Select Your Theoretical Plates in HPLC

HPLC is a sort of column chromatography having a broad assortment of applications in pharmaceuticals and analytical chemistry as an effective separation instrument. The column, which functions as the stationary phase plays an integral role in the separation of elements in HPLC. Stationary phases are often composed of polar or non-polar chemicals according to column type. Both polar or non-polar columns are utilized to separate compounds based on the nature of the chemical to be examined. The mobile phase is pumped into the machine with the support of pumps and the sample is introduced to the mobile phase using the injector. The pumps maintain a continuous flow rate of the mobile phase.

Upon entering the column, components become separated according to their polarity also depends upon the polarity of the stationary phase i.e., the column. If the column is non-polar then non-polar chemicals become connected to the column and polar compounds elute first to reach the sensor and vice versa. A chemical is identified by calculating the retention time or Rt, that is the time necessary for a specific compound to get to the sensor through the column following the injection is made. HPLC column efficiency is quantified using the theoretical plate concept. There is absolutely not any physical plate within a column; instead, it is based on mathematical calculation. Theoretical plates in HPLC can be considered a hypothetical zone comprising two phases present in balance with one another.

Columns with a greater number of theoretical plates are considered more effective compared to columns with the lesser amount of Tp. A pillar with more theoretical plates i.e., more efficient provides narrower peaks to the same compound compared to less effective columns. The theoretical plates could be calculated per meter length of this column. It is often called N or Nm. In accordance with USP or the United States Pharmacopoeia, the theoretical plate of a column is calculated with the following formula.  The conclusion of what is chromatography should be made while keeping specific set requirements for all of the test columns. Column temperature, in particular, plays a significant role in changing the theoretical plate number in a column. As a result, while comparing the column efficiency across columns the temperature and retention variable ought to be maintained same. Theoretical plates at HPLC column also count on the mobile phase viscosity, flow rate and molecular structure of this compound to be examined.