Systems, methods and separation columns for separating substances in a mixture of substances

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system for separating substances in a substance mixture. The system comprises a radiation source and a separation column. The separation column comprises at least a first section, the first section comprising at least a first subsection and a second subsection. The radiation source is configured to emit electromagnetic radiation, including infrared radiation, in the direction of the first section to heat the first section. The electromagnetic radiation is receptive to a higher intensity in the first subsection of the separation column than in the second subsection of the separation column, such that the first subsection can be heated more strongly than the second subsection, and a temperature gradient can be formed at least partially along the first section (21) of the separation column (20).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a system for separating substances in a substance mixture. Further, the present disclosure relates to a method for separating substances in a substance mixture, a method for analyzing substances in a substance mixture. Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a separation column for separating substances in a substance mixture. [Background technology]

[0002] Separation columns for separating substance mixtures are known from the prior art. The substance mixture can be applied to a separation column in order to separate the substances in the substance mixture. Usually, the substance mixture is introduced into the separation column together with a carrier fluid (gas or liquid) and is transported along the separation column from the inlet to the outlet of the separation column by a pressure gradient. In the process, different substances in the substance mixture interact (adsorb) with the separation column or with the separation column material with different strengths, so that each substance of the substance mixture flows out of the outlet of the separation column at different times. A detector can be arranged at the outlet of the separation column in order to analyze the substances.

[0003] Typically, the separation column is placed in a column oven. While the substance mixture is transported along the separation column, the temperature in the oven is often increased in order to shift the balance of the interactions of the substances in the substance mixture towards desorption. The increase in temperature also typically promotes the desorption of the substances in the substance mixture, so that they are carried along with the carrier fluid. During this process, a large temperature difference, e.g. 300°C, may occur between the time when the substance mixture is applied to the separation column (start) and the time when the substances in the substance mixture desorb from the separation column (end). Subsequent separations require the column oven to be cooled again to the starting temperature. Depending on the starting temperature and the cooling capacity of the column oven, a significant time may be required to cool the column oven and prepare it for the next separation.

[0004] From DE 197 07 114 C1 a gas chromatograph is known which uses a heat lamp to heat the separation column. Summary of the Invention

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to provide a separation of substances in a substance mixture which can be carried out quickly and at the same time with high resolution. Another object of the present invention is to facilitate and / or speed up the handling of the separation column, e.g. exchanging the separation column and / or storing the separation column.

[0006] At least one of the objects is achieved by the combination of features of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

[0007] A system for separating substances in a substance mixture is disclosed. The system comprises a radiation source and a separation column. The separation column may include at least a first section. The first section may include at least a first subsection and a second subsection. The radiation source may be configured to emit electromagnetic radiation in the direction of the first section to heat the first section. The electromagnetic radiation may be received at a higher intensity in the first subsection of the separation column than in the second subsection of the separation column, thereby allowing the first subsection to be heated more strongly than the second subsection.

[0008] Because electromagnetic radiation is received at different intensities in different sections of the separation column, a temperature gradient is established along the separation column. This temperature gradient constantly refocuses the material during separation, resulting in better separation power. This allows shorter columns to achieve the same separation power as conventional systems, but with shorter analysis times.

[0009] Also, in the disclosed system, only the separation column is directly heated, resulting in a small thermal mass and allowing for rapid cooling. Moreover, heating can be stopped immediately by turning off the radiation source. Similarly, electromagnetic radiation-based heating allows for complex geometries of the separation column (complex column paths). Also, a temperature gradient can be created only partially in the separation column.

[0010] Unlike resistive heating, the separation column is not connected to a heating element, so replacement of the separation column is easier and less complicated than known systems.

[0011] The separation column may be supported on a tip holder. The tip holder allows for a quick and tool-free exchange of the separation column. This allows for easy handling and also allows for the deployment of different selective phases, column lengths, and / or materials. Known high-speed material separation systems (e.g., gas chromatography systems) may be strongly limited, especially with regard to the length of the separation column, the diameter of the separation column, and / or the material of the separation column. Therefore, only metal columns are used in some material separation systems.

[0012] The use of electromagnetic radiation as a heating source can further reduce the space required. This allows for a compact design. Known material separation systems (e.g., gas chromatography systems) can require a lot of space. The compact design allows for mobile use of the disclosed system, for example, in on-site detection of hazardous materials and narcotics detection.

[0013] Typically, the system is a gas chromatography system. The substance mixture may be at least partially in gaseous form. In particular, the substance mixture in the separation column is at least partially and / or at least temporarily in gaseous form.

[0014] A carrier gas can be introduced into the separation column through an inlet of the separation column. The carrier gas can be hydrogen (H2), helium (He), nitrogen (N2), argon (Ar), and / or carbon dioxide (CO2). In particular, the carrier gas is an inert gas.

[0015] The substance mixture can be introduced into the separation column, for example via an injector. Preferably, a carrier gas flows through the separation column, and the substance mixture is fed into the carrier gas stream and is carried along the separation column by the carrier gas.

[0016] The substance mixture may comprise at least two substances to be separated. The substance mixture may comprise a plurality of substances. These substances may be chemically and / or physically different. For example, the substances are different molecules. At least two substances in the substance mixture may be separable by the system. That is, it is not necessary that all substances of the substance mixture are separated by the separation column.

[0017] In general, separation of substances in a substance mixture means that the substance mixture as a substance is introduced into a separation column at one (and the same) time and the substances to be separated or the separated substances each exit the separation column at different times.

[0018] The radiation source can generate electromagnetic radiation, in particular for irradiating at least a first section of the separation column or for emitting electromagnetic radiation in the direction of at least a first section of the separation column. The radiation source can be a lamp, in particular a heat lamp. The electromagnetic radiation can comprise light in the infrared wavelength range (wavelengths between 780 nm and 1 mm). The electromagnetic radiation can comprise light in the visible wavelength range (wavelengths between 380 nm and 780 nm). Alternatively, the electromagnetic radiation can comprise light outside the visible wavelength range. In particular, an intensity maximum of the electromagnetic radiation is in the infrared wavelength range, in the visible wavelength range or outside the visible wavelength range.

[0019] The radiation source may have a power of 1 W (watt) or more, more preferably 5 W or more, more preferably 10 W or more, more preferably 25 W or more, more preferably 50 W or more, more preferably 75 W or more, more preferably 100 W or more. In particular, the radiation source has a power of 1 W to 1000 W, preferably 5 W to 500 W, more preferably 5 W to 250 W, more preferably 5 W to 100 W. The radiation source may be drivable by electrical energy to generate electromagnetic radiation. In other words, the radiation source may be configured to convert electrical energy into electromagnetic radiation.

[0020] The radiation source may be rod-shaped. Preferably, the radiation source is configured to emit electromagnetic radiation over a circumferential angular range of at least 180°, preferably at least 270°, more preferably at least 330°. Particularly preferably, the radiation source is configured to emit electromagnetic radiation substantially (±10% or ±5%) over its entire range.

[0021] The radiation source may have a larger longitudinal extent than a lateral extent. In a cylindrical coordinate system, the longitudinal extent may be the z direction and the lateral extent may be the r direction. In particular, the longitudinal extent of the radiation source is 1.5 times or more, preferably 2.0 times or more, more preferably 3.0 times or more, more preferably 4.0 times or more, more preferably 5.0 times or more than the lateral extent of the radiation source. If the longitudinal extent is 10 mm and the longitudinal extent is 1.5 times or more than the lateral extent, then the lateral extent is 15 mm or more.

[0022] The radiation source may be formed planar. The radiation source may include a surface configured to emit electromagnetic radiation. A surface opposite this surface may not be configured to emit electromagnetic radiation. The radiation source may be configured to emit electromagnetic radiation from exactly one surface. The radiation source may be a round lamp, a surface emitter, a lamp array. The surface of the radiation source capable of emitting electromagnetic radiation may be formed substantially (±10% or ±5%) planar.

[0023] Generally, the area or surface of a radiation source capable of emitting electromagnetic radiation is 100 mm 2 More than 250mm, preferably 2 More than 500mm, preferably 500mm 2 More than 750mm, preferably 750mm 2 More preferably, 1000 mm 2 Alternatively or in addition, the area or surface of a radiation source capable of emitting electromagnetic radiation may be greater than or equal to 10,000 mm 2 Less than or equal to 7500 mm, preferably 2 Less than or equal to 5000 mm, more preferably 2 Less than or equal to 2500 mm, preferably less than 2500 mm 2 Less than or equal to 1000 mm, more preferably 2 It may have the following areas:

[0024] The radiation source may be configured to emit electromagnetic radiation with different powers at different times. The power of the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the radiation source may be controllable, in particular by a control device or controller of the system. For example, the radiation source may emit electromagnetic radiation with a lower power when the substance mixture is introduced into the separation column and with a higher power after the substance mixture has been introduced into the separation column. The radiation source may be configured to generate a temperature profile or temperature program of the separation column. In the temperature profile or temperature program, the temperature at a position of the separation column may vary with time. In the separation column, a (time-dependent) temperature profile or temperature program may be generateable by the radiation source.

[0025] The heating of the separation column can be carried out 80% or more, preferably 85% or more, more preferably 90% or more, more preferably 95% or more, more preferably 98% or more by the (electromagnetic radiation of) the radiation source. In particular, the separation column is heated completely or exclusively by the (electromagnetic radiation of) the radiation source.

[0026] The separation column may not be heatable by conduction and / or may not be heatable by convection.

[0027] The separation column may be a capillary, in particular a layer capillary (PLOT column, porous layer open tubular column), a support-coated capillary (SCOT column, support-coated open tubular column), a thin film capillary (WCOT column, wall-coated open tubular column) or a FSOT column (fused silica open tubular column). The separation column may be a packed or unpacked separation column. The separation column may be a polar or non-polar separation column. The separation column may be coated with a stationary phase on the inside. The separation column may be tubular or capillary.

[0028] The inner diameter of the separation column may be 0.01 mm to 5.0 mm, preferably 0.01 mm to 3.0 mm, more preferably 0.05 mm to 1.0 mm, more preferably 0.05 mm to 0.80 mm, more preferably 0.10 mm to 0.32 mm. The length of the separation column may be 10 cm or more, preferably 30 cm or more, more preferably 50 cm or more, more preferably 1.0 m or more, more preferably 2.5 m or more, more preferably 5 m or more, more preferably 10 m or more, more preferably 15 m or more. Alternatively or in addition, the length of the separation column may be 100 m or less, preferably 75 m or less, more preferably 50 m or less, more preferably 25.0 m or less, more preferably 15.0 m or less, more preferably 5.0 m or less, more preferably 2.5 m or less. In particular, the length of the separation column is 2.0 m to 20.0 m, preferably 3.0 m to 15.0 m.

[0029] The separation column includes at least a first section. The first section may be 30% or more, preferably 40% or more, more preferably 50% or more, more preferably 60% or more, more preferably 70% or more, more preferably 80% or more, more preferably 90% or more of the total length of the separation column. The first section may be wound, in particular, around the central axis of the separation column. The first section may be wound in a coil or a spiral. Alternatively, the first section may be wound in a spiral. When wound in a coil or a spiral, the height position of the first section of the separation column may change (expand or contract) as the column length increases. When wound in a spiral, the height position of the first section of the separation column may not change with the increase in the column length. In other words, in a spiral winding, the first section may be wound substantially in a plane. When wound in a spiral or a coil, the first section may extend upwards or downwards perpendicular to the plane. When the first section is coiled or spirally wound, the height of the first section may be 1.0 mm or more, preferably 5 mm or more, more preferably 10 mm or more, more preferably 20 mm or more, more preferably 50 mm or more, more preferably 100 mm or more.

[0030] The first section of the separation column comprises 2 or more turns, preferably 5 or more turns, more preferably 10 or more turns, more preferably 15 or more turns, more preferably 20 or more turns.

[0031] The first section of the separation column may surround the radiation source. Alternatively, the first section may not surround the separation column. In particular, the first section of the separation column may surround the radiation source if the first section is formed in a coil or spiral shape. Similarly, the first section of the separation column may not surround the radiation source if the first section is formed in a coil or spiral shape. If the first section of the separation column is formed in a spiral shape, the first section may not surround the radiation source.

[0032] The first section may have a length (along the separation column) of 10 mm or more, preferably 25 mm or more, more preferably 50 mm or more, more preferably 75 mm or more, more preferably 100 mm or more, more preferably 150 mm or more, more preferably 200 mm or more, more preferably 300 mm or more, more preferably 400 mm or more, more preferably 500 mm or more, more preferably 1000 mm or more.

[0033] The first section of the separation column may include a first subsection and a second subsection. The first subsection and the second subsection may receive electromagnetic radiation emitted by a radiation source. In other words, the first subsection and the second subsection may be irradiated with electromagnetic radiation by the radiation source. The first subsection and the second subsection may be heated by the electromagnetic radiation. In particular, the surfaces of the first subsection and the second subsection respectively absorb at least a portion of the electromagnetic radiation. This allows the first subsection and the second subsection to be heated.

[0034] The first subsection of the separation column and the second subsection of the separation column can receive electromagnetic radiation at different intensities. For example, the first subsection can receive electromagnetic radiation at a higher intensity than the second subsection. The difference in the received intensity of electromagnetic radiation can be 0.1% or more, preferably 0.5% or more, more preferably 1% or more, more preferably 5% or more, more preferably 10% or more, more preferably 20% or more, more preferably 30% or more, more preferably 40% or more, more preferably 50% or more. In particular, the electromagnetic radiation in the first subsection of the separation column can be received at an intensity 1% or more higher, preferably 2% or more higher, more preferably 5% or more higher, more preferably 7% or more higher, more preferably 10% or more higher, more preferably 12% or more higher, more preferably 15% or more higher, more preferably 20% or more higher, more preferably 25% or more higher, more preferably 30% or more higher than the second subsection. This allows the first subsection to be heated more strongly than the second subsection.

[0035] The first subsection and / or the second subsection may have a length of 1 mm or more, preferably 2 mm or more, more preferably 5 mm or more, more preferably 10 mm or more. In the first subsection and / or the second subsection a (continuous) temperature gradient can be formed, in particular by (continuous) differences in the acceptable intensity of electromagnetic radiation.

[0036] Preferably, a temperature gradient is formed at least partially along the (first section) of the separation column. In this regard, the temperature on the upstream side may be higher than the temperature on the downstream side. In other words, the temperature on the inlet side may be higher than the temperature on the outlet side of the separation column.

[0037] In general, the intensity at which the first and second subsections can receive electromagnetic radiation can be understood as power per area (e.g., W / m2). Thus, if the first and second subsections have the same area, the first subsection can receive a higher power of electromagnetic radiation than the second subsection.

[0038] The first section of the separation column may include two or more subsections, such as three or more, five or more, or ten or more subsections, each of which may be capable of receiving electromagnetic radiation of a different intensity.

[0039] Preferably, the electromagnetic radiation is received in a first section of the separation column such that a (continuous) temperature gradient is formed along at least a part of the first section. The (continuous) temperature gradient may be formable between the first section and the second section.

[0040] A (continuous) temperature gradient can be and may be created between the inlet of the separation column and the outlet of the separation column, in particular by the radiation source. The (continuous) temperature gradient can be created over the entire length of the separation column.

[0041] Generally, the temperature gradient may create a temperature difference of 1° C. or more, preferably 5° C. or more, more preferably 10° C. or more, more preferably 20° C. or more, more preferably 40° C. or more, more preferably 70° C. or more, more preferably 100° C. or more. The temperature difference may exist between the position in the separation column where the temperature gradient begins and the position in the separation column where the temperature gradient ends.

[0042] To determine the temperature difference, the temperature at a first location of the separation column may be compared to the temperature at a second location of the separation column. The first location of the separation column may be an inlet of the separation column. The second location of the separation column may be an outlet of the separation column. There may be a distance (along the separation column) between the first location of the separation column and the second location of the separation column of at least 10 mm, preferably at least 50 mm, more preferably at least 100 mm, more preferably at least 200 mm, more preferably at least 300 mm, more preferably at least 500 mm, more preferably at least 1000 mm.

[0043] The first subsection and the second subsection may be spaced apart along the separation column by at least 10 mm, preferably at least 50 mm, more preferably at least 100 mm, more preferably at least 200 mm, more preferably at least 300 mm, more preferably at least 500 mm, more preferably at least 1000 mm.

[0044] The first section of the separation column may be spaced apart from the radiation source, i.e., the first section of the separation column does not contact the radiation source.

[0045] A spacing may be formed between the first subsection and the radiation source. Alternatively or additionally, a spacing may be formed between the second subsection and the radiation source. The spacing between the first subsection and the radiation source may be smaller than the spacing between the second subsection and the radiation source. This spacing may be the shortest spacing. In other words, the first subsection is (spatially) closer to the radiation source than the second subsection.

[0046] Preferably, the spacing between the first subsection and the radiation source is at least about 1 mm smaller than the spacing between the second subsection and the radiation source, preferably at least about 2 mm smaller, more preferably at least about 5 mm smaller, and even more preferably at least about 10 mm smaller.

[0047] The spacing between the first subsection and the radiation source may be 1.0 mm or more, preferably 2.5 mm or more, more preferably 5 mm or more, more preferably 1 mm to 20 mm, more preferably 5 mm to 15 mm, more preferably about 10 mm. Alternatively or additionally, the spacing between the second subsection and the radiation source may be 5 mm or more, preferably 10 mm or more, more preferably 10 mm to 30 mm, more preferably about 20 mm.

[0048] The separation column, in particular the first section of the separation column, may extend at least partially conically. The separation column, in particular the first section of the separation column, may be formed at least partially conically. The spacing between the separation column and the radiation source, in particular the spacing between the first section of the separation column and the radiation source, may (continuously) increase or decrease along the separation column, in particular the first section of the separation column.

[0049] The separation column, and in particular the first section of the separation column, may extend at least partially cylindrically, linearly, hyperbolicly, or a combination thereof.

[0050] In the first section, the spacing between the separation column and the radiation source may at least partially increase or decrease. The spacing between the separation column and the radiation source may increase or decrease over or along the length of the separation column by 10 mm or more, preferably 25 mm or more, more preferably 50 mm or more, more preferably 75 mm or more, more preferably 100 mm or more, more preferably 150 mm or more, more preferably 200 mm or more, more preferably over the entire length of the first section.

[0051] The separation column may be formed to be rigid or fixed in at least the first section. For example, the separation column may be glued in at least the first section. In this case, adjacent or adjacent turns of the first section may be glued to each other. This makes the first section of the separation column rigid, fixed or immobile.

[0052] Similarly, the separation column may be movable and variable in shape, at least in the first section. Adjacent or adjacent turns of the separation column or the first section may not be connected to each other. The change in shape of the first section of the separation column may change the spacing between a part of the separation column and the radiation source. This allows the temperature profile along the separation column to be adapted or adjusted to the separation task.

[0053] The system may comprise a holding device. The separation column may be at least partially held by the holding device. By means of the holding device, the position of at least the first section of the separation column relative to the radiation source may be determined or is determinable. The holding device may be a tip holder or a click holder. The separation column may be plugged or snapped into the tip holder or the click holder.

[0054] The holding device may be adjustable. In adjusting the holding device, the shape of the separation column may be variable in at least the first section. The change in shape in at least the first section of the separation column may change the distance between a part of the first section of the separation column and the radiation source.

[0055] A change in the shape of the separation column, in particular in at least the first section, can change the intensity of the electromagnetic radiation receptive in the first subsection and / or the second subsection.

[0056] The separation column may be at least partially provided with a coating, for example in the first section or in part of the first section, which coating may affect the intensity of the receptive electromagnetic radiation.

[0057] The coating may be a coating that alters the absorption and / or reflection of electromagnetic radiation. For example, the coating may increase or decrease the absorption of the electromagnetic radiation of the radiation source. Similarly, the coating may increase or decrease the reflection of the electromagnetic radiation of the radiation source.

[0058] The coating may be a metal coating, such as a gold coating or a silver coating. The coating may be a graphite coating. The coating may be vapor-deposited or sprayed onto at least a portion of the separation column. Similarly, the coating may be applied (in liquid form) to at least a portion of the separation column.

[0059] A first subsection of the separation column may be coated and a second subsection of the separation column may be uncoated, and similarly, the second subsection of the separation column may be coated and the first subsection of the separation column may be uncoated.

[0060] In particular, the coating may be applied to (part of) the separation column when the spacing between the separation column and the radiation source in the first section is constant, or the coating may be applied to the first or second subsection when the spacing between the first subsection and the radiation source is substantially (±10% or ±5%) the same as the spacing between the second subsection and the radiation source.

[0061] Coatings (on separation columns) can affect the absorption and / or reflection of electromagnetic radiation.

[0062] The radiation source may include a first section and may include a second section. The first section may be configured to emit or irradiate electromagnetic radiation in the direction of the first subsection with a higher intensity than the second section is configured to emit or irradiate electromagnetic radiation in the direction of the second subsection. In other words, the radiation source may be configured to emit or irradiate electromagnetic radiation in the direction of the first section of the separation column with a different intensity. The radiation source may emit or irradiate electromagnetic radiation in the direction of the first subsection with a higher intensity than in the direction of the second subsection. This allows the first subsection of the separation column to be heated more strongly than the second subsection.

[0063] The radiation source may be provided with a coating in at least a first section. Alternatively or additionally, the radiation source may be provided with a coating in at least a second section.

[0064] The coating may be a coating that alters the absorption and / or reflection of electromagnetic radiation, for example a coating that increases or decreases the absorption of electromagnetic radiation. Similarly, the coating may increase or decrease the reflection of electromagnetic radiation of the radiation source.

[0065] The coating may be a metal coating, such as a gold coating or a silver coating. The coating may be a graphite coating. The coating may be vapor-deposited or sprayed onto at least a portion of the separation column. Similarly, the coating may be applied (in liquid form) to at least a portion of the separation column.

[0066] A first section of the radiation source may be coated and a second section of the radiation source may be uncoated, and similarly, the second section of the radiation source may be coated and the first section of the radiation source may be uncoated.

[0067] In particular, the coating may be applied to (part of) the radiation source when the spacing between the separation column and the radiation source in the first section is constant, or the coating may be applied to the first or second subsection when the spacing between the first subsection and the radiation source is substantially (±10% or ±5%) the same as the spacing between the second subsection and the radiation source.

[0068] The radiation source may include a transparent element through which the electromagnetic radiation produced by the radiation source can pass, the transparent element including or consisting of glass or plastic.

[0069] The transparent element may include a first section and a second section. The transmission characteristics for electromagnetic radiation may be different between the first section of the transparent element and the second section of the transparent element. For example, the composition of the material of the transparent element in the first section may be different from the material of the transparent element in the second section. In the first section, electromagnetic radiation may pass through the transparent element with a higher intensity than in the second section.

[0070] A first section of the transparent element may irradiate or emit electromagnetic radiation in the direction of a first subsection of the separation column, and a second section of the transparent element may irradiate or emit electromagnetic radiation in the direction of a second subsection of the separation column, thereby allowing the first subsection of the separation column to be heated more than the first subsection of the separation column.

[0071] In particular, the transparent element may comprise or consist of glass. The first section of the transparent element may be doped differently than the second section of the transparent element, such that the first section of the transparent element emits or irradiates electromagnetic radiation with a higher intensity in the direction of the first subsection of the separation column than the second section of the transparent element emits or irradiates electromagnetic radiation in the direction of the second subsection of the separation column.

[0072] A shielding member may be disposed between the radiation source and the separation column, and may be configured to block a portion of the electromagnetic radiation of the radiation source.

[0073] For example, the first section of the radiation source may emit or irradiate electromagnetic radiation in the direction of the first subsection of the separation column with substantially the same intensity (±10% or ±5%) as the second section of the radiation source emits or irradiates electromagnetic radiation in the direction of the second subsection. A shielding member may be arranged at least between the second section of the radiation source and the second subsection of the separation column, such that the second subsection of the separation column receives electromagnetic radiation of a lower intensity than the first subsection of the separation column. There may be no shielding member arranged between the first section of the radiation source and the first subsection of the separation column, or the shielding member arranged between the first section of the radiation source and the first subsection of the separation column may be less effective at shielding electromagnetic radiation than the shielding member arranged between the second section of the radiation source and the second subsection of the separation column.

[0074] The shielding member may include a first section and a second section. The first section may be configured to shield less electromagnetic radiation of the radiation source than the second section. The electromagnetic radiation of the radiation source may be irradiated in the direction of the first subsection of the separation column through the first section of the shielding member. Also, the electromagnetic radiation of the radiation source may be irradiated in the direction of the second subsection of the separation column through the second section of the shielding member. In this way, the first subsection of the separation column may receive electromagnetic radiation of a higher intensity than the second subsection of the separation column, and therefore the first subsection of the separation column is heated more strongly than the second subsection of the separation column.

[0075] The shielding member may be an element having an opaque element, a filter, a semi-transparent element, and / or a coating. The transmission characteristics of the electromagnetic radiation of the radiation source may be different in the first and second sections of the shielding member.

[0076] Generally, the electromagnetic radiation of the radiation source includes infrared radiation or has a maximum intensity in the infrared wavelength range.

[0077] The first section of the separation column may surround the radiation source, in particular the first section of the separation column completely surrounds the radiation source.

[0078] The system may comprise a detector. The detector may be configured to analyze a property of a substance in the substance mixture. In particular, the detector may be arranged at an outlet of the separation column. The detector may be configured to analyze at least one property of a substance separated from the substance mixture by the separation column.

[0079] The detector may be a flame ionization detector (FID), a thermal conductivity detector (WLD), a photoionization detector (PID), a flame photometric detector (FPD), a nitrogen-phosphorus detector (NPD), a thermal ionization detector (TID), an electron capture detector (ECD), a pulsed charge detector (PD), an atomic emission detector (AED), an echelle plasma emission detector (EPED), a mass spectrometer (MS), and / or an ion mobility spectrometer (IMS). Particularly preferably, the detector is an ion mobility spectrometer or a mass spectrometer.

[0080] A method for separating or fractionating substances in a substance mixture is disclosed, the method comprising the steps of: introducing the substance mixture into an inlet of a separation column, emitting electromagnetic radiation generated from a radiation source into at least a first section of the separation column to heat the first section, the separation column receiving electromagnetic radiation at a higher intensity in a first subsection of the first section than in a second subsection of the first section, whereby the first subsection is heated more than the second subsection, and discharging the separated substance mixture from an outlet of the separation column.

[0081] Each of the features disclosed herein may be employed in the present method, in particular each of the separation columns and / or radiation sources disclosed herein may be employed in the present method.

[0082] A method for analyzing substances in a substance mixture is disclosed, the method comprising carrying out the methods disclosed herein to separate or fractionate substances in the substance mixture, and detecting the substances in the separated substance mixture with a detector.

[0083] Each of the features disclosed herein can be employed in the present method, in particular each of the separation columns and / or radiation sources and / or detectors disclosed herein can be employed in the present method.

[0084] A separation column for separating substances in a mixture of substances is disclosed. The separation column may include at least a first section wound around a central axis. The first section may include a first subsection and a second subsection. The first subsection may be configured to receive a higher intensity of electromagnetic radiation than the second subsection, such that the first subsection can be heated by the electromagnetic radiation to a greater extent than the second subsection.

[0085] Each feature disclosed herein can be adopted in the separation column. Specifically, the separation column may be each separation column disclosed herein, and in particular, the central axis may be replaced with the radiation source in the features disclosed herein.

[0086] If the separation column is spirally wound, the central axis may be perpendicular to a plane defined by the separation column in which the separation column lies planarly. If the separation column is coiled or spirally wound, the central axis may be understood as the axis around which the separation column is concentrically wound.

[0087] The electromagnetic radiation may be generated and received from the central axis of the first subsection and the second subsection. In particular, a radiation source may be disposed on or in the region of the central axis. For this purpose, each radiation source disclosed herein may be employed.

[0088] A spacing between the first subsection and the central axis may be less than a spacing between the second subsection and the central axis.

[0089] A spacing may be formed between the first subsection and the central axis. Alternatively or additionally, a spacing may be formed between the second subsection and the central axis. The spacing between the first subsection and the central axis may be smaller than the spacing between the second subsection and the central axis.

[0090] Preferably, the spacing between the first subsection and the central axis is at least about 1 mm smaller than the spacing between the second subsection and the central axis, preferably at least about 2 mm smaller, more preferably at least about 5 mm smaller, and even more preferably at least about 10 mm smaller.

[0091] The spacing between the first subsection and the central axis may be 5 mm or more, preferably 5 mm to 20 mm, more preferably 5 mm to 15 mm, more preferably about 10 mm. Alternatively or additionally, the spacing between the second subsection and the central axis may be 5 mm or more, preferably 10 mm or more, more preferably 10 mm to 30 mm, more preferably about 20 mm.

[0092] The separation column, in particular the first section of the separation column, may extend at least partially conically. The separation column, in particular the first section of the separation column, may be formed at least partially conically. The distance between the separation column and the central axis, in particular the distance between the first section of the separation column and the central axis, may increase or decrease (continuously) along the separation column, in particular the first section of the separation column.

[0093] The separation column, and in particular the first section of the separation column, may extend at least partially cylindrically, linearly, hyperbolicly, or a combination thereof.

[0094] In the first section, the spacing between the separation column and the central axis may at least partially increase or decrease. The spacing between the separation column and the central axis may increase or decrease over or along the length of the separation column by 1.0 mm or more, preferably 5 mm or more, more preferably 10 mm or more, more preferably 25 mm or more, more preferably 50 mm or more, more preferably 75 mm or more, more preferably 100 mm or more, more preferably 150 mm or more, more preferably 200 mm or more, more preferably over the entire length of the first section.

[0095] The separation column may be formed rigidly or fixedly in at least the first section, as well as being movable or variable in shape in at least the first section.

[0096] The separation column may be at least partially held by a holding device, which allows or is determinable the position of at least the first section of the separation column relative to the central axis.

[0097] The retention device may be adjustable. In adjusting the retention device, the shape of the separation column may be variable in at least the first section. The change in shape in at least the first section of the separation column may change the spacing between a part of the first section of the separation column and the central axis.

[0098] A change in the shape of the separation column, in particular in at least the first section, can change the intensity of the electromagnetic radiation receptive in the first subsection and / or the second subsection.

[0099] The separation column may be at least partially provided with a coating, for example in the first section or in part of the first section, which coating may affect the intensity of the receptive electromagnetic radiation.

[0100] The coating may be a coating that alters the absorption and / or reflection of electromagnetic radiation. For example, the coating may increase or decrease the absorption of electromagnetic radiation from a radiation source. Similarly, the coating may increase or decrease the reflection of electromagnetic radiation from a radiation source.

[0101] The coating may be a metal coating, such as a gold coating or a silver coating. The coating may be a graphite coating. The coating may be vapor-deposited or sprayed onto at least a portion of the separation column. Similarly, the coating may be applied (in liquid form) to at least a portion of the separation column.

[0102] A first subsection of the separation column may be coated and a second subsection of the separation column may be uncoated, and similarly, the second subsection of the separation column may be coated and the first subsection of the separation column may be uncoated.

[0103] In particular, the coating may be applied to (a part of) the separation column when the spacing between the separation column and the central axis in the first section is constant, or the coating may be applied to the first or second subsection when the spacing between the first subsection and the central axis is substantially (±10% or ±5%) the same as the spacing between the second subsection and the central axis.

[0104] The present disclosure and other embodiments and advantages of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the figures, which merely illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, in which like elements are designated by like reference numerals. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0105] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows an analytical system 1000 including a system 100 for separating substances in a substance mixture. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 illustrates a system 100 for separating substances in a mixture of substances. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 illustrates a system 100 for separating substances in a mixture of substances. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 illustrates a system 100 for separating substances in a mixture of substances. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 illustrates a system 100 for separating substances in a mixture of substances. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 illustrates a system 100 for separating substances in a mixture of substances. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 illustrates a system 100 for separating substances in a mixture of substances. [Figure 8]FIG. 1 illustrates a system 100 for separating substances in a mixture of substances. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 illustrates a system 100 for separating substances in a mixture of substances. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 illustrates a system 100 for separating substances in a mixture of substances. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 illustrates a system 100 for separating substances in a mixture of substances. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0106] 1 shows a system 1000 for analyzing a substance (hereinafter also abbreviated as system 1000). The system 1000 allows for analyzing at least one substance of a mixture of substances. In general, analysis means that at least one physical or chemical property of the substance is determined.

[0107] System 1000 may include a gas supply 200, an injector 300, a valve 400, a system 100 for separating substances in a substance mixture (hereinafter also abbreviated as system 100), a detector 600, and a fan 500. System 1000 need not necessarily include any of the components shown in and described with respect to Figure 1. Rather, system 1000 may include one or some of the components and not other components.

[0108] The gas supply unit 200 may provide a gas supply for the system 1000. In particular, the gas supply for the system 1000 may be controlled or regulated by the gas supply unit 200. For example, the gas supply unit 200 may provide a carrier gas.

[0109] Injector 300 allows the introduction of a substance mixture comprising different substances into system 1000. The substance mixture represents the sample to be examined. In particular, injector 300 is connected to gas supply 200, which provides a carrier gas. At least a part of the substance mixture introduced into injector 300 is introduced into system 100 together with the carrier gas.

[0110] The valve 400 can control or regulate the flow of gases within the system 1000. In particular, the valve 400 can control or regulate the flow of a carrier gas in addition to or instead of the gas supply 200.

[0111] In the system 100, a substance mixture and a carrier gas are fed into a separation column 20. The separation column 20 may be heated by a radiation source 10. The substance mixture and the carrier gas pass through the separation column 20. As they pass through the separation column 20, the substances in the substance mixture are separated and different substances of the substance mixture exit the separation column 20 at different times.

[0112] The substances of the substance mixture exiting the separation column 20 are introduced into a detector 600, where at least one property of at least one substance of the substance mixture can be analyzed.

[0113] The temperature of the separation column 20 can be changed while the substance mixture flows through it. For example, a starting temperature or a starting temperature profile of the separation column 20 can be predefined. The temperature of the separation column 20 can be increased towards an end temperature or an end temperature profile immediately after the substance mixture is introduced into the separation column 20. This can occur by a predefined temperature ramp. The temperature increase can be achieved by increasing the power of the radiation source 10.

[0114] Once the end temperature or end temperature profile at the end of the measurement has been reached, i.e. once the separated substance mixture has left the separation column in the direction of the detector 600, the temperature of the separation column is lowered again to the start temperature or start temperature profile for the subsequent measurement. For this purpose the system 1000 may be equipped with a fan 500.

[0115] The fan 500 may generate an airflow around the system 100, and in particular around the separation column 20. The airflow may cool the separation column 20.

[0116] In addition to or instead of fan 500, system 1000 may include active cooling (not shown) to allow separation column 20 to be cooled, for example by a cooling gas such as carbon dioxide or nitrogen, or by a cooling element such as a Peltier element, thereby allowing for faster cooling times for the system and / or for analysis of highly volatile or gaseous compounds (e.g., methane).

[0117] Similarly, negative pressure (vacuum) may be applied to the outlet of the separation column 20. To this end, the system 1000 may be equipped with a negative pressure unit (not shown). Such a method is known as low pressure gas chromatography (LPGC). This may increase the efficiency of separation of substances in a substance mixture and / or reduce the analysis time.

[0118] The system 1000 may comprise a housing 800 within which the system 100 may be at least partially disposed. The housing 800 may include a thermal barrier. Alternatively or additionally, the housing 800 may include a reflector that may reflect at least a portion of the electromagnetic radiation generated by the radiation source 10.

[0119] Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of a system 100. The system 100 comprises a radiation source 10 and a separation column 20. Furthermore, the system 100 may comprise a detector 600. A substance mixture to be separated can be introduced into the separation column 20 through an inlet 30, for example via an injector 300 as shown in Fig. 1. The substance mixture flows through the separation column 20, where the substances of the substance mixture are separated. The separated substances of the substance mixture flow out, for example, through an outlet 40 to the detector 600.

[0120] The separation column 20 includes a first section 21. In this example, the first section 21 of the separation column 20 is wound around the radiation source 10. The separation column 20 may be configured in a coil or spiral shape, at least in the first section 21.

[0121] The first section 21 of the separation column includes a first subsection 22 and a second subsection 23. A spacing s1 between the first subsection 22 and the radiation source 10 is smaller than a spacing s2 between the second subsection 23 and the radiation source 10.

[0122] In this example, the radiation source 10 is formed in a rod shape. The radiation source 10 can emit electromagnetic radiation with the same intensity throughout the radiation emitting portion of the radiation source 10.

[0123] Due to the difference in the distance s1 between the first subsection 22 and the radiation source 10 and the distance s2 between the second subsection 23 and the radiation source, the first subsection 22 and the second subsection 23 are heated with different intensities.

[0124] Between the first subsection 22 and the second subsection 23, along the separation column 20, in particular along the first section 21, the spacing between the separation column 20 and the radiation source 10 may vary continuously, for example increasing or decreasing. Preferably, the spacing between the separation column 20 and the radiation source 10 increases from the inlet 30 towards the outlet 40. The different spacing between the sections of the separation column 20 and the radiation source 10 may result in a temperature gradient along the separation column 20, in particular along the first section 21 of the separation column 20. The temperature may decrease from the inlet 30 towards the outlet 40. This results in a refocusing of the separated substances of the substance mixture at the outlet 40 side.

[0125] In a cylindrical coordinate system, the spacing between the separation column 20 and the radiation source may be in the radial direction (r direction). The radiation source 10 may extend in the axial direction (z direction). The height direction of the coiled or spirally wound separation column 20 may extend in the axial direction z. The turns of the separation column 20 may be in the circumferential direction (phi direction).

[0126] Figure 3 shows a schematic of one design of a system 100. The system 100 comprises a radiation source 10 and a separation column 20. Furthermore, the system 100 may comprise a detector 600. A substance mixture to be separated can be introduced into the separation column 20 via an inlet 30, for example via an injector 300 as shown in Figure 1. The substance mixture flows through the separation column 20, where the substances of the substance mixture are separated. The separated substances of the substance mixture flow out, for example, via an outlet 40 to the detector 600.

[0127] The separation column 20 includes a first section 21. The first section 21 of the separation column 20 is wound around the radiation source 10 in this example. The separation column 20 may be configured in a coil or spiral shape at least in the first section 21. In this example, the winding in the first section 21 is configured in a cylindrical shape.

[0128] The first section 21 of the separation column includes a first subsection 22 and a second subsection 23. The spacing s1 between the first subsection 22 and the radiation source 10 is the same as the spacing s2 between the second subsection 23 and the radiation source 10.

[0129] In this example, the radiation source 10 is formed in a rod shape. The radiation source 10 can emit electromagnetic radiation with the same intensity throughout the radiation emitting portion of the radiation source 10.

[0130] The radiation source 10 may include a coating 10a. For example, the radiation source 10 includes a first section 11 and a second section 12. At least the second section 12 may be provided with the coating 10a. This coating allows the intensity of the electromagnetic radiation irradiated or emitted by the second section 12 to be lower than that of the first section 11. The first section 11 may not be provided with the coating 10a, or may be provided with a coating 10a that causes a smaller reduction in the intensity of the electromagnetic radiation.

[0131] The electromagnetic radiation emitted by the first section 11 of the radiation source 10 is received by the first subsection 22 of the separation column 20 with a higher intensity than the second subsection 23 of the separation column receives the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the second section 12 of the radiation source. This causes the first subsection 22 of the separation column 20 to be heated more than the second subsection 23 of the separation column, despite their respective spacing to the radiation source 10 being the same.

[0132] Instead of or in addition to the coating 10a of the radiation source 10, the separation column 20 may be provided with a coating 20a. For example, the first subsection 22 may be provided with the coating 20a. The coating 20a can increase the absorption of the electromagnetic radiation irradiated or emitted by the radiation source 10. The second subsection 23 may not be provided with the coating 20a, or may be provided with a coating 20a that increases the absorption of the electromagnetic radiation less.

[0133] Similarly, the second subsection 23 may be provided with a coating 20a that can increase the reflection of the electromagnetic radiation emitted or irradiated by the radiation source 10. The first subsection 22 may be provided with no coating 20a or with a coating 20a that provides a smaller increase in the reflection of the electromagnetic radiation.

[0134] Due to the coating 20a of the separation column 20, the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the first section 11 of the radiation source 10 is received by the first subsection 22 of the separation column 20 with a higher intensity than the second subsection 23 of the separation column receives the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the second section 12 of the radiation source. The first subsection 22 is heated more strongly than the second subsection 23.

[0135] 4 shows a schematic of one design of a system 100. The system 100 is similar to the systems 100 described above, and therefore the same components will not be described again. The system 100 of FIG. 4 may include one or more components or features of each system 100 disclosed herein.

[0136] 4 shows a continuous increase or decrease in the spacing between the first section 21 of the separation column 20 and the radiation source 10. The continuous increase or decrease may be uniform or linear.

[0137] The smallest spacing s1 may be in the first subsection 22. The largest spacing s2 may be in the second subsection 23. The first subsection 22 may be located on the inlet side of the separation column 20. The second subsection 23 may be located on the outlet side of the separation column 20.

[0138] The increase or decrease in the distance between the first section 21 of the separation column 20 and the radiation source 10 can be defined by an angle α. The angle α can be formed between two legs. Each leg can be an imaginary line passing through two or more adjacent turns, in particular five or more adjacent turns, of the separation column 20 in the first section 21. The legs intersect at one point. The angle α can be between 1° and 70°, preferably between 1° and 60°, more preferably between 1° and 50°, more preferably between 5° and 40°, more preferably between 5° and 30°, more preferably between 5° and 20°.

[0139] 5 shows a schematic of one design of a system 100. The system 100 is similar to the systems 100 described above, and therefore the same components will not be described again. The system 100 of FIG. 5 may include one or more components or features of each system 100 disclosed herein.

[0140] 5 shows a continuous increase or decrease in the spacing between the first section 21 of the separation column 20 and the radiation source 10. The continuous increase or decrease may be irregular or non-linear.

[0141] The smallest spacing s1 may be in the first subsection 22. The largest spacing s2 may be in the second subsection 23. The first subsection 22 may be located on the inlet side of the separation column 20. The second subsection 23 may be located on the outlet side of the separation column 20.

[0142] The increase or decrease in spacing may be more pronounced on the inlet side of the separation column 20 than on the outlet side of the separation column 20. Alternatively, the increase or decrease in spacing may be less pronounced on the inlet side of the separation column 20 than on the outlet side of the separation column 20.

[0143] In particular, the increase or decrease in spacing can be expressed at least in part by a radius r in the first section 21 of the separation column 20. The circumference of the radius r can be on an imaginary line passing through two or more adjacent turns, in particular five or more adjacent turns, of the separation column 20 in the first section 21. The start of the radius r (the center of the circle defined by the radius r) can be surrounded by the first section 21 of the separation column 20 or can be outside the first section 21 of the separation column.

[0144] Figure 6 shows a schematic of one design of a system 100. The system 100 is similar to the systems 100 described above, and therefore the same components will not be described again. The system 100 of Figure 6 may include one or more components or features of each system 100 disclosed herein.

[0145] 6 shows a continuous increase or decrease in the spacing between the first section 21 of the separation column 20 and the radiation source 10 in the first subsection 22. The continuous increase or decrease may be uniform or linear. In the second subsection 23, the spacing s2 may be constant.

[0146] Generally, the first section 21 of the separation column 20 includes subsections with different evolution of the distance between the separation column 20 and the radiation source 10. For example, the spacing between the separation column 20 and the radiation source 10 in the first subsection 22 may increase or decrease, while the spacing between the separation column 20 and the radiation source 10 in the second subsection 23 may be constant. Alternatively, the spacing between the separation column 20 and the radiation source 10 in the second subsection 23 may increase or decrease, while the spacing between the separation column 20 and the radiation source 10 in the first subsection 22 may be constant.

[0147] 7 shows a schematic of one design of a system 100. The system 100 is similar to the systems 100 described above, and therefore the same components will not be described again. The system 100 of FIG. 7 may include one or more components or features of each system 100 disclosed herein.

[0148] 7, a first section 21 of separation column 20 is shown. First section 21 includes a first subsection 22, a second subsection 23, a third subsection 24, a fourth subsection 25, and a fifth subsection 26.

[0149] In the first subsection 22, the third subsection 24, and the fifth subsection 26, the spacing s3 between the separation column 20 and the radiation source 10 is constant.

[0150] Between the first subsection 22 and the third subsection 24, a second subsection 23 is formed. In the second subsection 23, the spacing s1 between the separation column 20 and the radiation source 10 changes. The change in spacing s1 can be represented by a radius r1. The circumference of the radius r1 can be on an imaginary line passing through two or more adjacent turns, in particular five or more adjacent turns, of the second subsection 23. The start point of the radius r1 (the center of the circle defined by the radius r1) can be outside the first section 21 of the separation column 20.

[0151] Between the third subsection 24 and the fifth subsection 26, a fourth subsection 25 is formed. In the fourth subsection 25, the spacing s2 between the separation column 20 and the radiation source 10 changes. The change in the spacing s2 can be represented by a radius r2. The circumference of the radius r2 can be on an imaginary line passing through two or more adjacent turns, in particular five or more adjacent turns, of the fourth subsection 25. The start point of the radius r2 (the center of the circle defined by the radius r2) can be outside the first section 21 of the separation column 20.

[0152] The radius r1 of the second subsection 23 may be greater than the radius r2 of the fourth subsection 25. Alternatively, the radius r1 of the second subsection 23 may be smaller than the radius r2 of the fourth subsection 25.

[0153] None of subsections 22-26 is mandatory. Any two or more of subsections 22-26 are sufficient.

[0154] Figure 8 shows a schematic of one design of a system 100. The system 100 is similar to the systems 100 described above, and therefore the same components will not be described again. The system 100 of Figure 8 may include one or more components or features of each system 100 disclosed herein.

[0155] In the example of Fig. 8, the first section 21 of the separation column 20 is formed in a coil or spiral shape. The radiation source 10 is configured planarly, for example, as a round lamp, a surface emitter, or a lamp array. The first section 21 of the separation column 20 does not have to surround the radiation source 10. In other words, the radiation source 10 may be arranged outside the first section 21 of the separation column 20.

[0156] The first section 21 of the separation column 20 is arranged towards the radiation source 10 such that the first subsection 22 of the separation column 20 has a spacing s1 with the radiation source 10 and the second subsection 23 of the separation column has a spacing s2 with the radiation source 10. The spacing s1 between the radiation source 10 and the first subsection 22 is smaller than the spacing s2 between the radiation source 10 and the second subsection 23. This allows the first subsection 22 to receive a higher intensity of electromagnetic radiation from the radiation source 10 than the second subsection 23. The first subsection 22 is heated more strongly than the second subsection 23.

[0157] 9 shows a schematic of one design of a system 100. The system 100 is similar to the systems 100 described above, and therefore the same components will not be described again. The system 100 of FIG. 9 may include one or more components or features of each system 100 disclosed herein.

[0158] The first section 21 of the separation column 20 is formed in a spiral shape. Preferably, the first section 21 of the separation column is configured in a planar manner.

[0159] The radiation source 10 is configured planarly, for example as a round lamp, a surface emitter, or a lamp array. The first section 21 of the separation column 20 does not have to surround the radiation source 10. In other words, the radiation source 10 may be arranged outside the first section 21 of the separation column 20.

[0160] The spacing between the first subsection 22 and the radiation source 10 may be the same as the spacing between the second subsection 23 and the radiation source 10 .

[0161] A shielding member 700 may be disposed between the radiation source 10 and the first section 21 of the separation column 20. The shielding member 700 may be an opaque element, a filter, a semi-transparent element, and / or an element having a coating. The shielding member 700 may include a first section 701 and a second section 702. The transmission characteristics of the first section 701 and the second section 702 of the shielding member 700 for the electromagnetic radiation of the radiation source may be different.

[0162] The first section 701 of the shielding member 700 is less effective at shielding electromagnetic radiation from the radiation source 10 than the second section 701 of the shielding member 700. The first section 701 of the shielding member 700 is associated with the first subsection 22 of the separation column 20. The second section 702 of the shielding member 700 is associated with the second subsection 23 of the separation column 20. This allows the first subsection 22 of the separation column 20 to receive a higher intensity of electromagnetic radiation from the radiation source than the second subsection 23.

[0163] The first subsection 22 of the separation column 20 can be located closer to the inlet 30 of the separation column 20 than the outlet 40 of the separation column 20. The second subsection 23 of the separation column 20 can be located closer to the outlet 40 of the separation column 20 than the inlet 30 of the separation column 20.

[0164] Figure 10 shows a schematic of one design of a system 100. The system 100 is similar to the systems 100 described above, and therefore the same components will not be described again. The system 100 of Figure 10 may include one or more components or features of each system 100 disclosed herein.

[0165] The first section 21 of the separation column 20 is formed in a spiral shape. Preferably, the first section 21 of the separation column is configured in a plane. The radiation source 10 may be formed as a point radiation source.

[0166] A spacing s1 exists between the first subsection 22 of the separation column 20 and the radiation source 10. A spacing s2 exists between the second subsection 23 of the separation column 20 and the radiation source 10. The spacing s1 between the first subsection 22 of the separation column 20 and the radiation source 10 is smaller than the spacing s2 between the second subsection 23 of the separation column 20 and the radiation source 10. This causes the first subsection 22 to be heated more strongly by the electromagnetic radiation of the radiation source 10 than the second subsection 23.

[0167] Figure 11 shows one design of a system 100. The system 100 is similar to the systems 100 described above, and therefore the same components will not be described again. The system 100 of Figure 11 may include one or more components or features of each system 100 disclosed herein.

[0168] The radiation source 10 of the system 100 is formed in the shape of a rod. The first section 21 of the separation column 20 is formed in the shape of a coil or a spiral and in particular surrounds the radiation source 10.

[0169] The system 100 may comprise a fan 500. The fan 500 may be formed as a radial fan. An air flow radially exiting the fan 500 may be deflected via a deflector 510. The deflected air flow flows around the radiation source 10 and / or the first section 21 of the separation column 20 in the axial direction of the radiation source 10 to cool the radiation source 10 and / or the first section 21 of the separation column 20.

[0170] The following describes numbered examples of the present disclosure.

[0171] 1. A system (100) for separating substances in a mixture of substances, the system comprising a radiation source (10) and a separation column (20); The separation column (20) comprises at least a first section (21), the first section (21) comprising at least a first subsection (22) and a second subsection (23); the radiation source (10) is configured to emit electromagnetic radiation in the direction of the first section (21) to heat the first section (21); A system in which electromagnetic radiation is receptive at a higher intensity in a first subsection (22) of the separation column (20) than in a second subsection (23) of the separation column (20), thereby allowing the first subsection (22) to be heated more strongly than the second subsection (23).

[0172] 2. The system of Example 1, wherein the radiation source (10) has a longitudinal extent (z) that is greater than its lateral extent (r), and preferably the first section (21) of the separation column (20) extends in a coil or spiral shape around the radiation source (10), or the radiation source (10) is formed in a planar shape.

[0173] 3. The system of embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the first section (21) of the separation column (20) is spaced from the radiation source (10) and / or a temperature gradient is formed at least partially along the first section (21) of the separation column (20).

[0174] 4. The system of any of embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the spacing (s1) between the first subsection (22) and the radiation source (10) is smaller than the spacing (s2) between the second subsection (22) and the radiation source (10).

[0175] 5. The system of any of the first to fourth embodiments, wherein the separation column (20) extends at least partially conically, in particular extends at least partially conically around the radiation source (10).

[0176] 6. The system of any of Examples 1 to 5, wherein the spacing between the separation column (20) and the radiation source (10) in the first section (21) increases or decreases at least in part, in particular over a length of the separation column of 10 mm or more, preferably 100 mm or more.

[0177] 7. The system of any one of Examples 1 to 6, wherein the separation column (20) is formed rigidly or fixedly, at least in the first section (21), or the separation column (20) is formed movable or shape-variably, at least in the first section (21).

[0178] 8. The system of any of Examples 1 to 7, wherein the system (100) comprises a retention device, and the separation column (20) is at least partially retained by the retention device.

[0179] 9. The system of example 8, wherein the shape of the retention device is adjustable such that the shape of the separation column (20) is changed in at least the first section (21).

[0180] 10. The system of embodiment 9, wherein a change in the shape of the separation column (20) in at least the first section (21) changes the intensity of receptive electromagnetic radiation in the first subsection (22) and / or the second subsection (23).

[0181] 11. The system of any of Examples 1-10, wherein the separation column (20) is at least partially provided with a coating (20a), the coating (20a) affecting the intensity of the receptive electromagnetic radiation.

[0182] 12. The system of example 11, wherein the coating (20a) affects the absorption and / or reflection of electromagnetic radiation.

[0183] 13. The system of any of Examples 1 to 12, wherein the radiation source (10) includes a first section (11) and a second section (12), and the first section (11) is configured to emit electromagnetic radiation in the direction of the first subsection (22) with a higher intensity than the second section (12) is configured to emit electromagnetic radiation in the direction of the second subsection (23).

[0184] 14. The system of embodiment 13, wherein the radiation source (10) comprises a coating (10a) on at least the first section (11) and / or the second section (12).

[0185] 15. The system of any of embodiments 1-14, wherein the electromagnetic radiation includes infrared radiation.

[0186] 16. The system of any one of the first to fifteenth embodiments, wherein the system (100) includes a detector (600) for detecting a substance.

[0187] 17. The system of any of Examples 1-16, wherein the first section (21) of the separation column (20) surrounds the radiation source (10).

[0188] 18. The system according to any one of Examples 1 to 17, wherein a shielding member (700) is disposed between the radiation source (10) and the separation column (20), and the shielding member (700) blocks a portion of the electromagnetic radiation of the radiation source (10).

[0189] 19. The system of Example 18, wherein the shielding member (700) includes a first section (701) and a second section (702), and the first section (701) is less effective at shielding electromagnetic radiation from the radiation source (10) than the second section (702).

[0190] 20. The system of any one of Examples 18 to 19, wherein the shielding member (700) is an opaque element, a filter, a translucent element, and / or an element having a coating.

[0191] 21. A method for separating substances in a mixture of substances, comprising: Introducing a mixture of substances into an inlet (30) of a separation column (20); emitting electromagnetic radiation generated by a radiation source (10) to at least a first section (21) of a separation column (20) for heating the first section (21), the separation column (20) receiving electromagnetic radiation of a higher intensity at a first subsection (22) of the first section (21) than at a second subsection (23) of the first section (21), whereby the first subsection (22) is heated more strongly than the second subsection (23); and discharging the separated mixture of substances from an outlet (40) of the separation column (20).

[0192] 22. The method according to embodiment 21, wherein the electromagnetic radiation comprises infrared radiation and / or a temperature gradient is formed at least partially along the first section (21) of the separation column (20).

[0193] 23. A method for analyzing a substance in a mixture of substances, comprising: carrying out the method of example 21 or 22; detecting the substances in the separated mixture of substances with a detector (600).

[0194] 24. A separation column (20) for separating substances in a mixture of substances, comprising: The separation column (20) includes at least a first section (21) wound around a central axis; The first section (21) includes a first subsection (22) and a second subsection (23), A separation column, wherein the first subsection (22) is configured to receive electromagnetic radiation of a higher intensity than the second subsection (23), such that the first subsection (22) is heatable by the electromagnetic radiation to a greater extent than the second subsection (23).

[0195] 25. The separation column of embodiment 24, wherein the electromagnetic radiation is receptive to emanating from a central axis in the first subsection (22) and the second subsection (23).

[0196] 26. The separation column of embodiment 24 or 25, wherein the spacing between the first subsection (22) and the central axis is smaller than the spacing between the second subsection (22) and the central axis.

[0197] 27. The separation column of any of Examples 24-26, wherein the separation column (20) extends at least partially conically around a central axis.

[0198] 28. A separation column according to any of Examples 24 to 27, wherein the spacing between the separation column (20) in the first section (21) and the central axis increases or decreases at least in part, in particular over a length of the separation column of 10 mm or more, preferably 100 mm or more.

[0199] 29. A separation column according to any one of embodiments 24 to 28, wherein the separation column (20), at least in the first section (21), is formed rigidly or fixedly, or the separation column (20) is formed movable or shape-variably.

[0200] 30. The separation column of any one of Examples 24 to 29, wherein the separation column (20) is at least partially held by a holding device.

[0201] 31. The separation column of embodiment 30, wherein the shape of the retention device is adjustable such that the shape of the separation column (20) is changed in at least the first section (21).

[0202] 32. A separation column of any of Examples 24 to 31, wherein the separation column (20) is at least partially provided with a coating (20a), the coating (20a) affecting the intensity of electromagnetic radiation receptive in the first subsection (22) and / or the second subsection (23).

[0203] 33. The separation column of Example 32, wherein the coating (20a) affects the absorption and / or reflection of electromagnetic radiation.

[0204] 34. The separation column of any of Examples 24 to 33, wherein the separation column is formed into a vortex, a helix, or a coil shape. [Explanation of symbols]

[0205] 1000 Analysis System 10 Radiation source 10a Coating 11 First Section 12 Second Section 20 Separation column 20a Coating 21 First Section 22 First Subsection 23 Second subsection 30 Entrance 40 exit 100 Separation System 200 Gas supply section 300 Injector 400 Valve 500 Fans 510 Deflector 600 Detector 700 Shielding material 800 Housing

Claims

1. A system (100) for separating substances in a mixture of substances, said system comprising a radiation source (10) and a separation column (20); the separation column (20) comprises at least a first section (21), the first section (21) comprising at least a first subsection (22) and a second subsection (23); the radiation source (10) is configured to emit electromagnetic radiation, including infrared radiation, in the direction of the first section (21) to heat the first section (21); the electromagnetic radiation is received at a higher intensity in the first subsection (22) of the separation column (20) than in the second subsection (23) of the separation column (20), thereby allowing the first subsection (22) to be heated more strongly than the second subsection (23), and creating a temperature gradient along the first section (21) of the separation column (20); the first section (21) of the separation column (20) surrounds the radiation source (10); The system includes a first section (21) having a length along the separation column (20) of 500 mm or more, and the electromagnetic radiation is receptive to the first section (21) of the separation column (20) such that the temperature gradient is formed along the first section (21).

2. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein a spacing (s1) between the first subsection (22) and the radiation source (10) is smaller than a spacing (s2) between the second subsection (22) and the radiation source (10).

3. 3. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the spacing between the separation column (20) and the radiation source (10) in the first section (21) increases or decreases at least partially, in particular over a length of the separation column of 10 mm or more, preferably 100 mm or more.

4. 3. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the separation column (20) is at least partially provided with a coating (20a), the coating (20a) affecting the intensity of the receptive electromagnetic radiation.

5. 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the radiation source (10) comprises a first section (11) and a second section (12), the first section (11) being configured to emit electromagnetic radiation in the direction of the first subsection (22) with a higher intensity than the second section (12) being configured to emit electromagnetic radiation in the direction of the second subsection (23).

6. 3. The system of claim 1, wherein a shielding member is disposed between the radiation source and the separation column, the shielding member being configured to block a portion of the electromagnetic radiation of the radiation source.

7. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the temperature gradient creates a temperature difference of 5°C or more.

8. 8. The system of claim 7, wherein the temperature at a first location on the separation column is compared with the temperature at a second location on the separation column to determine the temperature difference, and wherein a distance of 500 mm or more exists along the separation column between the first location on the separation column and the second location on the separation column.

9. 1. A method for separating substances in a mixture of substances, comprising: introducing said mixture of substances into an inlet (30) of a separation column (20); a step of emitting electromagnetic radiation, including infrared radiation, generated from a radiation source (10) to at least a first section (21) of the separation column (20) to heat the first section (21), wherein the separation column (20) receives electromagnetic radiation of a higher intensity in a first subsection (22) of the first section (21) than in a second subsection (23) of the first section (21), thereby heating the first subsection (22) more than the second subsection (23). a first section (21) of the separation column (20) being heated more strongly than the radiation source (10) to form a temperature gradient along the first section (21) of the separation column (20), the first section (21) of the separation column (20) surrounding the radiation source (10), the first section (21) having a length along the separation column (20) of 500 mm or more, the electromagnetic radiation being receptive in the first section (21) of the separation column (20) such that the temperature gradient is formed continuously along the first section (21); and discharging the separated mixture of substances from an outlet (40) of the separation column (20).

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the temperature gradient creates a temperature difference of 5°C or more.

11. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the temperature at a first location on the separation column is compared with the temperature at a second location on the separation column to determine the temperature difference, and wherein there is a distance along the separation column between the first location on the separation column and the second location on the separation column of 500 mm or more.

12. 1. A method for analyzing a substance in a mixture of substances, comprising: Implementing a method according to any one of claims 9 to 11; detecting the separated substances in the mixture of substances with a detector (600).

13. A separation column (20) for separating substances in a substance mixture, comprising: The separation column (20) comprises at least a first section (21) wound around a central axis; The first section (21) includes a first subsection (22) and a second subsection (23), the first subsection (22) is configured to receive electromagnetic radiation of a higher intensity than the second subsection (23), and the first subsection (22) can be heated by the electromagnetic radiation more strongly than the second subsection (23); A separation column, wherein the distance between the first subsection (22) and the central axis is smaller than the distance between the second subsection (22) and the central axis.

14. 14. The separation column of claim 13, wherein the separation column (20) is at least partially provided with a coating (20a), the coating (20a) affecting the intensity of electromagnetic radiation receptive in the first subsection (22) and / or the second subsection (23).

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