In an effort to maintain accurate, precise, and reproducibleanalytical quality standards, OGRINDO ITB and the EOR Laboratory ITB organized an HPLC–RID Training in collaboration with PT. Berca Niaga Medika. This activity aims to strengthen the team's understanding of the High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) system with a Refractive Index Detector (RID), ensuring optimal instrument operation and generating reliable data to support research and applications of Chemical EOR.
HPLC 1260 – RID System at the EOR Laboratory ITB
The EOR Laboratory ITB utilizes an HPLC type 1260 equipped with an RID detector system and a manual injector. This configuration is highly suitable for analyzing compounds such as polymers and surfactants, particularly in studies of chemical adsorption onto rock, detection and quantification of polymers and surfactants in monitoring wells, as well as evaluation of injection performance in Chemical EOR schemes. Understanding each component is key to maintaining system stability and ensuring the quality of analytical results.
Main Components and Their Functions
- Mobile Phase Reservoir
A container used to store the solvent (mobile phase) that will flow through the system. The quality and cleanliness of the mobile phase greatly determine pressure stability and the baseline chromatogram. - Isocratic Pump
The system used is isocratic, meaning it uses a single, constant mobile phase composition throughout the analysis. In contrast, gradient systems allow changes in the composition of 2–4 solvents through softwarecontrol, isocratic systems are simpler and more stable for routine methods with relatively consistent sample matrices. - Manual Injector
The injection process is carried out manually using a 20 µL loop and a precision syringe (typically 50 µL) to ensure consistent injection volume and repeatability maintain. - HPLC Column
The column is the core of the separation process. The column compartment is equipped with a heater with temperatures up to 85°C to maintain temperature stability and consistency retention time. - Refractive Index Detector (RID)
RID operates based on differences in refractive index between the mobile phase and sample components. This detector is highly sensitive to temperature changes, solvent composition, and the presence of air bubbles, making system stability a crucial factor.
System Stability Begins with the Mobile Phase
One of the main topics discussed during the training was the importance of ensuring that the mobile phase is free from air bubbles (bubble).
Indications that the System Contains Bubble:
- Pressure graph fluctuates abnormally
- Baseline unstable
- Changes in retention time compared to previous methods
To prevent these issues:
- The mobile phase must be filtered and sonicated (degassing).
- The system should first be run with water before switching to the main mobile phase to ensure no air is trapped in the flow path.
- If bubbleare detected, remove the air until the pressure becomes stable before starting the analysis.
Purging Pump: A Mandatory Step Before Analysis
Purging is performed to remove air from the system. The general purging procedure is as follows:
- Run the mobile phase with flow rate ±2 mL/min for approximately ±2 minutes.
- If the pressure is still unstable or bubble are present, the flow rate can be increased up to 4 mL/min (maximum 5 mL/min according to system limits).
- The process continues until the pressure stabilizes.
- The duration of purging depends on the system condition.
Maintaining Column Performance and Data Accuracy
Several best practice emphasized during the training:
- Use a mobile phase that is clear and free from turbidity
- Avoid excessively high viscosity, as it can increase system pressure.
- High viscosity over time can accelerate column saturation.
- Stabilize column temperature to maintain consistency of retention time.
- Perform gradual flushing when changing solvents with different characteristics.
In the early stages, the system may still show good results. However, without proper procedures, column performance may gradually decline and affect the validity of analytical data.
Building a Culture of Precise Analysis
Training not only focuses on how to operate the instrument but also builds a comprehensive understanding of working principles, potential operational risks, and the importance of standard procedures in maintaining data integrity.
With well-maintained systems and proper procedures, HPLC–RID becomes a strategic instrument in supporting polymer and surfactant analysis for the successful implementation of Chemical EOR.
Interested in Collaborating?
OGRINDO ITB and the EOR Laboratory ITB open opportunities for research collaboration, laboratory testing, and analytical method development for both industrial and academic needs.
📩 Contact us:
ogrindo@itb.ac.id
eor@itb.ac.id
Let us achieve more precise analysis, more stable systems, and more reliable data to support sustainable energy innovation.