UV Lamps in the TLC Laboratory

Two types of ultraviolet light are required for inspecting thin-layer chromatograms (TLC):

Long-wave UV light 366 nm

Under long-wave UV light substances that can be excited to fluoresce appear as bright spots, often differently colored, on a dark background. The sensitivity of this detection method increases with the intensity of the UV light and also as more visible light is eliminated. A fluorescent indicator F254 contained in the layer neither contributes to nor interferes with this detection method.

Short-wave UV light 254nm

Under 254 nm UV substances absorbing at that wavelength become visible, provided the TLC layer contains a fluorescent indi- cator, e.g. F254. These substances appear as dark spots on a bright background. For this detection method, UV intensity and complete elimination of visible light are less critical.

XEPU UV Lamps Designed for TLC

The XEPU UV lamps with stand are designed for use in a Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) laboratory. The lightweight and compact design makes XEPU UV lamps ideal for both handheld and stationary use.

Each XEPU UV lamp is equipped with high-quality UV tubes which provide uniform and steady illumination. The rugged housing is made of anodized aluminum with end caps of shock-resistant plastic. The UV lamp is operated on 12 V AC or DC power which is internally converted to 25–30 KHz high frequency. This ensures instantaneous illumination of the UV tubes at the selected wavelength as well as the absence of any flickering. In order to reduce the user’s risk of exposure to UV radiation, each UV lamp is supplied with a pair of UV protective glasses XP-100. XEPU Scientific has a line of products for UV protection, including face shields, goggles and gloves.

An optional stand is available for use in a TLC laboratory. The stand holds the UV lamp in a position optimized for viewing 20 x 20 cm objects. It shields off extraneous light from the back. The UV lamp can be easily lifted off the stand and directed against a larger object.

Figure below: XEPU UV lamp used with a stand for TLC

Key Features of XEPU UV Lamps

● Multiple wavelengths available: single-wavelength UV lamp, dual-wavelength UV lamp XEPU-1328, and three-wavelength UV lamp XEPU-1338LMS

● Multiple wattages and sizes available

● Uniform and steady UV illumination

● Instantaneous ignition without flickering

● Rugged housing for high usage

● Compact design to fit busy laboratory

● Optional stand designed for optimal viewing in the TLC

UV Lamps Order Information

XEPU Scientific offers mutiple UV lamps for TLC. The dual-wavelength UV lamps are available in two combinations of wavelengths. For greater versatility, choose three-wavelength UV Lamp XEPU-1338LMS.