6. Conclusion

This brief overview of pilot columns for extrapolation gives an idea of the complexity of the equipment needed to use the results correctly.

Complete pilot column assemblies made of interchangeable standardized components are available from glassmakers (Schott France or EIVS, for example). The price of such assemblies, a schematic diagram of which is shown in figure 5 , could reach (in 1995) 1,500,000 F with all supports, accessories and operating tools. However, such systems can handle 10 to 15 problems a year, which means that they pay for themselves very quickly.

Remember that the minimum diameters are approximately as follows:

• for extrapolation columns :

  • ...