24 July 2014 Issue

Look inside for practical advice on separation science and thought–provoking commentary.

Crude oil analysis in environmental geochemistry

In the first of a two-part Q&A The Column spoke to Paul A. Sutton, a research fellow in the Petroleum and Environmental Geochemistry Group (PEGG) at Plymouth University (Plymouth, UK), about the analysis of crude oil and how high temperature gas chromatography can be used to save millions of dollars for the oil industry.

Incognito asks what could an external partnership mean for your laboratory?

What happens when you realize that you can't do everything in the laboratory? Incognito advises on the benefits of outsourcing in the analytical lab.

The benefits of thermogravimetric gas chromatography–mass spectrometry

The combination of a thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA) with mass spectrometry (MS) to analyze evolved gases is a well-known technique. However, it does not allow differentiation between gases that evolve simultaneously; TG combined with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (TG–GC–MS) can allow for a more complete characterization. This article explains more.

Chromatography technical tips: Mobile phase selection

The ultimately robust HPLC mobile phase is 0.1% TFA (aq) / 0.1% TFA in Acetonitrile, right? Maybe. It would be great if we had arrived at a “global” HPLC mobile phase – but we haven’t, and here’s why, alongside some suggestions on achieving high quality separations with robust eluent systems.

The role of specialty gases for VOC analyses

This article looks at the role of specialty gases in the monitoring, detection, and analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in industrial emissions.