Patent ID: 6706535
Filing Date: 2004-03-16
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
A gas chromatography method for separating components of an analyte mixture, said method comprising:providing first and second chromatography columns for separating the components of the analyte mixture, said first chromatography column having an outlet coupled in series to an inlet of said second chromatography column to define a column junction point; injecting the analyte mixture into an inlet of said first chromatography column thereby causing at least partial elution separation of the analyte mixture at said column junction point; determining an optimal pulse initiation time; relieving fluid pressure at said column junction point by opening a vent valve between said column junction point and a vent line coupled to atmosphere at said optimal pulse initiation time to enhance elution separation of a discrete pair of components at said outlet of said second chromatography column; and detecting elution separation of the analyte mixture at said outlet of said second chromatography column, wherein said optimal pulse initiation time is set within the range of time when a first of said discrete pair of components has entered said second chromatography column and the other of said discrete pair of components remains in said first chromatography column.