Introduction
The chromatograph is an essential technique that enables the separation, identification, and purification of a mixture’s components. You can use this process for qualitative and quantitative analysis. The first analytical use of chromatography was described as the use of gas chromatography to analyze fatty acids.
Different chromatography procedures use different sizes, binding affinities, charges, and other properties to separate tools. This tool is a powerful one and often used in science for separating different chemicals and is the only way to do so.
You can use a chromatogram to find the findings of a chromatography. Without a chromatogram, you will not be able to use a chromatogram.
How does Chromatograph work?
Chromatography is where different molecules are mixed into a solid or liquid phase to separate each other while moving. There might be some differences in the mixture’s components, so some elements stay longer, and some pass rapidly into the mobile phase.
Three components form the basis of a chromatograph. It includes:
- Stationary phase
- Mobile phase
- Separated molecules
These mixtures of stages help all the components to mix for effective separation of molecules.
The substances can go through the separation process based on the characteristics present. It is the reason why different techniques are a recommendation for each method.
Some chromatography techniques also include column, thin layer, and paper chromatography.
Sectors Where You Can Use Chromatograph
Chemical Industry: To check water samples and check air quality, and various other chemical industry methods.
Pharmaceutical Industry: To analyze or identify the presence of a specific chemical. It also detects the unknown compounds in a mixture and drug development.
Forensic: To analyze blood samples and hair samples in a crime place.
Food Industry: To determine the nutritional quality of food and check for food spoilage.
Molecular Biology Studies: Various techniques are applied in the study of metabolomics and its research. It is also used to separate protein like insulin purification and is used in different fuel industry departments in the biochemical and biotechnology process.
Chromatogram
A chromatogram is the findings of a chromatography run. It is a hard copy of the information that came out of a chromatography. Different versions of a chromatogram come out of chromatography depending on each laboratory and any regulatory requirements, if any.
An example of the process might be:
- Sample information
- Date and time
- Sample identification
- Results table
- Analysts name
- Instrument used
- Filename and location of raw data
- Chart recording showing peaks generated and baseline
Before this process became automatic, several ways were used in the old days to find the recording of a chromatograph. Some of them included:
- Paper and Scissors: A chart recorder linked to the detector recorded the trace directly onto the paper with ink. Two methods were standard to find the findings of chromatography through this way, which includes:
- Cutting and Weighing: Baseline for the peaks were recorded, after which they were cut out and weighed. The peak area was proportional to the weight depending upon the size and thickness of the paper. Photocopying was used to increase the precision of this method.
- Counting Squares: A pen and ruler was used to take out the best peak shape. The number of squares was then calculated, and after this, the sample was used.
It would often lead to many problems amongst the reader. However, these problems have reduced since machines do this task now.
How to Read a Chromatogram?
Although machines have reduced the risk of wrong reading in today’s age and time, it is still essential to know how to read a chromatogram. Some simple checks will reduce the chances of errors. There are several ways to know this:
- The peaks of the table. They should be symmetrical, pleasant, and sharp on the scale.
- The baseline should look ok. It should not look flat or with too much noise.
- Reference and standard internal peaks correctly identified?
- Are there any peaks missing?
It is the analyst’s job to make sure that there are no errors made. However, the data and calculations are collectible before reaching the analyst.
Conclusion
These were the differences between a chromatograph and a chromatogram. Both techniques complement each other, but you can not find the chromatogram findings without a chromatograph. It is often not used in many different industries, and some departments are an essential part of making products that include pharmaceutical sectors.
The findings of a chromatogram are now easier to find than before because of technological advancements. It also reduces the wrong conclusions of chances because everything is done through computers and machines rather than manually.