The Gas and Liquid Chromatography (GC/HPLC) Principles and Troubleshooting Training Course by Oxford Training Centre provides a detailed and structured approach to chromatography systems used in oil and gas laboratories. It is tailored for professionals involved in analytical testing, equipment maintenance, and data interpretation within petroleum environments.
This course covers both gas chromatography (GC) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), emphasising technical principles, separation science, and instrumentation. Participants will gain hands-on insight into troubleshooting chromatography systems, resolving peak distortion issues, and improving reproducibility.
Modules include method development, column selection, calibration procedures, and maintenance strategies aligned with laboratory quality standards. Case-based instruction highlights real-world scenarios in laboratory chromatography applications in oil and gas, with a focus on operational accuracy and system reliability.
Designed within the technical framework of Oil and Gas Training Courses, this training supports laboratory professionals in achieving analytical accuracy and instrument efficiency through structured instruction in GC and HPLC systems.
Objectives
- Understand the principles of HPLC and GC techniques
- Develop skills in instrument setup, calibration, and operation
- Identify causes of system errors and peak irregularities
- Apply best practices in method validation and troubleshooting
- Evaluate sample preparation, solvent selection, and system compatibility
- Enhance skills in chromatography data interpretation training
- Learn maintenance procedures for chromatography instruments
- Explore laboratory chromatography applications in oil and gas environments
Target Audience
- Laboratory chemists and analysts in oil and gas testing facilities
- QC and QA professionals working in petroleum and petrochemical labs
- Technical staff responsible for GC/HPLC operations and maintenance
- Refinery and upstream lab supervisors
- Individuals seeking a structured GC/HPLC training course
- Professionals involved in chromatography troubleshooting courses
- Engineers or technicians aiming to upskill in analytical chemistry for petroleum labs
How Will Attendees Benefit?
- Gain proficiency in both gas and liquid chromatography training
- Minimise downtime through rapid identification of equipment faults
- Improve accuracy and consistency of chromatographic results
- Strengthen understanding of column chemistry and method design
- Develop confidence in troubleshooting retention time shifts, peak distortion, and system backpressure
- Learn to configure HPLC/GC systems for hydrocarbon, solvent, and product analysis
- Improve productivity and compliance in regulated laboratory environments
- Enhance cross-functional capabilities between analytical and operations teams
Course Content
Module 1: Fundamentals of Chromatography
- Basic theory of separation in GC and HPLC
- Retention mechanisms and phase interactions
- Comparison of normal phase, reverse phase, and gas-solid chromatography
Module 2: Instrumentation and System Components
- Injectors, columns, detectors, and data systems
- Mobile phase delivery and pump configurations
- Oven control, flow controllers, and temperature programming
Module 3: Sample Preparation Techniques
- Extraction methods and filtration strategies
- Sample stability and solvent compatibility
- Considerations for hydrocarbon-based samples
Module 4: Column Selection and Performance
- Packed vs capillary columns in GC
- Particle size, pore size, and surface chemistry in HPLC
- Column installation, flushing, and storage procedures
Module 5: Chromatography Calibration and Method Development
- Calibration curves and standard reference materials
- Gradient vs isocratic method design
- Validation parameters: linearity, accuracy, and reproducibility
Module 6: Troubleshooting Chromatography Systems
- Retention time shifts and baseline drift
- Peak tailing, fronting, splitting, and ghost peaks
- System leaks, pressure fluctuations, and flow inconsistencies
Module 7: Chromatography Data Interpretation
- Peak integration and quantification techniques
- Signal-to-noise analysis and baseline correction
- Detection limits, resolution, and selectivity factors
Module 8: Maintenance and Instrument Care
- Pump maintenance and leak detection
- Injector cleaning and septum replacement
- Detector calibration and lamp replacement
Module 9: Applications in Oil and Gas Laboratories
- Hydrocarbon profiling using GC
- Trace impurity detection in fuels and solvents
- Quality control testing in downstream and refining labs
Module 10: Compliance, Documentation, and Quality Assurance
- SOPs for chromatographic testing in regulated labs
- Instrument logbooks and preventive maintenance records
- Audit readiness and data traceability in testing environments