Diagnosing and Optimising Chromatography Systems: A GC/LC Troubleshooting Training Course
1Summary
A chromatography system that drifts out of spec — noisy baselines, poor resolution, tailing peaks — doesn’t just slow down a lab, it puts the reliability of every result that follows into question. Knowing the theory behind Gas Chromatography (GC) and Liquid Chromatography (LC) is only half the job; the professionals who keep laboratories running are the ones who can diagnose what is actually going wrong and fix it.
This training course builds that diagnostic skill set from the ground up, covering how GC and LC systems are built and operated, then moving into hands-on troubleshooting for injectors, columns, detectors, and contamination issues, so participants leave able to keep chromatographic systems accurate, compliant, and reliable.
2Objectives and target group
Course Objectives
By the end of this training course, participants will be able to:
- Explain the basic principles of Gas Chromatography (GC) and Liquid Chromatography (LC).
- Operate and configure GC and LC systems for different applications.
- Diagnose common chromatographic problems, including detector, sample-preparation, and maintenance issues.
- Optimise chromatographic methods for better separation, precision, and productivity.
- Interpret and troubleshoot chromatograms to ensure reliable results, in line with industry quality and regulatory standards.
Target Audience
- Laboratory technologists, chemists, analysts, and engineers who work with chromatographic processes in research or industrial settings.
- Professionals looking to build stronger troubleshooting skills for GC and LC systems.
- Newcomers to chromatography who want a solid, practical foundation.
3Course Content
Module 1: Why Chromatography Troubleshooting Skills Matter
- Definition and principles of chromatography.
- Overview of Gas Chromatography (GC) and Liquid Chromatography (LC).
- Key components of chromatography systems: injectors, columns, and detectors.
Module 2: Liquid Chromatography (LC) — Systems and Fundamentals
- Mobile and stationary phases in LC.
- Types of columns used in LC.
- Detectors used in LC: UV/VIS, fluorescence, and refractive index.
- Practical techniques for sample preparation and injection in LC.
Module 3: Gas Chromatography (GC) — Systems and Fundamentals
- Types of columns and stationary phases.
- Gas flow and pressure control.
- Types of detectors: flame ionization, thermal conductivity, mass spectrometry, and others.
- Sample preparation and injection techniques.
Module 4: Diagnosing and Fixing Common Chromatographic Problems
- Common problems in GC and LC systems: baseline noise, poor resolution, peak tailing, and others.
- Identifying and correcting injector, column, and detector issues.
- Dealing with sample matrix effects and contamination.
- Diagnosing complex system failures using diagnostic tools, system software, and firmware.
- Calibration and maintenance of chromatography instruments.
- Steps to optimise chromatography methods for better performance.
Module 5: Quality Control and Regulatory Compliance
- Quality assurance in chromatography.
- Proper documentation and data analysis techniques.
- Regulatory standards and compliance in chromatography procedures.
Module 6: Applying the Skills Across Industries — Case Studies
- Hands-on troubleshooting exercises in both GC and LC systems.
- Real-world examples and case studies highlighting common issues and their solutions.
- Optimising methods for industries such as pharmaceuticals, food, and environmental analysis.