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 and two columns. The second trapping system can remove water from the sample and can separate and detect compounds including C2 hydrocarbons and Formaldehyde.

A multi-dimensional liquid analysis system includes a flow splitter for separating mobile phase outflow from a first dimension liquid analysis system into first and second liquid split outlet flows. Volumetric flow rate control of the split outlet flows is provided by a flow control pump which withdraws one of the split outlet flows from the flow splitter at a controlled withdrawal flow rate to define the other split outlet flow rate as the difference between the outflow rate from the first dimension system and the withdrawal flow rate. In this manner, accurate and consistent flow division can be accomplished, which is particularly useful for multi-dimensional liquid analysis.

A parallel assembly (2; 11; 51) of chromatography column modules (3a,b,c; 13a,b,c; 53a,b,c, 90a, b) connected in a rigid housing (21; 61), the assembly having one common assembly inlet (15; 55) and one common assembly outlet (17; 57), each column module comprising a bed space (29) filled with chromatography medium and each column module comprises integrated fluid conduits which when the column module is connected with other column modules in the rigid housing are adapted to connect the bed space (29) of the column module with the assembly inlet (15; 55) and the assembly outlet (17; 57), wherein the total length and/or volume of the fluid conduit from the assembly inlet to one bed space together with the length and/or volume of the fluid conduit from the same bed space to the assembly outlet is substantially the same for all bed spaces and modules installed in the parallel assembly.

A device for separating one or more molecules of interest in a liquid specimen including a monolithic body defining a fractionation column. The column includes an inlet opening at a proximal end of the fractionation column; an outlet opening at a distal, opposite end of the fractionation column; a solid phase chamber positioned between the inlet opening and the outlet opening; a specimen introduction area adjacent a proximal end of the solid phase chamber; an analyte exit area adjacent a distal end of the solid phase chamber; an inlet chamber adjacent the inlet opening that tapers into the specimen introduction area; and an outlet chamber that extends from the analyte exit area to the outlet opening. A metered amount of solid phase packed within the solid phase chamber between a first porous frit and a second porous frit of the solid phase chamber.

An analysis assistance method includes setting pressure in a first BPR to a value higher than a prescribed second set value with pressure in a second BPR set to a second set value, instructing a supercritical fluid chromatograph to supply a mobile phase to a supply flow path at a flow rate of the mobile phase that is to be theoretically supplied to a first flow path when the mobile phase is supplied to the supply flow path at a prescribed total flow rate and a prescribed sample introduction ratio, and gradually decreasing a set value of the pressure in the first BPR, and detecting a set value of the pressure in the first BPR at the time when supply of the mobile phase to a second flow path is stopped due to a decrease in set value of the pressure in the first BPR, as a first set value.

An analysis assistance method includes setting pressure in a first BPR to a value higher than a prescribed second set value with pressure in a second BPR set to a second set value, instructing a supercritical fluid chromatograph to supply a mobile phase to a supply flow path at a flow rate of the mobile phase that is to be theoretically supplied to a first flow path when the mobile phase is supplied to the supply flow path at a prescribed total flow rate and a prescribed sample introduction ratio, and gradually decreasing a set value of the pressure in the first BPR, and detecting a set value of the pressure in the first BPR at the time when supply of the mobile phase to a second flow path is stopped due to a decrease in set value of the pressure in the first BPR, as a first set value.

A method and an apparatus suitable for a continuous chromatography process which only needs three separation columns, and a two-step process containing two chromatographic steps, in which the first chromatographic step (capture) is performed alternating and sequentially on two separation columns, the second chromatographic step (polishing) is performed, also sequentially, on the third column.

A first attachment portion to which a packed column is attachable and a second attachment portion to which a chip column is attachable are housed in a column oven. Designation of a temperature of the column oven is received by a designated temperature receiver. In a case in which the chip column is not attached to the second attachment portion, an upper limit temperature of the column oven is set to a first temperature by a setter. An upper limit temperature of the column oven is set to a second temperature lower than the first temperature in a case in which the chip column is attached to the second attachment portion. A temperature of the column oven is adjusted to a received temperature by a temperature adjuster in a case in which the received temperature is equal to or lower than an upper limit temperature.

A method for monitoring an analyzer including a liquid chromatography device (LC) having at least two liquid chromatography (LC) streams, the method including continuously monitoring one or more parameters in measurement data of samples in each of the at least two LC streams, the one or more parameters being independent of an analyte concentration of the respective sample, determining if the one or more monitored parameters show an expected behavior and triggering a response upon detection that the one or more monitored parameters deviate from the expected behavior.

The exemplary embodiments may provide liquid chromatography systems that are smaller in size and with reduced extra-column volume than conventional liquid chromatography systems. The exemplary embodiments may reduce the size of the liquid chromatography systems enough that the liquid chromatography systems of the exemplary embodiments may be deployed adjacent to automated sample preparation robotics, adjacent to a process stream, or adjacent to the inlet of a mass spectrometer. In addition, the exemplary embodiments may reduce the extra-column volume of the liquid chromatography system by eliminating many of the connection tubes found in conventional liquid chromatography systems and by situating components of the liquid chromatography system in closer proximity.