Method of determining optimum operating conditions in an electrochemical detector and electrochemical detector using the method

US5198988A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Hewlett-Packard Company, L.P. · US

Inventors

• Thomas Dörr · Waldbronn, DE
• Clemens Linowski · Waldbronn, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 16, 1990
• Grant date: Mar 30, 1993
• Expiry date: Aug 16, 2010

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01N2030/645
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A method of determining optimum operating potential in an electrochemical detector and an electrochemical detector for performing the method, particularly for use in connection with a liquid chromatograph, are disclosed. A control and data processing unit causes a plurality of different potentials to be successively applied in an electrochemical cell and a subsequent electrochemical detection of the sample to be performed at each of the potentials. After each adjustment of a new potential, the current behavior at the working electrode in the electrochemical cell is monitored by an amperometer. When the current behavior has stabilized, a trigger signal is produced by the unit which effects an injection of the sample into the separation column of the chromatograph. From the current signals at the working electrode obtained for the different potentials, it can be determined which potential gives optimum detectability of the sample.