California HPLC Repair Services

High pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) has become a very popular technique for biotech and pharmaceutical laboratories throughout California. HPLC uses a stainless-steel tube or column and a liquid phase to separate out components in a mixture. There is much more to that process but is proving to increase lab productivity. GL Technologies has become an approved vendor to repair and maintain HPLC equipment, providing expertise for biopharmaceutical and pharmaceutical organizations throughout California.

To request more information or a quote, please fill out our online Request Information form or call!

858-202-1408

Preventative HPLC Maintenance

Making the necessary time for preventative maintenance measures for HPLC equipment is much more difficult to do than say. Your laboratories and employees have busy schedules along with heavy workloads, this can make HPLC equipment maintenance fall to the back of the mind. But it is one of the best ways to increase lab efficiency (implementing a maintenance procedure).

When a proper HPLC maintenance program is developed, it will help your laboratory minimize unplanned downtime for repairs that can arise at unexpected times. It can also increase the components lifetime while ensuring more consistent performance. GL Technologies specializes in HPLC maintenance and repair and when you add all this together, it creates a cost-effective strategy by protecting data quality and increasing lab productivity.

Laboratory HPLC Maintenance

Routine HPLC maintenance programs help to establish specific cleaning, inspection and replacement schedules for the serviceable parts in your equipment. GL Technologies will recommend protocols that may vary depending on the manufacturer and model. Also keep in mind the types of methods and samples you are performing, if you are implementing high-throughout testing of dirty samples then more frequent service is recommended. The experts at GL Technologies focus on an HPLC maintenance routine to provide guidance in developing a targeted program that will be effective for your laboratory.

The HPLC maintenance include:

Mobile Phases
Pumps
Autosamplers
Columns / Guards
Detectors

Getting Smaller Can Be a Good Thing

Going nano- can be a good thing for high performance liquid chromatography. Nano-HPLC deliver lab changing benefits to scientists, with the key being all-around scale. Traditional HPLC flow rates go as low as a few hundred micrometers / minute, that metric drops to nano-liter range in nano-HPLC.

What nano-HPLC offers is the opportunity for scientists to who are aiming for lots of information can now obtain that information from a limited amount of samples, nano-HPLC makes this possible.

HPLC Frequently Asked Questions

What is HPLC Repair?

HPLC repair refers to the maintenance, troubleshooting, and restoration of High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) systems. HPLC is a widely used analytical technique in laboratories for separating, identifying, and quantifying components in a mixture. Over time, HPLC instruments may encounter various issues such as pump malfunctions, detector problems, column issues, or software glitches, requiring skilled repair and servicing. HPLC repair involves diagnosing the root cause of equipment failures, replacing faulty components, calibrating the system, and making validating its functionality to uphold accurate and reliable analytical results, allowing laboratories to maintain the integrity of their analytical processes.

What are issues that require HPLC repair?

HPLC systems can have various issues that may require repair to maintain accurate analysis. Common problems include pump malfunctions including leaks, pressure fluctuations, or inconsistent flow rates, which can affect separation efficiency. Detector issues like drift, noise, or detector instability,, impacting the accuracy of compound identification. Column problems, including clogs, degradation, or contamination, can lead to poor peak resolution and retention time shifts.

How often should I schedule maintenance for my HPLC system?

It is advisable to perform routine maintenance on an HPLC system at regular intervals, such as quarterly or every six months. More frequent maintenance might be necessary if the system is used extensively or if samples prone to causing system contamination are frequently analyzed.

How do you maintain a HPLC column?

First, flushing the column with appropriate solvents to remove contaminants and residual sample components after each use. Second, employing a suitable guard column to protect the analytical column from particulates and irreversibly adsorbed materials. Third, performing periodic backflushing or flushing with strong solvents to eliminate strongly retained impurities.

What is the frequency of calibration of HPLC?

It depends on various factors such as the instrument's stability, usage frequency, regulatory requirements, and the nature of analyses conducted. Generally, HPLC instruments necessitate regular calibration, often performed on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis.

What parts of the HPLC system are most prone to failure?

The parts most prone to issues are the pump, column, and detector. The pump, responsible for delivering the solvent at a precise flow rate, can encounter problems like leaks, air bubbles, or inconsistent pressure leading to flow irregularities. The column, where separation of compounds occurs, may face issues such as clogging or degradation of packing material, affecting the resolution and efficiency of separation. The detector, crucial for signal detection, could experience malfunctions like baseline drift, detector noise, or sensitivity loss, impacting the accuracy and reliability of analytical results.

When should I consider repairing my HPLC system?

You should consider repairing your HPLC system when you notice consistent deviations in analytical results, fluctuations in baseline noise, irregular pressure readings, or when the system displays error messages frequently.

Are there routine maintenance steps that can prevent the need for frequent repairs?

Yes, implementing routine maintenance procedures can significantly reduce the frequency of HPLC repairs. Regular upkeep includes tasks such as cleaning or replacing the system's components, including the columns, seals, and filters, to prevent clogs or contaminations that can affect performance.

How long does it typically take to repair an HPLC system?

Minor problems such as replacing consumable parts or addressing simple malfunctions might take a few hours to a day, involving tasks like column changes, seal replacements, or fixing minor leaks. More intricate issues, such as electronic or pump failures, might require several days to a week or more for troubleshooting, diagnosis, and replacement of components.

Is it possible to upgrade or modify certain components during the repair process to improve system performance?

Yes, it's possible to upgrade or modify specific components during the repair process to improve system performance. This practice depends on the type of repair required and the compatibility of the existing system with potential upgrades. For instance, if a computer requires a motherboard replacement due to damage, upgrading to a newer, more powerful motherboard with better features could significantly improve overall system performance. Similarly, replacing a traditional hard drive with a faster solid-state drive (SSD) during a repair can notably enhance speed and responsiveness.

Importance of HPLC in Biopharma Operations

HPLC systems are vital for biopharma companies, facilitating the separation, identification, and quantification of components in complex biological samples. From analyzing proteins, peptides, and antibodies to verifying the purity and potency of pharmaceutical products, HPLC plays an important role in maintaining quality standards. Any malfunction or downtime in these systems can lead to delays in research, compromised product quality, and increased operational costs.

Challenges Faced in HPLC Systems

Despite their reliability, HPLC systems are prone to wear and tear over time. Common issues such as pump malfunctions, detector problems, or column degradation can disrupt operations. Ever evolving regulatory standards demand strict adherence to accuracy and precision, requiring regular maintenance and calibration of these systems.

Role of HPLC Repair Services

HPLC repair services specialize in diagnosing and resolving issues within chromatography systems. The GL-Tec expert technicians have in-depth knowledge and experience in troubleshooting a wide variety of HPLC problems. From identifying faulty components to conducting necessary repairs, we provide fast restoration of HPLC systems to their operational state.

HPLC Repair Benefits

Data Accuracy and Precision

Precise and accurate data is important in biopharmaceutical analysis. Any inconsistency in HPLC results could lead to flawed conclusions, potentially compromising the entire drug development process. Regular maintenance and timely repair of HPLC systems guarantee the accuracy of analytical data. By addressing issues such as column degradation, pump malfunctions, or detector irregularities, repairs uphold the reliability of data generated, maintaining confidence in research findings and regulatory compliance.

Optimization of Workflow and Productivity

Downtime resulting from malfunctioning HPLC equipment can hold back critical research timelines and production schedules within the biopharmaceutical industry. Proactive repair and maintenance processes minimize system downtime, improves workflow efficiency. Quick repairs not only prevent prolonged disruptions but also contribute to sustained productivity levels, allowing researchers and manufacturers to meet strict deadlines and accelerate the development and delivery of life-saving drugs.

Cost-Efficiency and Longevity

Neglecting HPLC repair needs might initially seem cost-effective, but in the long run, it often leads to increased expenses. Failure to address minor issues can increase problems, resulting in extensive damage and expensive repairs or replacements. Regular maintenance and timely repair services not only prevent major breakdowns but also prolong the lifespan of HPLC systems, reducing overall operational costs for biopharmaceutical companies.

Compliance with Regulatory Standards

The biopharmaceutical industry operates under stringent regulatory frameworks where adherence to quality standards is non-negotiable. Regular HPLC maintenance and repair ensure that systems comply with industry regulations and standards such as Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and Good Laboratory Practice (GLP). This adherence is crucial for obtaining regulatory approvals, maintaining a positive reputation, and safeguarding public health.

Reputation and Quality Assurance

Consistency and reliability are the foundations in the biopharmaceutical industry. Any compromise in product quality or research integrity can ruin a company's reputation. By prioritizing HPLC repair and maintenance, biopharmaceutical organizations demonstrate a commitment to quality assurance. This dedication creates trust among stakeholders, including regulatory bodies, investors, and consumers, increasing the organization's reputation in the competitive industry landscape.

About GL Technologies

As a full-service company specializing in equipment calibration, repair, and certification services for biopharmaceutical, pharmaceutical, and medical device industries. Our team has extensive experience working with sPRT calibrations along with CMMS software, HPLC OQ validation, and fume hood certifications. Companies of all sizes rely on our team to implement, maintain, and keep their research and manufacturing processes compliant with regulatory standards. Other specialties include building maintenance systems, and mass spectrometry calibrations. We also help with clients throughout Los Angeles and San Francisco. If you have Dionex HPLC Calibration Services needs we can help as well with that HPLC provider.

To request more information on HPLC repair, please fill out our "Request Information" form or give us a call!