Abstract: Apparatus and systems, as well as methods, may operate to draw a formation fluid sample into a sampling port included in a down hole tool or tool body, to vaporize some part of the fluid sample to substantially fill an injection port with a gas phase, to differentiate gas components in the gas phase to provide differentiated gas components along a concentration gradient in a receiving section, to detect the differentiated gas components with a detector, and to determine a fingerprint of the differentiated gas components. The receiving section may comprise a diffusion section. A reaction section and a vacuum section may be used for waste consumption and/or absorption.

Abstract: A method for semi-automatically generating configuration information for a gas chromatograph uses an identification device reader of the gas chromatograph to 1) determine a presence and location of sample flow component identification devices in or on identification device holders that hold the sample flow component identification devices; 2) read information from sample flow component identification devices held in the identification device holders; and 3) output configuration information for the gas chromatograph. The configuration information is based on the presence and location of particular sample flow component identification devices in or on particular identification device holders, and on associations of particular identification device holders with particular sample flow component connections to the gas chromatograph. The configuration information indicates if and how sample flow components are connected to the gas chromatograph.

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 present invention is an improvement to two-dimensional comprehensive gas chromatography. The improvement is a one valve switching modulator connecting the two separation columns. The valve includes either a two position eight-port valve or a two position twelve-port valve, and two transfer lines.

Abstract: A column assembly for gas chromatography, which is coolable by a fluid, includes a capillary column, a heating element for heating at least a portion of the capillary column, and a tube having a lumen and in contact with at least one of the capillary column and the heating element. When energized, the heating element raises the temperature of the capillary column. To lower the temperature of the capillary column, a fluid flows through the tube, and heat is transferred from the capillary column to the fluid in the tube.

Abstract: To provide a mercury measuring apparatus of a closed system capable of performing automatically a process ranging from collection to injection of the sample composed mainly of hydrocarbon, which is effective to accomplish a highly reliable measurement. The mercury measuring apparatus 100 includes a column 1 filled with a first adsorbent 11 and a reducing agent 13, an injecting unit 3 for injecting a sample into the column 1, a first heating unit 12, a second heating unit, a mercury collecting tube 18 filled with a second adsorbent 17, a third heating unit 19, a mercury measuring unit 2, gas flow passages FP1, FP2 and FP4, flow switching valves V1 to V3, V5 and V6 for selecting one of the gas flow passages FP1, FP2 and FP4, and a control unit 4.

Abstract: In a fast gas chromatograph (GC) method and device for obtaining fast gas chromatography analysis, a capillary gas chromatography column is inserted into a resistively heated metal tube located mostly outside a standard gas chromatograph oven, which may serve as a heated transfer line to a flexible column that enters the resistively heated metal tube from its injector and exits into its detector. The fast GC device enables less than one minute full range temperature programming and cooling back analysis cycle time. The fast GC according to one embodiment is combined with mass spectrometry with supersonic molecular beams for the provision of fast analysis cycle time together with highly informative mass spectral information for improved sample analysis and identification.

Abstract: Improved microcolumns and methods for producing microcolumns particularly suitable for use in gas chromatographs are disclosed. In particular, following deposition of the stationary phase coating, the microcolumns are subjected to a postcoating treatment with a molecule that binds to the active sites in the stationary phase column thereby eliminating or reducing loss of gas chromatograph performance associated with those active sites. The postcoating treatment molecule binds to the same active sites as the analytes of interest.

Abstract: Chromatography assembly for multi-dimensional chromatography, includes a first separating column (12; 112) for separating a sample into components; a second separating column (13; 114) having different separating characteristics for further separating the components separated in the first separating column (12; 112); a collecting volume (20; 120, 121) for collecting the components from the first separating column (12; 112) before entering the second separating column (14; 114); a switching assembly (22, 24; 122, 124) for switching from a first state (FIG. 1; FIG. 3), where the components leaving the first separating column (12; 112) are collected in the collecting volume (20; 120, 121) to a second state (FIG. 2; FIG. 4) where the components collected in the collecting volume (20; 120, 121) are transferred to the second separating column (14; 114); and a detector (18; 118) for detecting sample components leaving the second separating column (14; 114).

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a microfabricated gas chromatograph column having two patterned substrates, each optionally having a stationary phase material coating, bonded together to provide a continuous flow channel. The flow channel can have a serpentine arrangement or a modified serpentine arrangement comprising alternating series of consecutive turns in one direction where each series has enough turns to move carrier gas and analyte molecules from the center of the column cross section to an outer wall of the channel or from one outer wall of the channel to the opposite outer wall. Different portions of the substrates can be coated with differing thicknesses of stationary phase material and/or with different stationary phase materials. The column can have a circular cross-section or a semi-circular cross-section where the flat portion of the cross-section has grooves. Also disclosed is the related method of making the microfabricated gas chromatograph column.

Abstract: Improved micro-columns and methods for producing micro-columns particularly suitable for use in gas chromatographs are disclosed. In particular, following deposition of the stationary phase coating, the micro-columns are subjected to a postcoating treatment with a molecule that binds to the active sites in the stationary phase micro-column thereby eliminating or reducing loss of gas chromatograph performance associated with those active sites. The postcoating treatment molecule binds to the same active sites as the analytes of interest.

Abstract: A multicapillary bundle for use in a gas chromatograph. Each of the capillaries in the bundle is formed using a coating solution containing a stationary phase and a solvent. The capillaries are coated with the stationary phase by reducing pressure at a vacuum end of the capillary and creating a moving interface between the coating solution and a film of the stationary phase deposited on each of the capillaries. The reducing pressure at the vacuum end of the capillary and the temperature of the capillary are controlled to maintain motion of the moving interface away from the vacuum end of the capillary. Maintained movement of the interface prevents recoating of the stationary phase. A heating wire and capillaries are embedded in a thermally conductive polymer to create a highly responsive method of heating the multicapillary column. An electronic control device controls the feedback temperature of the multicapillary column using the heating wire.

Abstract: A portable multi-dimensional gas chromatograph, the gas chromatograph including a carrier gas container, a regulator fluidly connected to the carrier gas container, a dopant chamber containing a reference chemical, at least one pre-concentrator which is fluidly connected to the regulator and the dopant chamber, a first separation column fluidly connected to the at least one pre-concentrator, a second separation column fluidly connected to the at least one pre-concentrator, a first detector fluidly connected to the first separation column, and a second detector fluidly connected to the second separation column.

Abstract: A gas adsorbing column filled with a filler composed of an adsorbent supported on a substrate having an average particle size or cross-sectional average diameter of 500 ?m to 1000 ?m, wherein the void volume of the column is 5 to 100 ?l.

Abstract: This invention is related to a gas chromatograph wherein more substitutable modules are foreseen, in particular injector modules and/or detector modules, as well as one embodiment in an oven module. Each module is insertable in a seat of the gas chromatograph mainframe with fast connections of its electronic and pneumatic means to corresponding outlets on said mainframe. Each module has its own heating element.

Abstract: Gas chromatography apparatuses are provided that can include a housing configured to substantially envelop the column within the compartment. Analytical instruments are provided that can include at least one chromatography column compartment having a volume of the less than 100 mL. Analytical methods are provided that can include increasing the temperature of a chromatography column at a rate of about 60° C./minute using less than about 40 W. Methods are also provided that include providing at least one gas chromatography column compartment configured to substantially envelop a gas chromatography column and performing analysis with the one compartment in the first operable position and/or transitioning portions to the second operable position to allow access to the one compartment.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide columns for use in gas chromatography and methods of making and using such columns. The present invention provides a folded passage column: a fluid passage formed by joining a first channel in a first surface through a slot to a second channel in a second surface. In some embodiments, a folded passage column repeats that building block, joining a plurality of channels in a first surface with a plurality of channels in a second surface such that the channels link to form a continuous passage.

Abstract: A micro-gas chromatograph column is formed by texturing a channel into a plurality of green-sheet layers, which are then sintered together to form a substantially monolithic structure. A thick-film paste may be added to the channel textured in the green-sheet layers to provide a porous plug sintered in the micro-gas chromatograph column in the substantially monolithic. A thermal conductivity detector is formed in the substantially monolithic structure by depositing a conductive thick-film paste on the surface of one of the green-sheet layers to define a resistor in an exit channel of the micro-gas chromatograph column.

Abstract: The invention relates to a miniaturized gas chromatograph and injector for the same. Said micro-GC is compact and simple and economical to construct. Dead volumes are largely avoided in order to achieve reliable and reproducible measured results. Said miniaturized gas chromatograph comprises at least one injector, one separation column and a detector which are combined on a circuit board to give a gas chromatography module. The injector comprises a first sheet with channels, which is provided with a second sheet with channels and which may be displaced relative to the latter, whereby at least one of the sheets is provided with a layer of plastic, in particular a chemically inert plastic on the side of the sheet facing the other side.

Abstract: A compliant column sheath assembly for use in a gas chromatograph is provided which includes an open tubular column in the form of a helical coil having a coiled length of between about 5 and 15 cm. The sheath assembly further includes an insulating sheath which surrounds the open tubular column and a frame. When incorporated in a gas chromatograph, the compliant column sheath assembly allows samples to be analyzed in about 2 to 10 seconds.

Abstract: A method for determining the available treatment dosage of stabilized chlorine dioxide in the prevention and the treatment of plaque accumulation, volatile sulfur compound production, gingivitis and periodontitis, and for differentiating the treatment dosage from other chlorine-containing compounds that may not have such beneficial effects is disclosed. When in solution as stabilized chlorine dioxide, the presence of other ions such as chlorate and chloride may not only obscure results as to the concentration of stabilized ClO2, but also reduce the predicted effectiveness. The present invention uses validated analytical methods to predict the effectiveness of stabilized ClO2 by more precisely measuring its concentration in solution. Such measurement renders precision at a level required of food-grade and pharmacy-grade chemotherapeutic agents in the oral cavity. Preferred concentrations are within the range of about 0.005 to about 2% (w/v) stabilized chlorine dioxide.

Abstract: A miniaturized gas analyzer formed onto a micro-chip and a method of separating components from a composite gas using the miniaturized gas analyzer are disclosed. The gas analyzer includes an injector block and two column blocks arranged in series along an analytical path. The injector block receives the composite gas and a carrier gas to create a gas sample. The gas sample is then injected into the column blocks to separate the components of the composite gas. Further, a valve used within the miniaturized gas analyzer is disclosed, in which the valve is formed onto the micro-chip and includes a flexible membrane and a rigid substrate.

Abstract: A gas chromatographic device comprises an inlet system and a chromatography column. The inlet system includes a liner having pressure reducing means contained therein for reducing pressure between an inlet of the pressure reducing means and an outlet of the pressure reducing means. When the devise is in use, the chromatography column is positioned in the liner of the inlet system downstream from the pressure reducing means, and the chromatography column is under vacuum at its outlet.

Abstract: The invention concerns a separation column in microsystem technology for a gas chromatograph comprising a first substrate, a second substrate which is arranged on the first substrate, wherein a trench structure is provided in at least one substrate and the trench structure is sealed off relative to the environment, a stationary phase applied at least to parts of the trench structure, a gas inlet connected to the trench structure, and a gas outlet connected to the trench structure.

Abstract: There is provided a gas component detection device including: a gas introduction unit for introducing a specimen gas; a gas separation unit connected to the gas introduction unit; a flow path switching unit connected to the gas separation unit and having a plurality of connection flow paths for switching a flow path that is connected to the gas separation unit to any one of the plurality of connection flow paths; and a gas detection unit provided in at least one of the plurality of connection flow paths. The gas separation unit is preferably formed of a chromatography column having therein a flow path having a width and depth of micro order.

Abstract: A gas sample introduction device for introducing sample gas to a gas analyzer includes a measuring tube, a sample gas supply flow path for introducing the sample gas to the measuring tube, a carrier gas supply flow path for introducing carrier gas to the measuring tube, an exhaust flow path for discharging the gas passing through the measuring tube to outside, and a collecting tube for absorbing a component in the sample gas. A first flow path switching device switches between a first state in which the measuring tube is inserted between the sample gas supply flow path and the exhaust flow path, and a second state in which the measuring tube is inserted between the carrier gas supply flow path and the gas analyzer. A second flow path switching device switches between a collecting-tube inserted state and a collecting-tube short-circuited state in which the collecting tube is not inserted.

Abstract: The present invention is an improvement to two-dimensional comprehensive gas chromatography. The improvement is a one valve switching modulator connecting the two separation columns. The valve includes either a two position eight-port valve or a two position twelve-port valve, and two transfer lines.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for low cost high resolution chemical detection. The apparatus includes two outer sealing bodies with flow channels etched into the bodies. Two gas chromatography (GC) columns are between the outer bodies, with a valve that switches flow regimes from series flow through the two GC columns to sample flowing directly to each GC column. The flow regimes are achieved with a single pump or dual pumps, and with one to three flow restrictions. The apparatus includes a preconcentration tube for concentrating chemicals of interest from the sample, and a sample switching valve and sampling pump to switch the sample flow from concentrating sample to delivering concentrated sample. The apparatus includes an engineered leak to equalize flow between a sample channel and a detector circuit. The sample channels may have impermeable inserts allowing the apparatus to measure chemicals in the parts-per-billion range.

Abstract: A connector for fastening a gas chromatography capillary column to chromatography equipment includes a securing nut and ferrule on a first portion of the connector for releasably holding the capillary column in a position relative to a second portion of the connector. The first portion rotates relative to the first portion and translates a limited amount relative to the first portion. A pin on the first portion extending into an annular groove around a circumference of the first portion may allow this rotation and limited translation. The second portion has a threaded end adapted to screw into the chromatography equipment with the first portion remaining relatively rotation free as the second portion is screwed into place.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing chromatography separations or analyses are disclosed. The methods are based upon an equilibrium gradient focusing mode in contrast to conventional transient migration-based modes. By matching the migration speed of one or more analyte(s) of interest to the wave speed of a thermal gradient induced to travel along a region in which chromatographic partitioning occurs, significant improvements in detection limits are achieved. In particular, a temperature gradient focusing strategy is described in which analyte(s) of interest are circulated around a continuous chromatography system in order to focus the analyte(s). Also described are various devices and systems that can be used in the methods described herein.

Abstract: An HPLC column holding apparatus used to mount an HPLC column in one of a plurality of positions is disclosed herein. The apparatus comprises a clip-device interface that secures the apparatus to a platform and a clip-column interface that secures the HPLC column to the apparatus.

Abstract: An analytical column includes a coating that absorbs at least one of ultraviolet (UV) and visible (VIS) radiant energy and converts the radiant energy into heat.

Abstract: A unit for separating an exhaust gas containing PFC gases including CF4 and C2F6 generated in a production process, wherein the exhaust gas is concentrated in a concentration device, and then separated chromatographically in a chromatographic separation device using nitrogen as a carrier gas. The chromatographic separation device is packed with molecular sieve 13X or F-9 or the like. The unit is capable of effectively separating CF4 and C2F6.

Abstract: A separation column assembly for a gas chromatograph and the like is provided. The assembly is a self contained unit which allows very rapid heating and cooling of the column.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gas chromatograph for the analysis of gas samples. It has a feed arrangement for feeding the sample, an open tubular capillary column for separating the components of the sample, temperature control means for controlling the temperature of the column, and a detector for detecting the separated components of the sample. The efficiency has been improved and a convenient hand-held version has been made possible by constructing the column of a bundle of open tubular capillaries having a gas permeable wall comprising a polymer membrane. The invention also relates to the use of such a column together with a detector for identifying gaseous samples.

Abstract: The gas chromatography (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. The column assembly can be adapted for chromatographic use by affixing it to the surface of a thermal modulator described herein by means of adhesive force or by mechanical compression, and then by attaching the free ends of the exposed column material to the input and output ports of the chromatographic device.

Abstract: A method and system for rapid determination of a composition, such as crude oils and fractions thereof, and s obtaining the information necessary to assess the yield of commercially valuable fuel and lube oil fractions in a single process, variations of the method and system use Gas Chromatography—FID/Mass Spectrometry and other features, including an auto sampler, a wall coated capillary column, a temperature programmable injector, and a data processing system for compiling and processing the experimental data. The system and method further include a computer system with application software or other processing mechanism and optionally a communication network. One variation provides a graphical user interface for the entry of data and for displaying information, such as in a graphical manner, to show the relationship of various determined outputs and results.

Abstract: A gas detector designed for use with a gas chromatography system, or alone, comprising a tubular inner electrode, a tubular outer electrode coaxial with the inner electrode, and a dielectric tube axially between the inner electrode and the outer electrode. The dielectric tube serves as a dielectric barrier between the inner electrode and the outer electrode. There is a longitudinal gap between the left end of the outer electrode and the right end of the inner electrode, and a sufficient voltage is applied across the gap between the electrodes to create an electrical discharge which emits light from a gas passing through the gap. The light is then detected and analyzed to determine the chemical constituents of the gas passing through the gap.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for analyzing a lubricating oil for low temperature properties. The method utilizes 2-dimensional gas chromatography (2D GC) to determine the amounts of paraffins and isoparaffins in the oil. In particular, the method analyzes for a particular isoparaffin fraction which is correlated to low temperature performance. The compositional information thus obtained is correlated with formulated oil Mini Rotary Viscometer (MRV) properties.

Abstract: The first subject of this invention is a column packing material comprising: a silica gel having a silanol group; a first chemical modification group which is bound to said silanol group; a silicone polymer for coating the surface of said silica gel; and, a trimethylsilyl group which is bound to the silanol group on said silicone polymer and/or the silanol group on said silica gel.

Abstract: Onium salt chemistry can be used to deposit very uniform thickness stationary phases on the wall of a gas chromatography column. In particular, the stationary phase can be bonded to non-silicon based columns, especially microfabricated metal columns. Non-silicon microfabricated columns may be manufactured and processed at a fraction of the cost of silicon-based columns. In addition, the method can be used to phase-coat conventional capillary columns or silicon-based microfabricated columns.

Abstract: Chromatography column assembly of the direct heating type, comprising at least a capillary column, at least a tubular structure which envelops the capillary column and is coaxial with it, means to directly heat the column, means to detect the temperature of the column and one or more electrically insulating covering elements, wherein the tubular structure comprises a plurality of tubular meshes each formed of a plurality of filaments woven together (FIG. 3).

Abstract: An analytical column includes a coating that absorbs at least one of ultraviolet (UV) and visible (VIS) radiant energy and converts the radiant energy into heat.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for performing GC separations using a separation protocol including at least one negative temperature ramp, where the negative temperature ramp is controlled either by the introduction of a gaseous coolant at a controlled and adjustable rate or by the introduction of the coolant along with the application of microwave radiation to a column capable of absorbing microwave radiation, where the rate of coolant introduction or the rate of coolant introduction and radiation introduction is sufficient to achieve a desired rate of cooling.

Abstract: A non-planar microfabricated gas chromatography column comprises a planar substrate having a plurality of through holes, a top lid and a bottom lid bonded to opposite surfaces of the planar substrate, and inlet and outlet ports for injection of a sample gas and elution of separated analytes. A plurality of such planar substrates can be aligned and stacked to provide a longer column length having a small footprint. Furthermore, two or more separate channels can enable multi-channel or multi-dimensional gas chromatography. The through holes preferably have a circular cross section and can be coated with a stationary phase material or packed with a porous packing material. Importantly, uniform stationary phase coatings can be obtained and band broadening can be minimized with the circular channels. A heating or cooling element can be disposed on at least one of the lids to enable temperature programming of the column.

Abstract: An Apparatus and method for two-stage chromatographic separation uses thermal modulation. The chromatographic column or modulation tube (1) has a loop structure such that two portions of modulation tube (1) can be thermally modulated simultaneously by at least one thermal modulation device, which device can have a cold gas source, jet tube (2), and a hot gas source, hot jet tube (5), to modulate the temperature of the portions (3, 4) of modulation tube (1).

Abstract: A high-sensitivity, separation microcolumn assembly for a microgas chromatograph and the like is provided. The assembly has an ultra-low mass complete with integrated heaters. The assembly uses multiple zones for temperature control, and microstructures that permit very rapid heating and cooling of the microcolumn.

Abstract: A high-performance separation microcolumn assembly and method for making such an assembly are provided. The assembly includes high-performance Si-glass &mgr;GC separation columns having integrated heaters and temperatures sensors for temperature programming and integrated pressure sensors for flow control. These columns, integrated on a die, are fabricated using a silicon-on-glass dissolved-wafer-process. The TCR of the temperature sensors and the sensitivity of the pressure sensors satisfy the requirements needed to achieve reproducible separations in a &mgr;GC system. Using these columns, highly-resolved multiple-component separations were obtained with analysis times a factor of two faster than isothermal responses.

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for measuring mercury present in a hydrocarbon, wherein a gas (G) such as an air containing no mercury is allowed to flow through a column filled with an adsorbent material effective to adsorb mercury, and a hydrocarbon sample to be measured is injected into the column to allow the mercury contained therein to be adsorbed by the adsorbent material while removing a volatile component other than mercury therefrom, and measuring the amount of mercury using mercury measuring instrument.

Abstract: This invention relates to a modulator for use in gas chromatographic analysis, adapted for alternatively trapping and releasing fractions of solutes in a length of a capillary column within a chromatographic oven, characterized in that it comprises at least one nozzle placed to spray at least one jet in at least one corresponding place along said capillary column length, said nozzle(s) being connected each to a source of liquid C02 via a related valve, and means for alternatively opening said valve(s) for a predetermined time, to cause a jet of liquid C02 to impinge for said predetermined time on said column place and to leave the oven atmosphere to heat said column place after said predetermined time. The modulator can be used in a conventional GC system or in a two dimensional GC system, for modulating the analytes fed to the second capillary column.