HPLC machine

A typical HPLC instrument consists of several important components. These components have their specific functions and they need each other in order for us to run a successful HPLC experiment.

Figure 1. A typical HPLC instrument showing the mobile phase reservoir, detector, pump, injector and column oven.

The main components of the HPLC are listed below:

• Mobile phase reservoir → This is where the mobile phase is contained. The mobile phase is normally stored in glass bottles.
• Pumps → The function of the pump is to create high pressure and create a flow of mobile phase in the system.
• Sample injector → This is where the sample in introduced in the system. The sample needs to be in liquid form (solution).
• Column → This is where the sample separation takes place. The column is filled with beads that is referred to as stationary phase.
• Oven regulator→ This is where the column is kept and the temperature can be controlled.
• Detector → This is where the separated analytes are identified and quantified.