Switching system for a multidimensional gas chromatograph

A switching device for a multidimensional gas chromatograph comprising:

• an interface including a junction means having an inlet;
• a supply means for introducing an inert auxiliary fluid within said junction means;
• an aperture means for controlling fluid pressure within said junction means;
• an outlet for conveying a mixture from said junction means;
• and
• a transfer member disposed partially within said junction means, and member being selectively positionable between a first position and a second position, wherein said inlet of said interface is connected to an outlet of a first gas chromatograph, said outlet of said interface is connected to an inlet of a second gas chromatograph.

A switching device for a multidimensional gas chromatograph comprising:

• a first and at least a second interface each said interface comprising;
• a junction means having an inlet;
• a supply means for introducing an inert auxiliary fluid within said junction means;
• an aperture means for controlling fluid pressure within said junction means;
• an outlet for conveying a mixture from said junction means;
• and
• a transfer member disposed partially within said junction means, said member being selectively positionable between a first position and a second position.

An analytical apparatus comprising:

• a first and at least a second gas chromatograph, each said gas chromatograph further comprising a chromatographic column having an inlet and an outlet;
• an injector port for introducing a sample through said chromatographic column of said first chromatograph;
• a carrier gas supply means connected to said inlet of said first gas chromatography;
• a detecting device;
• a switching device comprising a first and at least a second interface each said interface comprising, a junction means having an inlet;
• a supply means for introducing an inert auxiliary fluid within said junction means, an aperture means for controlling fluid pressure within said junction means, an outlet for conveying a mixture from said junction means, and a transfer member disposed partially within said junction means, said member being selectively positionable between a first position and a second position, wherein said inlet of said first interface is connected to said outlet of said first gas chromatograph, said outlet of said first interface is connected to said inlet of said second gas chromatograph, said outlet of said second gas chromatograph is connected to said inlet of said second interface, and said outlet of said second interface is connected to said detecting device;
• a heated chamber for enclosing and maintaining said apparatus at a desired temperature;
• and
• a heating means to preheat said inert fluid to a required temperature before entry of said inert fluid into said junction means.