Method for identifying the composition of a sample

A method for identifying the composition of a sample, comprising the steps of:

• introducing said sample onto a first column whereby said sample is separated into at least two segments;
• introducing said segments into a heartcut device whereby said segments are selectively separated into at least two heartcut fractions;
• introducing at least one of said fractions onto said first column whereby said heartcut fraction is further separated into at least two constituents;
• introducing at least one of said constituents into said heartcut device whereby said constituent is further separated into at least two analytes;
• introducing at least one of said at least one analytes onto a second column;
• introducing said at least one analyte from said second column to a gas chromatography connector and thermal modulator;
• introducing said at least one analyte from said connector and modulator onto a third column;
• introducing said at least one analyte from said third column into a detector;
• and
• detecting said at least one analyte.

A method for identifying the composition of a sample using multidimensional chromatography, comprising the steps of:

• introducing said sample onto a first column whereby said sample is separated into at least two segments;
• introducing said at least two segments into a heartcut device whereby said segments are selectively separated into at least two heartcut fractions and wherein said first column is operably coupled to said heartcut device, further wherein said first column and said heartcut device are in a first temperature controlling device wherein the temperature of said first temperature controlling device ranges from about 40° C. to about 320° C.;
• introducing at least one of said fractions onto a second column whereby said at least one fraction is further separated into at least two analytes and wherein said heartcut device is operably coupled to said second column, further wherein said second column is in said first temperature controlling device;
• introducing at least one said analyte from said second column to a gas chromatography connector and thermal modulator wherein said second column and said connector are operably coupled;
• introducing said at least two analyte from said connector onto a third column wherein said connector and modulator and said third column are operably coupled and wherein said third column is within a second temperature controlling device;
• introducing said at least two analyte from said third column into a detector wherein said third column and said detector are operably coupled;
• and
• detecting said at least one analyte.

A multidimensional chromatograph comprising:

• an introduction device;
• a first column wherein said introduction device introduces a sample onto said first column whereby said sample is separated into at least two segments;
• a heartcut device wherein said at least two segments are introduced to said heartcut device and whereby said at least two segments are selectively separated into at least two heartcut fractions;
• a second column wherein at least one of said fractions is introduced and further separated into at least two analytes;
• a gas chromatography connector and thermal modulator wherein at least one of said analytes is introduced;
• a third column wherein said analyte is introduced;
• and
• a detector wherein said analyte is introduced and identified.