Development of multi-user gas chromatograph

• Grant number: 02/02128-0
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE
• Start date: October 01, 2002
• End date: December 31, 2005
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Analytical Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: José Félix Manfredi
• Grantee: José Félix Manfredi
• Company: Tech Chrom Instrumentos Analíticos Ltda. - ME
• City: Campinas

Abstract

The objective is to develop a benchtop prototype of a gas chromatograph with the innovative feature of a removable column in a separate capsule. The introduction of the encapsulated column combines the traditional advantages of the technique and the innovative features of an instrument which can be used without the operational restrictions found in traditional equipment. The capsule containing the chromatographic column will have an entry connection and an exit connection for the entrained gas connected respectively, to the injector and the detector, by a shielded snap connector system manually operated, requiring no tool. The gas chromatograph will have a miniaturized heating system which will enable the direct heating of the column in the interior of the capsule. The confinement of the heat source will make the equipment safe for locations with a potentially dangerous atmosphere. The instrument applies the concept of separable capsule, containing the analytical column arranged in spirals, through the interior of which the entrained gas (mobile phase) circulates, with air at controlled temperature circulating between the spirals of the column. The small volume of the capsule will permit temperature gradients unattainable in conventional instruments, better control of the thermal air bath, better reproducibility of programmed conditions and rapid cooling. (AU)