Abstract: A chromatographic system for rapid analysis of fluid components having a wide molecular range in a single sample is disclosed. A single isothermal oven having a switching valve controls the flow between a single column module and a dual column module. The single column module contains a shielded column with an input receiving components from a sample input and output to a detector via the valve. The dual column module contains two shielded columns wrapped adjacent one another on a single ring with separate inputs and outputs and in communication with one another and detectors through the switching valve. One or both columns in the dual column module can be heated and monitored with one or more sensor wires.

Abstract: The disclosed chromatographic system enables sample slices to be moved back and forth between columns to rapidly isolate and measure a single or multiple components in a complex matrix. The independently controlled, two column system allows for the flow-recycling to take place since the sample slice can be effectively halted on either column until the second column is thermally ready to accept it again. The plumbing scheme also allows one to make an infinitely long column by being able to move components back and forth between the two by activating and deactivating the valve at the appropriate times.

Abstract: The invention is a chromatography apparatus which comprises at least one capillary column, which has a coil assembly of column material and a small diameter wire coated with an electrically insulating high temperature material encased within a high temperature sheath. The small diameter wire is at least one electrically conductive element co-linear with the column material. Also provided is means for directly resistively heating the at least one capillary column, and means for controlling the temperature of the capillary column. Additionally, the apparatus includes an oxygen gas containing inlet, a hydrogen inlet, an analyte port and a flame region, oxygen delivery means for delivering oxygen through the oxygen inlet to the flame region, a hydrogen and analyte delivery system for delivering hydrogen and analyte to the flame region, and a detector arranged to detect flame emission.

Abstract: A trans-configurable modular chromatograph assembly is provided with a core unit, at least one column module, and at least one detector module. The core unit includes a controller module having a first computer processing unit, an analogue to digital signal converter, and a thermally insulated enclosure. The enclosure includes a first heater member positioned to heat the thermally insulated first enclosure housing, a first analytes stream inlet, and a first analyte stream conduit. A temperature controller is programmed to maintain the thermally insulated first enclosure at a uniform temperature throughout an analysis. The at least one column module includes a computer processor, means for releasably securing the core unit to a column module, a capillary column, a capillary column heater member, and means for sensing and controlling the temperature of the capillary column. The capillary column has an analyte outlet member in fluid communication with at least one detector module.

Abstract: A trans-configurable modular chromatograph assembly is provided with a core unit, at least one column module, and at least one detector module. The core unit includes a controller module having a first computer processing unit, an analogue to digital signal converter, and a thermally insulated enclosure. The enclosure includes a first heater member positioned to heat the thermally insulated first enclosure housing, a first analytes stream inlet, and a first analyte stream conduit. A temperature controller is programmed to maintain the thermally insulated first enclosure at a uniform temperature throughout an analysis. The at least one column module includes a computer processor, means for releasably securing the core unit to a column module, a capillary column, a capillary column heater member, and means for sensing and controlling the temperature of the capillary column. The capillary column has an analyte outlet member in fluid communication with at least one detector module.

Abstract: The nature of this invention encompasses the creation of a capillary gas chromatography (GC) column assembly and a thermal modulator used to heat or cool the column assembly in a very thermally and chromatographically efficient manner. The GC column assembly described herein consists of capillary GC column material, such as fused silica or metal capillary tubing, which is constrained to lie in a flat, ordered, spiral pattern and then encased between two thin opposing surfaces. The resulting column assembly is flat, dimensionally stable and can be very efficiently thermally modulated. The resulting column assembly also takes up very little space, has very little thermal mass, and can be easily and accurately manufactured.