One-Day Course
Tuesday, Nov. 14; 8:30am – 5:00pm

Dr. Merlin K.L. Bicking, ACCTA, Inc., St. Paul, MN

COURSE DESCRIPTION
Almost every LC lab operates in reversed phase mode, but many users are not taking advantage of the full capability in this separation technique.  Improving methods and troubleshooting problems are easier if you understand the technique, and tremendous improvements in selectivity, efficiency, and/or throughput are possible with only modest modifications.  This one day course will provide an overview on the features that allow an RP application to succeed and answer the questions that most users have.  Simple rules for improving your method can achieve dramatic results in reducing solvent usage or time (or both), but only if you understand those rules and their limitations.  Also, not every separation problem can be solved with a C18 column.  If C18 does not work for you, we will show you what other options are available.  All discussions make extensive use of real-world case studies.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND 
Method development staff who need to create or update reversed phase methods.
Lab operators and analysts who use reversed phase methods but want to understand how they work.
Supervisors who want to learn more about the technique and its capabilities.

TOPICS
1. Review of Fundamental Relationships
– How to read a Chromatogram
2. Reversed-Phase Operating Mode
– Six critical operating variables
3. Column Selectivity in Reversed-Phase Mode
– Why are columns different and how we can measure those differences
4. Improving Isocratic Methods
– Do you want faster analysis, or less solvent usage, or both
5. Practical Operating Tips
6. Why C18 Doesn’t Work and Solutions for Each Situation
– Too Much Retention: Four ways to make it elute faster
– Too Little Retention: Five techniques to make it stay on the column longer
– Poor Peak Shape/Selectivity: Thinking outside of the C18 box
7. Final Review and Discussion

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR
Dr. Merlin K. L. Bicking (Course Director) is President and Senior Analytical Scientist, ACCTA, Inc.  He has extensive analytical chemistry experience in academia, contract research, independent testing laboratories, consulting, and technical training.  His professional history includes development of numerous methods in regulated and non-regulated industries.  His publications and presentations cover a wide range of topics, including liquid chromatography theory, derivatization, method optimization, and the use of experimental design strategies in analytical chemistry.  He also develops and presents technical training seminars for analytical laboratory staff.