Thermal performance qualification service checks a gas chromatograph's oven, injection ports and detectors to improve instrument performance, uptime and regulatory compliance
Agilent has introduced the thermal performance qualification (TPQ) service for its gas chromatographs (GCs).
The TPQ service verifies that a GC's heated zones (oven, injection ports and detectors) are working properly, which helps to ensure peak instrument performance and uptime, and reduces the risk of regulatory noncompliance.
The TPQ service follows a standard protocol that is automatically generated using document-creation software and the TPQ database.
Using the protocol as a guide, an Agilent-trained engineer evaluates the temperature accuracy of each zone and the linearity, heating rate and precision of the oven ramp.
Upon completion of the qualification, customers receive a signed document that provides evidence to auditors that the heated zones are operating within specification.
As the manufacturer of its instruments, Agilent has a thorough understanding of their design and thermal properties.
This knowledge allows Agilent to accurately position and perform its TPQ measurements and to assess any differences between observed and expected values.
This scientific approach is much more reliable than competitive TPQ services, which rely on imprecise trial-and-error methods.
With this service, Agilent expands the range of compliance services offered to pharmaceutical customers, which have typically included installation qualification and operational qualification/performance verification (OQ/PV).
The TPQ service is completely independent of OQ/PV testing; it can be performed alone or in combination with OQ/PV for a more comprehensive qualification.
It is not a substitute or a replacement for the GC OQ/PV services.
The thermal performance qualification service is available now for the Agilent 6890 series GC, 6850 series GC and 5890 series GC.
