Question

Select the correct order of the GC components

Column, Recorder, Carrier Gas, Flow Controller, Detector


Recorder, Carrier Gas, Column, Detector, Injector port


Injector port, Carrier Gas, Detector, Recorder


Carrier Gas, Column Oven, Flow Controller, Detector


Carrier Gas, Flow Controller, Column, Detector, Recorder

Answer 1

Carrier Gas, Flow Controller, Column, Detector, Recorder

First we have a cylinder containing the carrier gas. From there, the carrier gas goes to the flow controller, which determines how much carrier gas we are entering into the column (it doesn’t let more gas pass through). Then, the carrier gas enters the column, which is the most important part of the device. The sample enters the column from another place: the injector. Then, the sample and the carrier gas go together across the column. The interactions between the sample and the column will determine how fast each sample component goes through the column, and so: which component gets out earlier. So, at the end, you will have isolated each substance. Then, each one passes (alone) through the detector, which measures something about the sample – this information will let you know which substance it is. Finally, the recorder provides you with the information the detector has found. Nowadays, the recorder is a computer. In the “stone age” they just used a rudimentary printer.