In thin layer chromatography, there is a frequent problem in recovery of small samples for the plate. The TLC Zone recovery pipette is designed specifically for that purpose. Its design reduces environmental contamination due to silica dust or materials such as radioisotopes and toxins that are being separated on the TLC plates, as well as increasing the yield of isolated materials.

This instrument consists of a glass shaft with a vacuum hose connection at the end (tube length 8mm x 150mm long). The front of the shaft widens to a 13mm threaded neck. In the neck there is a recessed, removable porous glass disc to prevent the sample from exhausting into the vacuum line and to support a 10mm filter membrane. The membrane porosity is at the user’s discretion, but should not block the flow of air.

A polypropylene collar fastens a sturdy glass tip to the shaft to complete the assembly. The principle of operation is the same as a household vacuum cleaner. By scraping the spot or zone on the plate with the tip, the particles are loosened and then sucked up into the pipette due to the passage of air into the vacuum hose.

The filter serves to stop particulates from exhausting in a manner similar to the action of a household vacuum bag in trapping dust. To remove the sample from the pipette, open the collar, remove the tip and then remove the particulates that have been trapped by the membrane filter or the removable porous glass disc. You may also remove the vacuum hose and back wash the pipette to remove the sample. Construction of heavy-duty borosilicate glass assures sample purity. Each set includes one pipette complete with three interchangeable frits.