bonded stationary phases, fully deactivated to reduce bleed and peak tailing – often better than legacy columns
Custom Dimensions	Lengths from 2 m to 60 m; IDs from 0.10 mm to 0.53 mm; Films from 0.1 µm to 5.0 µm
Method-Based Engineering	Columns engineered to match retention, resolution & elution order of original method
Cross-Phase Configurations	Available in Plus (MS-grade), Fast-GC, IG (Integrated Guard), and HiTemp formats
Custom Labeling & Traceability	Co-branded labels referencing original column name for easy method mapping
Production Flexibility	Available in low-MOQ batches; custom coated and tested per customer requirement
Analytical Validation	QC tested for efficiency, selectivity, and match to method criteria (retention time, resolution, peak shape)
Rapid Turnaround	Fast delivery for known custom requests; R&D engagement for new formulation requests

The phase chemistry is an exact match or improvement: If replicating a competitor or legacy column, they use the same or analogous polymer, often crosslinked and fully characterized. In many cases, Chrom Science & Technology might improve on the original by making it bonded (some older phases were not bonded and had bleed issues) or by using better deactivation. So the user gets the same selectivity and retention characteristics, but potentially with lower bleed and better peak shapes – a bonus.
Method adherence: If the custom column is meant to satisfy a method, Chrom Science & Technology verifies key parameters (like efficiency, selectivity for a test mix, or elution order of critical compounds) to ensure it truly is “method-matched.” They can provide documentation or support data showing equivalence to the method’s specified column. This is crucial for regulatory acceptance: e.g., showing that CR-225 gives the same retention time for a list of solvents as the official DB-225 column.
Custom labeling and support: Often custom columns will be labeled with both the Chrom Science & Technology code and a reference to the original phase or method for clarity (for instance, label might say “CR-FFAP (USP G35)” so the user knows it corresponds to FFAP). Also, Chrom Science & Technology’s technical support will work closely, maybe asking for the method or problem and advising on what custom solution fits – reinforcing that partnership approach.
Small-scale production agility: CR Custom likely involves a lot of made-to-order manufacturing. Chrom Science & Technology has the agility to do small batches or one-off columns with consistent quality. This differentiates them from big brands that might not bother with low-volume custom orders. They maintain quality control even on customs, testing each such column individually before shipping, due to perhaps less prior batch data.
Turnaround: They likely have a library of many stationary phases (, so custom orders might actually be quick if it’s an existing known phase or slight tweak. For wholly new requests, development might be needed, and Chrom Science & Technology engages in that R&D as part of their service (maybe for a cost if it’s very unique, but many requests will be just matching known things).

Typical & Niche Applications

CR Custom is invoked in several scenarios:

Regulatory Method Matching

A lab has a mandated method (by EPA, ASTM, or USP) that calls for a specific column they don’t have or which is discontinued. For example, a USP monograph might require a “Lichrosorb 750” packed column originally – Chrom Science & Technology can supply a capillary that matches that behavior. Or an EPA method from decades ago references “SP-1000” phase;
CR Custom can provide that equivalent so the lab stays compliant without hunting down obscure products.

Replacing Discontinued/Hard-to-Find Columns

Many older GC column types have been discontinued by manufacturers as demand wanes. If a lab still uses a method requiring it, Chrom Science & Technology’s CR Custom can resurrect those phases. E.g., Carbowax 20M packed columns are largely gone, but CR-Wax (with appropriate film thickness) can mimic it, or CR Custom could produce a megabore ~0.53mm column coated with similar film to plug into a packed column system.
This is very valuable for labs with legacy equipment or methods.

Optimizing Novel Analyses

Researchers developing new GC methods might find no off-the-shelf column does exactly what they need. Perhaps they need a column that separates a certain set of isomers in an unusual matrix.
Chrom Science & Technology can design a custom phase just for that project. For example, a researcher wants to separate all xylene isomers plus ethylbenzene baseline-resolved in a very short time – maybe a custom 10% phenyl or a specific proprietary phase does that better than standard 5% or 35% phenyl.
CR Custom provides such experimental phases, potentially leading to new products if successful (Chrom Science & Technology might even add it to the lineup if it has broader appeal).

Scale or Format Adjustments

Some labs using microGC or process GCs might need very short or tiny columns (like 1 m, 0.1 mm ID). Chrom Science & Technology can furnish those.
Conversely, some might want extremely long columns for high resolution (e.g., 100 m of a special phase for a complex separation).
Also consider packed column replacements: For instance, replacing a 6’ packed column method with a capillary solution – CR Custom can create a mega-bore capillary that produces similar results but with modern performance (this is often done for environmental analyzers).

Chiral/Other Special combos

Even though CR Chiral covers many, a custom might be a different concentration of a cyclodextrin or a different derivative specifically for one tricky pair.
Or mixing a small amount of chiral selector into another phase for a “ligand exchange” effect – all possible.
Another niche: PLOT columns (Porous Layer Open Tubular for gases) – those are specialized (like Q, S, etc. for gas separation). If Chrom Science & Technology has the capability, CR Custom could also mean supply of such PLOT columns on request.

Performance Benefits

The main benefit is precision matching and optimization. By getting a column tailored to the method, the lab achieves optimal performance — no compromise needed. If a lab has been trying to use a “close but not exact” column and struggling, CR Custom solves that frustration. For example, using a 5% phenyl when the method really was designed for 6% cyanopropyl might give slightly shifted peaks or co-elutions; switching to an exact match (CR-624 or CR-1301 etc.) resolves it.

Benefit	Detail
Method-Matching Precision	Ensures perfect fit with existing regulatory or validated methods – no method change or revalidation needed
Enhanced Selectivity	CR Custom often replicates and improves resolution for complex or difficult separations
Superior Column Inertness	Modern bonded and deactivated phases give lower bleed and better peak symmetry than legacy unbonded columns
Greater Application Coverage	Supports unique industrial, research, and regulatory testing needs with niche or rarely available phases
Cost & Time Efficiency	Saves cost of revalidating workflows by delivering the exact column needed for compliance
R&D Partnership Value	Ideal for R&D groups needing novel phase blends or experimental separation tools
Regulatory Peace of Mind	USP/EPA/ISO compliant options for exact phase match – supports audits and compliance reviews
Flexibility Across Markets	Suitable for pharma, petrochemical, food, environmental, and industrial QC labs
Lower Failure Risk	Chrom Science & Technology’s quality controls ensure even one-off customs are tested and reproducible
Hybrid Commercial Advantage	Allows labs to offer specialized services or meet method specs that others can’t – unique positioning in the market

Also, when Chrom Science & Technology custom-designs a column, they often incorporate the latest tech (like crossbonding, better deactivation) into a classic phase. So the lab gets better robustness and possibly lower background than the old version. E.g., an original packed column FFAP might tail badly for acids, but the CR-FFAP (CR-ACID) capillary is highly inert, giving sharp acid peaks – improved performance while meeting the method.

From a cost perspective, instead of redesigning a method to fit an available column (which could cost time, revalidation, money), the lab just gets the right column – cheaper than revalidating a method or scrapping equipment.

The persuasive angle: “Your method is unique – your column can be too. With CR Custom, you don’t change your method to fit the column; we change the column to fit your method.” That’s powerful to method owners who are wary of altering tried-and-true procedures.

Also, for pioneering projects, having a manufacturer willing to make a unique column can be the difference between success and failure in analysis. So researchers may feel empowered that whatever separation challenge they face, Chrom Science & Technology will back them up with custom hardware.

Industry Compliance & Standards

This is the core strength of CR Custom – compliance through customization. If a standard requires something, we deliver it:

USP Pharmacopeia Columns: The USP has many G-phase designations (G1, G2… G50 etc.). Chrom Science & Technology covers common ones in CR Standard, but if any exotic ones (say G7, G16, G43 etc.) needed, CR Custom ensures compliance. For instance, USP G16 is a very specific phase (PEG stabilized with nitro, aka FFAP) – if not in standard lineup, CR Custom provides it (that’s CR-ACID).
EPA Equivalents: Provide exact or functionally equivalent columns for EPA references. This ensures that when an auditor or QA officer asks “column matches method spec?”, the lab can say yes, it’s an equivalent or improved but meets the spec (Chrom Science & Technology can supply a cross-reference chart or a statement of equivalency in documentation, which many regulatory bodies accept if performance is proven).
AOAC & Food methods: AOAC often cites specific columns for things like cholesterol or vitamin analysis – CR Custom can supply those e.g., a 1% dextran phase on Gas Chrom Q (old style) can be replaced by a custom capillary phase for cholesterol. Ensures labs can continue methods without revalidation.
Customer SOPs: Some companies have internal methods that rely on a column that was custom from another vendor or made in-house. Chrom Science & Technology can reproduce those so the company stays consistent. In compliance terms, internal validations remain valid because Chrom Science & Technology replicates the required spec closely.
Chrom Science & Technology likely provides documentation or certificates for custom columns to satisfy QA needs: e.g., a sheet stating “CR-225 is equivalent to USP G19 phase, and has been tested per column specifications to ensure alignment with method XXX”.