Comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatograph and modulator for the chromatograph

摘要

A modulator for simply providing fast and precise sampling of a chromatographic peak eluting from a first column into a second column of a comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatograph, where the modulator includes a planar component containing a first gas passage for connecting a carrier gas source to the second separation column, a second gas passage for connecting the first separation column to an exhaust outlet, a connecting gas passage between the first and second gas passages, and two individually controllable open/close valves arranged in parallel connection in the first gas passage between its connection to the carrier gas source and the branch-off of the connecting gas passage, and where the gas passages and valves are formed in the planar component by micromachining.

主权项

1. A comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatograph, comprising:
a first separation column; a second separation column; and a modulator controlled by a controller for sampling a chromatographic peak eluting from the first separation column into the second separation column; wherein the modulator comprises:
a planar component including:
a first gas passage having a first inlet end to which a carrier gas source is connected and a first outlet end to which the second separation column is connected;a second gas passage having a second inlet end to which the first separation column is connected and a second outlet end;a connecting gas passage between the first and second gas passages; andtwo individually controllable open/close valves arranged in a parallel connection in the first gas passage between the first inlet end and a branch-off point of the connecting gas passage from the first gas passage, the first, second and connecting gas passages and the open/close valves being formed in the planar component by micromachining; wherein the controller is configured to start each sample event by controlling one of the open/close valves from open to close when another of the open/close valves is closed and to stop the sample event by controlling the other of the open/close valves to open.