ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the various aspects of computer control of a liquid chromatograph commonly employed for analysis of drugs and their metabolites, in such a way as to bridge the gap between the chromatographic processes and the computed data presented to the operator. It provides a sufficient outline of the technical aspects of computer-controlled liquid chromatography so that the user might identify the advantages and limitations of any such system operated. Gradient elution is achieved dual-pump mode, two pumps each with two cylinders are fed with the two solvents used to obtain the polarity gradient. The eluent from the liquid chromatographic column enters either a single detector or passes through a series of detectors, the choice of which can be controlled by means of a computer as can the operating parameters of the selected device. The chapter aims to a wide range of chromatographic detectors, and it is inexpensive and couples to a very widely used and readily available computer.
