The HPLC is the "workhorse" of our lab. What should we do for it at the end of each day?

Release time:

2025-11-10

The daily "bedtime" care is crucial and mainly includes:

Flush the Flow Path: After stopping the injection, flush the system and the column with a high-aqueous mobile phase (e.g., 90% water) for at least 30 minutes to wash away strongly retained compounds. Then, switch to an appropriate storage solvent (e.g., 80% methanol or acetonitrile) as required by the column's instructions, and flush for another 20-30 minutes.

Purge the Pump Heads: If the instrument has a pump purge function, use pure water or the specified purge solution to prevent buffer salts from crystallizing and damaging the seals and piston rods.

Turn Off the Lamps: Always turn off the detector lamps (e.g., DAD/UV lamp) to extend their lifespan.

Clean the Sample Tray: Empty any remaining samples and waste from the autosampler tray and keep it clean.

Software Shutdown: Execute the shutdown procedure in the software, then turn off the instrument power and computer power in sequence.

Q: What special precautions should we take when using buffer salts in the mobile phase?

A: Buffer salts are a "double-edged sword" in HPLC. The core principles of maintenance are "preventing precipitation" and "flushing diligently."

Never Let It Sit: Never let buffer salt solutions sit stagnant in the pump, tubing, or column overnight.

Correct Flushing Order: After use, you must first flush the system with a high-aqueous mobile phase (≥10% water) for at least 40 minutes to thoroughly remove salts, before transitioning to an organic phase. Avoid flushing directly with a high-organic phase, as this will cause immediate salt precipitation, clogging the system and column.

Regularly Clean Inlet Frit: The pump's online inlet frit should be regularly removed and sonicated in dilute nitric acid for cleaning (e.g., weekly or based on usage frequency).

Key words:

The GC inlet is a major area for contamination. How should we maintain it routinely?

How HPLC Helps Keep Our Environment Clean

The GC inlet is a major area for contamination. How should we maintain it routinely?

How HPLC Helps Keep Our Environment Clean

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