An Insight On An ELS Detector

By Laura Kelly


Certain compounds cannot be properly analyzed using the UV detection light since they are either incapable of absorbing the light or that form of analysis has been restricted. In this case, such compounds are analyzed by the evaporative light scattering detector instead. There are various compounds that fall into this category and include antibiotics, lipids, sugars, antivirals, alcohol, phospholipids among others. This tool has been said to use the same principle as the refractive index devices. For it to function efficiently, the ELS Detector with a form of column chromatography known as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

This device may work in a way that resembles that of refractive index tool but the main principle of employing HPLC makes them have a slight difference. It employs a series of breakdowns and reactions on the analyte from the first to the last stage. In the last or analysis zone, the device produces a light beam that gives the different regions of the analyte where conclusions are drawn from. This occurs after separation of the analyte to solvent and solute.

This device is designed to perform activities like the discovery of drugs, development of natural products, and chemistry of combinations, as well as beverage and food chemistry. This is because it allows for viewing of elements constituting a compound from semi-volatile up to the complex ones. It is efficient when separation of elements in a compound is needed.

A good device will produce less noise as well as give an analysis that is traceable, reliable and definite. The lighting should be able to provide good viewing scope of the process. It should have strong analytical characteristics that are traceable as well as being sensitive to analytes. This means it should have the ability to analyze any type of analytes ranging from volatile, semi and non-volatile.

A good device should be able to detect each and every analyte whether volatile or semi-volatile within the acceptable temperature ranges. In most cases semi-volatile compounds require about forty degrees Celsius for analysis to take place they easily decompose something many detectors cause. This leaves the observer with incomplete analysis.

Other than detecting compounds missed by other detectors, a good model should have good gas flow control so as to avoid the wasting of gas used after the process is done. There should be a gas shut-off that is automatic in order to aid in gas conservation. Fouling should also be minimized. These mechanisms have to be set in place so as to minimize noise production and evade frequent repairs.

It should also be able to have a thermal regulatory mechanism. This will enable complete analysis of different analytes that require different temperatures. The device should also have easy operation procedures. For instance, some devices have regions and color codes that indicate the presence of particular elements in an analyte. This makes the analysis easily observable and sound conclusions.

It is more preferred to refractive index devices because the latter has lower sensitivity in comparison to the former. Also, this device is capable to detect all categories of compounds some of which can be missed when tested by other detectors.




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