Process Monitoring of Bisphenol-A in Industrial Feedstock using High Throughput HPLC

Importance of the Topic

Monitoring Bisphenol-A (BPA) during manufacturing is critical for quality control in polycarbonate and epoxy resin production. Rapid, sensitive analysis ensures product consistency, reduces waste, and supports regulatory compliance.

Study Objectives and Overview

This study focuses on converting an existing BPA HPLC method into a high-throughput format using Agilent RRHT Eclipse XDB-C18 columns. The goal is to shorten analysis time, maintain or improve resolution, and simplify the workflow for industrial process monitoring.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The original method employed a 4.6 × 250 mm, 5 µm C18 column, segmented gradient mobile phase, 2 mL/min flow, 35 °C temperature, and 20 µL injection over a 50-minute run. The optimized RRHT method uses a 4.6 × 50 mm, 1.8 µm Eclipse XDB-C18 column, binary gradient with 0.1 % formic acid in water and acetonitrile/methanol, 1 mL/min flow, 25 °C, and 2 µL injection over 7.5 minutes.

Instrumentation Used

• Agilent HPLC system capable of high-pressure separations and gradient control
• Agilent RRHT Eclipse XDB-C18 columns (1.8 µm, 4.6 × 50 mm and scaled-up formats)

Main Results and Discussion

The RRHT method reduced analysis time by over sixfold and solvent consumption by approximately 12.5 times. Using 1.8 µm particles increased column efficiency (N), resulting in improved resolution despite shorter column length. Peak shapes for BPA became more Gaussian, enhancing quantification accuracy. Scaling experiments showed predictable performance across column dimensions and particle sizes, demonstrating method robustness.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Significant throughput increase for routine process control
• Lower solvent and sample consumption
• Improved sensitivity and peak symmetry for accurate quantification
• Simplified gradient and binary mobile phase for easier method transfer

Future Trends and Potential Uses

Advances in UHPLC technology, miniaturized columns, and green solvents will further reduce analysis times and environmental impact. Integration with automation and real-time process analytics will enhance quality assurance in chemical manufacturing.

Conclusion

Adapting an existing BPA monitoring method to an RRHT format offers substantial gains in speed, efficiency, and data quality. The predictable scaling of Eclipse XDB-C18 columns enables seamless method transfer and broad applicability in industrial analytics.

References

Henderson JW Jr; Long WJ. Process Monitoring of Bisphenol-A in Industrial Feedstock using High Throughput HPLC. Agilent Technologies Application Note 5989-5231EN, 2006.