Improved sample preparation apparatus and method for elemental analysis spectrometer

摘要

A sample preparation apparatus for an elemental analysis system, particularly an EA-IRMS, comprising: sample combustion over 20 and/or reduction oven 30 and/or pyrolysis arrangement for receiving a sample of material to be analysed and for producing a sample gas flow that contains atoms, molecules and/or compounds; gas chromatography (GC) column 60 into which the sample gas flow is directed; heater 65 for heating at least a part of the GC column; and controller 68 for controlling heater 65 where controller 68 is configured to control heater 65 so as to increase the temperature of at least a part of GC column 60 whilst the sample gas flow in GC column 60 elutes. Preferably, controller 68 controls the heater so that the temperature of at least part of GC column 60 is increased after a first one or more species has passed GC column 60. Preferably, the sample gas flow contains N­2, CO2, or a mixture of N2, CO2, and SO2.