Biochemical Techniques and Instrumentation

2.6.3.6. Detection

Components eluted from the column are detected and quantified by the detectors. Detectors produce response proportional to the quantity of components. Identification of components is based on the retention time, which is defined as the time measured from the start of injection to the peak maximum. Retention time is characteristic for a compound and stationary phase used at a given temperature.

 Retention time

There are different types of detectors used in gas chromatography. 

1. Flame ionization detector (FID)
2. Electron capture detector (ECD)
3. Flame photometric detector (FPD)
4. Thermal conductivity detector (TCD)