Abstract: Automated sampling and reaction systems and methods of using the same are provided. The automated sampling and reaction system has a microreactor in fluidic communication with an external sampling valve. The external sampling valve is connected to a priming valve and can be configured to draw sample from a reactor or a reactor stream. The microreactor is connected to a reagent valve and an injection valve. The reagent valve can be configured to draw reagent from a reagent reservoir and discharge reagent to the microreactor to react with sample. The priming valve can be configured to draw wash from a wash reservoir and discharge wash to the external sampling valve to move sample from the external sampling valve to the microreactor. The injection valve is in fluidic communication with a column or detector and discharges the secondary sample into a solvent composition stream.

Abstract: A system can include a valve assembly including a first valve and a second valve in fluid communication with the first valve. The valve assembly can be configured to deliver one or more of a sample, a chemical (e.g., an acid, a base, an organic chemical, etc.), and a standard via flow of a working fluid facilitated by one or more syringe pumps. Further, the one or more of the sample, the chemical, and the standard can maintain a physical separation from the one or more syringe pumps during delivery of the one or more of the sample, the chemical, and the standard.

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: A room temperature trap for the purification and concentration of gaseous methane. The trap utilizes the adsorption and desorption properties of microporous spherical carbon molecular sieves to purify and concentrate radiolabelled methane for application in an automated synthesis module without the need for cryogenic cooling.

Abstract: The pressure of a carrier gas entering a gas chromatography (GC) column is controlled by increasing or decreasing the gas pressure over a pressure change cycle by which a desired gas pressure is obtained while avoiding pressure pulses in the column. The pressure change cycle may follow a function that dictates the rate of pressure change. A gas flow controller that controls the gas pressure at the inlet or head of the column may be operated to implement the pressure change cycle. The gas flow controller may be controlled by an electronic controller.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and to a method for determining the proportion of fuel in a combustion engine lubricating oil. The device according to the invention comprises a column (12) with at least 22000 theoretical plates and a steady state phase capable of separating the fuel, the oil, the internal standard contained in the oil and the solvent, in which the oil and the internal standard are diluted, and a heating module (120) capable of causing an increase in the temperature of the column (12) at a rate of at least 350° C./min. In the method according to the invention, the column (12) is subjected to determined cycles during which the pressure of the carrier gas and the temperature are varied.

Abstract: A gas chromatography system comprising a sample introduction device, an oven coupled to the sample introduction device and a detector coupled to the oven is disclosed. In certain examples, the oven may be configured to receive a chromatography column in a space in the oven. In some examples, the oven may be constructed and arranged to provide a substantially constant temperature to the space during an analysis stage of the gas chromatography system.

Abstract: A thermal modulation device for a gas chromatography (GC) system a cold zone, a first hot zone and a second hot zone, which are located outside of a GC oven of the GC system, and a flexible capillary column. The cold zone includes a thermoelectric cooler assembly. The first hot zone is adjacent a first side of the cold zone, and has a corresponding first heat source. The second hot zone is adjacent a second side of the cold zone, and has a corresponding second heat source. The flexible capillary column includes a first segment, configured to move between the first hot zone and the cold zone in accordance with a modulation frequency, and a second segment, configured to move between the cold zone and the second hot zone in accordance with the modulation frequency.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for multidimensional gas chromatography for separating the analytes of a complex sample. The method comprises the steps of introducing the sample onto a first column whereby the sample is separated into at least two segments, introducing at least one segment into a heartcut device whereby the segments are selectively separated into at least two heartcut fractions, introducing at least one of the fractions onto a second column whereby at least one fraction is further separated into at least two analytes, introducing at least one analyte from the second column to a gas chromatography connector, introducing the analyte from the connector to a third column, and introducing the analyte from the third column into a detector whereby the analyte is analyzed and identified.

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: A portable gas chromatography system and method of use. The portable gas chromatograph may be used to accurately and rapidly detect low-level concentrations of chemicals, such as fixed gases, volatilized liquid samples, or toxic chemicals and transmit to a user data relating to the presence and identity of such. The portable gas chromatograph uses an onboard vacuum source to pull samples into and through the system and thus does not require the use of a carrier gas. Further, the system comprises a solenoid valve for capturing the sample and may include a short porous layer open tubular separation column, and a thermal conductivity detector. Overall size and weight of the system is small enough for a user to carry. The method of operation of the gas chromatograph includes taking rapid successive samples and analyzing the data outputs using Fourier transform techniques. Such analysis allows real-time data updates and rapid detection of hazardous environmental agents.

Abstract: Systems and methods for cooling a chromatographic column is disclosed generally, comprising heating a chromatographic column, supplying fluid into the column via the inlet end of the column at an inlet pressure, decreasing the temperature of the column, thereby causing the fluid in the column to contract, and controlling the fluid in the column such that the rate at which the fluid in the column contracts does not exceed the flow rate of the fluid supplied to the column. In certain embodiments, the rate of change of the volume of the fluid in the column as the column temperature decreases is modeled, and the rate of contraction of the gas in the column is estimated therefrom. In some embodiments, the column temperature and/or inlet pressure are controlled by a programmable chromatographic oven.

Abstract: A microtrap assembly includes a carbon nanotube sorbent. The microtrap assembly may be employed as a preconcentrator operable to deliver a sample to an analytical device to measure the concentrations of greenhouse gases. A system includes a microtrap having a carbon nanotube sorbent for measuring the concentrations of greenhouse gases in a sample.

Abstract: A room temperature trap for the purification and concentration of gaseous methane. The trap utilizes the adsorption and desorption properties of microporous spherical carbon molecular sieves to purify and concentrate radiolabelled methane for application in an automated synthesis module without the need for cryogenic cooling.

Abstract: The present invention provides a chromatographic method for eliminating interference from interfering agents, coming from the gas sample itself or from the system material used to perform the impurities measurements, on impurities to be quantified in a gas sample. The method advantageously relies on the use of an additional valve and an additional sample loop particularly arranged in a G. C. system, and also on an additional supporting gas inlet operatively connected to the system through the additional sample loop for providing the system with a supporting gas comprising at least a predetermined portion of a predetermined active gas that will react with the unwanted interfering impurities, if any, or with the column material to cancel out unwanted active sites. Thus, the method of the present invention can advantageously be used in gas chromatographic systems to improve sensitivity thereof by acting on column separation material.

Abstract: In order to provide a new PSA method which can concentrate simultaneously a strong adsorbate such as xenon and a weak adsorbate such as nitrogen in a high concentration with a high recovery percentage when highly valuable gas such as xenon and krypton contained in the exhaust gas from a semiconductor manufacturing equipment, etc.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for multidimensional gas chromatography for separating the analytes of a complex sample. The method comprises the steps of introducing the sample onto a first column whereby the sample is separated into at least two segments, introducing at least one segment into a heartcut device whereby the segments are selectively separated into at least two heartcut fractions, introducing at least one of the fractions onto a second column whereby at least one fraction is further separated into at least two analytes, introducing at least one analyte from the second column to a gas chromatography connector, introducing the analyte from the connector to a third column, and introducing the analyte from the third column into a detector whereby the analyte is analyzed and identified.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC), including a valve having first and second positions (P1, and P2), and first through fourth sample flow paths (FP1-FP4). In P1, a first gas sample is collected from a first dimension GC column via FP1, a first pressure source and a first, second dimension GC column are connected via FP2, a second pressure source and a second, second dimension GC column are connected via FP3, and FP4 is disconnected. In P2, the first sample in FP1 is introduced to the second, second dimension GC column via FP1, with aid of the second pressure source, a second gas sample is collected from the first dimension GC column via FP2, the first pressure source and the first, second dimension GC column via FP4 are connected, and FP3 is disconnected.

Abstract: A flammable gas concentration device comprises an adsorption tower filled by an adsorbent for adsorbing a flammable gas; feeding means for feeding a raw gas containing air and a flammable gas to the adsorption tower via a feeding path and discharging an exhaust gas in the raw gas which has not been adsorbed to the adsorbent to an outside of the adsorption tower via a discharge path; collection means for reducing a pressure in the adsorption tower lower than an atmospheric pressure, and desorbing the flammable gas adsorbed by the adsorbent and collecting the flammable gas through a collection path; and control means for sequentially executing a flammable gas adsorption step of feeding the raw gas to the adsorption tower and discharging the exhaust gas from the adsorption tower by the feeding mean, and a flammable gas desorption step of collecting the flammable gas desorbed by the collection means.

Abstract: A room temperature trap for the purification and concentration of gaseous methane. The trap utilizes the adsorption and desorption properties of microporous spherical carbon molecular sieves to purify and concentrate radiolabelled methane for application in an automated synthesis module without the need for cryogenic cooling.

Abstract: An oxygen separator for separating oxygen from ambient air utilizing a vacuum swing adsorption process has a mass of less than 2.3 kg. A carrier is mountable on a person to support the oxygen separator for ambulatory use.

Abstract: This invention is a method and device for use with multi-dimensional chromatography that utilizes partial modulation. An analyte-bearing sample is subjected to a first dimension of chromatography. Thereafter the separated analyte-bearing sample is diluted with a modulated second carrier such at the analyte-bearing sample is not stopped or its temperature altered. The partially modulated analyte-bearing sample then feeds into a secondary column where the analyte-bearing sample is further separated.

Abstract: In order to provide a new PSA method which can concentrate simultaneously a strong adsorbate such as xenon and a weak adsorbate such as nitrogen in a high concentration with a high recovery percentage when highly valuable gas such as xenon and krypton contained in the exhaust gas from a semiconductor manufacturing equipment, etc.

Abstract: This invention is a method and device for use with multi-dimensional chromatography that utilizes partial modulation with multiple secondary retention times. An analyte-bearing sample is subjected to a first dimension of chromatography. Thereafter the separated analyte-bearing sample is diluted with a modulated second carrier such at the analyte-bearing sample is not stopped or its temperature altered. The secondary retention time period at which the modulator cycles is variable among multiple secondary retention time periods to prevent loss of resolution with less complex and/or low boiling point compounds and to prevent loss of data with more complex and/or higher boiling point compounds. The partially modulated analyte-bearing sample then feeds into a secondary column where the analyte-bearing sample is further separated.

Abstract: Methods and system for sub-ambient pressure control for column head pressure in gas chromatography (GC) systems. The GC system includes an inlet and a capillary column connected to the inlet. The inlet includes a valve that regulates an inlet pressure and pressure sensor that measures the inlet pressure and outputs a signal that indicates a measured inlet pressure. The GC system also includes an inlet-pressure set-point that can be set to a negative pressure set-point representing a pressure below ambient pressure, the negative pressure set-point driving the valve to change the inlet pressure until the measured inlet pressure equals the negative pressure set-point.

Abstract: An oxygen separator for separating oxygen from ambient air utilizing a vacuum swing adsorption process has a mass of less than 2.3 kg. A carrier is mountable on a person to support the oxygen separator for ambulatory use.

Abstract: This invention is a method and device for use with multi-dimensional chromatography that utilizes partial modulation. An analyte-bearing sample is subjected to a first dimension of chromatography. Thereafter the separated analyte-bearing sample is diluted with a modulated second carrier such at the analyte-bearing sample is not stopped or its temperature altered. The partially modulated analyte-bearing sample then feeds into a secondary column where the analyte-bearing sample is further separated.

Abstract: This invention relates to a modulator for use in gas chromatographic analysis, adopted 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 CO2 via a related valve, and means for alternatively opening said valve(s) for a predetermined time, to cause a jet of liquid CO2 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.

Abstract: A gas chromatography system having a computer-controlled venting valve system that delivers pressurized pulses to a column junction point of two series-coupled columns having different stationary-phase chemistries and a method of using the same. Each pressurized pulse causes a differential change in the carrier gas velocities in the two columns, which lasts for the duration of the pressurized pulse. Whereby, the pressurized pulse selectively increases the separation of a component pair that exhibits separation at the exit of the first column, but otherwise co-elutes from the column ensemble.

Abstract: A gas chromatography system having a computer-controlled pressure controller that delivers pressurized pulses to a column junction point of two series-coupled columns having different stationary-phase chemistries and a method of using the same. Each pressurized pulse causes a differential change in the carrier gas velocities in the two columns, which lasts for the duration of the pressurized pulse. Whereby, the pressurized pulse selectively increases the separation of a component pair that exhibits separation at the exit of the first column, but otherwise co-elutes from the column ensemble.

Abstract: A gas chromatography system having a computer-controlled venting valve system that delivers pressurized pulses to a column junction point of two series-coupled columns having different stationary-phase chemistries and a method of using the same. Each pressurized pulse causes a differential change in the carrier gas velocities in the two columns, which lasts for the duration of the pressurized pulse. Whereby, the pressurized pulse selectively increases the separation of a component pair that exhibits separation at the exit of the first column, but otherwise co-elutes from the column ensemble.

Abstract: A system for concentrating a volatile organic compound (VOC) sample uses in one embodiment a bypass line and a valve coupled thereto to regulate an amount of carrier gas flowing through a carrier gas line. A flow splitter fluidly couples the bypass line to the carrier gas line, and connects to the output of a cryofocuser. The valve opens at the onset of transferring the VOC sample from a concentrator trap such as a sorbent trap to the cryofocuser, thereby resulting in an increased amount of carrier gas flow between the concentrator trap and the cryofocuser for more efficient desorbing of the concentrator trap. The valve is closed when the focused VOC sample is flushed out of the cryofocuser for delivery to a gas chromatograph, preferably delivering the entire VOC sample to the GC.

Abstract: The basic structure of a PTV (programmed temperature vaporizer) injector has been considerably modified so that is can be used for the direct coupling of liquid chromatography in normal phase or reverse phase, and gas chromatography and also for the introduction of high volumes in gas chromatography. The glass tube of the injector is filled with an adsorbent. By means of a system of valves and tubes or capillary tubes, the previously selected fraction of liquid chromatography is transferred to the injector, said fraction coming in through the same extremity for introducing the gas chromatography column. The eluent is entrained by a gas stream through the adsorbent, wherein are retained the solutes, and the solvent is removed through a tube or capillary tube introduced in the injector through the opposite extremity. Thereafter, the solutes are desorbed thermally passing to the chromatography column.

Abstract: Method and devices for performing chromatographic pattern analysis determine chromatographic variability due to a plurality of sources without requiring identification or characterization of peaks or other chromatographic features, receives data indicative of a standard chromatogram and a first sample chromatogram generated from a first mixture by a High Pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) device and data indicative of a plurality of additional sample chromatograms generated by the HPLC device from a plurality of different mixtures. The method and devices generate from the standard chromatogram, a plurality of sets of chromatographic variability data, each set being indicative of a different effect of the chromatographic variability of the HPLC. The standard chromatogram is modified as a function of the variability data, and a residual value, indicative of a difference between the modified standard chromatograms and the first sample chromatogram is generated.

Abstract: A flow of a carrier gas through a column is provided. A sample is provided in the column, and a temperature of a longitudinally short portion of the column is raised to a predetermined controlled high temperature at which volatile substances are released from the sample packing and are carried by the carrier gas. The column is cooled on each side of the short portion to a low temperature at which the volatile substances condense or adsorb on the column packing. By continuously moving the heated short portion from an inlet end to an outlet end of the packing in a direction of carrier gas flow the volatile substances selected by the controlled high temperature are released. Four particularly useful and advantageous applications can be identified for the invention. Firstly, it provides an improved gas chromatograph (GC) injector. Secondly, it provides an improved thermal separator or extractor.

Abstract: A method for identifying components within a known type of sample through pattern recognition between an array of recognition coefficients generated from the attributes and stable relationships of a plurality of peaks within a chromatogram of a sample to be analyzed and a similar array of recognition coefficients generated from the attributes and stable relationships of a plurality of peaks from a set of one or more historical chromatograms of the known type of sample. The group of attributes include, but are not limited to: retention time, peak shape including symmetry, width and duration, peak size including area and height, and algorithmic measures of peak type.

Abstract: A sample concentration device is provided in which a gaseous sample is concentrated by cooling a portion of a gas transfer line through which the sample is introduced into a detecting apparatus, such as a gas chromatograph or the like. The device is characterized by a cooling device for cooling a portion of the gas transfer line, which is housed in a constant temperature chamber, by spraying a coolant from a nozzle facing the portion of the gas transfer line, and by a gas flow device for creating a substantially dry gas flow through the nozzle to prevent the nozzle from becoming plugged with ice formed by freezing of moisture in the air inside the constant temperature chamber when the coolant spray is stopped. An outer jacket surrounding a portion of the gas transfer line which is subjected to cooling is also disclosed.

Abstract: A flow of a carrier gas through a column is provided. A sample is provided in the column, and a temperature of a longitudinally short portion of the column is raised to a predetermined controlled high temperature at which volatile substances are released from the sample packing and are carried by the carrier gas. The column is cooled on each side of the short portion to a low temperature at which the volatile substances condense or adsorb on the column packing. By continuously moving the heated short portion from an inlet end to an outlet end of the packing in a direction of carrier gas flow the volatile substances selected by the controlled high temperature are released. Four particularly useful and advantageous applications can be identified for the invention. Firstly, it provides an improved gas chromatograph (GC) injector. Secondly, it provides an improved thermal separator or extractor.

Abstract: A chromatograph is provided for accurately identifying components of a sample even with the use of a moving average method for noise reduction. A eluding solution is supplied to a column by a pump. In a sample injector, the sample injected into the column is separated into components by the column, and converted to an electric signal by a detector. A detected output signal is subjected to data processing in a data processor. The output signal is sampled at regular intervals and subjected to moving average processing in the detector. A sample injection signal from the sample injector is sent to the detector which generates a data processing start signal that is delayed by a time equal to a delay resulting from the moving average processing for the signal. The data processing start signal is sent to the data processor which starts the data processing in response to this signal.

Abstract: A chromatograph includes an inlet for receiving a sample and a pressurized carrier fluid flow and in response providing a sample/fluid mixture; a separation column located in a temperature-controlled zone for receiving the sample/fluid mixture and for providing a column effluent stream; a detector for receiving the effluent stream and for providing a detector output stream; and a gas recycling system for receiving the detector output stream, and optionally a split flow and a septum purge line flow, and for providing therefrom a recycled carrier gas stream suitable for reuse as the pressurized carrier fluid flow.

Abstract: A precolumn separator provides a method of separating a solvent from a sample for use in a gas chromatograph. The precolumn has an independent carrier gas control mechanism which allows the carrier gas to be passed through the preseparation column at a rate favorable for stripping the solvent from the sample. The solvent-laden carrier gas is then purged through a purge vent which is separate from the gas chromatograph. After a period of time which effectively permits the carrier gas to be significantly removed from the sample, the flow rate of the carrier gas is reduced to the normal operating gas flow rate and the purge vent is closed. The sample is then passed through the column to the gas chromatographic column. A second purge vent can then be directed to the purge vent inlet in the gas chromatograph. Preferably, the preseparation column is a packed column which includes a separate heating element. The heating element, in turn, can be surrounded by an air cooled jacket.

Abstract: A flow of a carrier gas through a column is provided. A sample is provided in the column, and a temperature of a longitudinally short portion of the column is raised to a predetermined controlled high temperature at which volatile substances are released from the sample packing and are carried by the carrier gas. The column is cooled on each side of the short portion to a low temperature at which the volatile substances condense or adsorb on the column packing. By continuously moving the heated short portion from an inlet end to an outlet end of the packing in a direction of carrier gas flow the volatile substances selected by the controlled high temperature are released. Four particularly useful and advantageous applications can be identified for the invention. Firstly, it provides an improved gas chromatograph (GC) injector. Secondly, it provides an improved thermal separator or extractor.

Abstract: A temperature control system (10) is provided for controlling temperature parameters in a gas chromatography column assembly (18). The temperature control system (10) includes an extended length capillary gas chromatography column member (12) which contains chemical samples to be analyzed. A heating wire (14) to heat the capillary gas chromatography column member (18) is mounted adjacent to column member (12) and extends throughout a length of the column member (12) extension. A dielectric temperature sensing mechanism for measuring the temperature of the capillary gas chromatography column member (12) is mounted adjacent the column member (12) and provides for minimizing any possibility of electrical shorting within temperature control system (10).

Abstract: In a gas chromatographic system that includes a column and an injector with a chamber, a carrier gas normally flows into the chamber at a constant rate, and a constant primary pressure is maintained at the column inlet. A sampling receptacle selectively communicates a sample vessel with a source of transfer gas or the chamber. The vessel is pressurized with the transfer gas to a starting pressure greater than the primary pressure. Analyte sample in transfer gas is then tranferred from the vessel to the chamber by the vessel pressure while the vessel pressure remains greater than the primary pressure. Carrier gas flow is discontinued during transfer, so that analyte sample transfers through the chamber into the column by the primary pressure linearly with time. Standby and venting states are provided.

Abstract: A chromatograph system with improved automation is provided. In the chromatograph system of one embodiment, a regression line is set between retention times of predetermined peaks measured at each run in the past for a standard sample having known components. Referring to this regression line, the peak identifying condition, i.e., time window, is corrected. In another embodiment, there is provided a chromatograph apparatus having a function of estimating a limited life time of a system component. The analyzed results of the chromatograph system can thus be improved.

Abstract: The invention relates to a thermal desorption device for a gas chromatograph, having a thermostatically controlled oven (1) provided with a carrier gas connection and having an evaporator tube. In this case, the evaporator tube is an interchangeable sample holder tube (5) which can be held by a holding chamber (2) in the oven (1), which sample holder tube can be fitted into a holder piece (6) with one end externally sealed by a seal (8), the holder piece (6) having two seals (9) arranged separated in the region of its casing and being capable of being fitted into a correspondingly designed holder (10), the carrier gas connection (14) opening in the region (12) of an annular gap (13) between the holder (10) and the holder piece (6) between the two seals (9) located on the casing, which annular gap (13) is, for its part, connected to an annular gap (15) surrounding the inserted end of the sample holder tube (5), a trap (18) being connected downstream.

Abstract: A frequency response of a pneumatic system used to control a gas chromatograph may be determined by applying a loop-closed direct method. The loop-closed direct method can be used to describe a frequency response of a time-invariant, linear system and predicting the system stability for any input signal. The transfer function which describes the frequency response is used by a microprocessor to control the physical parameters of the pneumatic system in terms of pressure and flow.

Abstract: A gas chromatographic system includes a column and an injector for delivering into the column a test portion of flow. The injector has an exit passage for discharging a split portion of carrier flow. A flow controller for regulating the inlet flow rate includes a variable outlet restrictor for the split portion, a flow rate detector disposed to detect inlet flow rate, and a feedback flow controller to regulate the outlet restrictor to maintain the inlet flow rate substantially constant. Pressure at the inlet to the injector is regulated by detecting pressure at an outlet and providing feedback control to an inlet restrictor. An integral module for the gas components is used on each side of the injector. Calibration and correction for gas characteristics are provided in the feedback for a chromatographic system and for other flow controller regulation.

Abstract: A method for analyzing multiple analyte specimens using an analytical column containing a selective adsorbent media. A carrier fluid flows through the column. The method involves introducing a first analyte specimen into the analytical column at an initial temperature. The analytical column is then heated to an intermediate temperature to cause the first analyte specimen to partially travel into the column. The analytical column is then cooled back to the initial temperature, followed by introduction of a second analyte specimen into the analytical column. The analytical column is then heated to a final temperature greater than the intermediate temperature, during which heating analytes from the first and second analyte specimen concurrently and discretely travels through, and sequentially elutes from, the analytical column. The method results in discrete bands of analyte being loaded at spaced intervals within the column, and can be used to load a multiplicity of samples for concurrent analysis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a chromatography analysis method and a system employing the same which are capable of automatically determining an constituents to be detected contained in the unknown sample based on results on measuring a standard sample. The standard sample is first separated to obtain its chromatogram. The system extracts the necessary information from the chromatogram to identify the peaks corresponding to the constituents to be detected to set widths of time windows for the peaks. Then, the time windows thus set are applied to the chromatograms obtained by the separation of the unknown sample to identify the constituents contained in the unknown sample. By employing the present invention, it is unnecessary for an operator to input the retention time of each constituent to the system.