Day2 In Laboratory

Day 2

Morning
Participated in preparatory liquid chromatography.
The instrument separates the liquid sample into pure compounds.
The sample was first dissolved, then filtered, and injected into the system. The flow rate was adjusted to ensure the pressure remained within the acceptable range. If the pressure did not exceed the limit, the flow rate could be increased.
Each peak in the chromatogram represents a compound. When the signal began to rise, a new vial was used to collect the separated liquid to minimize cross-contamination.
The sample must be fully dissolved into a clear solution. Methanol is typically used for dissolution, but if the mixture is turbid, DMSO is employed instead to prevent clogging.
The mobile phase consisted of 12% methanol.
The purpose of this procedure was to isolate and collect individual compounds.

Afternoon
The postgraduate student’s equipment encountered issues, as the pressure readings consistently deviated from the normal range, preventing further progress. She repeated the experiments conducted in the morning.
My tasks included assisting with material handling, rinsing containers, and helping with methanol filtration.