GC-MS analyzer switchable between one-dimensional and two-dimensional modes

Inventors

Ochiai, Nobuo • Sasamoto, Kikuo • Kanda, HIrooki

Assignees

Gerstel KK

Abstract

One-dimensional GC-MS/olfactory analysis and two-dimensional GC-MS/olfactory analysis can be freely performed in one analyzer by a simple switching operation, without changing the device configuration. An odor component analyzer is used which includes a sample injection port equipped with a pressure control device, a GC first dimensional column connected to the sample injection port, a three-way connector T1-2 connected to the GC first dimensional column, three-way connectors T1-1, T1-3 each connected to the three-way connector T1-2, a solenoid valve connected to the three-way connectors T1-1, T1-3 and serving to adjust flow channels of the three-way connectors T1-1, T1-3, a first pressure control device connected to the solenoid valve, a three-way connector T2-1 connected to the three-way connector T1-3, a second pressure control device connected to the three-way connector T2-1, a three-way connector T2-2 connected to the three-way connector T2-1, a three-way connector T2-3 connected to the three-way connector T2-2, a mass analyzer and an olfactory device each connected to the three-way connector T2-3, and a GC second dimensional column connected to the three-way connector T1-1 and the three-way connector T2-2.

Core Innovation

The invention relates to an odor component analyzer configured to perform one-dimensional GC mode and two-dimensional GC mode without changing the device configuration. The system includes a sample injection port equipped with a pressure control device and a GC first dimensional column connected to the sample injection port, with a set of three-way connectors and a solenoid valve used to adjust flow channels and route the sample flow either directly to an analysis end or to a further dimensional GC path.

In the disclosed arrangement, routing is controlled through pressure control devices connected to the solenoid valve and to additional three-way connectors. The mass analyzer and the olfactory device are connected to a three-way connector that forms part of the switching network. A GC second dimensional column is connected so that effluent from the first dimensional column is routed to the second dimensional column for enhanced separation when the two-dimensional GC mode is selected.

The core concept also covers alternate embodiments in which the olfactory device is replaced by other GC detectors, and in which different connector configurations are used. Temperature regulation and column heaters are described as enabling temperature-regulated column sections. As disclosed, the switching arrangement allows performing 1D and 2D analyses for odor components and other chemical analyses using a fixed hardware configuration.

Claims Coverage

The independent claims cover a pressure-controlled, switched two-dimensional GC analysis architecture with a fixed hardware configuration. Across the independent claims, the inventive content is implemented with multiple three-way connectors, a solenoid valve, first and second pressure control devices, and dimensional GC columns, with routing to a mass analyzer and either an olfactory device or a GC detector.

Overall, the independent claims share a dimensional GC configuration using a first dimensional column and a GC second dimensional column interconnected via three-way connectors, solenoid valve flow-channel adjustment, and pressure control devices, with output routing to a mass analyzer and to either an olfactory device or a GC detector. Dependent claims further refine temperature adjustment limited to selected column sections and, in one case, specify allowable GC detector types.

Stated Advantages

Documented Applications