Troubleshooting HPLC Systems

1. Troubleshooting HPLC Systems

2. Sample Injection Figure 1. Influence of sample solvent on peak shape. The sample is dissolved in buffer with (a) 0%, (b) 30%, (c) 50%, and (d) 70% acetonitrile. (Mobile Phase 92% buffer pH 3.5, 8% acetonitrile)

3. Column Testing The best way to evaluate a column’s performance is to use the same test that was used by the manufacturer before it was shipped. By comparing the efficiency, retention and peak shape of the peaks in the sample and very importantly the pressure under these experimental conditions, you will be able to tell if your column has changed over time.

4. Column Regeneration Cleaning Reversed-Phase Columns Use 10 column volumes of each: 100% methanol 100% acetonitrile 75% acetonitrile/25% isopropanol 100% methylene chloride 100% hexane 100% isopropanol Aqueous based solvents such as acetic acid, trifluoroacetic acid, urea, guanidine, sodium phosphate, or dimethylformamide can aid in the removal of proteinaceous material from reversed phase columns.

5. Gradient Testing Mobile Phase A = Methanol Mobile Phase B = 1000 mL methanol with 2 mL acetone Flow = 2 mL/min Detector UV @ 280nm GRADIENT 0 min 97.5% A and 2.5 % B 10 min 2.5% A and 97.5% B 12 min 2.5% A and 97.5% B 12.1 min 97.5% A and 2.5 % B 20 min 97.5% A and 2.5 % B The acetone in Mobile phase B is detectable by UV at 280 nm. Therefore, as the amount of Mobile Phase B is increased, the detector response increases.

6. Gradient Testing Repeat 4-5 Times and note standard deviations of times and detector response. Evaluation of the Gradient Test.

7. Gradient Testing

8. Gradient Testing Not too much dwell time Not too much curvature Should be linear

9. Dwell Time Dwell Time is the time it takes the mobile phase to movethrough the dwell volume. The dwell volume is the volume of the mobile phase between where the solvents are mixed and the column. This includes the mixing chamber, the injector, and tubing. Depending on the instrument, dwell volumes can be as low as 0.5 mL or as high as 8.0 mL. Differences in dwell volume can cause considerable differences in chromatography and may be one reason that it is difficult to reproduce a separation reported in the literature. In documenting a method, the dwell volume of the instrument should be reported.

10. Extra-Column Volume Extra-column volume is volume of the system other than the column that contributes to band broadening outside the column, (in addition to the dwell volume, the detector flow cell, post column reactors, and tubing are the main sources). The relative amount of allowable extra column broadening is proportional to the column volume. The relative volumes of 2 columns can be calculated based on the formula for the volume of a cylinder. Length x pR2. Example: (Column 1, diameter = 4.6 mm, extra column volume = 100 mL, Column 2, diameter = 2 mm, What is the equivalent extra-column volume?) Since the radius(R) is the only thing changing in this example, relative volume can be calculated as the ratio of the two radii ( 2.32/12= 5.3) which means that the 2 mm column has a volume 5.3 times less than a 4.6 mm column therefore, the extra-column volume should be 5.3 times less (100 mL/5.3 = 18 mL).

11. Problem 1. No Peaks/Very Small Peaks

12. Problem 2. No Flow

13. Problem 3. No Pressure or Pressure Lower than Usual

14. Problem 4. Pressure Higher than Usual

15. Problem 5. Variable Retention Times

16. Problem 6. Loss of Resolution

17. Problem 7. Split Peaks

18. Problem 8. Peaks Tail on Initial and Later Injections

19. Problem 9. Tailing Peaks

20. Problem 10. Fronting Peaks

21. Problem 11. Rounded Peaks

22. Problem 12. Baseline Drift

23. Problem 13. Baseline Noise (Regular)

24. Problem 14. Baseline Noise (Irregular)

25. Problem 15. Broad Peaks

26. Problem 16. Change in Peak Height (one or more peaks)

27. Problem 17. Change in Selectivity

28. Problem 18. Negative Peaks

29. Problem 19. Ghost Peaks