The compact-GC platform is a MEMS-based analytical module for the purge&trap pre-concentration and (gas)-chromatographic separation of a sample. The two analytical MEMS (pre-concentrator and GC column) are interconnected by means of a MEMS microfluidic manifold. The microfluidic manifold interconnects the analytical MEMS, but it also acts as injector through the integrated micro-valves. The main characteristics of the invention, namely the wide adoption of MEMS technology and the system integration solutions adopted, enable the operation of the entire system at high temperature (above 200°C), as necessary for the analysis of a wide range of substances, from volatile to high-boiling compounds. The system is miniaturized, robust, low-cost and efficient, both in terms of power consumption and of consumables. The compact-GC module can be coupled to a wide range of detectors.
Compared to other miniaturized and/or MEMS GC systems, this innovation combines the purge&trap enrichment functionality with GC separation, thus increasing both the sensitivity and the selectivity of the analysis on a wide range of samples. The main competitive advantages are thus relative to the versatility, meaning the applicability, of the gas-chromatographic analysis to different use scenarios. The miniaturized MEMS implementation is particularly suitable for the assembly of portable equipment for in-field analyses. Furthermore, the compact-GC platform is flexible and rapidly re-configurable for the use of different injector types (purge&trap, loop) and different types of GC columns (packed, FAST-GC). The detector is not a part of the platform, since compact-GC is compatible with a wide range of detectors, both commercially available (PID, FID, TCD) and innovative (IMS, QEPAS, micro-PDD).
Italy, PCT