What is HPLC and how is it used in process applications?

HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography) separates compounds in liquid samples using high-pressure pumping through a packed column. Components: solvent reservoir, pump, injector, column (separation), detector (UV, RI, fluorescence), and data system. Process applications: pharmaceutical API monitoring, polymer characterization, and specialty chemical analysis. Online HPLC systems automate sampling, injection, and analysis for continuous monitoring. Considerations: solvent consumption and waste, maintenance requirements, cycle times (5-30 minutes), and environmental control. Used when GC is not suitable (non-volatile, thermally labile compounds).