Optimizing and Maintaining Your HPLC and GC Systems

High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and gas chromatography (GC) are critical techniques used across multiple industries—pharmaceuticals, environmental testing, food and beverage, and beyond. Keeping these systems running optimally significantly impacts the quality of your analysis, lab productivity, and overall costs. Below, we’ll share practical tips for optimizing and maintaining your HPLC and GC instruments, so your lab can operate at peak performance.

 

 

One of the most effective ways to manage HPLC and GC systems is to implement a comprehensive calibration and preventive maintenance (PM) schedule. Calibration helps ensure your instruments meet standardized measurement criteria for accuracy and consistency, while regular PM (such as replacing worn parts and cleaning critical components) prevents unexpected downtime and costly repairs.

 

At Scientific Calibration, we specialize in servicing all major HPLC and GC brands, including Agilent, Waters, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Shimadzu, PerkinElmer, and more. We also keep a wide range of parts on hand to expedite repairs and maintenance, minimizing interruptions to your workflow.

 

 

Both HPLC and GC systems rely on stable operating conditions to deliver accurate and reproducible results. Key parameters to watch include:

 

 

Regularly checking and documenting these parameters helps identify any drifts or anomalies that could affect data integrity. Detecting small issues early allows you to make timely adjustments, extend instrument life, and maintain consistent performance.

 

 

Columns are the heart of HPLC and GC, yet they can be easily damaged by inconsistent practices. To extend column life and preserve separation quality:

 

 

 

Pump seals, injector rotors, filters, and guard columns are inexpensive compared to instrument downtime, so inspect and replace them regularly. Because these parts wear out at different intervals, having key consumables on hand is crucial for preventing prolonged system outages.

 

In addition to these consumables, Scientific Calibration maintains a wide inventory of commonly needed parts for HPLC and GC systems. This ready stock allows for quick repairs, shorter maintenance windows, and minimal disruption to your lab operations.

 

 

Before running valuable samples, conduct regular system suitability tests (SST) and periodic performance qualifications (PQs). These checks look at factors such as resolution, repeatability, sensitivity, and baseline noise to confirm your HPLC or GC is functioning as expected. Proactive testing helps you spot performance drift and address it promptly, ensuring high data quality and reliable results.

 

 

A well-trained staff is your first line of defense against common instrument issues. Ensuring that your team is knowledgeable about startup/shutdown procedures, interpreting error codes, and basic troubleshooting for leaks or clogs can save significant time and money. Scientific Calibration also provides on-site training and technical support to give your personnel the skills and confidence needed to handle routine maintenance tasks.

 

 

Managing HPLC and GC systems effectively requires both technical expertise and access to the right resources. By partnering with a trusted service provider like Scientific Calibration, you’ll benefit from:

 

 

Ready to optimize your HPLC and GC systems?Contact Scientific Calibration today to discuss a tailored preventive maintenance plan, schedule calibration services, or learn more about the parts and consumables we keep on hand. Let us help you protect your equipment investment and ensure your lab continues to generate accurate, high-quality results.