University of Utah Research Foundation

Fritz J Knorr

Joel M Harris

A method and apparatus for resolving overlapped chromatographic peaks or other overlapped data obtained from operation of a differential migration apparatus used to analyze a substance whose composition is to be determined. The invention involves using a second analytical apparatus, such as a spectrometer, to supplement the data obtained from the basic differential migration apparatus. A multi-channel detector is used to monitor and record the various sets of data obtained from these apparatus. Data corresponding to regions of overlap identified by the apparatus are assembled in a measured data set. An estimated data set is then compiled describing the estimated migrational time behavior of each of a plurality of compounds present within the overlapped region. An identifying data set is then calculated based upon the estimated data set and the measured data set. This identifying data set contains unique identifying data, such as spectral data, corresponding to each compound present within the overlapped region. Errors in the identifying data set are minimized through an iterative process that modifies the estimated data set with each iteration. When the error is reduced to an acceptable level, the identifying data set serves to finally determine the number and identity of the compounds present within the region of overlap, i.e., resolve the overlapped peak, matrix techniques are advantageously used to handle and manipulate the large amount of data that is measured and generated. A computer may also advantageously be used to facilitate the speed and accuracy with which the matrices may be manipulated.

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Salt Lake City, UT, United States of America

Fritz J Knorr