HPLC Troubleshooting and Maintenance

A logical approach to HPLC Troubleshooting and Maintenance is fully explored within this one-day course. Commonly encountered problems and best practice are reviewed for all major system components including mobile phase, pump, injection system, column and detector. Examination of separation chemistry, interrogation of poor peak shape and retention problems are a fundamentally important part of the course, leading to increased awareness of troubleshooting principles.

Course delivered face-to-face in one day or online in two half-days
We limit numbers to 12 per course so that each delegate gets the opportunity to ask questions and fully participate in tutorial exercises
When delivered on-site we can design the course material to suit your specific training needs

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Course Overview | Download course details »

This one-day course introduces the fundamentally important concepts associated with troubleshooting HPLC analysis including hardware basics, separation issues, peaks shape and baseline issues and more.

All components of the HPLC system and associated problems are systematically studied. The use of chromatograms as diagnostic tools is explored in depth, including baselines, peak shape and retention time inconsistencies, spurious peaks, etc.

Suitable as a refresher for the more experienced analytical chemist or as an invaluable introduction to the technique for those with limited experience, this course provides an invaluable insight into HPLC principles and practice.

Who is this course for

This course is designed for those relatively new to HPLC, and ideally will follow-on from attendance on the fundamental HPLC training course.

Previous knowledge

No previous knowledge of chromatography is necessary, but basic experience of chemistry is beneficial.

What you will learn

How the chromatographic process takes place
The architecture of a modern HPLC system
Working principle and problems associated with each module of the HPLC system
How to use chromatograms to troubleshoot chromatographic problems
Best practices for column use and care
Best practice in system maintenance and performance evaluation

Course Outline

Approaches to Logical Troubleshooting

System overview
Component perspective
Symptomatic perspective
System maintenance records
Symptoms/Causes/Diagnosis and Solutions

Component Perspective

What to look for/what can go wrong with…
Autosamplers
Detectors: UV/RI/Fluorescence
Solvent delivery systems & mobile phase

Columns

Installation and conditioning
Column chemistry
Efficiency loss
pH operating range/bleed
Proper column management
Loss of sensitivity

Symptomatic Perspective: Baselines

Baseline spikes
Noisy baselines
Cycling baselines
Rising/falling baselines

Symptomatic Perspective: Peaks

No peaks
Fronting/tailing peaks
Split peaks/shoulders
Broad peaks
Ghost peaks
Retention stability
Loss of sensitivity
Correct integration methods

Maintenance

Maintenance schedules
Correct maintenance procedures for all system components
Column maintenance
Performance evaluation