SolventTrak

The Case for Recycling HPLC Solvent

Why Recycle Solvent? It Saves Money Less Solvent Usage Less Shipping Less Preparation Time Less Disposal Cost

Why Recycle Solvent? It Saves The Environment Less Solvent Manufacture = Less Energy Less Shipping Pollution Less Disposal Pollution Better use of Resources

Why Recycle Solvent? It Saves Time Less Solvent Usage = Less Preparation Time Less Purchasing Time Less Warehouse Time Less Administration Time for Disposal

How Does SolventTrak Work

The detector signal is connected to SolventTrak The solvent output from the detector is connected to the recycle valve When a peak is detected by SolventTrak it switches the valve to waste During baseline the solvent is returned to the reservoir How Does SolventTrak Work

Traditional solvent recyclers operate by setting a threshold level. When the peak rises above this level, the valve switches This requires constant operator intervention to maintain the correct level Peaks can be recycled in error instead of being sent to waste How Do Traditional Recyclers Work?

SolventTrak uses an algorithm similar to a data system to detect the presence of peaks Does not require frequent resetting by operator Easy to use Tracks baseline changes automatically Ensures the contaminated solvent is sent to waste How Does SolventTrak Work?

How effective is SolventTrak? How do I know that the peaks are being sent to waste? A second detector is placed in line to monitor the recycled solvent …

Green = Actual Chromatogram Pink = Recycled solvent detector If all the solvent is deliberately recycled, the 5 peaks in the test mixture can be clearly seen in the recycle line.

Green = Actual Chromatogram Pink = Recycled solvent detector If the solvent is recycled using the correct settings No baseline shift is observed in the recycle line so we have confirmed the SolventTrak is sending all test peaks to waste and only recycling clean solvent. Settings: Solvent Delay = 8 seconds, Width = 45 seconds, Slope = 420.

Green = Actual Chromatogram Pink = Recycled solvent detector Solvent Delay = 7 seconds, Width = 30 seconds. Slope = 420. Even though the Width setting is too low, the recycler is doing a good job of sending peaks to waste

Typical QC Chromatogram Acetominophen by a major Pharma company. 80% of the Solvent could be recycled

SolventTrak Log File The log file output from SolventTrak can be sent to a LIMS for permanent recording.

SolventTrak Validation An RS232 interface is included which enables the constant status of the recycling to be logged and therefore validated Optional ‘ tick ’ marks may be output and shown on the chromatogram to show when the peaks are detected Optional audible alarm when peaks are detected

SolventTrak Validation ‘Tick’ marks show peak detection. Signal status shows actual switching allowing for tubing volume

Payback Time How cost effective is SolventTrak?

Example #1 Case Study Actual figures supplied by major US Pharmaceutical company March 2009 Fisher ACN. 4 = $0.18/ml Fisher HPLC Water. 4 = $0.053/ml *Shipping Cost $41 *Disposal Cost$120

Example #1 Case Study Method 20/80 ACN/Water Flow 1ml/min Average volume per assay = 780mls Volume per week = 2340mls Solvent Cost per week = $ Weeks to pay for unit at $1995 based on solvent cost only = 6.01 weeks NO Labor to prepare solvents is included here! Does not include price of Buffers Ammonium Phosphate (monobasic) and (dibasic)

Example #1 Case Study SolventTrak installed on HP1090C HPLC on QC drug assay Lab Manager stated: SOLVENT RECYCLER INSTALLED ON 10901C ON FEB. 19TH ASSAYS RAN 7800MLS OF MOBILE PHASE WOULD HAVE BEEN USED ONLY 250MLS USED WITH THE SOLVENT RECYCLER

Example #2 Cost of ACN = £ 46.00/litre* Cost HPLC Water = £ 15.50/litre* Costs exclude shipping and disposal and labour Method 70:30 ACN:Water Flow 1ml/min Volume for 8 hours day = 480mls Volume/week = 2.4litres Solvent Cost/week = £ Assuming 80% recovery Payback time = 18 weeks approx*. Include shipping and disposal costs Payback reduces to just 8-10 weeks *Prices based on Feb 2009 UK.

Example #2 If flow rates are 2ml/min then payback can be in as little as 1 month! If the HPLC operates for more than 8 hours a day then payback is reduced accordingly!

Conclusions SolventTrak Works! It is cost effective It is accurate It is easy to maintain It is traceable It is good for the environment It is easy to justify

SolventTrak Why would you not recycle your solvents??? Thank you for your attention