If you work in the medical lab field, you may know what gas chromatography is used for. However, it is not that apparent to everyone else. Anyone seeking to get into the field, or patients who are curious about medical testing should understand the term. Gas chromatography (GC) is a collection of techniques used to examine elements while in their gas phase. The previous sentence is a lot to take in, so we will explain it in a more detailed fashion.
The Start of the GC Method
GC was first used around the beginning of the 20th century. As such, it is well-established technique that has stood the test of time. Originally, it was used to separate different compounds. However, it is typically used as part of a gas-liquid chromatography method when handling most types of organic compounds. In the end, it allows scientists or lab technicians to identify specific molecules in a substance.
The machine used in this process is called a gas chromatograph. In Canoga Park, California, these machines all have a similar set-up. You will find an injection port, an integrator chart recorder, a detector, and the main column. In some cases, these parts may fail to work correctly, leading to inaccurate results. When this happens, it's important to get GC repair work done. Each internal component of the GC machine must be working in perfectly unison to maintain accuracy.
A Little About the GC Process
Although the machine is highly technical, the process of using it is a little easier to understand. First, a liquid containing organic material is put into the port. After it is locked in, the solution is vaporized inside the machine. A gas, such as nitrogen or helium, carries the particles through the capillary column area. This column contains a silica surface which helps attract certain particles out of the gas. Essentially, this is how the GC machine separates out different elements. At the end of the tube, the detector provides a measurement of the substances in the mixture.
Putting it All Together
Understanding a GC machine is hard to do without seeing it work. Yet, you should know that if the machine has undergone GC repair, it should provide accurate results.
For more information about GC repair, contact Meadows Instrumentation in Canoga Park at. Meadows Instrumentation has a wide selection of GC lab machines available for purchase.