Chromatography Forum

Hello,
I just started using HPLC for my research and I am need of help. I am using the LC solution software. After downloading the method on the instrument and starting the single run process, I keep getting flat lines and no peaks. My mobile phase is fine and is flowing at 1ml/min. Everything else is working. My advisor said it has nothing to do with my column. If anyone can list possible solutions, that would be greatly appreciated. Let me know the information I supplied is insufficient. Thank you in advance.

Please provide as many details as possible about your method and the instrument. What's the system pressure? Have you looked at the detector flow cell? Is the baseline absolutely flat, or are you at least getting some noise?

What detector(s) does the system have? Does the mobile phase actually go through the column, or is there a purge valve open, air in the system, or a leak? Does the mobile phase from the column actually route through the detector of interest? or through a different detector or to waste or to leak? Is the detector of interest actually set up in the configuration? Is the baseline like absolutely flat, even if you zoom in a lot? Is the autosampler or injector actually working right? Is the sample concentrated enough for you to even see stuff?

I'd ask these questions to anyone with these issues, but especially to a new user.

Don't for the simple things, is the detector on and ready? Does it get a start signal? Why is there a cable plugged in at one end and not the other?
Is the lamp on? Does my analyte absorb / fluoresce at this wavelength?