HPLC workstation improvement system

Abstract

HPLC workstation (500) for identifying and quantifying components of an eluent, the HPLC workstation comprising: an HPLC column (400, 500) configured to separate the components of the eluent flowing through it, the HPLC column comprising: a first side (402), the first side being configurable as an inlet and an outlet for the eluent; a second side (404), the second side being configurable as an inlet and as an outlet for the eluent; and a flow direction (406), the flow direction configuring one of the first side and the second side as an inlet and the other side as an outlet for the flow of the eluent through the column; an injection valve (504) connected to the HPLC column via both the first side and the second side, the injection valve being configured to reverse the flow direction in the HPLC column via a switching mechanism; a pump (516) configured to generate a mobile phase in the column by flowing the eluent through the HPLC column at a predetermined flow rate and increasing the flow rate in a predetermined order and at a predetermined interval; wherein the eluent flow rate is increased by the pump to flush out the eluent particles clogging one of the first and second sides of the HPLC column.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe present disclosure relates to a system for HPLC workstation enhancement. In particular, a system for increasing the lifetime of HPLC columns while minimizing maintenance time and cost is described.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONHigh performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is an analytical chemical technique used to separate compounds in a chemical mixture. HPLC helps identify each component of the chemical mixture and quantify each component. The separation technique utilizes pressure-driven flow of a mobile phase through a column filled with a stationary phase.A schematic overview of the HPLC system 100 is shown in Figure 1A. The HPLC system includes a solvent 102 needed to generate a mobile phase, which in turn is needed to transport the samples through the HPLC system. The mobile phase is a phase in agitation and consists of solvent or eluent flowing from injection to detection. The mobile phase is generated by a pump 104 which continuously moves the solvent from the solvent bottle 102 to a waste container 112. An injection system injects the samples into the mobile phase. The injection system includes an injection valve 106 into which the samples are injected through an injection needle 108.The components are separated in a column 110. As the sample reaches column 110, it exits the mobile phase and enters a stationary phase. The stationary phase is the substance which is immobilized in column 110 for the chromatographic process. The components or analytes separate in column 110 due to changing degrees of interaction with the stationary phase. Figure 1B illustrates a column 100' with the separate components 120, 122, and 124 of a sample.The separated components are passed through a detector 112 after leaving the stationary phase in the column 110. Detector 112 detects the components and sends the signals to software on computing device 116, which converts them to a chromatogram 118. The software used for the process is commonly known as a chromatographic data system (CDS) which generates the chromatogram 118 from the detected signals.A chromatogram 118 includes an x-axis representing a measure of time and a y-axis measuring a particular signal generated by the detector 112. An example chromatogram 200 of the Enthone SnAg bath is shown in Figure 2A. Chromatogram 200 shows the amounts of the various components of the Enthone SnAg bath as "inorganics", "complexing agents", "balancing agents", "antioxidants", and "improvers". Another example chromatogram 200' of Mitsubishi SnAg is shown in Figure 2B. Chromatogram 200' represents amounts of various components "antioxidant", "TS-140AD", and "TS-SLG polymer group".HPLC provides the following advantages:Ability to analyze / quantify multiple components / connections in a single pass.Direct Analysis / Quantification of the Component(s) of Interest.Fast analysis - a single run often takes <30 minutes.Despite the above-mentioned advantages, HPLC also has its own disadvantages. The HPLC system uses expensive hardware, especially the column. Furthermore, it has complicated methodology and any problems encountered are difficult for operators to address. Advanced knowledge of the hardware and the functional principles is required for this purpose. Moreover, the components of interest are often proprietary and require difficult development procedures. Most importantly, the problem is caused by the use of soiled samples. The cloudy and particle-filled samples cause hardware errors which necessitate frequent maintenance.HPLC column 110 is the most important part of the system. It has the following features:Different manufacturers and pricesDifferent dimensions (i.e., ID / OD, length, etc.)Different selectivity (i.e., C8 / C18 / phenyl / etc.)Different basic structure (based on silicon dioxide / monolithic / etc.)The component(s) of interest controls / control the pillar selection and applicationProcess / application development optimizes the interactions between the stationary phase (column packing) and the mobile phase (eluent - water / solvent) to achieve good separation / dissolution between the components of interest.The purpose of the column is to retain / release the component(s) of interest separately.Selection and optimization of the column (and the detection method) are of critical importance.A standard HPLC column 302 is shown in Figure 3A. The column 302 includes an inlet 304 and an outlet 306. From a hardware perspective, there is no difference between the column inlet 304 and the outlet 306. All manufacturers indicate a direction of flow for columns. Column 302 has the flow direction 308 specified by the manufacturer. The flow and the analysis can be carried out in the opposite direction, wherein a proper and complete flushing must take place during / after the analysis. By performing the next analysis in the reverse direction, the flow and gradient itself also flush out any accumulation of particles at the column inlet.There are two major causes of pillar damage or deterioration. First, a clogged column due to particulates leading to a rise in pressure. Second, fatigue of the material of the column separator and wear of the column separator result in peak broadening.A conventional method for increasing the life of the column is shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C. In FIG. 3B, a basic structure of the column 300' is shown. The column 300' includes a main column 310 and a guard column 312. The flow direction 314 is also indicated. The guard column 312 protects the main column 310 from particles mixed in the solvent as shown in FIG. 3C. Particles 316 are filtered by guard column 312 while a small amount of particles 318 reach main column 3. If the pressure is too high, the guard column 312 may be replaced. This saves money and increases the life of the main column 310. However, there are sample types where the particles are so small that they cannot be filtered by the guard column 312. The example sample types may be tin, tin / silver-palladium, nickel, lead, copper electroplating bath, etc. These particles can clog the expensive column over time, so that they must be frequently replaced.There is a need for a method or system that can remove particles to minimize pressure rise in the column and increase the life of the column, especially in turbid samples. Further, the system should eliminate the need for expensive precolumns or guard columns to reduce the cost of the HPLC system. The invention described herein addresses the needs described above.OVERVIEW OF EMBODIMENTSIn one aspect of the invention, an HPLC workstation with reverse flow and column reflux functionality is disclosed. The workstation reverses the eluent flow and flushes particles that clog at the inlet of the HPLC column to reduce / minimize pressure rise and increase the life of the column, especially with turbid samples. This allows low operating costs and lower maintenance frequency of the system.In another aspect of the invention, an HPLC workstation for identifying and quantifying components of an eluent is disclosed. The HPLC workstation comprises an HPLC column configured to separate the components of the eluent flowing through it. The HPLC column has a first side and a second side configurable as inlet and outlet for eluent flowing through the column, and a flow direction configuring one of the first side and the second side as inlet and the other side as outlet for eluent flowing through the column. The HPLC workstation further comprises an injection valve connected to the HPLC column via both the first and second sides, the injection valve configured to reverse the flow direction in the HPLC column via a switching mechanism. The workstation also includes a pump configured to generate a mobile phase in the column by flowing the eluent through the HPLC column at a particular flow rate and increasing the flow rate in a predetermined order and interval. The pump increases the eluent flow rate to rinse out eluent particles that clog on either of the first and second sides of the HPLC column.Optionally, during a first run, the first side is configured as inlet and the second side is configured as outlet of the HPLC column, with eluent particles plugging at the inlet of the HPLC column.Optionally, during a second pass, the injection valve reverses the direction of the HPLC column by switching the inlet and outlet of the HPLC column and the pump increases the eluent flow rate to flush the plugging particles from the HPLC column.If necessary, flushing of the plugging particles reduces or minimizes the increase in pressure in the column.If necessary, flushing out the blocking particles reduces maintenance expenditure and increases the service life of the column.Optionally, the eluent may be one or more of tin electroplating, tin / silver palladium electroplating, nickel electroplating, lead electroplating, copper electroplating bath, or a combination thereof.In another aspect, the HPLC workstation further comprises a pressure detector or transducer configured to monitor the pressure in the HPLC column.In another aspect, the HPLC workstation further comprises a flow detector configured to monitor the yield point in the HPLC column.In another aspect, the HPLC workstation further comprises a UV detector configured to monitor the particles flushed from the HPLC column.Optionally, the eluent flowrate through the pump is increased until a pressure limit or yield point is reached in the HPLC column.Optionally, the eluent flow rate through the pump is increased stepwise.Optionally, the steps for each increase in eluent flow rate are the same or different.Optionally, the eluent flow rate from the pump is increased linearly or non-linearly.Optionally, the eluent flow rate is constant for a predetermined period of time and is then incremented stepwise, linearly, or non-linearly.Optionally, the HPLC column is a monolithic column.According to another aspect of the invention, an HPLC column of an HPLC workstation for flushing plugging particles of eluent flowing therethrough is disclosed. The HPLC column includes a first side and a second side configurable as inlet and outlet for the eluent and a flow direction, the flow direction configuring one of the first side and the second side as inlet and the other side as outlet for the eluent to flow through the column.Optionally, during a first pass of the eluent through the HPLC column, the first side is configured as inlet and the second side is configured as outlet for the eluent and the eluent particles clog at the inlet of the HPLC column.Optionally, during a second pass, the flow direction in the HPLC column is reversed through an injection valve via a switching mechanism.Optionally, the eluent flow rate in the HPLC column is increased in a predetermined order and interval by a pump to purge the plugging particles from the HPLC column.Optionally, the HPLC column is configured for separation of the components of the eluent flowing through it.If necessary, the pressure increase in the column is reduced or minimized by flushing out the blocking particles.If necessary, flushing out the blocking particles reduces maintenance expenditure and increases the service life of the column.Optionally, the eluent may be one or more of tin electroplating, tin / silver palladium electroplating, nickel electroplating, lead electroplating, copper electroplating bath, or a combination thereof.Optionally, the eluent flow rate through the pump is increased until a pressure or yield point is reached in the HPLC column.Optionally, the pressure in the HPLC column is monitored by a pressure detector or transducer.Optionally, the yield point in the HPLC column is monitored by a flow detector.Optionally, the rinsed particles from the HPLC column are monitored by a UV detector.Optionally, the eluent flow rate through the pump is increased stepwise.Optionally, the steps are the same or different for each increase in eluent flow rate.Optionally, the eluent flow rate from the pump is increased linearly or non-linearly.Optionally, the eluent flow rate is constant for a predetermined period of time and is then incremented stepwise, linearly, or non-linearly.Optionally, the HPLC column is a monolithic column.In yet another aspect of the invention, an eluent for flushing the plugging particles is disclosed passing through an HPLC column of an HPLC workstation. The eluent is available by configuring a flow direction of the HPLC column by configuring a first side as an inlet and a second side as an outlet to flow the eluent through the column, and performing the analysis with the configured flow direction at a first flow rate, wherein the eluent particles clog at the inlet during the analysis. The method further comprises reversing the flow direction by switching an injection valve and performing the analysis in the reverse direction at a second flow rate. The method also includes increasing the second flow rate in the HPLC column in a predetermined order and at a predetermined interval by a pump to flush the plugging particles from the HPLC column.Optionally, the second flow rate is equal to the first flow rate.Optionally, increasing the flow rate further comprises determining whether a pressure or yield point is reached in the HPLC column.Optionally, increasing the flow rate comprises increasing the flow rate stepwise.Optionally, the increase in flow rate comprises a linear or non-linear increase in flow rate.Optionally, the method further comprises measuring a column pressure and a UV absorbance of the eluent.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURESFor a better understanding of the embodiments and to show how it may be implemented, reference is now made, purely by way of example, to the accompanying drawings.With particular reference to the drawings in detail, it is emphasized that the details shown are merely exemplary and for purposes of illustrative discussion of selected embodiments and are presented to provide the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects. In this regard, no attempt is made to present structural details in more detail than is required for basic understanding; the description, taken together with the drawings, will readily suggest to one skilled in the art how the various selected embodiments may be practiced. In the accompanying drawings: FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic overview of the HPLC system 100 as is known in the art; Figure 1B illustrates a standard HPLC column 100' with separate components of a sample as known in the art; FIG. 2A illustrates a sample chromatogram 200 of Enthone SnAg Bad; FIG. 2B illustrates a sample chromatogram 200' of Mitsubishi SnAg; FIG. 3A illustrates a standard HPLC column 300 having a predefined flow direction; FIG. 3B illustrates the basic structure of a column 300' having a main column and a guard column as known in the art; FIG. 3C illustrates the column 300" with the mixed particles filtered by the guard column as known in the art; FIG. 4A illustrates a column 400 having one end configured as inlet 402 and another end configured as outlet 404, in accordance with an aspect of the invention; FIG. 4B illustrates column 400' with the eluent flow direction reversed; FIG. 4C illustrates a column 400" in which the plugging particles are flushed back from the main column; FIG. 5A illustrates an HPLC workstation 500 in accordance with an aspect of the invention; FIG. 5B illustrates an HPLC workstation 500 with the in-column flow direction forward; FIG. 5C illustrates an HPLC workstation 500 with the direction of flow in the column reversed; FIG. 6 illustrates a flow diagram illustrating the method steps for back flushing return flow in accordance with an aspect of the invention; FIG. 7A illustrates the pressure versus time graphical analysis 700 for standard and side streams for different HPLC columns; and FIG. 7B illustrates the graphical analysis 700' of the flow reversal test.DESCRIPTION OF THE SELECTED EMBODIMENTSAspects of the present disclosure relate to a method and system for improving an HPLC workstation. The system reverses the eluent flow and flushes the particles at the inlet of the column to reduce / minimize pressure rise and increase the life of the HPLC column. An additional injection valve is installed in the standard HPLC hardware to reverse the flow direction. The flow rate is increased stepwise from the reverse direction to flush out the plugging particles. The flow rate is increased until a pressure or yield point is reached.In certain embodiments of the system, the UV absorbance of the eluent is measured to monitor the rinsed particles and contaminants. The pressure in the column is detected in order to check the pressure drop during the flushing out of the particles and in order to avoid a certain pressure limit given by the system being exceeded. A detector is also used to detect the flushing of particles.As required, the detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the invention that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale; some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention.It is to be understood that the systems and methods of the disclosure are not to be limited in application to the details of the construction and arrangement of the components or methods set forth in the specification or illustrated in the drawings and examples. The systems and methods of the disclosure may also be practiced and executed in other embodiments or in various ways and with various technologies.Alternative methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the disclosure. Nevertheless, certain methods and materials are described herein for illustrative purposes only. The materials, methods, and examples are not necessarily intended to be limiting. Accordingly, in various embodiments, various methods or components may be omitted, replaced, or added as needed. For example, the methods may be performed in an order other than that described, and various steps may be added, omitted, or combined. Moreover, aspects and components described with respect to certain embodiments may be combined in various other embodiments.Reference is now made to FIG. 4A, which illustrates a column 400 having one end configured as 10 inlet 402 and another end configured as outlet 404, in accordance with an aspect of the invention. From a hardware point of view, there is no difference between the column inlet and outlet. The inlet and the outlet are defined by the flow direction. The flow direction 406 is shown from the inlet 402 to the outlet 404. The column is clogged with particulates 408 at inlet 402. The particles are from the samples, which may be tin, tin / silver-palladium, nickel, lead, copper electroplating bath, etc. It should be noted that any other metallic, nonmetallic, or alloy-based eluent may be used as a sample in HPLC analysis without limiting the scope of the invention.Figure 4B illustrates column 400' with the eluent flow direction reversed. The flow direction 406' configures the column end 404 as an inlet and the other end 402 as an outlet. The return flow 410 from the inlet 404 to the outlet 402 backwashs the outlet 402 and flushes most of the plugging particles 408, as shown in FIG. 4C.The flow direction is reversed using an additional injection valve installed in standard HPLC hardware as shown in Figure 5A, which illustrates an HPLC workstation 500 according to one aspect of the invention. The HPLC workstation 500 includes an additional injection valve 504 connected to the HPLC column 502 on both sides. Column 502 is configured to support the flow direction in both the forward and reverse directions. The direction of flow in column 502 is reversed by switching the additional injection valve 504. FIG. 5B illustrates the direction of flow in the column 502 in a forward direction through the injection valve 504. FIG. 5C illustrates the direction of flow in the column 502 in the reverse direction through the injection valve 504.Referring to FIG. 6, which is a flow chart illustrating the process steps for back flushing the return flow. The process begins at step 602 and an HPLC workstation 500 is provided with an HPLC column 502 having a defined flow direction at step 604. The column 502 is configured to support the flow direction in both the forward and reverse directions. In step 606, the analysis is performed with the flow direction by creating a mobile phase in 11 of the column 502 by a pump 516 that continuously moves the solvent from the solvent bottle 506 to a waste container 518, as shown in FIG. 5B. The additional injection valve 504 is switched in a forward direction and the samples are passed through the column 502 in the forward direction. The sample particles clog in the column 502 in the inlet part in step 608, as shown in FIG. 4A. In step 610, the flow of column 502 is reversed by switching the additional injection valve 504, and the samples are directed through column 502 in the reverse direction by pump 516, as shown in FIG. 5C. The gradient is changed to the aqueous eluent. This saves solvent consumption and increases the pressure due to higher viscosity of the eluent. The gradient is adjusted by a gradient mixture 508 which performs the gradient elution process. Gradient elution refers to a technique for altering the composition of the mobile phase during the course of the chromatographic run. Gradient elution is used when a mixture of eluants having a wide range of retention factors is to be separated. The analysis is performed in the reverse direction by the HPLC workstation 500 in step 612. The pressure and UV absorbance of the eluent are measured in step 614. The pressure in the HPLC column is monitored by a pressure transducer 510. The UV absorbance of the eluent is measured by a UV detector 512 to monitor the flushed particles and impurities from column 502.In step 616, the analysis is performed at a constant flow rate over a predefined time period. In a particular embodiment, the reflux rate is maintained equal to the forward flow rate. In an exemplary embodiment, the flow is first pumped at the normal analytical flow rate of 1 ml / min and the pressure in the column is measured. Any desired lower or higher flow rate can also be selected as starting point. The flow rate is kept constant for a predetermined time interval, for example 30 seconds. Any shorter or longer time interval may also be chosen for the analysis. In step 618, the flow rate is increased in a particular order, for example, the flow rate is increased stepwise, linearly, non-linearly, etc.In a particular embodiment of the present invention, the flow rate is increased stepwise to increase the efficiency of the backwash and rinse out any plugging particles. The flow rate is increased in a specific step, for example to 0.5 ml / min. A lower or higher step can also be chosen for the analysis. The flow rate is increased stepwise until a pressure or yield point is reached. Alternatively, in the case of a stepwise flow increase, the flow gradient does not have to be constant and can increase linearly. For example, the flow rate is increased to 0.5 ml / min during the first cycle, to 1 ml / min in the next cycle, to 1.5 ml / min in the subsequent cycle, etc., until the pressure or yield point is reached. Alternatively, the flow gradient may be further held constant for certain flow cycles and then increased for the subsequent cycles. For example, the flow rate is increased to 0.5 ml / min for the first three cycles and then increased to 1 ml / min for the next three cycles, and so on.Alternatively to the stepwise flow increase, a linear or non-linear flow change is also possible. For example, the flow rate is increased at a constant rate of 0.5 ml / min until the pressure limit or yield point is reached. Alternatively, the flow rate is increased nonlinearly to 0.5 ml / min for the first minute, then to 1 ml / min for the second minute, then to 1.5 ml / min for the third minute, etc. until the pressure limit or yield point is reached.It should be noted that the above flow enhancement methods are exemplary in nature and should not limit the scope of the invention. The flow rate may be increased or decreased using any suitable methods.In step 620, the workstation 500 checks whether the pressure limit or yield point is reached. The pressure limit is checked by the pressure transducer 510 and the yield limit by the flow detector 514. When the pressure or yield point is reached, the system 500 checks whether the HPLC analysis is complete in step 622. When the HPLC analysis is complete, the process is stopped at step 628. If the pressure and yield points are not reached in step 620, the process returns to step 612. If the analysis is not completed in step 622, the next analysis is started in step 624. The analysis is performed in either the same flow direction as above or in the opposite direction by switching the additional injection valve 504 in step 13 626. The process then returns to step 614.A preferred aspect of the present invention is the use of a monolithic HPLC column. The monolithic HPLC column is used in high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The internal structure of the monolithic column is provided in such a manner that many channels are formed in the column. The material in the column separating the channels may be porous and functionalized. Monolithic columns can be divided into two categories, silica-based and polymer-based monoliths. Silica-based monoliths are known for their efficiency in separating smaller molecules, while polymer-based monoliths are known for separating large protein molecules. The use of monolithic columns in flow reversal and column reflux is more effective because the column is not filled with small particles and the packet is fixed in the column and cannot move or form voids due to the forward / reverse flow direction.Referring now to FIG. 7A, which illustrates the pressure versus time graphical analysis 700 for standard and side streams for various HPLC columns. As can be seen from the graph, the column pressure is higher in the column before the start of the backwash function 702. After the start of the backwash function 702, the pressure remains unstable for a short time and then becomes lower and stable in the column. The increase in pressure in the column is mitigated or minimized by flushing out the particles at the inlet of the column as a result of the backwash function. This increases the life of the column considerably, especially in the case of turbid samples.FIG. 7B illustrates the graphical analysis 700' of the flow reversal test. During the first pass 704 in the forward direction, the sample particles clog at the inlet of the column, which results in the life of the column ending already after a few subsequent passes 706. The flow direction is reversed in plot 708 by reversing the column inlet and outlet using the additional injection valve 504, resulting in nearly doubling the life of the column in plot 710 by flushing out the plugging particles and reducing column pressure.The HPLC workstation of the present invention with flow reversal and column reflux functionality can remove particles to minimize pressure rise and substantially increase column life, especially with turbid samples. Further, the system does not require a pre-column or guard column, thereby reducing the cost of the workstation.The HPLC workstation of the present invention is also beneficial to customers because it lowers the system's operating costs due to the longer life of the column. It also reduces tool down times and frequency of maintenance work. Consequently, this results in less frustration at the customer creating a more productive store for him.While the preferred embodiment of the present invention and its advantages have been disclosed in the above detailed description, the invention is not limited thereto, but only by the scope of the appended claim.As will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, the present invention may be readily made in other specific forms without departing from the essential characteristics thereof. The present embodiments are therefore to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the claims rather than by the foregoing description and all changes which come within this range are therefore intended to be embraced therein.

Claims

A HPLC workstation (500) for identifying and quantifying components of an eluent, the HPLC workstation comprising: an HPLC column (400, 500) configured to separate the components of the eluent flowing therethrough, the HPLC column comprising: a first side (402), the first side configurable as an inlet and an outlet for the eluent; a second side (404), the second side configurable as an inlet and an outlet for the eluent; and a flow direction (406), the flow direction configuring one of the first side and the second side as an inlet and the other side as an outlet for the eluent to flow through the column; an injection valve (504) connected to the HPLC column via both the first side and the second side, the injection valve configured to reverse the flow direction in the HPLC column via a switching mechanism; a pump (516) configured to generate a mobile phase in the column by flowing the eluent at a particular flow rate through the HPLC column and increasing the flow rate in a predetermined order and interval; wherein the eluent flow rate is increased by the pump to flush out eluent particles plugging on one of the first and second sides of the HPLC column.The HPLC workstation of claim 1, wherein during a first pass, the first side is configured as an inlet and the second side is configured as an outlet of the HPLC column, wherein the eluent particles clog at the inlet of the HPLC column.The HPLC workstation of claim 2, wherein during a second pass, the injection valve reverses the direction of the HPLC column by switching the inlet and outlet of the HPLC column, and the pump increases the eluent flow rate to flush the plugging particles from the HPLC column.The HPLC workstation of claim 3, wherein flushing the plugging particles reduces or minimizes the pressure rise in the column.The HPLC workstation of claim 3, wherein flushing the plugging particles reduces maintenance and increases the life of the column.The HPLC workstation of claim 1, wherein the eluent may be one or more of tin electroplating, tin / silver palladium electroplating, nickel electroplating, lead electroplating, copper electroplating bath, or a combination thereof.The HPLC workstation of claim 1, further comprising a pressure detector or transducer (510) configured to monitor the pressure in the HPLC column.The HPLC workstation of claim 1, further comprising a flow detector (514) configured to monitor the yield point in the HPLC column.The HPLC workstation of claim 1, further comprising a UV detector (512) configured to monitor the flushed particles from the HPLC column.The HPLC workstation of claim 1, wherein the eluent flowrate is increased by the pump until a pressure limit or yield point is reached in the HPLC column.The HPLC workstation of claim 1, wherein the eluent flow rate through the pump is increased stepwise.The HPLC workstation of claim 11, wherein the steps are the same for each increase in eluent flow rate.The HPLC workstation of claim 11, wherein the steps are different for each increase in eluent flow rate.The HPLC workstation of claim 1, wherein the eluent flow rate through the pump is increased linearly or non-linearly.The HPLC workstation of claim 1, wherein the eluent flow rate is constant for a predetermined period of time and then incremented stepwise, linearly, or non-linearly.The HPLC workstation of claim 1, wherein the HPLC column is a monolithic column.A HPLC column (400, 500) of an HPLC workstation (500) for flushing plugging particles of eluent flowing therethrough, the HPLC column comprising: a first side (402), the first side configurable as an inlet and an outlet for the eluent; a second side (404), the second side configurable as an inlet and an outlet for the eluent; and a flow direction (406), the flow direction configuring one of the first side and the second side as an inlet and the other side as an outlet for the eluent to flow through the column; wherein during a first pass of the eluent through the HPLC column, the first side is configured as an inlet and the second side is configured as an outlet for the eluent and clog the eluent particles at the inlet of the HPLC column, wherein during a second pass, the flow direction in the HPLC column is reversed by an injection valve (504) via a switching mechanism, and wherein an eluent flow rate in the HPLC column is increased in a predetermined order and at a predetermined interval by a pump (516) to flush the plugging particles from the HPLC column.The HPLC column of claim 17 configured for separation of the components of the eluent flowing through it.The HPLC column of claim 17, wherein flushing of the plugging particles reduces or minimizes pressure rise in the column.The HPLC column of claim 17, wherein flushing the plugging particles reduces maintenance and increases the life of the column.The HPLC column of claim 17, wherein the eluent may be one or more of tin electroplating, tin / silver palladium electroplating, nickel electroplating, lead electroplating, copper electroplating bath, or a combination thereof.The HPLC column of claim 17, wherein the eluent flow rate through the pump is increased until a pressure limit or a flow limit is reached in the HPLC column.The HPLC column of claim 22, wherein the pressure in the HPLC column is monitored by a pressure detector or transducer (510).The HPLC column of claim 22, wherein the yield point in the HPLC column is monitored by a flow detector (514).The HPLC column of claim 17, wherein the flushed particles from the HPLC column are monitored by a UV detector (512).The HPLC column of claim 17, wherein the eluent flow rate through the pump is increased stepwise.The HPLC column of claim 26, wherein the steps are the same for each increase in eluent flow rate.The HPLC column of claim 26, wherein the steps are different for each increase in eluent flow rate.The HPLC column of claim 17, wherein the eluent flow rate through the pump is increased linearly or non-linearly.The HPLC column of claim 17, wherein the eluent flow rate is constant for a predetermined period of time and then increases stepwise, linearly or non-linearly.The HPLC column of claim 17, wherein the column is a monolithic column.An eluent for flushing plugging particles flowing through an HPLC column of an HPLC workstation, the eluent obtainable by: configuring (604) a flow direction of the HPLC column by configuring a first side as an inlet and a second side as an outlet to allow the eluent to flow therethrough; performing (606) the analysis with the configured flow direction at a first flow rate, wherein the eluent particles plug at the inlet during the analysis; reversing (610) the flow direction by switching an injection valve; performing (612) the analysis in the reverse direction at a second flow rate; increasing (618) the second flow rate in the HPLC column in a predetermined order and interval by a pump to flush the plugging particles from the HPLC column.The eluent of claim 32, wherein the second flow rate is the same as the first flow rate.The eluent of claim 32, wherein increasing the flow rate further comprises determining (620) whether a pressure limit or a flow limit is reached in the HPLC column.The eluent of claim 32, wherein increasing the flow rate comprises stepwise increasing the flow rate.The eluent of claim 32, wherein increasing the flow rate comprises linear or non-linear increase in the flow rate.The eluent of claim 32, further comprising measuring (614) a column pressure and a UV absorbance of the eluent.

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