A liquid chromatographic (LC) system is herein disclosed, the LC system comprising at least one fluidic stream comprising at least one HPLC column, a downstream valve connected to the at least one fluidic stream and connectable to a detector via a valve-to-detector conduit, wherein the at least one fluidic stream is connectable to the valve-to-detector conduit via the downstream valve, and where the LC system further comprises a downstream pump fluidically connected to the downstream valve and connectable to the at least one fluidic stream via the downstream valve in order to backflush and thereby clean the at least one HPLC column. A respective automated LC method is herein also disclosed.

A multi-capillary column pre-concentration trap for use in various chromatography techniques (e.g., gas chromatography (GC) or gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GCMS)) is disclosed. In some examples, the trap can include a plurality of capillary columns connected in series in order of increasing strength (i.e., increasing chemical affinity for one or more sample compounds). A sample can enter the trap, flowing from a sample vial to a relatively weak column to the relatively strongest column of the trap by way of any additional columns included in the trap, for example. In some examples, the trap can be heated and backflushed so that the sample exits the trap through the head of the relatively weak column. Next, the sample can be injected into a chemical analysis device for performing the chromatography technique (e.g., GC or GCMS) or it can be injected into a secondary multi-capillary column trap for further concentration.

Systems and methods for concentrating an analyte preparatory to analysis thereof include processing the effluent of an analyte concentrator to produce an eluent for eluting an analyte retained in the same or separate concentrator, and systems implementing the same. The analyte concentrator system connects the effluent outlet of an analyte concentrator column to an eluent generation module such that the substantially analyte-free effluent discharged from the analyte concentrator column passes fluidly into the eluent generation module. Eluent generated from the substantially analyte-free effluent in the eluent generation module is likewise substantially free of the analyte. The systems and methods can minimize and/or (substantially) eliminate background signal during analysis of the concentrated analyte.

Systems and methods for concentrating an analyte preparatory to analysis thereof include processing the effluent of an analyte concentrator to produce an eluent for eluting an analyte retained in the same or separate concentrator, and systems implementing the same. The analyte concentrator system connects the effluent outlet of an analyte concentrator column to an eluent generation module such that the substantially analyte-free effluent discharged from the analyte concentrator column passes fluidly into the eluent generation module. Eluent generated from the substantially analyte-free effluent in the eluent generation module is likewise substantially free of the analyte. The systems and methods can minimize and/or (substantially) eliminate background signal during analysis of the concentrated analyte.

Systems and methods for concentrating an analyte preparatory to analysis thereof include processing the effluent of an analyte concentrator to produce an eluent for eluting an analyte retained in the same or separate concentrator, and systems implementing the same. The analyte concentrator system connects the effluent outlet of an analyte concentrator column to an eluent generation module such that the substantially analyte-free effluent discharged from the analyte concentrator column passes fluidly into the eluent generation module. Eluent generated from the substantially analyte-free effluent in the eluent generation module is likewise substantially free of the analyte. The systems and methods can minimize and/or (substantially) eliminate background signal during analysis of the concentrated analyte.

A chromatographic apparatus for online enrichment of trace and ultra-trace components and an analytical method using the same. The apparatus includes an injection system, a vaporizing chamber, an enrichment system, a thermal box, a sample collection system, a focusing trap, a chromatographic analytical column system, a detector and an electronic control system. The method includes steps of sample enrichment, thermal desorption and back flushing, which are performed through a combination of a four-way valve and an electronic switch valve box.

A chromatographic apparatus for online enrichment of trace and ultra-trace components and an analytical method using the same. The apparatus includes an injection system, a vaporizing chamber, an enrichment system, a thermal box, a sample collection system, a focusing trap, a chromatographic analytical column system, a detector and an electronic control system. The method includes steps of sample enrichment, thermal desorption and back flushing, which are performed through a combination of a four-way valve and an electronic switch valve box.

Systems and methods for concentrating an analyte preparatory to analysis thereof include processing the effluent of an analyte concentrator to produce an eluent for eluting an analyte retained in the same or separate concentrator, and systems implementing the same. The analyte concentrator system connects the effluent outlet of an analyte concentrator column to an eluent generation module such that the substantially analyte-free effluent discharged from the analyte concentrator column passes fluidly into the eluent generation module. Eluent generated from the substantially analyte-free effluent in the eluent generation module is likewise substantially free of the analyte. The systems and methods can minimize and/or (substantially) eliminate background signal during analysis of the concentrated analyte.

Systems and methods for concentrating an analyte preparatory to analysis thereof include processing the effluent of an analyte concentrator to produce an eluent for eluting an analyte retained in the same or separate concentrator, and systems implementing the same. The analyte concentrator system connects the effluent outlet of an analyte concentrator column to an eluent generation module such that the substantially analyte-free effluent discharged from the analyte concentrator column passes fluidly into the eluent generation module. Eluent generated from the substantially analyte-free effluent in the eluent generation module is likewise substantially free of the analyte. The systems and methods can minimize and/or (substantially) eliminate background signal during analysis of the concentrated analyte.

The disclosed system and method improve measurement of trace volatile chemicals, such as by Gas Chromatography (GC) and Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GCMS). A first trapping system can include a plurality of capillary columns in series and a focusing column fluidly coupled to a first detector. The first trapping system can retain and separate compounds in a sample, including C3 hydrocarbons and compounds heavier than C3 hydrocarbons (e.g., up to C12 hydrocarbons, or compounds having a boiling point around 250° C.), and can transfer the compounds from the focusing column to the first detector. A second trapping system can receive compounds that the first trapping system does not retain, and can include a packed trap, a polar column and a PLOT column fluidly coupled to one or more second detectors. The second trapping system can remove water from the sample and can separate and detect compounds including C2 hydrocarbons and Formaldehyde.