INTERACTIVE GAS
CHROMATOGRAPHY:
APPLICATIONS AND METHOD DEVELOPMENT
This recently released training package, written by an
experienced chromatographer, Geoff Pickerell of
Chromaster, contains a wealth of practical information
about the use of packed and capillary columns, the
principles of integration, and the ‘ways and
means’ of method development, with self-test
questions on each section.
Its
five modules are as follows:
1. GC Requirements
Introduction:
objectives, sources of methods.
Revision of principles:
gas chromatography.
Sample handling: sample
requirements, gases, liquid samples, solid samples,
sample clean up, solvent extraction, soxhlet extraction,
solid phase extraction, sample derivatization, improved
volatility & separation, improved sensitivity.
Instrument Requirements:
capillary columns: pros & cons.
2. GC Separation
Column selection:
stationary phase selection: packed & capillary
columns, column selectivity, comparison of stationary
phases.
Temperature programme facility:
introduction, initial temperature, programme rate,
initial isothermal period, multi ramp program, example of
stationary phase selection.
GC: separation strategy
3. Capillary Operation
Operation of capillary columns:
stationary phase selection, column geometry, initial
conditions, carrier gas & flow rate.
Capillary injection:
split injection, split ratio, injection technique, hot
needle technique, splitless injection, non-vaporizing
injection, on-column injection - with example, programmed
temperature injector, programmed split mode, programmed
splitless mode, solvent purge mode, retention gaps,
connection of retention gaps.
Optimization of separation:
temperature optimization, effect of residual time on
selectivity, selectivity: change of stationary phase,
selectivity: change of linear velocity, change of
temperature programme rate, effect of flow rate &
temperature.
Further capillary concepts:
optimum practical gas velocity, phase ratio.
Operation of packed columns:
introduction, initial GC conditions, optimization: packed
column analysis, temperature adjustment, temperature
programme.
Megabore columns:
installation & operation.
4. Qualitative & Quantitative
Analysis
Principles of integration:
sampling rate, peak width changes, bunch rate, data
collection, peak detection - with demonstration.
Integration of fused peaks:
demonstrations, baseline codes, timed events, effect of
slope sensitivity/threshold.
Method validation:
introduction, selectivity, confirmation of peak identity,
Kovacs index, system suitability tests, inlet
degradation, column degradation, separation number,
method ruggedness, accuracy, precision, linearity,
minimum detectable quantity, minimum quantifiable level.
5. Questions & Answers
There are ten questions on each of the
four modules.
Interactive GC Applications and Method Development is
one of a range of training packages for analytical
chemistry. Also available are Interactive GC, HPLC, AAS,
ICP & MS, each giving a basic and thorough
understanding of, and training in the use of, each
technique. They are suitable for both university students
and laboratory staff, giving sufficient emphasis to both
theory and practise. Network versions are available.
There is now a wealth of research demonstrating the
advantages of computer-based training as compared to
traditional methods: increased understanding and
retention, shorter training time, constant availability,
flexibility of use and considerable cost savings.
Training is no longer dependent upon having access to
instruments, and can be tailored to individual
requirements.
Trainees can watch the animation demonstrating the
working of the instrument; adjust parameters to see their
effect; pursue their own lines of inquiry; and return to
areas of uncertainty. The software has a free flow,
open-ended structure which enables the user to browse
freely through its pages, or to follow the programmed
order. Thus a useful session may last 10 minutes or
several hours.
|
