Common Problems with Gradient Elution Liquid Chromatography: Proven Solutions and Prevention Strategies

Conducted by John W. Dolan, PhD - LC Resources, Inc.

October 19, 2007

Gradient elution liquid chromatography has a reputation for being a problematic procedure. As a result, many workers avoid routine gradient methods. Much of this poor reputation is a carryover from historic problems with equipment that do not apply to modern instrumentation. In fact, gradient elution is a technique that can be much more powerful than isocratic methodology whether for research purposes or routine analysis. But to obtain trouble-free methods and to have high confidence in the results, you must have a well-characterized system and understand some of the potential pitfalls of gradient methods.

This seminar will be conducted by Dr. John W. Dolan. Over the last 30 years, Dr. Dolan has designed LC equipment, developed methods, managed a contract research laboratory, taught thousands of students in LC techniques, and written over 100 papers on LC. Dr. Dolan, along with Dr. Lloyd Snyder have recently completed an authoritative text on gradient elution (High Performance Gradient Elution, Wiley 2007). He draws on this experience and his expertise in gradient elution for this seminar. Specific areas that will be covered include:

  • How can I determine if the LC equipment is working properly?
  • What specific tests can I run to check system performance?
  • What are the causes (and fixes) for ghost peaks?
  • Why does the baseline drift in gradient runs?
  • What causes retention time variability?

This seminar will be conducted on the telephone and is presented by Dr. John W. Dolan, worldwide expert on gradient elution and troubleshooting liquid chromatography. In this unique seminar format, lasting just one hour, Dr. Dolan will use a case-study format to illustrate the symptoms of gradient elution problems, how to fix the problems, and how to avoid them in the future. You will be able to follow along with a PDF file and ask questions and interact with Dr. Dolan during the audio seminar. A detailed outline and Dr. Dolan's qualifications follow below.

Common Problems with Gradient Elution Liquid Chromatography: Proven Solutionsand Prevention Strategies

Part I - Learn how to ensure your gradient LC system is working properly

  • The influence of dwell volume
  • How to minimize gradient transfer problems
  • Measurement of dwell volume
  • How to determine gradient linearity and accuracy

Part IV - Retention variability and how to minimize it

  • Equipment problems
  • The influence of molecular weight
  • Factors controlling retention
  • How to keep selectivity constant

 

Part II - The cause and cure of ghost peaks

  • Running a blank gradient
  • Gradient drift and how to combat it
  • Potential sources of ghost peaks
  • Impurities from reagents and equipment
  • Tricks to exorcize ghost peaks

Part IV - Questions and Answers

  • Dr. Dolan field your questions live on the phone. You will hear all questions and answers from all participants of this seminar.

Register now!

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Get the CD and handout
LC070830E - CD and Handout materials
Common Problems with Gradient Elution Liquid Chromatography
CD price includes HANDOUT MATERIALS and audio CD. CD will be shipped three weeks after the seminar		 $397.00 Add to Cart

Instructor

John W. Dolan, Ph.D.
Dr. John Dolan is most widely known as the author of LCGC’s popular LC Troubleshooting column. As editor of this column for over 20 years, Dr. Dolan has contributed more than 250 installments of practical advice to practicing chromatographers. John has written over 100 technical papers, many of which support the development and practical application of gradient elution LC. His book (with Lloyd Snyder),Troubleshooting LC Systems, is a standard reference in laboratories worldwide. Just off the press is a second book with Lloyd Snyder, High-Performance Gradient Elution. He is the 2002 recipient of the prestigious Palmer Award given by the Minnesota Chromatography Forum and the 2007 Dal Nogare Award presented at the Pittsburgh Conference by the Delaware Chromatography Forum.

Dr. Dolan managed a regional contract research laboratory for 11 years for LC Resources and later Bioanalytical Systems, Inc. The lab, which he helped found in 1988, specializes in the development, validation, and application of LC-MS/MS methods to determine pharmaceutical compounds in biological matrices. In addition, he is one of the founders of LC Resources, Inc., a company dedicated to training chromatographers around the world. As an instructor for LCR and the American Chemical Society, John has instructed more than 10,000 students in practical LC techniques.

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