COURSE DESCRIPTION

If you’re looking to enhance your troubleshooting skills for HPLC systems, consider this one-day course designed specifically for practical learning.
Key features include:
– Focus on practical information rather than complex theory.
– Instruction by a practicing chromatographer.
– Emphasis on routine system operation to prevent future issues.
– Extensive use of case studies and real-world examples to facilitate learning.
– A concluding “LC Quiz,” which encourages group problem-solving and is a favorite among students.

This course is an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience and improve your troubleshooting capabilities.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND 

New analysts who need confidence in system behavior, experienced analysts facing recurring or unexplained issues, and supervisors or method developers responsible for data quality.

TOPICS
MORNING SESSION – Foundations of Systematic Troubleshooting

• A Structured Approach to HPLC Troubleshooting
  
  • Why troubleshooting is necessary in routine laboratory practice
  • How to approach problems methodically and efficiently
  • General troubleshooting strategies and best practices
• Understanding and Interpreting Chromatographic Data
  
  • How to read and interpret chromatograms
  • Common chromatographic problems and their underlying causes
  • Measuring and evaluating instrumental and chromatographic parameters
  • Integration strategies for poorly resolved or problematic peaks
• Troubleshooting Analytical Results
  
  • Distinguishing method-related issues from instrument-related issues
  • Recognizing symptoms of system, column, and mobile phase problems

AFTERNOON SESSION – Instrumentation, Maintenance, and Prevention

• Instrument Troubleshooting in Practice
  
  • Design-related limitations and failure points in LC systems
  • Common instrument-related symptoms and root causes
• Routine Maintenance for Reliable Performance
  
  • Mobile phase preparation and handling
  • Pump, injector, column, and detector maintenance
  • Preventive maintenance strategies to reduce downtime
• Linking Symptoms to Solutions
  • Using the LC Troubleshooting Matrix to identify likely causes
  • Applying systematic logic to resolve recurring problems
• Best Practices in Chromatography
  • Practical guidelines for consistent, high-quality data
  • Strategies for preventing future chromatographic problems
• Interactive Learning and Discussion
  
  • The LC Quiz: group-based problem solving using real-world examples
  • Open discussion: participant questions and shared troubleshooting experiences

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTORS
Dr. Merlin K. L. Bicking (Course Director) is President and Senior Analytical Scientist at ACCTA, Inc., with over 40 years of experience in analytical chemistry spanning academia, contract research, and independent laboratories. He has developed methods for regulated and non‑regulated industries and has authored numerous publications on liquid chromatography, sample preparation, method optimization, and experimental design. Dr. Bicking is actively engaged in professional training and education, with a focus on developing the next generation of chromatographers.