PROGRAM DETAILS

Gas Chromatograph Maintenance & Troubleshooting

Introduction

The purpose of this course is to provide training and insight in advanced applications and techniques of Gas Chromatography, along with their application to practical industry and laboratory problems. The course will include classroom instruction along with a question and answer session for problems encountered by the participants in the class as well as sort of demos to actively demonstrate the concepts covered in the theoretical seminar. All participants are encouraged to bring issues and concerns to the seminar for discussion.

Logical approach to troubleshooting is explored using both the Component (hardware based) and Symptomatic (chromatogram based) perspectives. Best practice for instrument maintenance and column handling as well as routines for cleaning and deactivating inlet and detection systems is discussed to aid the user in prolonging the intervals between essential system maintenance.

This course will introduce participants to the advanced principles and practices of gas chromatography and determine how the individual elements interrelate. Participants will be able to competently use and develop methods on a gas chromatograph to produce robust and valid analytical data. Moreover, this state-of-the-art course incorporates the most recent developments in the field of Gas Chromatography, including topics on optimization of separations and computer assistance; the mobile phase requirements: gas system requirements and sample preparation techniques; qualitative and quantitative analysis by Gas Chromatography; updated information on detectors.

In-depth treatment of the causes of peak shape and baseline anomalies are fully covered. Moreover, participants will be efficiently able to identify and gain a systematic approach to isolate and troubleshoot common GC problems. This course is invaluable to anyone who wishes to gain further insight into the problems associated with GC analysis.

Learning Objectives

By attending this Gas Chromatograph Maintenance & Troubleshooting, delegates will be able to:

• Apply proper techniques on operation, application, troubleshooting and method validation of gas chromatography.
• Understand the basic GC main frame and components.
• Review gas chromatography and its theories that includes signal to noise, detection limits, resolution and the van demeter equation.
• Differentiate between packed columns & capillary columns as well as carryout chromatographic processes and component separation.
• Carryout sample injection, discuss the general considerations, factors effecting injection, and types of injection methods.
• Identify different types of GC detectors such as thermal conductivity detectors, flame ionization, electron capture, and flame photometric detectors
• Apply and gain an advanced knowledge on gas chromatograph maintenance and troubleshooting
• Understand the different types of columns and applicability of each type along with column trouble shooting.
• Perform data analysis that includes integration, calibration and reporting.
• Recognize GC method development and carryout troubleshooting.
• Develop and improve troubleshooting strategies.

Target Audience

The course is designed for:

• Chemists, R&D Chemists, environmentalists, petroleum chemists and other technical staff who are involved in GC operation and maintenance.
• Analyser engineers, Instrument Maintenance Engineers, supervisors and technicians.
• Process Chemists and Supervisors who is interested in broadening his knowledge about Gas Chromatography, including new Techniques.
• Beginners as the course provides them with a solid understanding of gas chromatographic theory and basic techniques.

Participants in allied disciplines will regard this course as the best in gas chromatography

The course assumes a working knowledge of GC with at least one year of experience.

Training Methodology

This program incorporates inspiring lectures with structured lessons from the learning manual; PowerPoint slides and videos to enhance learning; ongoing discussions with action planning as well as ample time for Q&A.

Program Content

Day 1

Gas Chromatography Mainframe and Components

• Introduction to Gas Chromatography and History of Chromatography technique.
• Overview on GC components and functionality.
• Sampling and Sample Injection.
• Fundamentals of GC System
• Choice of Carrier Gas
• The Effect of Temperature and Temperature Programming on – Column Flow, Average Linear Velocity, Solute Retention and Chromatographic Efficiency
• Sampling and Sample Handling.
• Programmed Temperature.
• Re-cap

Day 2

GC Column and Separation Effect

• Gas Chromatographic column.
• Separation Effects and column types.
• Packed and Capillary Columns
• The Chromatographic Process and Component Separation
• Effects of Carrier Gas Velocity
• Column Flow, Average Linear Velocity and Gas Viscosity
• The Effect of – Column Length and Diameter, Stationary Phase Film Thickness and Stationary Phase Diffusivity
• Re-cap

Day 3

GC Detectors

• General Aspects
• Detector’s comparison and selection.
• Thermal Conductivity Detector
• Flame Ionization Detector
• Electron Capture Detector
• Photoionization Detector
• Flame Photometric Detector
• Chemiluminescent Detector
• Re-cap

Day 4

Validation of GC Methods & Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis

• Installation Qualification (IQ)
• Operational Qualification (OQ)
• Performance Qualification (PQ)
• Method Validation – Selectivity, Initial Calibration, Linearity, Accuracy, Precision, Range, Limit of Detection, Limit of Quantification, Ruggedness and Robustness
• Sample Tracking and Chain of Custody
• Re-cap

Day 5

Approaches to Logical Troubleshooting & Troubleshooting Strategies

• Logical troubleshooting
• System overview
• Component perspective
• Symptomatic perspective
• System maintenance records
• Symptom / Causes / Diagnosis & Solution
• Overall course re-cap