Patent ID: 6402947
Filing Date: 2002-06-11
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
An interface device for direct coupling of liquid chromatography and gas chromatography based on a programmed temperature vaporizer (PTV), the device being capable of operating at least in an adsorption mode and in a desorption mode, and comprisingan injector (1) divided into a first inner part (35) and a second inner part (36) and which houses a glass liner (2) containing an adsorbent (3), the glass liner (2) having a first end portion within the first inner part (35) and a second end portion within the second inner part (36) of the injector (1); a system for selecting a liquid chromatography fraction and conducting a liquid chromatography fraction to the glass liner (2), said system comprising a first tube (8) protruding into the glass liner (2) and a first valve (13) connected to a second end of the first tube (8); a discharge system for discharging the liquid chromatography fraction into the glass liner (2) and for preventing, when the device operates in the adsorption mode, the liquid chromatography fraction from entering a gas chromatography column (6), the discharge system comprising a first end of the first tube (8) terminating within the glass liner (2) at a first distance from the adsorbent (3), the gas chromatography column (6) having an inlet protruding into the glass liner (2) by said first end portion, said inlet being located within the glass liner (2) at a second distance from the adsorbent (3), said first distance being shorter than said second distance, a first gas inlet (23) for entry of a pressurized gas flow into said first inner part (35) of the injector (1), a second tube (16) protruding into the glass liner (2) by said second end portion; an outlet system for evacuating solvent from the glass liner (2), the outlet system comprising an outlet valve (17) connected within the second tube (16), the outlet valve (17) being closed in the desorption mode and open in the adsorption mode; and a hydraulic system for gases comprising a system of pressure reducers, opening and closing valves, and flow controlling valves, connected to the first gas inlet (23) and to the second gas inlet (24) and to a gas tank (33) containing pressurized gas for providing the pressurized gas flow.