HPLC Column Troubleshooting Guide

About this manual

This document provides a troubleshooting framework for High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) systems. It helps users determine if performance issues stem specifically from the column rather than other components like pumps or detectors. The guide categorizes problems into pressure issues and peak shape abnormalities to assist in diagnosis.

What's inside

• Is It Really The Column
• Categories of Column Problems
• Pressure Issues
• Determining the Cause and Correcting High Back Pressure
• Column Cleaning: Reversed-Phase Solvent Choices
• Column Cleaning: Normal Phase Solvent Choices

Frequently asked questions

What are the main categories of HPLC column problems?

The document identifies two primary categories: Pressure issues and Peak shape issues.

How can you determine if high back pressure is caused by the column?

You should check the pressure with and without the column installed; many problems are due to blockages elsewhere in the system.

What is the first step in cleaning a reversed-phase column?

Flush the column with mobile phase without buffer salts (water/organic) before using stronger solvents.