HPLC: some examples of actual use

[LoungeLizard]

I understand how HPLC works.  (HPLC stands for High Pressure Liquid Chromatography or High Performance Liquid Chromatography).  I have been trained in it but need some detailed examples of how it is used in industry (what's being analysed, the more specific the better).  Thank you. 

[AllYourBase]

I used to use HPLC to determine quantities of drugs dissolved from tablets into solutions over time. It can also be used to identify components of liquid mixtures and their relative proprotions by using the relationship between the time they take to come through the hplc equipment.
Remembering one brand that we used at that time, try

http://www.phenomenex.com/

and explore thier catalogue, as this gives ideas on what can be analysed.

[Hamish]

It is essencially a separation technique. It can be combined with other techniques such as MS to give a more powerful analyitical tool.

There is also prep HPLC wich can be used to separate preperatiev amount of a material for isolation and further experiemnts/tests.

SEC size excltuion chromatography is essencially a form of this but works on a size princile rather than binding equilibria - a common subset of this is GPC. Both are hi-press techniques and are most commonly used for the analysis of polymers.