About gas chromatography
Gas chromatography is a technique used in analytical chemistry to separate, identify, and quantify different components of a mixture. This process involves heating a material until it becomes a gas, which is then pushed through a column by another gas, such as helium or nitrogen. The column is coated with a special substance that interacts differently with each component, causing them to move at different speeds and exit the column at different times.
Precise temperature control is crucial because even small temperature changes can greatly affect the quality and accuracy of the results. Our innovative Okazaki SH20 micro heater designs ensure accurate column temperature control, supporting the improvements operators need and helping original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) stay competitive.
Gas chromatograph heaters provide a uniform temperature along the column, allowing operators to capture consistent and repeatable data. Small changes in column temperature and unstable temperature gradients can significantly affect elution times, leading to unusable data. These micro heaters are built to ramp up and maintain the column temperature within a very small margin of error.
Retention time, the amount of time a compound stays in the column, is affected by the uniformity of column temperature. This is reflected on a chromatogram as the time from when the sample enters the column to when a peak appears. Different compounds spend varying amounts of time in the column, resulting in different peaks on a gas chromatogram. Any temperature fluctuations along the column during analysis can significantly impact retention times, regardless of the heating method used (isothermal or programmed).
Heating elements in gas chromatography play a dual role: they help ionize and gasify the sample. The Okazaki SH20 micro heater excels in this role by providing fine-tuned heat control, enabling the sample to reach the perfect temperature for accurate ionization. This model features a convenient lead wire on one end and a heat generation element strategically placed close to the inner surface of the metallic sheath. Additionally, it can be bent to fit the installation shape, and a thermocouple interior type can also be manufactured.
The Okazaki SH20 micro heater minimizes temperature differences and operates efficiently at higher temperatures. It is filled with insulating material that conducts heat well and optimizes heat transfer. Engineered for precise and efficient heating, the Okazaki SH20 cartridge heater is ideal for gas chromatography applications.
Chromatograph operators set a temperature profile based on variables such as column type and size, carrier gas, flow rate, and the material being analyzed. They rely on the chromatograph to maintain precise temperature control during the thermal profile execution. The temperature control system must support the unit’s intended purpose, with units handling a wide variety of columns requiring thermal control designed for flexibility.
More information about SH20 micro heaters for GC and LC can be found on page 35 of Okazaki’s heating brochure.
About liquid chromatography
Liquid chromatography is a powerful technique in analytical chemistry used for separating, identifying, and quantifying components in complex mixtures, especially when these components are not volatile or thermally stable. Unlike gas chromatography, which uses heat to vaporize samples, liquid chromatography deals with liquid samples, relying on the differential migration of analytes in a liquid medium. This makes it suitable for a wider range of compounds, including those sensitive to heat.
In liquid chromatography, heaters play a critical role in maintaining a steady temperature along the column, ensuring accurate and consistent data collection. Even minor temperature changes or uneven heat distribution can affect the separation timing of different components, leading to less reliable results. The heating elements used in liquid chromatography should be designed to quickly reach and maintain the desired temperature with minimal fluctuation, ensuring consistent and reliable results. This is where the Okazaki SH20 micro heaters come into play.
Okazaki SH20 micro heaters are specifically engineered for liquid chromatography applications. They consist of a mineral insulated heated section with one or two heat-generating conductors, protected by a sheath of Inconel or other types of stainless steel, offering high resistance to heat and corrosion. The conductors are insulated with MgO material, and the heaters are designed with a sleeve processed for humidity-proofing at the terminal. Equipped with a lead wire, the heat-generating line is completely isolated from air and gas.
The Okazaki SH20 micro heaters are designed to be easily fitted onto a small heating body. Their sheath structure allows them to withstand high temperatures and pressures and operate across a broad temperature range from -200°C to 650°C. This design ensures that the heaters are less prone to oxidation and corrosion, guaranteeing a longer product life. Okazaki micro heaters are cost-effective, highly reliable, and capable of generating heat rapidly for quick responses. Their adaptable design allows the heated section to be bent, coiled, soldered with silver brazing, or embedded into a metal block. The slim outer diameter enables installation in tight spaces.
Okazaki SH20 micro heating elements are typically used in industries such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and environmental analysis. Their compact size and robustness make them ideal for liquid chromatography systems, even in challenging conditions. The excellent heat conductivity ensures precise temperature regulation, which is essential for achieving high-quality liquid chromatography results.
Discover the outstanding heat control and durability of Okazaki micro heaters and see how they can enhance the accuracy and efficiency of your liquid chromatography processes. In a field where precision is key, our Okazaki SH20 micro heaters are not just supporting players but pivotal components in the successful execution of liquid chromatography.
More information about Okazaki SH20 Micro heaters for GC and LC can be found on H35 and H36 heaters on page 13 and 14 of the Okazaki brochure. Example of heater for chromatography.
Micro heaters for liquid and gas chromatography
Kamet offers mineral insulated (MI) micro heaters designed for liquid and gas chromatography . These heaters are bendable, power-efficient, and can operate reliably up to 1000°C in various challenging environments, including low-oxygen, high-pressure, and corrosive settings. Key applications include the semiconductor, research, and aerospace industries. The heaters feature consistent output, quick response rates, and good mechanical strength. Kamet provides custom solutions leveraging their expertise and collaborations with ARi Industries and Okazaki Manufacturing.
Discover more about our range of mineral insulated micro heaters.