The retention time of a peak characterizes the identity of the eluting compound.
It is a vital analysis parameter and drifts resulting due to unintentional or uncontrolled changes in operational conditions can be annoying to the chromatographer. It is of utmost importance to maintain tight control over the operating conditions to prevent such drifts.
Retention time drifts are caused mainly by
- Changes in mobile phase composition
- Change in temperature of the column
- Change in surface groups of stationary phase
- Column-to-column variabilities
- Changes in mobile phase flow rate.
An understanding of the reasons responsible for retention time drifts will help you appreciate the control measures.
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1. Change in mobile phase composition
- As the run using the premixed mobile phase progresses some volatile organic components can evaporate thereby leading to variations in composition. Such losses can also take place if solvent bottles are not capped.
- Another reason for the losses is vacuum filtration of premixed solvents and degassing using ultrasonic baths which raise the temperature of the mobile phase during sonication. Variations in the concentration of premixed mobile phase can be avoided by using freshly prepared mobile phases, online degassing, and keeping the bottles covered during use.
2. Changes in column temperature
- Temperature changes affect both the mobile phase viscosity as well as retention mechanisms on the stationary phase. Ionizable compounds tend to be affected more than non-ionizable compounds.
- Making use of column ovens which maintain the temperature of the column can reduce such drifts
3. Changes in surface groups of stationary phase
- Surface groups tend to get affected by changes in buffer concentrations. Very low buffer concentrations are not able to maintain the required pH. Buffer concentrations above 0.1 M increase viscosity which can lead to back pressure problems. If lower than pH 2 media is used the stationary phase can get stripped of the organic functional groups.
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4. Column-to-column variability
- Column use history can result in measurable drifts in retention times. The retention times may not match with those on the column on which the method was developed. Changes due to the dwell volume of such columns can be offset by prolonging the equilibration of an isocratic run before starting the main analysis.
5. Changes in flow rate
- Changes in flow rate obviously result in drift in retention times. Lower rates lead to longer retention times for the same peaks. The flow rate consistency can be maintained by
- Maintaining column temperature by using column oven
- Checking for leaks around tubing connections, and injection valves, and regular inspection of damages to piston seals.
- Periodic inspection of check valves. Surface coatings formation on balls can lead to reduced flow. Clean or replace such balls.
- Back pressure fluctuations due to trapped air bubbles can be removed by system purging.
It can be concluded that retention time and drifts are caused by changes in mobile phase flow rate, mobile phase or stationary phase changes, and column temperature.
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Chromatography
