Instrumentation and applications of fast high-resolution capillary gas chromatography

On narrow bore GC capillary columns with 100 mu m I.D., faster analyses can be performed compared to conventional GC capillary columns with 250 to 530 mu m I.D., while the resolution is maintained. The use of narrow bore columns in routine analysis, however, makes high demands upon instrumentation. Recent developments in GC instrumentation, including electronic control of column flow and split flow, faster oven temperature heating and faster electronics, make fast capillary GC accessible for routine applications. Method translation software is an additional tool to translate an existing operating procedure into a narrow bore column method. The robustness of state-of-the-art fast capillary GC without impairing resolution is illustrated with the analysis of essential oils, of bacterial fatty acids, of diesel and of a polychlorinated biphenyl mixture. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.