ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews the use of multidimensional gas chromatography in process applications. Process gas chromatography is one of the most important analytical techniques used for process control, not only for quality control and to monitor process performance, but also for the determination of hazardous or explosive concentrations of individual components. The use of backflush is therefore an essential technique for process gas chromatography, because it insures a definite analysis end. Commonly, a combination of packed columns with different column lengths, stationary phases, and stationary phase polarities are coupled by means of valves in process gas chromatography. Originally developed for packed columns, it was applied in process gas chromatography successfully. Using capillary columns in gas chromatography has some significant advantages over that of a packed column system, such as increase of resolution, lower analyzing temperatures, highly inert separation phase, and a shorter analyzing time.
