CHROMATOGRAPHY

The analytical laboratory carries out a series of tests on formulations to ensure they meet specifications and are stable when stored for periods up to two years.

The testing can be divided into chemical tests such as active ingredient concentration, pH etc, and physical tests that are designed to test parameters relating to the use of the formulation.

To analyse for the concentration of active ingredient we use either Gas Liquid Chromatography (GLC) or High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC).

Chromatography is an analytical technique that separates out the various components of a mixture and then detects and measures each component.

It requires contact between a stationary phase and a second phase that flows past it called the mobile phase. Depending on their molecular structure some components prefer to remain in the mobile phase and pass quickly through the chromatography system. Other components prefer to transfer to the stationary phase and consequently remain longer in the chromatography system and so separation of the components occurs.

GLC uses a gas as the mobile phase and a liquid as the stationary phase and usually operates at high temperatures. It provides quick and efficient separation of substances that are volatile and stable at high temperatures.

HPLC uses liquids as both the mobile and stationary phase and operates at temperatures close to ambient. It complements GLC for substances that are not volatile or stable at high temperatures.

For both GLC and HPLC quantitative analysis is done by comparing the detector signal relating to a component with that of known concentrations of standards.

With both techniques available Zelam can analyse for all active ingredients found in agrichemicals and wood-care products.