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Micro-chromatographs
require very little space and take less than 2 minutes
to perform an analysis. They can receive from 1
to 4 independent analytical modulesallowing
the rapid analysis of complex mixtures.
At
the heart of the system, the analytical module comprises
an automatic injection valve, the analytical column
and the reference column, their heating system,
and the TCD (thermal conductivity) detector
the
size of an electronic chip. The working temperature
in the range between 30 and 180°C is precise to
+/- 4/100°C. The module can also be equipped with
a backflush device.
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Based
on technology developed for the manufacture of integrated
circuits, the micro-chromatograph's injector
and
detector are made on small silicon wafers. The thermal
conductivity characteristics of this material allow
exceptional linearity for the TCD detector, which
authorizes a measurement range from 1 ppm to 100%,
ultra-rapid start-up (a few seconds), and excellent
stability.
The
injector is a highly wear-proof part of small size
(30 x 22 mm) which, when piloted with the carrier
gas, allows the introduction of programmable quantities
of samples (0.33 to 15 µl) with a repeatability
better than 1%. Injection into the capillary column
is total, which prevents any risk of discrimination.
The unit, when associated with the capillary columns,
requires very short analysis times and shows amazing
separation efficiencies: 120 seconds for natural
gas (18 peaks) and 160 seconds for gas from refineries
(34 peaks). The injectors are guaranteed to perform
several million switching operations, and are also
available in a fixed volume version and a version
with backflush.
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With its 200 nanoliters of dead
volume, the TCD nano-detector detects most compounds
from the ppm to 100%. Its short response time also
allows the use of microbore capillary columns with
high analysis speeds. The scope of measurement ranges
from 1 vpm to 100%, for most compounds, with a dynamic
linearity greater than 5% on the range.
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