This hyper-fast GC is based on a fundamentally new design.
It is the first commercial Thermal Gradient GC.
What does ‘Thermal Gradient GC’ mean?
In contrast to conventional temperature ramp gas chromatography (GC) systems, an additional spatial thermal gradient is applied across the separation column from the inlet to the outlet. This creates a velocity gradient, focusing a peak at lower separation temperatures.
HyperChrom technology takes advantage of the patented ‘Flow-Field’ principle to create a thermal gradient. This is achieved by placing a resistively heated capillary sheath in a helical channel cooled by forced air flow onto the sheath.
Technological Highlights
The FF-TG-GC is extremely fast. Direct resistive heating of the separation column enables controlled heating rates of up to 6000° C/min. Due to low thermal mass, cooling can be achieved in less than 10 seconds!
The HyperChrom GC has integrated back-flushing built into the flow scheme. The separation column, guard column and detector transfer line are connected via innovative purged connectors allowing flow and flow directions to be controlled independently.
HyperChrom GC Advantages
High throughput experimentation – Fast screening – Rapid method development
Fast Results
- Full temperature range chromatograms below 60 seconds
- Controlled heating rates up to 6000 °C/min
- Significantly reduced elution temperatures
- Enhanced resolution with short separation columns
- Cooling from 350 to 30 °C within 10 seconds
Low Cost of Ownership
- Compatibility with standard fused silica separation columns
- Simple and fast column exchange
- No expensive replacement parts
- Extended column lifetime
High Sophistication
- Precisely controlled temperature and gradient programming
- No off-column peak broadening due to integrated purged connectors
- Electronic pressure control faciliates backflushing of column and injector
Flow-Field Thermal Gradient Gas Chromatography (FF-TG-GC)
Creating a smooth thermal gradient along a separation column is a challenging task. A ‘Flow-Field’ is achieved by placing a flow resistance between an air fan and the helical channels and heated capillary sheath. Thermal loss of the resistively heated separation column is dependent on the air flow velocity. This forms the basis of the HyperChrom thermal gradient GC.
Flexible programming of both the air flow and heating current allows control of the temperature and magnitude of the thermal gradient. This new degree of freedom enables novel measurement methods.
Temperature & Gradient Programming
Temperature curve is programmed on a seconds scale as opposed to the minutes scale of conventional GC. Multiple ramps, iso-thermal phases and even negative ramps are possible. The temperature gradient can be increased or decreased depending on the requirements.
Peak Focusing
In classical GC, peaks are broadened by diffusion. This effect is counteracted by our innovative peak focusing. This is achieved by the thermal gradient applied on the separation column. The thermal gradient creates a velocity gradient within the separation column where the front is slower than the tail. Consistent Gaussian-form peaks are achievable with FF-TG-GC! Drastically reduced elution temperatures are advantageous when analysing unstable substances. Lower operating temperatures also extend the column’s lifetime and stability.
Applications
- BTX
- FAME
- Explosives
- Alkanes
- Pesticides
- ASTM D7798
Chromatography in seconds!
HyperChrom transforms traditional GC runtime from half an hour to less than one minute. The so-called ultra-fast GC is often hyped as chromatography in minutes. HyperChrom, in contrast, delivers chromatography in seconds, which is a true hyper-fast GC!
Specifications
- Dimensions
- 50 (W) x 55 (H) x 45 (D) cm
- Weight
- 27 kg
- Linear Heating Rate
- Up to 6000 °C/min
- Cooling Rate
- 10 s from 350 to 30 °C
- Temperature Program
- 9 steps
- Pressure Range
- 50 – 950 kPa