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Lab Life-Line Monthly
Practical Advice for the Busy Lab
from
ACCTA, Inc.
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| Vol. 4, No. 6-9. Summer-Fall, 2015 |
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How Long Should Your Methods Be?
Are your waiting a long time for your results?
As you know, I visit many different labs in multiple industries, so I see methods (both LC and GC) that are often 30 minutes long, or more! Why such a long run time?
Most of these labs are performing "routine" analysis using established methods. Maybe they inherited this method from someone else, or maybe it was just developed 30 years ago. However, labs are too willing to accept this situation; methods do not need to be this long. It is costing you both time and money (for more information on a similar scenario, see the download link in the Download Section).
"If your method is longer than 30 minutes, there is a 95% chance that you are wasting at least 15 of those minutes."
... maybe more!
How do we develop a method that is so much shorter? By taking advantage of modern column technology and modern instrument design. Here are some general ideas:
Improving HPLC Methods:
- Columns packed with smaller particles are operated at faster flows, and generate equivalent efficiency with shorter lengths (a 2-for-1 advantage)
- Columns with different selectivity will allow faster separation when closely eluting compounds now have better separation.
Improving GC Methods:
- Capillary columns with smaller diameters are operated at faster linear velocities, using shorter lengths (another 2-for-1 deal).
- Thinner films reduce retention, but also resolution - be careful.
- Different selectivity allows separations in less time with shorter columns and lower temperatures.
Predictions and Expectations:
- Using a modern approach, you should be able to reduce your analysis time by a factor of three minimum (that means a 10 minute method).
- In many cases, you may be able to see a factor of six reduction (5 minute method)!
To accomplish these improvements, it is going to require modern instrumentation, but not necessarily the most expensive model. You also need an understanding of the separation principles involved and, of course, the time to do it. Change is hard for many labs, but almost always will result in an improved method.
We are always happy to discuss your individual needs, and to help you develop a customized plan that will get your lab working better. Just contact us to discuss your situation.
"We never met a method that we could not improve!"
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New Short Course at EAS This Year!
There is no other course quite like this one!
Reversed Phase LC is the most common operating mode in HPLC, but many analysts do not really understand the technique. This one-day class will help you produce better results with fewer problems.
Using our extensive list of real-world applications and examples, you will learn what works in Reversed Phase LC, and why. There are many things you should, and should not, do with his technique, and in one day you will hear about most of them.
Taught with our esteemed colleague, Dr. Richard Henry, the instructors bring over 70 combined years of HPLC experience. We hope to see you there.
Register now. Discounted registration ends October 15.
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For every complex problem there is an answer that is clear, simple, and wrong."
H. L. Mencken
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Other Training Events
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4 November 2015
Troubleshooting Chromatographic Systems: Sunday, Nov. 15 - Monday, Nov. 16.
Sample Preparation: The Chemistry Behind the Techniques:
Tuesday, Nov. 17
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NEW!
Practical Guide to Performing HPLC and UHPLC Experiments in Reversed-Phase Mode: Wednesday, Nov. 18
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| Download Section |
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Minnesota Chromatography Forum, May, 2014:
Sometimes spending a little money can save you a lot! |
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Contact Details
Merlin K. L. Bicking, Ph. D.
ACCTA, Inc.
3534 Jessie Ct, Saint Paul, MN 55125 USA
Phone: +1 (651) 731-3670
Email:
info@accta.com
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