Category Archives: Chromatography Quiz

Chromatography Quiz #23

Chromatography Quiz #22 Results

Pickering Labs would like to congratulate our winners of our last newsletter’s AAA quiz: Narjes Ghafoori from LA County Environmental Toxicology Lab, Joy Gottlieb from New Mexico Department of Health Scientific Lab Division, Tom Schneider from Suffolk County Water Authority and Helene Lachance from Shur-Gain Nutreco!    

contest-prizeThey have each won and will shortly be receiving: a Picnic Basket Gift Tin from Harry & David!  From their webpage: Celebrate the season with this gourmet gift basket, featuring a wonderful assortment of snacks, including fruit, meat, cheese, and crackers perfect for picnics and lunches in the park. In addition to our remarkably juicy Royal Verano Pears, we're offering a range of picnic delights, like white cheddar cheese, hickory smoked summer sausage, peanut butter pretzels, sweet raspberry galettes, and more. Packaged in an exclusively designed picnic-ready tin, this gift is ready to help you make any occasion a special one

We hope our quiz winners enjoy their prizes and the springtime weather!

 

Thank you all for your submissions!  

 


The correct answer to the Carbamates Analysis quiz: 

The answer for last quarter’s quiz was: incorrectly prepared reagent.  We prepared our “hydrolysis reagent” with CB910 instead of CB130.  The hydrolysis reagent CB130 is at a pH of 12.5, which is much more basic than our OPA diluent CB910 at a pH of 9.1.  From our Carbamates Manual: The separated carbamates are first saponified by NaOH at 100°C to release an alcohol, carbonate, and methylamine.  In the second post-column reaction, methylamine reacts with OPA and Thiofluor to form the highly fluorescent derivative.  So, if there is insufficient NaOH present for the first reaction, some of the carbamates do not fully hydrolyze.  

Chromatography Quiz #23: Polyether Antibiotics Analysis

What caused the noise for the blue signal in the troubleshooting chromatogram below?  Simply email your multiple choice answer as well as your full contact information to Rebecca at rlsmith@pickeringlabs.com by July 1st, 2016 in order to win.  You will receive email confirmation that your submission has been received.  The answer to the quiz and winner congratulations will be published in the next issue (to be anonymous, please notify Rebecca in submission). 

Polyether Antibiotics Analysis

Pinnacle PCX post-column instrument (two-pump) is being used in a traditional HPLC setup as recommended by Pickering Laboratories.  The reference chromatogram and troubleshooting chromatogram are both shown.

Narasin Standard: 2.5 µg/mL, 100uL injection

Pickering Column: 2381750, Polyether Column, C18, 4.6x250mm

Normal Operating Conditions: (for reference only, condition changes may be reflected in chromatogram)

Column Temperature: 40 °C
Flow rate: 0.7 mL/min
Isocratic: 90% Methanol, 10% of 5% Acetic Acid solution in water

Post-column conditions:

Reagent 1: Concentrated Sulfuric Acid / Methanol (4:96 v/v)
Reagent 2: 60g of Vanillin in 950mL of Methanol
Reactor 1: Ambient, 0.1mL
Reactor 2: 90 °C, 1.4mL
Reagent flow rates: 0.3 mL/min

Black (Reference) Signal:

DAD detector 520nm with bandwidth of 4nm
No reference wavelength
Sampling rate >0.10min (2.0 S response time) (2.5Hz)

Blue (Troubleshooting) Signal:

DAD detector 520nm with bandwidth of 4nm
Reference wavelength of 360nm
Sampling rate >0.05 min (1.0 S response time) (5HZ)
Can you identify the error made when running the chromatogram?

Multiple Choices:

A) Bad lamp
B) Reference Wavelength
C) Sampling rate
D) All of the above

Troubleshooting:

quiz-chart

 

 

 

 

Chromatography Quiz #22

Chromatography Quiz #21 Results

Pickering Labs would like to congratulate our winners of our last newsletter’s AAA quiz: Helene Lachance from Shur-Gain Nutreco, Joy Gottlieb from New Mexico Department of Health Scientific Lab Division, Tom Schneider from Suffolk County Water Authority, and Narjes Ghafoori from LA County Environmental Toxicology Lab!   

cq_21They have each won and will shortly be receiving: A fabulous Godiva gift basket from www.winecountrygiftbaskets.com!   “It’s easy to celebrate with this chocolate collection…!

We hope our quiz winners enjoy this infusion of February cheer.

Thank you all for your submissions!  

 
  

The correct answer to the Amino Acid Analysis quiz: 

Although we gave credit for answers indicating Trione oxidation, the correct answer was actually a reduced reactor temperature!  When the reaction was performed inside the heated reactor at a temperature of 120°C rather than 130°C, the peak areas are approximately 2/3 of their original size.  Similar results could also be expected with reduced dwell times or reactor volumes.

Chromatography Quiz #22: Carbamates Analysis

Identify the error made when running the Carbamates chromatogram below and win a prize!  Simply email your answer as well as your full contact information to Rebecca at rlsmith@pickeringlabs.com by March 15th, 2016 in order to win.  You will receive email confirmation that your submission has been received.  The answer to the quiz and winner congratulations will be published in the next issue (to be anonymous, please notify Rebecca in submission).   

Carbamate Analysis for US EPA Method 531.1
Pinnacle PCX post-column instrument (two-pump) is being used in a traditional HPLC setup as recommended by Pickering Laboratories.  The reference chromatogram and troubleshooting chromatogram are both shown.  Can you identify the error made when running the chromatogram?

Pickering Standard: 1700-0063 Carbamate Test Mixture, 2.5 µg/mL, 10 µL injection

Pickering Column: 0846250 Carbamate Column, C8, 4.6 x 250 mm

Normal Operating Conditions: (for reference only, condition changes may be reflected in chromatogram)

Column Temperature: 42 °C

Flow rate: 1 mL/min

Eluent Gradient:

TIME (MIN)

WATER

MEOH, %

0

85

15

1

85 15

44

25 75

44.1

0 100

49

0 100
49.1 85 15
57 85 15

 

Post-column conditions:

Reagent 1: Hydrolysis reagent CB130

Reagent 2: 100 mg of OPA, 2 g Thiofluor in 950 mL of CB910

Reactor 1: 100 °C, 0.5 mL

Reactor 2: ambient. 0.1 mL

Reagent flow rates: 0.3 mL/min

Detection: Fluorometer λex 330 nm, λem 465 nm

Troubleshooting Chromatogram:

cq-22-1

Reference Chromatogram:

cq-22-2

 

 

 

 

Chromatography Quiz #21

Chromatography Quiz #20 Results

We would like to congratulate our grand prize winners of our last newsletter’s word problem quiz: Helene Lachance from Shur-Gain Nutreco, Narjes Ghafoori from LA County Environmental Toxicology Lab, and Tom Schneider from Suffolk County Water Authority!  

They have each won and will shortly be receiving: Whimsical Turkey Jumbo Caramel Apple Gift Sets from Mrs. Prindables Gourmet Caramel Apples!

prindables-gourmet-caramel-applesFrom Mrs. Prindables website, “Two fine apples come topped with a fair pair of fowl… sure to be gobbled up with delight. One Triple Chocolate Jumbo apple and one Milk Chocolate Walnut Pecan Jumbo apple topped with our whimsical new turkey ornaments. Make them the centerpiece of your Thanksgiving celebration. Sure to brighten your Fall gathering! Each apple weighs Approx. 1.25-1.5 lbs. Serves 8-10.

Additionally, we will be sending our winners a $100 gift card for Williams-Sonoma to aid in their Thanksgiving Day preparations!

We would like to thank all of you for your submissions! 

Thank you! 

Pickering Labs 

 
  

The correct answers to the Michael Pickering Scavenger Hunt: 

 Question One:

Through what organization did Michael first meet Laszlo Torma, our recently retired Director of Technical Relations?

            Answer: AOAC

Question Two:

To whom is the famous quote “Chance favors the prepared mind” attributed?

            Answer: Louis Pasteur

Question Three:

How long was Michael’s train ride from Anchorage to Fairbanks?

            Answer: Eight hours

Question Four:

What phthalate caused Michael so much consternation both during school and later in a customer’s laboratory?

            Answer: Di-octylphthalate

Question Five:

Michael suggests recipe using saffron – what is he cooking?

            Answer: Poached white fish with saffron infused lime sauce
  

Chromatography Quiz #20: Amino Acids Analysis

Identify the error made when running the Amino Acids chromatogram below and win a prize!  Simply email your answer as well as your full contact information to Rebecca at rlsmith@pickeringlabs.com by December 15th, 2015 in order to win.  You will receive email confirmation that your submission has been received.  The answer to the quiz and winner congratulations will be published in the next issue (to be anonymous, please notify Rebecca in submission). 

Amino Acid Analysis – Reduced Peak Areas

Pinnacle PCX post-column instrument is being used, in a traditional HPLC setup as recommended by Pickering Laboratories.  The reference chromatogram and troubleshooting chromatogram are both shown.  The quiz question: what is causing the reduced peak areas problem? 

Hint: Please assume the same Trione reagent is being used for both chromatograms.

Normal/reference post-column conditions for amino acid analysis:
Reagent: Trione
Reactor: 130 °C, 0.5 mL
Reagent flow rate: 0.3 mL/min

Detection: UV-Vis Detector   = 570 nm for primary amino acids,  = 440 nm for secondary amino acids

quiz-21a
  
 

quiz-21b
  

Chromatography Quiz #20

Chromatography Quiz #19 Results

We would like to congratulate our grand prize winners of our last newsletter’s word problem quiz: Joy Gottlieb from New Mexico Department of Health Scientific Lab Division, Helene Lachance from Shur-Gain Nutreco, Narjes Ghafoori from LA County Environmental Toxicology Lab, Tom Schneider from Suffolk County Water Authority, and Hossein Hajipour from Texas Department of State Health Services Environmental Division!  

q20-amazon  
They have each won and will shortly be receiving: an $80 gift card to Amazon.com!!

We would like to thank all of you for your submissions!
  
  

The correct answers to the high pressure word problem:

 [Scenario One, 3.  Scenario Two, 3.  Scenario Three, 1.]

Here is an excellent resource for high pressure troubleshooting, for one-pump and two-pump post-column systems (Restrictor suggestions only applicable to Vector PCX and not Pinnacle PCX):

q20

 

Thank you!
Pickering Labs

Chromatography Quiz #20: Fun Facts, a Pickering Scavenger Hunt!

To celebrate our twentieth consecutive quiz, we have created a fun scavenger hunt of Michael Pickering factoids!  Answer the five questions correctly and win a prize!  Simply email your answer as well as your full contact information to Rebecca at rlsmith@pickeringlabs.com by September 15th, 2015 in order to win.  You will receive email confirmation that your submission has been received.  Answers to the questions and winner congratulations will be published in the next issue (to be anonymous, please notify Rebecca in submission). 

Hint: Michael Pickering writes the Random Tangents section of our blog!
  

Fun Facts about Michael Pickering, the Scavenger Hunt

Question One:  Through what organization did Michael first meet Laszlo Torma, our recently retired Director of Technical Relations?

 Question Two: To whom is the famous quote “Chance favors the prepared mind” attributed?

 Question Three: How long was Michael’s train ride from Anchorage to Fairbanks?

 Question Four: What phthalate caused Michael so much consternation both during school and later in a customer’s laboratory?

 Question Five: Michael suggests a recipe using saffron – what is he cooking? 
  
  
  

Chromatography Quiz #19

Chromatography Quiz #18 Results

We would like to congratulate our grand prize winners of our last newsletter’s puzzle quiz: Helene Lachance from Shur-Gain Nutreco, Tom Schneider from Suffolk County Water Authority, Narjes Ghafoori from LA County Environmental Toxicology Lab, and Joy Gottlieb from New Mexico Department of Health Scientific Lab Division!

q19-1They have each won and will shortly be receiving:
a Polaroid Cube Action Flash Memory Digital Camcorder
(POLC3X) with HD-1080p from Target.com!!

We would like to thank all of you for your submissions!

The correct answer (click to enlarge):

q19-2

Thank you!
Pickering Labs

Chromatography Quiz #19: Glyphosate Analysis High Pressure Troubleshooting!

Answer the three high pressure questions correctly and win a prize! Simply email your answer as well as your full contact information to Rebecca at rlsmith@pickeringlabs.com by May 15th, 2015 in order to win. You will receive email confirmation that your submission has been received. The answer to the puzzle and winner congratulations will be published in the next issue (to be anonymous, please notify Rebecca in submission).

Glyphosate Analysis for US EPA Method 547

HPLC running with Pinnacle PCX dual-pump system. Assume normal operating conditions (with respect to flow rates, temperatures, etc.).

Glyphosate Analysis normal pressures

Column Pressure Reagent 1 Pressure Reagent 2 Pressure
90 bar 230 psi 130 psi

After a month of analysis your pressures have changed. What is the most likely cause of the problem in each of the three scenarios below?

Scenario One:

Column Pressure Reagent 1 Pressure Reagent 2 Pressure
100 bar 430 psi 330 psi
  1. Pre-column GARD blocked
  2. Heated Reactor obstructed
  3. Ambient Reactor obstructed

Scenario Two:

Column Pressure Reagent 1 Pressure Reagent 2 Pressure
100 bar 430 psi 430 psi
  1.  Pre-column GARD blocked
  2. Heated Reactor obstructed
  3. Ambient Reactor obstructed

Scenario Three:

Column Pressure Reagent 1 Pressure Reagent 2 Pressure
180 bar 230 psi 130 psi
  1. Pre-column GARD blocked
  2. Heated Reactor obstructed
  3. Ambient Reactor obstructed

Chromatography Quiz #18

xmas candiesChromatography Quiz #17 Results

We would like to congratulate our grand prize winners of our last newsletter’s Glyphosate chromatogram quiz: Tom Schneider from the Suffolk County Water Authority, Hossein Hajipour from Texas Department of State Health Services Environmental Division, Helene Lachance from Shur-Gain Nutreco, June Black from Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Narjes Ghafoori from LA County Environmental Toxicology Laboratory, Jason Yang from Ameritech, Joy Gottlieb from New Mexico Department of Health Scientific Lab Division, and Jim Balk from DHHS Public Health Environmental Laboratory!

They have each won and will shortly be receiving: The Christopher Elbow Artisanal Chocolates Holiday Collection!  This collection of chocolates features a festive assortment of flavors inspired by the holiday season.  Enjoy!

We would like to thank all of you for your submissions!

The correct answer for the troubleshooting chromatogram: We switched the reagents when running the Glyphosate chromatogram, putting the GA104/OPA/Thiofluor reagent first and the GA116/hypochlorite reagent second.  For Glyphosate analysis, the post-column reaction is two-stage. In the first stage, Glyphosate is oxidized by hypochlorite to Glycine. In the second stage, Glycine reacts with OPA and Thiofluor to produce a highly fluorescent isoindole. Without the first hypochlorite reaction, Glyphosate was unable to react and produce the fluorescent isoindole, and no peak appeared.  Since AMPA does not need the initial oxidation to react with OPA, we still see the AMPA peak.  And since oxidation reduces its fluorescent yield, we actually see a slightly larger than normal peak for AMPA.

Due to the typo on the last quiz, which originally gave the wrong reactor temperature, we understandably got a lot of responses indicating the problem was Reactor 1 temperature (prizes also awarded for this answer).  It made us curious – what does a Glyphosate chromatogram look like with a 100°C reactor?  How would it compare to the chromatogram we published?  So, we ran a couple of chromatograms, and here you can compare the two problems.

Original Troubleshooting Chromatogram (Switching Reagents):glyphosate troubleshooting chromatogram quiz 17

Comparison Bad Chromatogram (Reactor at 100°C):glyphosate chromatogram 2

Reference Chromatogram:glyphosate reference chromatogram quiz 17

We thought this was an interesting exercise.  Hopefully you did to!

Thank you!
Pickering Labs

Chromatography Quiz #18: Applications Puzzle!

Complete the Word Search Puzzle below and win a prize!  Simply email your answer as well as your full contact information to Rebecca at rlsmith@pickeringlabs.com by February 1st, 2015 in order to win.  You will receive email confirmation that your submission has been received.  The answer to the puzzle and winner congratulations will be published in the next issue (to be anonymous, please notify Rebecca in submission).

You can download the pdf version of the Word Search Here: Quiz #18 Word Search

word search

Chromatography Quiz #17

Chromatography Quiz #16 Results:

We would like to congratulate our grand prize winners of our last newsletter’s Blast from the Past Picture Quiz: Richard Dickerson from Eurofins Nutritional Analysis Center, della terra gourmet gift setNarjes Ghafoori from LA County Environmental Toxicology Laboratory, Tom Schneider from Suffolk County Water Authority, Dr. Pravish Tiwari from Cipla, Matthew Hartz from Eurofins Eaton Analytical, and Dr. Paul Levy from the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore!

They have each won and will shortly be receiving: a Della Terra Gourmet Gift Set!!  The 25-year-aged balsamic vinegar and signature extra virgin olive oil are presented elegantly in this delightful collection by the Della Terra family, and delivered courtesy of gifttree.com.

We would like to thank all of you for your submissions!

The correct answer for the flashback picture:

Despite Michael’s adamant protests, the photographer insisted on prominently displaying the Trione bottles during the photo shoot for the fluorometer detector.  Seeing as how Trione is not a fluorescent reagent, this choice was almost as embarrassing as the quote “Gilson’s 121 is the best fluorometer I’ve used” boldly stated in the original advertisement.  The year this Gilson ad was published, Michael was approached (good-naturedly) by every other fluorometer manufacturer at Pittcon.

Thank you!

Pickering Labs

Chromatography Quiz #17:

Oct 1, 2014, Editor’s Note: We discovered a typo. Originally, we listed the Reactor 1 temperature at 100°C. It should be 36°C 

Identify the error made when running the Glyphosate chromatogram below and win a prize!  Simply email your answer as well as your full contact information to Rebecca at rlsmith@pickeringlabs.com by November 1st, 2014 in order to win.  You will receive email confirmation that your submission has been received.  The troubleshooting answer and winner congratulations will be published in the next issue (to be anonymous, please notify Rebecca in submission).

Glyphosate Analysis for US EPA Method 547

Pickering Standard: 1700-0080 Glyphosate Test Mixture, 2.5 µg/mL, 10 µL injection

Pickering Column: 1954150 Cation-exchange Column for Glyphosate, 4x150mm

Normal Operating Conditions: (for reference only, condition changes may be reflected in chromatogram)

Column Temperature: 55°C

Flow rate: 0.4 mL/min

Eluant Gradient:

eluant gradient for quiz 17

Post-column conditions:

Reagent 1: Oxidizing reagent – 100 uL of 5% Sodium Hypochlorite in 950 mL of GA116

Reagent 2: 100 mg of OPA, 2 g Thiofluor™ in 950 mL of GA104

Reactor 1: 36 °C, 0.5 mL

Reactor 2: ambient. 0.1 mL

Reagent flow rates: 0.3 mL/min

Detection: Fluorometer ex 330 nm, em 465 nm

Troubleshooting Chromatogram:glyphosate troubleshooting chromatogram quiz 17

Reference Chromatogram:glyphosate reference chromatogram quiz 17