COURSE DESCRIPTION
If you just need to get better at troubleshooting your HPLC system, then this one-day course is for you. No complex theory discussions, just lots of practical information for solving problems. Taught by a practicing chromatographer, this course highlights routine system operation and its role in preventing future problems. The discussion makes extensive use of case studies and examples to help students learn by examining real-world problems and solutions. We finish with the famous “LC Quiz,” a group problem-solving discussion where we explore selected problems and work through the steps necessary to solve each issue. It’s the students’ favorite.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND 
Practicing HPLC analysts at all levels can benefit from the diverse content presented in this course.

TOPICS
MORNING SESSION

• A General Approach to Troubleshooting
  • Why are we here?
  • How do we get started with troubleshooting?
• General Troubleshooting Strategies
  • Troubleshooting concepts
• How to Read a Chromatogram
  • Basic chromatography issues
  • Measuring instrumental and chromatographic parameters
• Integration advice for poorly resolved peaks.
• Troubleshooting analytical results.

AFTERNOON SESSION
Option 1: Gas Chromatography

• Instrument Troubleshooting
  • Design-related problems in LC
  • Routine maintenance of mobile phases, pumps, columns, and detectors
  • Linking symptoms and solutions with the LC Troubleshooting Matrix
• Best Practices in Chromatography
  • A practical guide to preventing future problems
• The LC Quiz
• Open Discussion
  • Bring your own examples and questions.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTORS
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. In his 40+ years as an analytical chemist, he has visited over 500 laboratories, where he developed numerous methods in regulated and non-regulated industries. His publications and presentations cover a wide range of topics, including liquid chromatography theory, derivatization, sample preparation, method optimization, and the use of experimental design strategies in analytical chemistry. A recent focus has been to help train the next generation of chromatographers, helping new users better understand their hardware and software. He also develops and presents technical training seminars for analytical laboratory staff.