HPLC is an analytical technique used to separate, identify, quantify and purify individual components of a mixture. This technique is used in manufacturing, such as during the production process of pharmaceutical products. In research applications, HPLC can separate the components of a complex biological sample and can also be used to detect performance enhancing drugs, for example.
Organic solvents, such as acetonitrile, methanol, methylene chloride, chloroform and ethyl acetate are commonly used in HPLC. As these solvents are flammable, toxic and carcinogenic, they must be stored, used, removed and disposed of safely. Solvents are typically transferred into HPLC solvent reservoir bottles from the original larger solvent bottle. These empty bottles are then reused in analytical laboratories to collect solvent waste.
In analytical laboratories, it is common practice to either “seal” bottles of HPLC solvents with aluminium foil or film, or to leave them completely open. This practice results in analytical lab workers being exposed to hazardous solvent vapours, endangering people and the environment. Hazardous waste regulations require that containers are kept closed and sealed except when adding or removing waste.
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