Digital image processing for a new type of chemical separation system

A recent advance in the science of chemical separations known as 'comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography', or GC × GC, routinely separates chemical species from petroleum derived mixtures such as gasoline and diesel fuels. The separated substances are observed to fall into orderly patterns in a two-dimensional image representative of compound classes and isomeric structures. To interpret these complex images, two procedures are needed. First, the images must be transformed into a standard format that permits facile recognition of chromatographic features. Second, quantitative data must be extracted from designated features. By automating these procedures, it becomes possible to rapidly interpret very complex chemical separations both qualitatively and quantitatively.