Laboratory Excellence and AccreditationHPLC and GC Operation and Method Troubleshooting
Chromatography problems are diagnosed badly because the symptom appears at the detector while the cause is usually upstream, and analysts replace columns that were never at fault. This course teaches the diagnosis. Delegates work through the separation itself and what each parameter changes, the flow path from injector to detector, and where sample, mobile phase and hardware each contribute. Column chemistry and selection follow. Method development and the sequence of changes that converges on a separation are covered. Common failures are worked through systematically: peak tailing, splitting, ghost peaks, retention drift, baseline noise and pressure changes, each traced to cause. Detector specifics for both techniques are addressed. System suitability and what it proves are covered. The course closes on preventive maintenance for the instrument and on documenting a troubleshooting investigation.
Course objectives
- Explain what each separation parameter changes
- Trace the flow path from injector to detector
- Select columns by chemistry rather than by habit
- Develop a method through a converging sequence of changes
- Diagnose tailing, splitting, ghost peaks and retention drift
- Resolve baseline noise, pressure changes and detector faults
- Run system suitability and document an investigation
Who should attend
- Chromatography analysts in pharmaceutical and environmental laboratories
- Instrument operators transitioning from wet chemistry to chromatography
- Method development and validation scientists
- Laboratory supervisors overseeing chromatographic testing
Course outline
- 01The symptom is at the detector
- 02Separation parameters and their effect
- 03The flow path end to end
- 04Column chemistry and selection
- 05Method development sequence
- 06Peak shape and ghost peak faults
- 07Retention drift, baseline and pressure
- 08Detectors, system suitability and maintenance
Scheduled sessions
| Dates | Venue | Format | Price | Register |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 to 7 October 2026 | Online | Online | R6,500 per delegate | Register Now |
| 4 to 6 November 2026 | Maseru, Lesotho | Classroom | R14,950 per delegate | Register Now |
| 1 to 3 March 2027 | Cape Town, South Africa | Classroom | R14,950 per delegate | Register Now |