[u]Faster Nano- and Capillary-Scale Separations[/u]  The increased operating pressure yields maximum flexibility for faster flow rates, resulting in a shorter analysis time reduced system equilibration and subsequently a higher sample throughput. The higher pressure rating also allows running longer columns packed with sub-2-µm particles, increasing the separation power and resolution from nano- to capillary-scale columns.    [u]Separation Technology[/u]  The stationary phases in ACQUITY UPLC M-Class Columns are based on Waters Hybrid Particle Technology as well as High Strength Silica.    The ability to reproducibly generate high quality peptide and protein separations is of critical importance in proteomics research as well as for the characterization of biopharmaceuticals. Waters Ethylene Bridged Hybrid (BEH Technology) and Charged Surface Hybrid (CSH Technology) peptide and protein nano columns help address these demanding needs.    The mechanically tolerant High Strength Silica (HSS) particle technology was developed to compliment Waters Hybrid Particle Technology (HPT). HSS allows for silica based LC separations under UPLC conditions. The particle technology provides increased retentivity for polar analytes compared to hybrid particles.    [u]Scalability[/u]  All column formats are packed with the same Waters BEH, CSH, or HSS particles. You can reply on the same retention mechanisms and separation power for peptides, proteins and other basic or polar analytes across all column dimensions.    [u]Column Technology[/u]  ACQUITY UPLC M-Class Columns are available in two formats:    75 µm to 150 µm I.D. columns are packed inside a flexible fused silica capillary, which is connected to the column transfer tubing also made of fused silica. The entire column is sheathed with protective polymer tubing. On the inlet side the column connects using a M-Detail fitting whereas the 360 µm O.D. outlet ends interfaces directly with a mass spec source.    300 µm I.D Columns are made of stainless steel tubing. They feature the same female connections as any ACQUITY UPLC Column.    Each column format connects directly with an ACQUITY UPLC M-Class System and is compatible with nanoACQUITY UPLC Systems.    [u]Trap Columns[/u]  ACQUITY UPLC M-Class trap columns allow the scientist to enrich and re-focus the sample before eluting to the nano-separation column for the final separation. The 2G Trap Columns are designed to minimize peak broadening while maximizing chromatographic efficiency. They can be used in a variety of 1D (low pH) nano flow applications.    2D Trap columns allow the scientist to perform complex 2D separations where the first dimension utilizes high pH. The combination of fritting technologies allows for the higher pH compatibility.    [u]Trap Column Technology[/u]  180 µm I.D. columns are packed inside a flexible fused silica capillary, which is connected to the transfer tubing, also made of fused silica. The entire trap column is sheathed with protective polymer tubing.    2G traps are general-purpose trap columns suitable for bi-directional flow and are commonly used in 1D applications. The traps are available as V/M and V/V configured traps.    2D traps are designed for high/low pH 2D separations and are suitable for one-directional flow. The traps are available as V/M and V/V configured traps.    V/M configured trap columns are most common with a V-Detail Fitting on the inlet side and a smaller M-Detail Fitting on the outlet.    V/V traps are designed for high throughput applications and have a V-Detail Fitting on both, the inlet and outlet side.    V-Detail fittings connect directly to injection valves (10-32 for 1/16" O.D. tubing).    M-Detail fittings connect to micro-tees and micro unions (6-40 for 1/32" O.D. tubing).    300 µm I. D. trap columns are made of stainless steel tubing and frits. They are connected using the same female V-Detail connections as standard ACQUITY UPLC Columns (10-32 for 1/16" O.D. tubing).