Detector Chromatography Theory

The peak recorded in a chromatogram represents the distribution of molecules in a band as it elutes from the column, the overall broadness being conveniently m sured in terms of the width of the peak. A number of independent factors such as sample-injector and detector characteristics, temperature and column retention processes, contribute to the dispersion of molecules in a band and band broadening. The cumulative effect of small variations in these factors is described in statistical terms as the variance, cr, in the elution process. Classical chromatography theory considers that the separation process takes place by a succession of equilibrium steps, the more steps in a column the greater the column efficiency with less band broadening (variance) occurring, therefore... 

So far the plate theory has been used to examine first-order effects in chromatography. However, it can also be used in a number of other interesting ways to investigate second-order effects in both the chromatographic system itself and in ancillary apparatus such as the detector. The plate theory will now be used to examine the temperature effects that result from solute distribution between two phases. This theoretical treatment not only provides information on the thermal effects that occur in a column per se, but also gives further examples of the use of the plate theory to examine dynamic distribution systems and the different ways that it can be employed. 

CEC is a miniaturized separation technique that combines capabilities of both interactive chromatography and CE. In Chapter 17, the theory of CEC and the factors affecting separation, such as the stationary phase and mobile phase, are discussed. The chapter focuses on the preparation of various types of columns used in CEC and describes the progress made in the development of open-tubular, particle-packed, and monolithic columns. The detection techniques in CEC, such as traditional UV detection and improvements made by coupling with more sensitive detectors like mass spectrometry (MS), are also described. Furthermore, some of the applications of CEC in the analysis of pharmaceuticals and biotechnology products are provided. 

The gas chromatographic technique is explained on the basis of a physical process with correlations to distillation,liquid-liquid extraction, countercurrent distribution, and other separation techniques to give the reader a better appreciation of the basic process of chromatography. Explanation of fundamentals is followed by chapters on columns and column selection, theory and use of detectors, instrumentation necessary for a gas chromatographic system, techniques used for qualitative and quantitative analyses, and data reduction and readout. Subsequent chapters cover specialized areas in which gas chromatographic literature is more scattered and data collection and evaluation are more important. 

Both Parts I and II have been completely rewritten and reflect the many advances in biochemistry-molecular biology theory and techniques. Especially noteworthy have been the technical advances in chromatography (perfusion, FPLC, bioaffinity), electrophoresis (pulsed gel, capillary, nucleic acid sequencing), spectrophotometry (nmr, ms, and diode array detectors), and molecular biology (microsequencing of proteins and nucleic acids, blotting, restriction enzymes). 

Scott, R. R W., Liquid Chromatography Column Theory, John Wiley Sons, Chichester, 1992, p. 26. Scott, R. P. W., Chromatographic Detectors, Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, 1996. 

This kind of amperometry is the most widely used electrochemical detection method in liquid chromatography. A constant DC potential is continuously applied to the electrodes of the detector cell. The theory of amperometry with constant working potential does not differ from the theory of hydrodynamic voltammetry, even though the applied potential remains constant. 

The flow injection analysis (FIA) response curve is a result of two processes, both kinetic in nature the physical process of dispersion of the sample zone within the carrier stream and the chemical process of formation of a chemical species. These two processes occur simultaneously, and they yield, together with the dynamic characteristics of the detector, the FIA response curve. Simultaneous dispersion and chemical reaction have been studied in flow systems as used in chemical reaction engineering and in chromatography, and, therefore, the theories of these two areas are related to the theory of FIA. This is why most papers about FIA theory have adopted, as a starting point, the classical theory of flow in tubular conduits, with the intention of developing mathematical expressions for peak broadening, mean residence time, and fractional conversion of the analyte to a detectable product. 

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